4oD Android app finally arrives, streaming limited to Wi-Fi

Channel 4 has finally brought a dedicated 4oD app to Android, a whole 16 months after making its grand debut on iOS.

The app is extremely similar to the iPhone version, and lets you locate and stream programmes from Channel 4's hoard of shows, including but not limited to, The Undateables, 8 out of 10 Cats, How I Met Your Mother, Utopia (above) and Black Mirror.

You also get access to older shows like Black Books or Brass Eye (yes, the list was alphabetical, what of it?), so you should find plenty to keep you entertained.

Like the iOS version however, the app won't let you stream video over 3G, instead limiting you to viewing over a Wi-Fi connection, like the one you probably have at home. Where you probably also have a telly. Hmm.

There's no live TV, or the ability to download shows and watch them offline, both of which are present in the BBC's iPlayer app. Channel 4 has promised that those features will be coming to both iOS and Android in early 2013, so stay tuned for an update.

The app will work on "most Android devices running version 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and above," Channel 4 says, and is apparently optimised for popular 'droid devices like the Nexus 7,Nexus 4 and Samsung Galaxy S3.

The app gets around the thorny issue of recent Android gadgets having trouble running Flash. If you've got an older Android gadget (as many people do), then your only hope for now is to use the in-browser viewer, which you can find here.

The app has frustrated some early downloaders, with some complaining about only being able to view video over Wi-Fi, glitches spoiling their fun, or an inability to make the app play via a TV. "'Video not available. Please try later' on every single video," one review reads. "'Makes no sense... one star until it works properly," says another.

[Source: CNET]

CES 2013: Panasonic HC-X920 Hands on

Panasonic's new flagship consumer camcorder for 2013 looks very much like Panasonic flagship consumer camcorder for 2012. Don't be fooled by its appearance though as the Panasonic HC-X920 has three major upgrades over last year's Panasonic HC-X900.

First and foremost are the upgrades to the 3MOS sensor array. This now uses BSI (backside illuminated) sensors with superior low-light performance. The raw resolution of the sensors has also increased from 6.57 megapixels in total to 8.49 megapixels. We were shown some examples of footage shot with the camcorder, and it looked more composed with less glare at 100 lux (bright conditions) and had far less noise at 10 lux (low light) - that's compared to last years model. Of course we'll have to see what Sony has up its sleeve for 2013 before making any final conclusions though.

The lens looks to be identical to last year's at first glance, but it has a new nano surface coasting apparently, but we're not clear on what benefits this provides.

Another major upgrade to this year's model is Wi-Fi support. This allows for real-time broadcast of events via the popular Ustream service. It can even send email out to preregistered addresses to inform them the live broadcast is beginning. Great for sharing event footage with family and friends in distant locations. A smartphone app is also available for Android and iOS, which lets you see the footage from the camcorder and control the zoom and other functions.

[Source: Expert Reviews - Click here to read the full story]

Amazon Instant Video streaming app now available for iPhone and iPod touch

iPad owners have had access since early August, and at long last, iPod touch and iPhone users can say "Us too." The second major reason to crack open the App Store today has just surfaced, with Amazon confirming that its Instant Video app is now available for two of Apple's more bantam iOS products. Much like the iPad version, this one provides access to over 30,000 titles from Prime Instant Video available to Prime members for no extra cost, while the roaming public at large can tap into some 140,000 titles at various price points. To watch movies or TV episodes from Amazon Instant Video on iPhone and iPod touch, customers can simply search for the content they've already rented or purchased from Amazon Instant Video, and the company's also throwing in "Your Watchlist" and "Your Video Library" features, too.

[Source: Engadget]

Lovefilm now available for UK Wii U owners

Nintendo recently committed to bringing Lovefilm to Wii U consoles soon in the UK and the company has made good on its word. Pictured above is a dimly lit shot of the new app in action, which features HD content and optional video playback via the system's GamePad. If you'd like to give it a spin, head on over to Nintendo's eShop to claim your prize.

[Source: Engadget]