Movies

iPad Video: ABC, Netflix, and Videos Apps

By Dieter Bohn, Saturday, Apr 3, 2010 a 8:06 pm

We have to say we're pretty excited about the streaming video possibilities on the iPad. So excited, in fact, that the YouTube app feels pretty much like old hat. Jeremy already took a quick look at Netflix on the iPad and the verdict is that it works and the magic of simply having Netflix streaming on an iPad does much to overcome the fact that what you essentially have here is an app made of up Netflix's webpage.

ABC Video, however, is much more elegant and is a nicer iPod app. You get a set of tabs at the bottom for viewing video, your video history, and even a schedule of ABC shows. The video looks crisp to my eyes, but I'm especially impressed at how well the app saves my place on the various shows I've watched.

A quick video comparison of ABC, Netflix, and the default Videos app, along with a gallery of ABC and Netflix, are after the break!

Quick Review: Netflix for iPad

By Jeremy, Saturday, Apr 3, 2010 a 1:08 pm

You say you just picked up a new iPad and wanted to sit back and watch your favorite episode of Lost or perhaps a blockbuster movie? If you are a Netflix member you can do just that with the official Netflix iPad application! [iTunes Link - Free]

All you have to do is download the Netflix app from the App Store and you can instantly watch TV shows and movies directly on your iPad. Once you start the app you will be taken to the Netflix website that seems to be optimized for iPad and you will enter in your password and username and everything will be familiar. If you start to watch a movie from your computer or TV and want to resume it on your iPad, you can. Even better is that since the app uses the web interface you have the ability to manage your que or make any account adjustments directly from your iPad.

I've been playing around with it for a while now and must say it is very snappy with no lag in the UI and the video content streams flawlessly. This is a must have for all Netflix users out there!

Screenshots after the break!

Netflix, ABC, CBS, and maybe even Hulu coming to iPad!

By Rene Ritchie, Thursday, Apr 1, 2010 a 8:17 am

Home Theatre Setup Using Your iPhone and Shoe Box

By Jeremy, Thursday, Mar 4, 2010 a 1:20 pm

For all of our readers who have dreamed of having their very own home theatre, we now have a solution for you and all that is needed is your iPhone, shoe box, and 1 to 2 hours of your time.

It's a pretty clever idea, check out the videos after the break!

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

iPad 4:3 Screen - Bad for Movies, Good for Books and Web?

By Rene Ritchie, Thursday, Jan 28, 2010 a 8:00 am

When Steve Jobs whipped out the iPad, the first thing I did was do a double-take on the screen's 4:3 aspect ratio. At 1024x763 it's what I used to have on my 2005 Windows XP CRT screen. It's wide. It's iPod "phatty" nano G3 [Wikipedia link] wide and that design only lasted 1 generation before Apple back-peddled to the long and slim. Apple used to default to 16:10, and the new iMac is 16:9, which is modern HDTV aspect ratio. (The iPhone and iPod touch are 3x2)

Upcoming Universal Blu-ray Releases to Include iPhone/iPod Touch Features

By Jeremy, Tuesday, Nov 10, 2009 a 1:43 pm

Universal Home Entertainment will be introducing Blu-ray releases that contain iPhone and iPod touch enhanced features. Just in time for the holiday shopping season, Universal will include their pocket BLU application with Blu-ray versions of Bruno, Public Enemies, Funny People, American Pie Presents: The Book of Love, and Inglourious Basterds.

Pocket BLU will further enhance your Blu-ray experience with the following features:

iPhone 3.0 GM: iTunes App Gets On-Device Movie, TV Show, Music Video, Audio Book, and iTunes U Downloads

By Rene Ritchie, Thursday, Jun 11, 2009 a 10:30 pm

As twice rumored, the WWDC 2009, iPhone 3.0 GM (gold master) sees the on-device iTunes app, which previously added the ability to download video podcasts in iPhone 2.2, round out its content with movies, TV shows, music videos, iTunes U, and audio books.

Return of the iPhone 3.0 Direct Movie + TV Show Download Rumors!

By Rene Ritchie, Friday, May 29, 2009 a 3:49 pm

In keeping with last week's crazy screen rumor that iPhone 3.0 would add movie and TV show direct, on-device downloads to the current music and audio and video podcast downloads, Apple Insider reports that they have:

Will Hulu Hurt Apple's iTunes Offerings?

By Rene Ritchie, Monday, May 4, 2009 a 10:28 am

Maybe, in that news of Disney joining up with Hulu to offer even more free, advertising supported television and movie content via the web, could reduce the amount of people in the US who choose to pay for that same content, ad-free for rental or purchase via iTunes. However, there are some other factors involved that Business Week isn't addressing:

iTunes Genius Now Smart Enough for Movies and TV Shows

By Rene Ritchie, Tuesday, Mar 24, 2009 a 4:44 pm

Looked at our iTunes and what did we see? Genius enabled for Movies and TV. For those playing along at home, Apple first pre-announced this feature before making iTunes 8.1 available for download, then removed it just moments before the download went live, then said it wasn't quite ready, and now has unleashed it on the world.