Sling Media may be pushing the new web-based SlingPlayer for Mac a lot these days, but it doesn't appear they've completely abandonded the stand-alone desktop client either. SlingPlayer for Mac OS X 1.0.9 has just been released and is now available for download at Sling Media's website.

We don't have any official word as to what's included here since the noted release highlights are identical to those for the 1.0.8 release last month, but we do know this version contains the latest firmware builds for the PRO-HD, SOLO, and Pro, as well as a few unspecified fixes.  

We'll update this entry if we're able to get our hands on any additional information on this new release. 

Download SlingPlayer for Mac OS X 1.0.9 Now

AT&T has been facing some harsh criticism over their continued push to disallow placeshifting to the iPhone over their 3G network, going so far as modifying their Terms of Use (twice) to specifically ban the practice. Yet, not even a month later, Apple gives the MLB "At Bat 2009" app for iPhone free reign over the 3G network, letting iPhone users stream Baseball games to their handsets.

Rik Myslewski' recent post to The Register goes one step further, indicating that AT&T is playing favorites when it comes to who gets to use the 3G network for streaming video. What's worse, thanks to AT&T's exclusivity agreement for the iPhone, it looks like they're pretty well protected says Rik. 

Read the full article at The Register

What do you think about AT&T playing favorites? Should the MLB streaming app also be denied 3G access?

Sling Media first talked about their OS X web player for Sling.com back at CES, which was poised to bring HD streaming and other 2.0 features to Mac owners. Their lofty goal of Q1 has come and gone, but Sling has finally opened up their efforts to OS X users in what they're calling a "sneak peek" of the OS X Web Player Plugin. It's available for download now at Sling.com. 

According to the company, the Web Based SlingPlayer for Mac is beta software lacking features and functionality that will be present in the final product. However, that doesn't mean there isn't anything new for Mac owners. In fact, the web player beta delivers the core functionality Mac based Slingers have been hoping fo, like HD streaming, live pause, Sling Accounts, and the program guide.

As beta software, there are still several missing features and limitations that Slingers should be aware of. For starters, the beta lacks proxy support and any form of conflict management (meaning you can't take over a Slingbox in use with your admin password). There are also performance limitations/decryption problems that could limit streaming speed to 500kbps on WAN.

Sling is also alluding to some stabillity imperfections with the Mac web player. Users are advised to close all important browser windows and tabs while streaming, "just to be safe." According to our sources who've tried the player, "It will occasionally crash your browser."

The bad news, for some, is that the Web Player for Mac supports only the Slingbox PRO HD, Slingbox PRO, and Slingbox SOLO. Sling Media says their plugin requires the use of h.264, which the older Slingboxes do not support. Sling is still offering a $50 upgrade incentive to Classic, Tuner, and AV owners toward the purchase of a Slingbox PRO HD or SOLO. Full System requirements below.

System Requirements:

• Intel-based Mac
• 10.5 OS or higher
• Safari 3
• FF 3
• 1Gb free Ram
• Latest Slingbox firmware required

Try the Web Based SlingPlayer for Mac Public Beta and post your comments below.