Archive for July 24th, 2009

Video software maven Sonic has team with Widevine to distribute movies via flash drives. The company will be providing the software to play the movies while leveraging Widevine’s video diverse device support to provide versions for non-PC devices like phones, iPods or other media players. The drive ships with a software player capable of playing the movie that’s included on the flash drive. Paired with their cloud based service buying the flash version will entitle you to download the movie on up to 4 other devices. The flash drive will register your purchase and help direct you in getting the video to your player. Sonic’s CinemaNow service already has arrangements with Archos, Dell, HP, LG, Microsoft, Nintendo, Pioneer, Samsung and TiVo.

Specifics on price and compatible devices have yet to be released but the usual suspects are easy to divine. With the pervasiveness of the iPhone it may be hard to carve out a piece of the internet delivery business from Apple but physical delivery may not be as iron clad. We would love to replace the volatility of dvd’s and perhaps purchase upgrade rights so that we don’t have to continue to buy the same disc on Laser Disc then DVD then Blu-Ray and so on. Each stepping up in quality for a movie that I’ve already purchased. We doubt this is in their game plan but one can hope. The step down in size would be a definite plus. Look for the devices to hit the stores sometime this year.
Permanent Link


Comments No Comments »

HeartMath has finally released a version of its biofeedback based stress release system for Mac. The HeartMath emWave software uses a pulse sensing ear clamp to detect changes in heart rhythms and helps you adjust your state of mind. With stress reducing games and biofeedback control targets the software claims to help you release creativity and increase energy while reducing stress and it’s many nasty side effects. The company makes special note of stress-eating and has special programs targeting healthier alternatives. Emotion shaping images and sounds are combined to help channel stress into more productive energy.

While this may be wasted on the laid back population of Mac users they deserve the same rights as normal folks. The USB ear sensor can be replaced with a finger sensor if that’s more your pace. There’s also a portable hand held version that you can take with you while you are away from your computer. The software and sensor command a fairly hefty fee. $299 for the software and ear sensor and the other add-on software packages are similarly priced.
Permanent Link


Comments No Comments »