14 DAY TRIAL // One of the best things about the latest-generation, networked/streaming media players is the fact that a simple firmware update can seriously enhance their level of functionality and, in fact, that's exactly what WD's doing right now for its WD TV Live and WD TV Live Plus media players, both of which will be getting some pretty cool new features. Without a doubt, the most important new function WD's media players will get is access to Facebook, allowing users to upload photos and videos, share their status, view their wall and getting the latest updates from their News Feed.
In addition, new features for the WD TV Live and WD TV Live Plus media players include Deezer, a personalized on-demand music service for listening to 7 million tracks anytime, anywhere and one of the most popular Internet and mobile music offerings in Europe, as well as Flingo, providing access to free Internet television programming from leading studios, TV networks, and video websites.
Other features include access to AccuWeather.com, a worldwide weather forecasting service and USB wireless keyboard support, which will allow users to employ any wireless keyboard with USB dongle to easily update Facebook status and conduct YouTube searches.
"The WD TV family of media players lets our customers enjoy all of their personal media plus the best of the Internet on the biggest screen in the house," said Brian Miller, director of business development for WD.
"We listen to our user community and integrate their feedback to continuously improve the experience with our products. That includes working with our content partners to curate the best set of Internet services to meet customers' needs," added Mr. Miller.
The WD TV Live media player is available worldwide, while the WD TV Live Plus media player is available only in the U.S. and Canada, both having, however, the same MSRP, namely $129.99 USD.