instant

Roku's industry-leading 750+ channel library is about to get one bigger.

Redbox Instant announced today that its streaming-video service is headed to Roku's set-top boxes this summer. Redbox Instant's streaming catalog is relatively limited compared with its big-name competitors (8,000 titles on Redbox Instant compared with more than 33,000 for Amazon Instant by recent count), but makes up for it by including four DVD rentals from its kiosks for the same $8 monthly fee.

That gets you access to new releases that are typically lacking from popular streaming services, as long as you're willing … Read more

Amazon and Viacom have inked a deal that will deliver "thousands of episodes" of popular shows to the e-retail giant's streaming-video service.

According to the companies, they have signed a multiyear deal that will bring hundreds of shows from Nick Jr., MTV, and Comedy Central, including "Tosh.0," "The Backyardigans," and others, to Amazon's Prime Instant Video streaming service. The shows will be available exclusively on Prime Instant Video.

All of the shows are available to customers in the U.S. Lovefilm, Amazon's streaming service in the U.K. and Germany, … Read more

While lacking more advanced options, InstantPhotoSketch for Mac successfully converts digital photos into pretty pencil sketches. This application is free and performs only one function, but does so without any hassle.

After installation InstantPhotoSketch for Mac opens to a plain but functional user interface. The main menu offers only some basic functions such as open, save as, create sketch, and zoom in and out. There is also a link to the developer's home page. Once the user opens a desired image, they are able to adjust the black level and white level intensity by moving the horizontal scroll bars. … Read more

Just as easy to use as it is to set up, InstantShot! for Mac gives any user the ability to capture a full screen shot, portion of the screen, or a timed screen shot in just a few quick steps.

With just a drag and drop in the Applications folder we had no trouble installing InstantShot! for Mac on our test machine. The menu, which was easy to use, was not in a traditional window, but appeared as a small icon in the top row of the screen. Clicking it drops down a menu with no graphics, but its selections … Read more

It appears to be expiration time again for certain movies on Netflix streaming, according to Slate. This time around, hundreds of classic titles from Warner Bros., MGM, and Universal will allegedly disappear from Instant queues on May 1.

That means goodbye Woody Allen's "Stardust Memories," "10 to Midnight" starring Charles Bronson, the James Bond hits "Dr. No" and "Goldfinger," and many more.

While this news may disappoint some users, streaming titles on Netflix tend to come and go. The video service often licenses TV shows and movies on an exclusive basis … Read more

Is there a Kindle TV box on the horizon?

According to Bloomberg Businessweek, the answer is yes. Amazon is said to be readying its own streaming-TV box to take on the likes of the Roku, Apple TV, Xbox, PlayStation -- and every TV manufacturer that now builds smart-TV apps like Netflix and Vudu directly into televisions.

The Seattle-based e-tailer already has an ambitious home video strategy. Amazon Prime customers get thousands of free movies and TV shows (in addition to free shipping of real-world goods) with the $79-per-year membership, and the company is ramping up production of original series as … Read more

Amazon's pilot programs launched last week, and already they're making an impact on the e-retailer's streaming video service.

Amazon said today that over this past weekend, eight of the 10 most-streamed episodes on its Instant Video service came from the new TV pilots it launched last week.

Amazon claims that it combed through more than 4,000 submissions for its Amazon Studios division, which will produce original series for its streaming service. Out of that, it chose to make 14 pilots. The shows range in type from comedies -- including one starring John Goodman, named "Alpha … Read more

There is something about a business card. That small piece of cardstock is the foundation of millions of networking success stories every year, making it a vital tool for anyone who frequently goes to networking events, business lunches, or conferences. Yet, increasingly contact lists and communication tools are online only, so the traditional business card holder isn't an option to organize all that useful information. This is why apps like WorldCard Link are becoming increasingly popular, providing a quick and easy way to digitize business cards and share contact information.

WorldCard Link is an ingenious blend of technology both … Read more