With the recent launch of three new SlingBoxes - Slingbox PRO ($250), the Slingbox AV ($180), and the Slingbox Tuner ($180) - comes news that the company may soon expand mobile compatibility to the Symbian and Palm OS platforms.

First: Marketing materials for the new Slingbox include the Symbian logo right alongside other operator systems, desktop and mobile, that are or will be (Mac) supported. This strongly indicates that Symbian-based S60 interface devices - used on more smartphones in the world than any other platform - and possibly Symbian OS UIQ interface handsets such as Sony Ericsson's P990 - will soon be able to view media from a Slingbox remotely.

Zats Not Funny also reveals a sticker between the Symbian and Universal logo on the packaging of one of the new SlingBoxes actually covers a Palm platform logo, meaning a Palm OS version of SlingPlayer must be in the works as well. But seeing as how Sling Media went through the trouble of covering it up, it is likely the Symbian edition will be available as a download first.


from Zats Not Funny

Update: It has come to our attention through Engadget that Sling Media miss-predicted the availability of their Symbian, Palm and Mac clients (also on the packaging and not available yet), but was only able to cover up the Palm logo in time, when it became apparent that it wouldn't be available when the three new versions of Slingbox shipped.

The latest rumor has it that the Symbian client will be offered within a month and the Palm OS edition during the fourth quarter. Hence, the more time for Sling Media to hide the Palm logo on the packaging and than the Symbian logo. No word yet on the status of the Mac client.

When Slingbox does make a software client available for either the Symbian, likely S60, or Palm OS, most prominently for Palm's Treo smartphones (700p and 650 - the Windows Mobile Treos are already supported), this will initially happen as a beta for an extended period of time, before they become official. This is what the company did when it introduced both its Pocket PC and Windows Smartphone SlingPlayer Mobile clients earlier this year.

Ultimately, Sling Media has said it would like to develop wireless clients for the BlackBerry wireless handhelds and smartphones, as well as BREW and J2ME-based cell phones.

See next page for more on the next-gen Slingboxes.

More on New Slingboxes

Slingbox PRO
The Slingbox PRO is designed for the consumer who has multiple A/V devices or has made an investment in high definition TV. It features four sets of audio-video inputs and outputs including the optional high definition (HD) component connection for HD set-top box customers making for seamless integration into current A/V systems. Other new features include widescreen (16:9) support, high quality programmable video compression, easy connection to set-top boxes (e.g. digital cable, satellite, DVR) and remote control of A/V devices.

   

The optional cable for HD component set-top boxes is called the Slingbox HD Connect and it includes all the necessary cables to connect HD component video and audio to the Slingbox PRO. This accessory will be available later this fall. Those who wish to seamlessly connect their HD receiver to the Slingbox PRO using the component connection will need to purchase this accessory.

Slingbox AV
The Slingbox AV gives consumers who watch TV using a standard definition cable set-top box, satellite receiver or DVR, the ability to connect their Slingbox AV to their set-top box. Slingbox AV features the ability to watch and control TV from any Internet connected PC/Mac/laptop or Windows-based mobile device (and Symbian and Palm OS devices when those become available), widescreen (16:9) support and high quality programmable video compression.

Slingbox TUNER
The Slingbox TUNER is for those with cable who want to view their line-up of television channels and do not require access to a set-top box, satellite receiver, DVR or other AV device.

The Slingbox TUNER connects adjacent to a cable modem or basic coaxial connection even without a TV present. This allows the Slingbox TUNER customer to view their cable channels without impacting another family member watching TV anywhere else in the home.