Two Must-Have Video Apps
24 Jun
When I replaced my Nokia N95 late last year, I was sorely disappointed to find that two of my favorite apps were not available on my then new Motorola Droid. Hearing word that one of the developers had no plans to offer their app on the Android market almost caused me to pass on the Droid and the Android OS completely – no joke. But I figured it was only a matter of time. So for months I toted around my Nokia N95 in addition to my Droid just so I had access to these apps. But alas! Those days are over now that both apps are now available on phones running Android 2.1. The apps I’m talking about are the Skyfire browser and Sling Player.
Skyfire
There are a bunch of different mobile web browsers out there but Skyfire browser does something that no other browser can do on a mobile phone and that’s play Flash content. With many popular websites these days you often get a dumbed down mobile version. I don’t know about you, but this totally annoys me. More often then not, there’s always something missing (content or function) that I desire from the original site. Part of the reason is that these sites are data intensive but the other reason is they incorporate flash which doesn’t work on other mobile browsers. With Skyfire, I can have nearly the same browser experience I have when I’m on my desktop or laptop computer. But what makes this browser sweet is the ability to watch video. Not that big of a deal if the video is YouTube content (you can simply use a YouTube app) but it’s awesome if you want to watch content from some of my favorite sites like ESPN and Hulu. (Update: Hulu seems to be blocking Skyfire servers at this time) I’m still testing it and haven’t decided to completely ditch the original browser that came with my phone making Skyfire my default browser, but so far I haven’t found a reason not to.
Skyfire has been available for Symbian for a while but just launched in April for Android 2.1. Until 2.2 comes out Skyfire has got to be THE browser to use. Of course, it’s not available for iPhones (although I hear they have developed the app should Apple allow it into their app store). www.skyfire.com
SlingPlayer Mobile
SlingPlayer on my laptop was cool. SlingPlayer on a mobile phone is genius and to me more useful. The ability to watch TV or control my Tivo anywhere I have a 3G or Wifi connection is a great advancement in tech and a game changer. Yes, I have Tivo and can just as well record something and watch it later when I get home, but how about having access to instant replay or insight from an announcer while at a sporting event? Having this at the Giants game (on the free AT&T Wifi) is killer and enhances the experience. Also how many times have you been stuck with your friends in a car after hitting the slopes in Tahoe trying to make it back to your cabin or home in time to watch a NFL playoff game? Or when you’re away from home traveling on business? That’s when you can really appreciate it, especially if you’re phone has an A/V output (like the N95 or the soon to be released Droid X) that you can plug into the hotel TV. Traveling internationally you’ll probably want to use a Wifi connection for economic reasons. SlingPlayer Mobile is game changing because I’m no longer in a hurry or feel the need to stay or get anywhere with a TV. I’m still playing around with it on my Droid but so far I must say it is very well done in the way of function and UI – way better than I expected. I’m off to the Giants vs. Redsox game on Friday to give it the true test.
SlingPlayer Mobile has long been available for Symbian, Blackberry, and Palm OS and more recently iPhone. And now, the much anticipated app for Android 2.1 just released. The app costs $29.99 but that’s cheap considering you will now have a portable TV. Of course you do need to buy hardware and connect it at home first (I recommend the Slingbox SOLO
As of today, I no longer miss my N95 (with the exception of its camera) as now I have everything I need and more on my Droid.
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