Smart Home Blog

The open source software to watch Internet TV Miro has announced a release of a new version of its software. The main change log items include:

• On Windows and Linux, we updated to XULRunner 1.9, which brings memory and performance improvements.
• We’ve added a much-requested preference to set new channels to not auto-download.
• New preferences for tweaking number of simultaneous auto-downloads and torrent seeding.
• Important re-architecting of the frontend and backend code.
• Lots of bug fixes and tweaks.
• On OSX, we updated to Perian 1.1.
• On Windows, the Miro installer is now much simpler and prettier.
• Improved support for Flash in Channel Guide pages.
• Improved translations for dozens of languages.

The full ChangeLog is available here, new version of Miro – here.

[via eHomeUpgrade]

Company from Boston Myka offers a simple way to watch video files downloaded from the Torrents directly on your TV. The box looks like Mac Mini (this is my favourite form-factor for media client). So, it won’t break your living room interior. The Myka comes with Ethernet or WiFi to connect to Internet and with an internal hard drive with a choice of an 80-gigabyte, 160-gigabyte and a 500-gigabyte model. So, you will able to download video content and store in the box or watch directly on TV. The box sports HDMI, Composite, S-Video and SPDIF ports. It supports HD (up to 1080i), MPEG4 and various well-known audio and video codecs.

Myka will be available in the summer of 2008. But you can do pre-order now – $299.00, $349.00 and $459.00 for 80GB, 160GB and 500GB respectively.

The open source software to watch Internet TV Miro was lunched recently. It turns your PC into full-featured media center. The main idea of Miro is offer en easiest way to browse, search, watch and store a video content (even HD) delivered by internet connection. Using Miro it’ll be easy to watch and store video from sites like YouTube or Google Video. It offers a simple interface to download video files from BitTorrent. It can be stored and played after on your PC. Also you’ll be able to watch thousands Internet channels, video blogs or podcats. Additionally, Miro can play Quicktime, WMV, MPEG, AVI, XVID video files stored on your PC.

The first version of Miro is available for Linux, Windows and Mac OS X. So, you have a various choices 🙂

[via eHomeUpgrade]

Westell MediaStation can be named as a new concept PC for home. It’s a small device featured with 6.5″ (400×240) LCD touchscreen display, integrated camera and speakers. It uses WinCE.NET 5.0 and offers a bunch of possibilities to use it:

• delivering media content from Intenet: video, audio, pictures;
• phone calls: land-line, VoIP and video;
• up to four phone handsets can be added and personalized for each family member;
• extending hardware functionality via USB ports;
• extending software by using SDK coming with device.

Westell MediaStation offers most needed functionality for home users together with portability and stylish design. If its price is reasonable, it may hit the market.

[via eHomeAutomated]

P. S. The same things (except connection separate handsets) and more can be done with Nokia N800 and coming N810. IMHO Linuxbased Internet Tablet is better option.