It looks like Apple is working on a video streaming service called iTunes Replay. The reported service will store purchased videos up in the cloud so you can access and stream the media to multiple devices. 

The company has never really made their big move with AppleTV. Maybe they were too distracted with iPods and iPhones, or just patiently waiting for the right time. Whatever the reason, they tripled sales of AppleTV last year so they know the demand is there. We also know that cloud computing is something Apple is interested in. The launch of the MobileMe service, although a bit of a rough launch, was a sign that they were looking to the clouds.

Storage and streaming makes perfect sense to me. Not only will it save me hard drive space, but my media will be better organized and more accessible.  Downloading files seems so 2006, I'm over it. [via ZDNet]

When I first bought my iPhone, I was disappointed to find out the device didn't come flash enabled. However, as time passed, the web sites with Flash elements that I couldn't view have tackled that issue successfully by opting for alternative solutions. There has been much talk online since the early days of whether or not Flash will be integrated into the iPhone, as well as much speculation that Apple was snubbing them. Regardeless it's still not available and to be honest it really hasn't effected my experience at all.

Wired has a good post on their blog today, and I think I have to agree with their take on Flash. I won't get into all the technically reasons why I've turned my back on Flash for the iPhone. Flash can provide an exciting user experience but trying to navigate a complex flash interface through this device may prove to be a bumpy ride. My thoughts are that it would be an unnecessary addition at this stage...that and most Flash sites these days are just build a bunch of heavy sites that are advertising based.

i.TV is one of my favourite iPhone applications. You might think, well what's the big deal it's just a TV guide right? Wrong. If you're like me and currently use Rogers you know exactly how painful it can be to scan the guide on that VCR sized cable box. I'm not sure how it's possible that a company that has a virtual monopoly on the cable/vod/broadband business, making billions of dollars can be content with the service it's providing it's customers. The guide interfaces for most cable/satellite dealers have horrible usability and sluggish response times at best. There are no visual cues, poorly written synopsis, and the longer titles are truncated so you have to guess at the title. 

So along comes i.TV, a great solution...even their ads are well integrated. 

When you first launch this app it will synch up your iPhone via postal code and service provider to bring you the relevant programming information. This can take a minute but it's a one time process. The guide is displayed by title and thumbnail images so you can immediately recognize what you are looking for, as well as the channel, rating, reviews and a well written detailed synopsis. If available you can also view a sample clip or trailer.

i.TV also allow you to search movies and theatres based on your location using the iPhone's GPS feature. It also offers tons of great sorting features, email alerts, reviews, search, share and customizable features (you need to sign up for a free account). Using TiVo DVR? Then you can set to record it instantly. Got a Netflix account? Instantly add your selection to your queue. Now if it can only replace my outdated cable box...if anyone from Rogers is reading this please please contact i.TV for help!

You can download the iPhone app here.