Update: Engadget notes that, in fact, these are just the same old terms we've been living under for a while now. So, nothing new to see here. In other news, the sky is falling.

It's baaaack. Nearly a month after updating and then un-updating its terms of service, AT&T again has put in a clause that could make apps like Slingbox a big no-no.

Here's the section we're interested in, emphasis ours:

... downloading movies using P2P file sharing services, redirecting television signals for viewing on Personal Computers, web broadcasting, and/or for the operation of servers, telemetry devices and/or Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition devices is prohibited. Furthermore, plans (unless specifically designated for tethering usage) cannot be used for any applications that tether the device (through use of, including without limitation, connection kits, other phone/PDA-to computer accessories, Bluetooth® or any other wireless technology) to Personal Computers (including without limitation, laptops), or other equipment for any purpose.

We're trying to get clarification on the "viewing on Personal Computers" clause. Smartphones certainly could be argued into that category, though the TOS use the word "phone" in a number of other instances. We'll let you know what we find out. In the meantime, you can read the whole TOS for yourself.

DSL Reports via Electronista

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We all know the conversion to 320x320 resolutions and some other funky ones (e.g. Samsung Omnia) can result in some software not working properly and one of those effected would be SlingPlayer Mobile (see our review of the Slingbox Pro).

Luckily after much haranguing in their support forum (we Slingers are a testy bunch) MegaZone, (the Sling Media Beta Manager) chimed in to calm out tensions:

We are working on an update for the Treo 800w (and the Treo Pro, and some other WinMob 6.1 devices) and hope to have it out soon. And contrary to one of the above posts, we've known of these devices well before they're release it just takes time and resources to update the software. Out front line support people aren't kept in the loop on everything in development. ;-)

So sit tight folks as you'll soon be enjoying your favorite shows on the go with Rev A speeds and that higher resolution...it's going to be worth the wait.

Via Sling Community

With March Madness fully underway, many of us are looking for ways to stay up-to-date with what is happening in the world of college basketball. Here is a look at some of the ways you can use your Windows Mobile phone towards that end.

• Web browser - Many of the major names in sports news (ESPN, Fox Sports, CBS Sportsline, etc.) have made improvements to their mobile websites. My suggestion is try them all, see which one you like the most.
• Text messages/Email - Most of the sites mentioned above offer some sort of alert service. The advantage of this obviously is that if you don’t have a data plan, but you have a couple thousand unused text messages every month, you can get scores and news sent to your phone. Also, this eliminates the need for navigation in PIE. My personal favorite provider is CBS Sportsline. Their website allows you to pick your favorite teams, what updates you want, and even what time of day you want to turn the updates on or off.
• Mobile TV - Obviously the ultimate would be getting live video. There are several options out there…
  • Slingbox - A Slingbox along with their SlingPlayer Mobile client would allow you to stream your TV signal from your home to your mobile device.
  • HandiTV - Allows you to watch streaming content from various providers (without subscription fees).
  • MobiTV - Similar to HandiTV, but with a $9.99 per month subscription fee. Channels include ESPN Mobile TV and Fox Sports.

How do you stay in touch with the sports world from your phone?

Update: You can grab a special March Madness Channel on Zumobi, too!

We suppose this sort of falls into the “it was inevitable” camp, but our favorite method for streaming media to our WinMo gadgets, Slingbox, will be getting an upgrade to HD. The details show they're not screwing around. Here's the info, with “not screwing around” parts in bold:

Slingbox PRO-HD includes multiple inputs and outputs, including digital audio and a digital (ATSC/QAM) tuner. Not only will the Slingbox PRO-HD stream up to 1080i content and 5.1 surround within the home to a computer, it can also be used to ship high-def material to another HDTV via our forthcoming SlingCatcher. In addition, the lucky ones with super highspeed broadband connectivity, such as FiOS, will get similar HD quality streaming to remote locations. Slingbox PRO-HD is slated for a Q3 release @ $399.99 (USD).

In other words, this Slingbox Pro HD will not only do what t'other Slingboxen have always done, it will also help let you watch your HD content on other televisions without paying for extra cable or satellite boxes. Nice.

Slingbox will hopefully be showing this (and a dirty dirty BlackBerry client) at CES in Las Vegas next week (yep, we'll be there, as if you doubted it).

I have heard from several of my friends how cool Slinging is with their Slingbox. If this is a new term for you, simply put, it means using a box that is hooked up to your DVR (Digital Video Recorder, like Tivo) and your cable or satellite TV through your home network so you can watch TV from your Windows mobile phone or laptop. Now watching TV on your WM phone may not be a new concept with services like SprintTV available, but I was blown away with how much more of... well, of everything that my Slingbox Pro offers beyond any other service or program or web streaming link I have ever seen before. The bottom line is that if you have heard any of the hype about Slinging, then ignore it, because chances are it was understated.

I will take you through a detailed review of this incredible device from setup, to optimizing your viewing, to remote controlling your DVR from anywhere in the world.

Read the rest of this entry »

That was pretty quick! Just over two weeks ago Sling put out a call for Beta testers for a new version of their SlingPlayer Mobile client that would be compatible with Windows Mobile 6. And badda-bing, today Smartphone Thoughts reports that the client is ready to rock. Now, granted, Windows Mobile 6 isn't all that different from its predecessor, but this humble writer suspects that the SlingPlayer digs pretty deep into the OS to get its great video quality - so it makes sense that it would take some tweaking to make it work with the latest and greatest.

Now, I don't have a Slingbox myself just yet - but its definitely my plan to pick up one of those suckers just as soon as I get, you know, a TV. If you're one of those folks who happens to own both a TV and a Windows Mobile device (imagine that!), I heartily recommend you pick up a SlingBox posthaste.

Read: Sling Media - SlingPlayer Mobile