We all know that Apple TV’s are great, and we have already taken an in-depth look at how to use a Smart DNS service to stream content that is otherwise blocked due to restrictive (and deeply unfair) licensing terms that seek to maximize copyright holder’s profits by “geo-restricting” content (only allowing viewers located in certain geographic area to access services.)

Fantastic as watching cool stuff on your Apple TV is, there are times when you want to watch shows and movies when you are using other devices. Perhaps you like to watch South Park on your iPhone as you commute to work, or maybe watch movies while at work on your MacBook.

Smart DNS

One great thing about Smart DNS is that it will work on just about any internet-enabled device. It does this by changing a devices’ DNS settings so that they point towards a Smart DNS provider’s DNS server rather than the default one supplied by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). This means that instead of your ISP performing DNS translation (converting domain names such as www.apple.com into the numerical IP addresses that computers understand e.g. 17.172.224.47), this is done by the Smart DNS provider.

Because you appear to be accessing the internet from where this DNS translation occurs, and because Smart DNS providers maintain servers located in various countries around the world, Smart DNS is a great way to avoid artificial geographic limitations. And because the process is very simple (basically just matching domain names to IP addresses on a big database), and therefore requires minimal processing power, Smart DNS is very quick.

This means that you will experience the fastest possible streaming speeds, although you should be aware that since electrons can travel no faster than the speed of light (pesky e=mc2), large distances will always introduce some lag time.

VPN

Another way to geo-spoof your location is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service. VPN will only work on general purpose computers, smart phones, tablets (so it will work on your iOS device and Mac, but not on your Apple TV), and is slower than Smart DNS thanks to having far more computational overheads. This means that for simply unblocking and streaming media content, Smart DNS is usually a better choice than VPN.

However, VPN provides a number of distinct privacy and security advantages. Because the connection between your device and the VPN provider’s VPN server is securely encrypted, your ISP (and anyone looking over its shoulder, such as the NSA) does not have transparency on your activities on the internet.

In addition to this, because all of your internet activity appears to originate from the IP address of the VPN server, your true IP (and geo-location) is hidden from everyone on the internet. Many (but not all) VPN providers go to great lengths to ensure that they cannot know what their customers get up to when surfing the net (for example by keeping no logs, sharing IP addresses among many users etc.) This can provide meaningful levels of privacy to users.

If you can’t choose between Smart DNS and VPN, never fear. Many providers (such as IronSocket) offer both as part of their basic packages. This means that you can setup your Apple TV to stream content via Smart DNS, while at the same time affording yourself privacy while surfing the internet on your Mac. They also allow for VPN usage without encryption, which helps when streaming because there is no encryption bandwidth overhead.

Setting up SmartDNS in OS X:

1. Go so “System Preferences”
2. Select “Network” (under “Internet & Wireless”)

3. Select your current network, and then click on “Advanced”

4. Select the “DNS” tab

5. Remove existing “DNS Servers” by selecting them and clicking the “-” icon. Warning: it is definitely worth making a note of your ISP’s default DNS settings before doing this so that you can easily switch back (very useful if you like to switch between services based in different countries)

Setting up SmartDNS in iOS 8:

1. Go to “Settings”
2. Select “WiFi”
3. Select current network
4. Touch the “DNS” field and change the DNS Address numbers to those provided by your SmartDNS provider. Note: it is definitely worth making a note of your ISP’s default DNS settings before doing this, so that you can easily switch back (very useful if you like to switch between services based in different countries).
5. Return to the main menu and perform a “power cycle” (hold the Power button and Home button until the phone restarts).

Conclusion

Smart DNS is a great way to stream geo-restricted content on all your devices – not just on your Apple TV. Just remember, though, that a DNS proxy provides no additional security or privacy. If this is what you are after, then using an encrypted VPN does a great job for that.

Lastly, we are happy to announce that IronSocket has created an exclusive 40% discount coupon for all Apple TV Hacks readers to enjoy and share. Use the coupon code “APPLETVHACKSDNS” at checkout for a yearly subscription rate as low as $2.49 per month.

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ for all the latest Apple TV-related news.

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We all love watching videos, movies and clips in our AppleTV. But what happens when you are away from home? Should you stop watching all those MKV or FLV files? Hell, no. Get a good app to watch videos away from home: get Infuse for iOS.

Our friends over What’s on iPhone reviewed version 1.2 of Infuse, and we can only add how good Infuse feels on top of that. With Infuse you no longer need to convert files to play on your iPad or iPhone: Infuse plays natively MP4, M4V, MOV, 3GP, ASF, AVI, DVR-MS, FLV, MKV, OGM, OGV, WebM, WMV and WTV videos. Not only that, but Infuse understands SRT files (and 8 other subtitle formats I hadn’t ever heard of!), so you can watch your movies or lectures with subtitles (I particularly love this feature.)

Infuse is a beautiful app, at least if you like skeuomorphic design. Opening a file is similar to giving an old-time movie ticket that splits in two. To make this as beautiful as possible, Infuse connects to TheMovieDB and TheTVDB to automatically pull covers and metadata.

Transferring files is also as easy as possible: no need for iTunes file transfer. You can use any web browser and drag-and-drop to transfer files via Wifi from your computer to your iDevice, and you can even open videos from other apps (using the ubiquitous Open In…, for example, from Dropbox.)

Version 1.3 adds some goodies you’ll love: full screen TV out with the HDMI/VGA connector and of course, the best for last: Airplay! You can watch in the big TV all those files you have in your iThing.

By the way, Infuse is developed by FireCore, also the developers behind aTVFlash and aTVFlash (Black)

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Waiting for Apple to bring the App Store and iOS games to the Apple TV? Well, it looks that BlueStacks will be first to make this move and bring iPhone and iPad games to your TV screen. The company has added virtualization technology to its upcoming GamePop console, making it possible to run iOS apps on it. Initially, the device was going to run only Android games but there has been a new development and games written for iPhone and iPad will also run on console through a virtualization process called LookingGlass.

This is how the LookingGlass technology works: the platforms are virtualized by BlueStacks on the apps programming interface level. Whenever an app makes a call to an item on the Apple platform menu, it goes to an iOS library so as to draw the menu. In this case, though, BlueStacks intercepts these calls and becomes the one to draw the menu. The virtualization process modifies the Apple games to run on the Android-based console.

This move makes BlueStacks’ console the first non-Apple device to accomplish such a feat.

The technology is independent of Apple, so the company can approach iOS developers directly and ask them to modify their games a little to run in the GamePop service. According to BlueStacks CEO Rosen Sharma, “developers really like this because it gives them another way to monetize.”

Subatomic, the Fieldrunners tower defense games designer, is one of the gamemakers who are set to try out GamePop.

“The capability to bring iOS games to TV is unprecedented,” said Subatomic CEO Jamie Gotch. “At the same time, this is a natural evolution. Mobile games are providing richer graphics and gameplay and heading towards the living room fast.”

Sharma said BlueStacks was also careful not to use any Apple code on LookingGlass. Powered by its Android engine, BlueStacks uses its emulation software to run the developer’s apps, and this software is in turn run using Google’s open source code.

GamePop will be competing with Xbox One, PS4, Ouya, and other Android solutions tailored for mobile-based TV games. The console can be connected to a TV via a wired HDMI cable, and the games displayed include those with HD resolution. The emulation specialist did not integrate straight emulation with the LookingGlass technology, so the gameplay should be speedy.

When the GamePop service arrives sometime in the fall, there is expected to be a disruption of the console market as it merges with the mobile game market. The service will be availed on the Android game console and it will facilitate a market test to see which option consumers prefer: playing free or 99 percent free games on their TVs or parting with about $400 for a game console and an additional $60 for each game.

The GamePop service will not be restricted to the GamePop console; BlueStacks is in talks with TV manufacturers, carriers and cable companies to avail it through other devices as well.

The service will be available at a $6.99 monthly subscription fee and will grant players access to over 500 leading mobile games. Anyone who pre-orders the GamePop console by June will receive one controller for free. BlueStacks also plans on freely offering games worth about $200.

The post BlueStacks GamePop console to bring iOS games to your TV appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

At the AllThingsD D11 conference held in California, Tim Cook revealed that since its introduction, Apple has sold over 13 million Apple TVs. He further continued to say Apple has a “grand vision” for the Apple TV:

This business has found many, many more customers that love the Apple TV experience. Great for customers and very good for an Apple learning point of view. Lots of us would agree that the TV space could be improved.

I don’t want to go into more detail on this. There is a “very grand” vision for TV. I have nothing to announce, but it is an area of incredible interest.

Cook, again, termed TV as “an area of great interest”:

I don’t want to go into technical details. TV remains an area of great interest to us. The work we’ve done on current Apple TV provides more knowledge than what we would have without that product. The popularity of the Apple TV has been greater than expected. It is encouraging. The TV experience is not an experience that many people love. It’s not an experience that you would say has been brought to date for this decade. It is like the experience from 10, 20 years and go.

Apple is long rumored to be developing a full television set. When asked on the same, Tim declined to comment. He has always been a bit reserved towards commenting on unannounced products, so that did not come as a surprise.

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At the AllThingsD D11 Conference held in southern California on Tuesday, Apple’s CEO Tim Cook revealed that the company had sold more than 13 million Apple TVs, and about half the number were sold in the past year. This numbers are actually amazing, especially for a product that Apple has put little marketing effort into.

Apple is long rumored to be developing a full TV set. As usual, when reached for comment on the announced product, Tim declined to comment. He has always been weary of commenting on unannounced products. However, he reassures all Apple TV lovers saying that Apple TV is of great interest to the company. Whether we are going to see a fully developed TV set soon is a matter yet to revealed. At the moment, Cook is keeping all the details to himself.

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MacRumors reports that the CW network has struck a deal with Apple to bring its TV Now application to the Apple TV. Speaking from New York at the company’s annual Upfront Presentation yesterday, CW president Mark Pedowitz said the network’s content, which is currently accessible on Microsoft’s Windows 8 and Xbox 360, will also become available on Apple TV.

According to the CW, the app will function the same way the company’s mobile and Xbox apps function. The Xbox app offers free full streaming of episodes on the CW network but with limited advertising. It also comes with extra content like cast extras and previews. The company confirmed to MacRumors that Apple TV’s app will certainly be located on the home screen of Apple TV and offer full episodes of primetime shows like “The Vampire Diaries”, “Arrow”, and “The Carrie Diaries”.

“It’s a dedicated CW app that will work like our Xbox and mobile and tablet apps – no cable authentication required, full episodes of our shows available next day after air, ad-supported.”

This deal seals the first of Apple’s app partnerships with television networks. Apple TV has been offering apps and digital content from Hulu and Netflix, but not from television networks. Even before this, though, CW content has been available for sale at the iTunes store.

The CW network is a joint venture between Warner Brothers Entertainment and CBS, one of the largest broadcast networks in the U.S. The partnership does not shed light on Apple’s intentions, though there are speculations it could be part of a larger initiative to have more apps on Apple TV.

The exact date for the release was not given but according to the CW, it will be launched in the coming weeks.

The post Apple strikes deal with CW to bring TV shows to Apple TV appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

In like Flynn? Then let’s get right to this Week’s Top Choices for the movie services available on the Apple TV. It breaks down like this:

NETFLIX

First up for our cyber-savvy amigos is the current most popular streaming service in the States, Netflix.  Now the only complaint you’re going to have with Netflix is that you’ve just got too many choices but never fear…we are here.  And this week we say lock in on these selections and you won’t go wrong-

• Must-see movies are unfortunately a step slow on Netflix this week so we suggest starting with some Original Netflix TV programming– “Top of the Lake”.  One season (7 episodes, 50 mins each) of a new Drama/Thriller from New Zealand’s Oscar winning director Jane Campion.  This one is very heavy on the drama but blends a distinct Kiwi flavor to the typical western TV police procedural stew.  TOTL also contains some truly wicked twists and turns with a rhythm all its own.  The violence and blood is minimal but this is cop drama is most definitely not for kids!
• Netflix is also launching “Hemlock Grove” this week, another Original TV series from Eli Roth, the director of “Hostel” and other hyper-violent, Hollywood horror/torture films.  We haven’t sampled it yet but it looks like the suspense/mystery series is going to get all werewolfey with no shortage of gore and undoubtedly plenty of Rothian splatter.  We’re not big Roth fans but the series has femme fatale Famke Jansen in the middle of the action…so we’re in!
• One intriguing pick in the movie section might be 2011’s “The Awakening” starring Rebecca Hall as a turn-of-the-century physic phenomenon debunker tackling a mystery at an English boarding school.  This horror/mystery sort of slid past the mainstream in ’11 but might be worth a watch if you’re in the mood for classy chills, subtle thrills or a little bit of beautiful ‘Becca in the bathtub.
• Want to go Old School?  Why not try one of Harrison Ford’s best, 1985’s “Witness”.  Tough guy, Philly detective Ford goes to Amish Land to straighten shit out and meets Kelly McGillis and Alexander Gudonov on his way to finding the Bad Guys.  A real 80’s gem back from when Ford was almost young.
• Got a stay-at-home date with a pretty girl?  Then how about going even Old Schooler with the iconic beauty Audrey Hepburn being romanced by All-American Gregory Peck in 1953’s classic romance “Roman Holiday”.  Audrey’s stunning, Peck is solid, love is in the air and Rome looks grand.  We’re in the mood for love.
• And this week’s Alternative Pick– Korean Director Joon-ho Bong’s 2006 mad, monster mash-up, “The Host”.  This one has it all.  An out-of-control chemical waste monster against an equally out-of-control and hilariously touching S. Korean family who aren’t about to go down without a fight.  Bong pulls out all the stops with a rollicking roller-caster ride that may not win any awards but Man…this is one hell of an entertaining ride!

HULU PLUS

Now what’s happening over at everyone’s second choice for freebies?  Yes, Hulu may not have the market muscle of Netflix but we’re locked in and we got you covered anyway. Hulu’s new releases are also on the vanilla side this week so here’s our recommendations for movies that will satisfy-

• Let’s start with 2004’s Indie jewel, the little-seen, under-appreciated, low-budget, Sci-fi masterpiece “Primer”.  If you’re into time-travel flicks then tune in and set your head to spin because you’re going for whirl!  This intelligent tale adds a fresh take to the crusty time-travel genre with a serious, surprisingly intense and realistic drama that will satisfy the inner-science geek in all of you.
• If you’re still in serious mode then how about a real world documentary?  If you’re prepared to be shaken then sample 2012’s “The Land of Hope”, a movie following Japanese families after the 2011 triple catastrophe that slammed the NE coast near Tokyo.  Keep tissue paper handy and prepare to cry before you witness a true story of human resilience in the face of utter devastation.
• And on the lighter side…take a break and laugh your adult ass off with director Kevin Smith’s modern comedy classic, 1997’s “Chasing Amy”.  This one never gets old even if Smith’s movies sometimes do but you’ll love seeing a young Ben Affleck deal with some hilariously twisted and very adult relationship problems as he stumbles around true love.  And yes, Jay and Silent Bob are all over this one.
• Network TV’s smoking hot new show “Hannibal” is available for streaming this week and if you’re a major Mads Mickelson fan (like we are) then we seriously suggest you check out this stylish update to the tales of everybody’s favorite serial killing psychiatrist.  Creepy murders and cool characters are everywhere and the show’s stunning visuals are absolutely cinematic.
• If you prefer to laugh then scope out “The New Girl”.  An entertainingly light-hearted and fun half-hour ensemble comedy from NBC (the people who brought you the inexplicably popular “Friends”) with cutie-pie Zooey Deschanel as the lead sweetheart.
• “The Carrie Diaries” are also available this week for you girls who still haven’t satisfied your SATC addiction.  Carrie Bradshaw’s in High School now!
• Our Alternative Pick of the Week– Kaneto Shindo’s 1964, “Onibaba”.  Straight from the Criterion Collection this raw, pulse-pounding, supersexy tale of hard times in Feudal Japan is always listed in the Horror section but we think it’s more of a harsh, naturalistic fable of human survival and human hunger for all that is life.  Brilliant!
• Extra Added Bonus– Hulu has without a doubt got the best offering of upcoming Movie Trailers that we’ve seen anywhere so take a moment to check out everything that’s coming soon to a theater near you!  Be warned- this one is like time quicksand my cyber-friends…once you step in you just keep sinking deeper.

iTUNES

And last but certainly not least, iTunes.  Remember that everybody’s favorite choice for cheap and easy music downloads also offers a slew of movie choices for your viewing pleasure so let’s take a peek at this week.

Movies are a hot choice for your iTunes weekend and this week offers some of the hottest-

• 2012’s “Silver Linings Playbook” is currently available for download and if you’re in the mood for some Oscar-nominated Jennifer Laurence to go along with your Comedy/Drama then this is the pick.  Big stars, big laughs, big drama, Bradley Cooper and a feel-good ending should work for just about anyone in your vicinity.
• If you’ve got an itch for a little bit of the good, old ultra-violence with a thirst for revenge then we say shoot for Tarantino’s 2012 wild Western ride, “Django Unchained”, and scratch like a dog!  It’ll remind you of most every other Tarantino flick you’ve ever seen only more so.  And with the added spice of Academy Award Winner Christoph Waltz in the mix, you’ll be glad you did.
• Got a few extra hours to invest in some quality HBO original programming?  Sample some episodes of America’s top water-cooler show, “Mad Men”.  Please be advised- Once you start watching you just might get hooked on the grimy games of the NYC Boys from 60’s Madison Avenue and Jon Hamm/Don Draper as the heel we all hate to love.
• And now for some Music– This week iTunes has a brand new offering, “13” from Heavy Metal Masters Black Sabbath.  Believe it or not Tony Iommi and his crew are still bringing the hard, heavy, hammering noise just in time to kick off their latest (and no doubt last) World Tour.  And they still got Ozzie too!  Yes, Hip-Hop generation…there was a time long ago when real, actual human beings played real, actual musical instruments all by themselves.

That’s it for this weekend.  Now just keep the pizza guy’s number handy, make sure the refrigerator is well stocked and you’re all set to turn on, tune in and drop out.

The post What’s Hot & Happening on the Apple TV (Netflix, Hulu Plus, iTunes) this Weekend appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Read More at:

• DEV-team blog: https://blog.iphone-dev.org/post/1359246784/20102010-event
• Awkward TV Wiki: https://wiki.awkwardtv.org/wiki/AppleTV_2
• Engadged Greenpois0n post: https://www.engadget.com/2010/10/19/apple-tv-jailbroken-again-with-greenpois0n-lets-shatter-off-the/
• Engadged Jailbreak post: https://www.engadget.com/2010/10/20/apple-tv-now-jailbreakable-with-pwnagetool-4-1/
• Engadged Weather app post: https://www.engadget.com/2010/10/20/apple-tv-hacked-to-run-weather-app

Exciting times..

If you have more news, share it with us in the comments

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Yeah, Wednesday’s presentation was quite impressive and I have to agree that it would be nice to have such a device. But if I already have a computer and an iPhone… the only reason to buy the iPad would be that is not so expensive and that I love to have gadgets.

But I have to be positive on it. I think it will make a huge difference and it’s the first of a new category of devices that will come sooner than expected.

I see two main market segments for the iPad. Well, three if we include the geeks.

Who does not have a photo album at home? The experience of opening the book, sharing and commenting the pictures while handling it and sitting close to our friends… Digital photography has reduced the amount of printed pictures, and we have started to use TV and computer slideshows to view it.

I can imagine my parents using the iPad just like they were using an ordinary photo album, having it ready to show the pictures of their grandsons to unexpected guests. No need to open the TV, no need to bring the computer.

In order to fit in this category it will require over the air iPhoto synchronization, something that Apple TV already does. Also, it would be great to have bi-directional synchronization to be able to play with the photos (re-arrange, comment, tag) on the iPad.

Another area is a segment of professional applications. The list here is long: from doctors handling it in the hospitals, decoration outlets and architects showing their projects and interacting with their customer’s work, to more basic, like a restaurant menu or beauty salons offering it instead of newspapers and magazines.

What the device is missing?

Clearly it needs a video camera for video conferencing. It would be great if it also had a rear camera.

Size is important… and most probably we will see this device in smaller, portable 6” format as well as in a larger format to facilitate reading newspapers and magazines.

A memory slot and USB connector to connect with the rest of the world are also more than welcome.

And networking capabilities! Why do I have to have the media in the iPad? Why not let the device mount an AFP or SMB drive, so that it could have virtually unlimited storage capacity?

My conclusion is that it is only a first step, but the iPad is definitely a revolutionary device.

Joduba

Originally appeared on Smartphone.Biz-News.com

The post Is an iPad a Revolutionary Device? appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

That would involve distributing them to the device through the iTunes App Store, as is currently the case for the iPhone.

In January, it was suggested that NVIDIA’s Ion platform is likely to be included in the next Apple TV.

Among the uses proposed by Apple for the wand are zoom operations, a keyboard application, an image application, an illustration application and a media application.

Other possiblities for the wand include it being used to call up a dock, and then to select an option from the menu by moving the wand across the screen.

The controller could also scroll through a CoverFlow display and be used to manipulate photos by zooming in and out and rotating.

Source: HTDV.biz-news.com

It will be interesting to see how it develops, and if this will finally move apple to invest more in the platform.

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