VideoWorldInsider Week in Review

Streaming video is a market in the midst of constant change both within and without, and as such, it is a constant source of news as new developments emerge. Our Week in Review coverage reflects just a bit of that changing market, so let's take a look at some of the biggest news to hit this week.

First, we took a closer look at Broadsoft's Xtended Connect lineup, which gave service providers something of an edge in terms of HD voice and video calling. Xtended Connect allows for better services at improved ranges, thanks to the extensive use of the CloudWorx platform. That in turn not only provides better service overall for current users, it also provides reason for new customers to sign up. That combination of factors improves marketability for service providers that use it.

Next, undoubtedly one of the biggest events in tech news for this week—indeed, for the last few months—was the Apple (News - Alert) event that featured the iPad Mini. Not only did it bring out a variety of new products and services, it brought out a little something extra for the streaming video community as well. The event was live-streamed in its entirety, allowing even those who couldn't make the trip to check out Apple's new product offerings as they were introduced. Many events have taken to doing this, and this represents one of the primary purposes the Internet exists at all.

Then came a report about Blue Jeans and LinkedIn (News - Alert), who have recently finalized their integration. The completed process allows LinkedIn users to use Blue Jeans' cloud video conferencing services, even allowing them to log into meetings on the strength of their LinkedIn credentials. The new functionality will also allow those on a Blue Jeans conference to identify and get more information about the people on the conference by checking their LinkedIn profiles, allowing for background information to be easily obtained as necessary and tedious introduction segments to be lost.

Next, we examined the destabilizing role that Google (News - Alert) has been increasingly taking in the broadband community since its launch of Google Fiber in Kansas City. While cable MSOs have been turning to broadband products to make up for losses in video subscriptions as users cut back on their entertainment expenses and find a ready target in cable bills, cable broadband hasn't exactly been keeping up with increased demand. But with Google Fiber showing up and offering a higher-speed solution without limited bandwidth available, it's left cable providers in an unpleasant position of having to offer better service just to keep subscribers from jumping ship yet again.

Finally, with the introduction of Windows 8, Microsoft (News - Alert) also brought out Xbox SmartGlass, a system geared toward changing the tune of home entertainment to better include smartphones and tablets. The multi-screen approach to home entertainment is evident here as SmartGlass lets users use phones and tablets as remote controls, with the Xbox 360 itself serving as a kind of set-top box. Additionally, Xbox Video allows users to start a video on a Windows 8 tablet and transfer it to a bigger screen via the Xbox 360, making a complete ecosystem that's mostly Microsoft start to finish.

That was the week that was in video; it's clear there was plenty going on, and that's adding to an environment that's in constant flux. Our global online community is constantly in the hunt for news to bring out about this vital sector, so be sure to join us back here next week for more video-related coverage, and of course, every weekend for our Week In Review coverage!