All Entries Tagged With: "premium"

Google’s Web App Store Shown Off For The First Time

Behold! Google’s Web App Store has officially been unveiled today by the California-based search company at GDC Europe taking place in Germany. Set to launch this October, the store is strikingly similar to that of iTunes’, and will allow users to easily purchase premium web applications whilst allowing developers an easy means to sell their work.

We can’t get over the fact that it looks too similar to iTunes, but let’s just get to the point and recognize that an app store’s an app store.

More information on the iTunes clone as it becomes available.

First Android Trojan Virus Discovered in Russia

Moscow, Russia-based computer security company Kaspersky Lab has identified Trojan-SMS.AndroidOS.FakePlayer.a as the first mobile Trojan to attack the Android mobile operating system. Currently, the Trojan has managed to infect several Android-powered smartphones in Russia only. According to Kaspersky Lab, the malicious program is disguised as a harmless media player application. Once installed, the Trojan sends SMS messages to premium rate numbers without the owner’s knowledge or consent.

The Trojan creators are usually the owners of those premium rate numbers, which can charge up to $9.99 per message. Therefore, the scammers end up making plenty of profit.

Already, several companies have created antivirus applications for Android, which is quickly becoming a popular mobile platform. That’s why it is being targeted by cyber criminals. Kaspersky Lab intends to release an antivirus program for Android properly named “Kaspersky Mobile Security for Android” in early 2011.

Spotify Now Available for Linux

London, U.K.-based Spotify announced today in an official post on its blog the introduction of its music-streaming service to Linux. The company makes it clear that only a preview build of Spotify for Linux is currently available. Additionally, the service doesn’t include support for local files, given that there are issues regarding decoding of local music on the Linux platform.

The preview version of Spotify for Linux is still “unsupported.” However, the company promises to bring it up to par with its Windows and Mac counterparts. The preview of Spotify for Linux is only available to premium members because the company hasn’t found a reliable way to display ads yet.

Hulu: PlayStation Plus Not Required to Enjoy Hulu Plus

There has been much speculation regarding the Hulu Plus app for PlayStation 3. Many believe that in order to use Hulu Plus, PlayStation 3 owner are also required to subscribe to the newly-introduced PlayStation Plus premium service.

Well, Hulu is trying to put that rumor to rest. Concerned individuals inquiring about this are being reassured that Hulu Plus will only require PlayStation Plus during the trial or preview period. However, once the preview period is over a Hulu Plus $10 per month subscription will be needed.

Netflix Signs Movie Deal With Relativity Media

Popular DVD-by-mail and online TV Show/movie streaming giant Netflix today announced a new agreement with independent movie producer Relativity Media — a company backed by Lions Gate Entertainment, Sony Pictures, and even Universal Studios.

As part of the conditions, Netflix will gain rights to stream films that would otherwise normally be distributed to premium television networks such as Starz, Showtime, and HBO months after DVD release.

According to Reuters, the first films to be streamed under the agreement will be “The Fighter” and “Skyline,” with additional films expected to be added on a frequent basis.

Specific terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Hulu Plus Subscription Service to be Ad-Supported

We have come to learn from a close source or ours that the upcoming Hulu Plus service will feature ads. The ads will be part of the service even after the monthly $9.99 subscription fee. Apparently, the premium service will still support ads so that the company is able to offer viewers a large selection of content for the lowest price possible.

We’re still unsure as to what type of ads the company will be serving, but they will likely come in the same form as they are delivered at present time. Now, we wonder whether or not this is a good move on the part of Hulu. After all, not many will want to switch from a free ad-supported service to premium ad-supported service that will cost them an extra $10 per month. It’s true that it will offer new great features, but is it really worth it?

Are you willing to pay $10 per month for the Hulu ad-supported subscription service?

[ thanks, mike! ]

Qik Reveals Premium Services for HTC EVO 4G

Last week, a leaked document caused so much confusion after it stated that Qik was going to charge $5 for services for the HTC EVO 4G. At first, everyone thought the document was referring to two-way video calling. Luckily, the company clarified the situation, stating that they would charge $5 for premium services only, which they would reveal today.

Qik has kept its promise, and has detailed the new premium services on the official Qik Blog. According to the company, the monthly $5 premium service will include two-way video calling at resolutions higher than 640 x 480 [Qik doesn't specify which will be the maximum resolution], unlimited video archiving, unlimited video mail, group video access, and priority technical support. Additionally, Qik states that automatic downloads to computer and the ability to take photos while recording video will be added soon.

As part of an introductory offer, Qik will be offering the premium service for free up until July 15. Make your way past the break to watch a short video demo.

Qik: Two-Way Video Calling on HTC EVO 4G Will Be Free

Yesterday, a leaked document suggested that future HTC EVO 4G owners would have to pay a premium $5 monthly subscription fee to be able to enjoy video chat on their new device. However, it appears now that the information was misinterpreted. Qik has posted an entry on its blog today, stating that the two-way video calling feature that we all know and love will be free. The company also says that the $5 fee that the leaked document was referring to yesterday is for some advanced “premium features” that they’re currently working on. Those premium features will be revealed on June 4 when the HTC EVO 4G is released.

We will definitely update as soon as we learn what those new premium features are.

Full announcement after the break.

Sirius XM App for Android Coming Soon

Thus far, Sirius XM Radio has an official application for the iPhone and BlackBerry smartphones. But what about Android? Unfortunately, the platform has been left out. Luckily, that won’t be the case for long, as Sirius XM is currently developing an official application for Android, which is expected to be released soon.

The company has even rolled out a page where Android-based owners can sign up to be notified when the app becomes available in the near future. Sirius XM Radio for Android will contain more than 120 channels. The application itself, similarly to the BlackBerry and iPhone versions, will be free. However, users must pay a monthly subscription in order to be able to use the app. There will be a free seven-day trial available.