Skip to main content

Joost Beta Opens to Public

Joost Beta Opens to Public

Fledgling Interent television service Joost, which launched a private beta last May, is shedding its invitation-only status to go fully public with its new 1.0 beta release. Although users are warned the Joost software is still a beta and (therefore) subject to possible problems, bugs, and reliability issues, anyone interested in tapping into Joost’s online video content can now do so.

The brainchild of Skype and Kazaa founders Niklas Zennström and Janus Friis, Joost aims to bring ad-supported television and video content to computer users around the world. Although content offers are still limited, Joost as already signed major content distribution pacts—including deals with CBS, Viacom, and Warner Brothers, and CNN—and offers a range of international programming. For now, Joost is computer-only: it doesn’t explicitly support existing solutions to transfer or stream video to televisions or living room entertainment centers, although ambitious users will no doubt come up with homegrown solutions and, should Joost take off, undoubtedly device manufacturers and software developers will line up to support Joost in much the same way they seemingly can’t add YouTube support quickly enough. Joost is working to expand its content offerings: the service claims to offer more than 15,000 shows at the moment, with more added daily.

Joost also incorporates Web 2.0 and social networking concepts, enabling users to comment on programming, share content, and create their own channels.

The beta 1.0 Joost application is available for Windows XP/Vista and Mac OS X 10.4.

Geoff Duncan
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…
Eve MotionBlinds Upgrade Kit and Blinds Collection join the Matter lineup
The Eve MotionBlinds Upgrade Kit being installed.

Eve is a prominent name in the smart home world, with the company responsible for a variety of devices covering everything from smart plugs and security cameras to smart light switches and motion sensors. Its catalog is growing even more enticing today, with the Eve Blinds Collection and MotionBlinds Upgrade Kit gaining Matter support.

The MotionBlinds Upgrade Kit will likely appeal to more customers, as it costs just $200 and works with most existing setups. Installation is as simple as removing your shades, placing the MotionBlinds Upgrade Kit through the roller rod, then reinstalling the unit on your windows. Blinds with a roller between 1.5 inches and 2.0 inches are compatible with the upgrade kit.

Read more
Philips Hue lights have a rare discount, but there’s a catch
A TV with ambient backlighting from Philips Hue.

One of the cool things about Philips Hue lighting is how much freedom it gives you over creating the perfect ambiance in your home. One of the cool things about buying Philips Hue products over at Best Buy right now is how much freedom Best Buy is giving you over what you buy to save money. Right now, when you buy two or more select Philips Hue smart lighting product in Best Buy's offer builder, you can save 15%. Tap the button below to start building your own bundle and see all of the products available. While they don't include the best smart light bulbs that Philips produces, you'll be amazed by the versatility of the lightstrips. Or keep reading for an overview of some of the top picks from the bundle.

What you should purchase from the Philips Hue offer builder
The place to start with this deal is the and the if you don't already have them. These are the devices that take your movies, music, and games and syncs them to your lights.

Read more
Samsung’s futuristic Jet Bot AI+ robot vacuum is $400 off
The Samsung Jet Bot AI+ Robot Vacuum cleaning the floor.

For families who need a lot of help in keeping their floors spotless, the Samsung Jet Bot AI+ is an investment that you'll want to make. It's pretty expensive at its original price of $1,300, but a $400 discount from Samsung pulls it down to $900. It's still not cheap, but this futuristic robot vacuum could be the only device that you need to keep dirt, debris, and pet hair away from your sight. You're going to have to complete your purchase for it as soon as possible though, as there's no telling when the offer expires.

Why you should buy the Samsung Jet Bot AI+ robot vacuum
The Samsung Jet Bot AI+ checks all the boxes in the features that are recommended by our guide on how to choose a robot vacuum. It's equipped with powerful sensors and object recognition technology that allows it to avoid furniture when it's cleaning your floors, while LiDAR technology allows it to create accurate maps of the rooms in your home so that it can properly navigate and clean more efficiently. The robot vacuum also features a five-layer filtration system that allows it to release clean air, and when it's done, it goes back to its Clean Station where it empties its contents.

Read more