Zatz Not Funny: Roku and Amazon, Pulsar, Netflix, TiVo

by Steve O'Hear

February 8th, 2009 | Posted in ZNF | No Comments

A periodic roundup of relevant news from our friends at Zatz Not Funny…

Roku’s Amazon VOD in Beta. YouTube next?

Dave Zatz: We knew Amazon Video on Demand was headed to Roku’s media streamer ($99) early this year. And now, via their forums, we have word that the service has entered private beta.

Pulsar, Satellite Radio on OS X

Dave Zatz: Earlier this week, I received Rogue Amoeba’s periodic email newsletter. Among other things, I learned they’re pretty far along on Pulsar – an OS X app that allows you to stream XM or Sirius online radio stations.

Netflix contemplates higher tier video streaming

Dave Zatz: Netflix CEO Reed Hastings previously and repeatedly seemed to indicate they’d never introduce a pay-per-view video download model or higher tiers of video streaming. However, it looks like that topic has been reopened for discussion. In a customer survey going around, Netflix wonders if we’d pay an additional $10 a month to stream “HBO original series and movies.”

TiVo Desktop 2.7 released

Dave Zatz: TiVo Desktop 2.7 has hit the streets. This Windows software update packs several enhancements.

ZNF

last100 is edited by Steve O'Hear. Aside from founding last100, Steve is co-founder and CEO of Beepl and a freelance journalist who has written for numerous publications, including TechCrunch, The Guardian, ZDNet, ReadWriteWeb and Macworld, and also wrote and directed the Silicon Valley documentary, In Search of the Valley. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.