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Redesigned YouTube channels exit limited beta, now up for grabs

By Alexis Santos posted Mar 8th 2013 2:04AM 16

YouTube has had a revamped look for channels in limited beta testing since early February, but it's now ready to spread the new-layout love to interested folks. Dubbed "One Channel," the design refresh places an emphasis on making a user's page look slick across different screen sizes and devices, adapting its style for the occasion -- yes, even on TVs. Along with a look that provides more visual breathing room, a wide image called Channel Art adorns the top of a page, giving the whole affair a stronger Google+ vibe. Now, channel owners can even snag a visitor's attention with a trailer that'll greet them if they aren't a subscriber. The refresh also introduces the ability to organize video playlists with custom sections. Raring to take Mountain View up on the fresh looks? Jab the second source link to get started. If you change your mind after taking the plunge, however, Google's letting users switch back to the old format for a limited time.

Movie studios sign on for satellite-based digital delivery to theaters  HD

By Richard Lawler posted Mar 8th 2013 2:42AM 14

We doubt we'll see any reduction in ticket prices, but the process of bringing new movies to theaters could get easier very soon as five major studios have signed on with the Digital Cinema Distribution Coalition (DCDC) to use its satellite distribution network. Lionsgate, Universal, Disney, Warner and Paramount are all on board with the scheme, which says it will provide participants access to "a host of delivery options" as digital projection becomes increasingly common. The Hollywood Reporter quotes spokesman Randolph Blotky saying the network is expected to reach 300 locations when it launches this summer, all of which will be equipped with an appliance from video distributor KenCast. The satellite end of things is being handled by EchoStar/Deluxe, and once it's rolled out should make things much easier than the current system of shipping hard drives back and forth. Of course, what we're not hearing so far is if/how this upgrade will reach smaller, older theaters that are facing pricey upgrades from film-based equipment, but with theater chains like AMC, Regal and Cinemark forming the DCDC along with Universal and Warner, those considerations are probably a little further down the list.

Movie studios sign on for satellite-based digital delivery to theaters  HD

By Richard Lawler posted Mar 8th 2013 2:42AM 14

We doubt we'll see any reduction in ticket prices, but the process of bringing new movies to theaters could get easier very soon as five major studios have signed on with the Digital Cinema Distribution Coalition (DCDC) to use its satellite distribution network. Lionsgate, Universal, Disney, Warner and Paramount are all on board with the scheme, which says it will provide participants access to "a host of delivery options" as digital projection becomes increasingly common. The Hollywood Reporter quotes spokesman Randolph Blotky saying the network is expected to reach 300 locations when it launches this summer, all of which will be equipped with an appliance from video distributor KenCast. The satellite end of things is being handled by EchoStar/Deluxe, and once it's rolled out should make things much easier than the current system of shipping hard drives back and forth. Of course, what we're not hearing so far is if/how this upgrade will reach smaller, older theaters that are facing pricey upgrades from film-based equipment, but with theater chains like AMC, Regal and Cinemark forming the DCDC along with Universal and Warner, those considerations are probably a little further down the list.

US Bank intros BillPay feature for iOS and Android, lets you set up bill payments with a pic  Mobile

By Edgar Alvarez posted Mar 8th 2013 3:58AM 3

Judging by recently announced projects like Go Mobile, it's quite clear that US Bank is working hard at keeping up with the mobile banking curve. With today's introduction of its new Mobile Photo BillPay feature, the company's giving customers using an iOS or Android device yet another nifty tool to take advantage of while on the go -- one that's set to make it easy to set up bill payments by simply taking a shot of any invoice and uploading it to an account from within the app. The experience itself is rather similar to what we're accustomed to seeing when doing things like, say, depositing checks, and US Bank's quick to point out that it's one of the first major banks in the US to bring a mobile bill-paying solution to its users. Speaking of which, US Bank account holders can try out BillPay now -- links to download from Google Play and the App Store are after the break.

Google Glass learns how your friends dress, picks 'em out in a crowd  Mobile

By Daniel Cooper posted Mar 8th 2013 4:46AM 64

Facial recognition? Pah. Dahling, the only way to find someone in a crowd is to pick out what they're wearing. InSight is an app being developed for Google Glass by Duke University that helps you identify your chums, even when they've got their back to you, by channeling its inner Joan Rivers. All your pals have to do is submit some self-portraits to the app, which then creates a spatiogram -- identifying the colors, textures and patterns with which they've adorned themselves. That data is then pushed to Google Glass, hopefully allowing you to avoid the usual "I'm by the store, no, the other store" routine. Then again, maybe your friends will find you first -- after all, you're the one with a computer strapped to your head.

Google's Art, Copy & Code revives ads with sharing apps, talking shoes  Mobile

By Jon Fingas posted Mar 8th 2013 5:38AM 4

It's hard to deny that online advertising has grown a bit stale, with most ads being some take on ye olde banners. Google obviously has a vested interest in keeping us clicking -- so it's launching its Art, Copy & Code project to liven things up. The initiative sees Google experimenting with partners to see which concepts garner the most interest. Among the early field tests is the "useful marketing" of Volkswagen's Smileage app, which uses a Google+ Sign-In to share media from a road trip; there's also an upcoming internet of things experiment that may involve talking shoes, among other wireless-aware objects. The full scope of Google's advertising outreach will have to wait, although the search firm plans to show and discuss some of its plans at South by Southwest this week. Companies that haven't been getting much attention from old-fashioned, picture-based pitches may want to give the project a closer look.