Apps:

There is no shortage of apps on this device. Below is a list of what is presently supported and a little description of the functionality.

» Accuweather:

Simple set up through device by providing your zip code. This app provides current weather conditions as well as 7 day and weekend forecasts. There are also weather maps, lifestyle reports and videos.



Overall I found this to be a useful but think they could do better on the graphics. As seen in the pictures above and below, I think some color would make it look much better. It is also nice that the current weather is integrated to top of your home screen as well.



» Blockbuster:

If you register online for an account you get access to the pay per view titles, but you’ll also get one month of DVD mail service and rent one get one at Blockbuster locations. What I found very interesting and convenient was that this app allows you to download the movie (rental or purchase) to a USB or network device. The video quality was great, better than anything I have gotten on Netflix. The only thing I didn’t like was that it doesn’t warn you if there isn’t enough space on you target drive and they only give you two days to watch the movie from date of purchase (rentals). I would have preferred to be able to download and have the two day timer start when playback starts. Note: Watch your inbox…I received a $5 credit via email for signing up. Then another $5 code since I didn’t use it right away.

» Cinema Now:

The app appears to be identical to Blockbuster’s, and is another pay per view movie service. I didn’t rent anything through this service but since it is powered by the same app I would suspect the quality will be the same.

» Comedy Time:

At first I was excited to see this app hoping it would bring a couple of quick laughs. Unfortunately I found it to be aggravating. It has extremely limited content, it played ads before each video and even though the video quality is SD it is constantly buffering. I also noticed some screens are not properly sized and overrun the edges.

» Dailymotion:

Content ranges from sub SD to HD quality and is largely video clips. But there is quite a lot there and the app has a useful search feature. This app did not play ads and only had an occasional buffer on HD videos.

» Deezer:

A Personalized on-demand music service that has a 13 million track library. It is very popular in Europe so expect some of the offerings to be catered to that audience. But what I can’t figure out is why it is included. To get the most out of this app you need a log in, but when you go to their site they indicate that the service isn’t available here.

» Facebook:

Like any Facebook app it allows you to have access to your account to update status, upload photos and videos and keep track of your friends.

» Flickr:

This app allows you to access pictures in your account or view images from others. You can search by keyword, hot tags, my tags, recent uploads, and “interesting” photos.

» Flingo:

This is an app that allows you to access video clips from multiple sources. Most are SD but I did find an occasional HD clip. Sources include Fox, WB, Break.com, Vimeo, Engadget and Showtime to name a few.

» Flixter:

I was surprised how useful I found this app to be. It allows you to get trailers, cast info, critics' comments, audience ratings, and details for pretty much any movie. There are short cuts to movies in theatres, coming to theatres and coming to DVD to make finding something new easier. The search tool was effective and fast, playback was quick though video quality was only SD.