Sling Media has introduced several new features for its mobile apps and set-top boxes. A firmware update for the Slingbox 500 brings support for Blockbuster On Demand content, including trailers and movie rentals. Users can also access their photos and videos stored on an attached USB drive.
The USB-drive support is initially limited to local viewing or access via the SlingPlayer client for Mac and Windows, however remote access will soon be coming to the company’s mobile apps for iPad and Android.
In the meantime, the mobile apps have been updated with AirPlay support for customers who also own an Apple TV box. The feature essentially enables users to watch their home TV on another TV, either in a different room at home or at an entirely different remote location.
The firmware updates are automatically distributed to supported Slingboxes, though users can manually update the Slingbox 500 firmware in the device settings. The company has yet to announce a release date for the AirPlay-enabled iOS apps, though the announcement suggests the updates should be available soon.
