TVSquad

Two major updates from Joost, the online TV project formerly known as The Venice Project and created by the makers of Skype and KaZaa. First and foremost, there's a Mac client available. It looks and works exactly like the PC client. For now, it only works on Intel based Macs.

And second, Joost has issued an update that improves video quality, as well as adding new video content. One of the main complaints from early reviews of Joost was the lack of videos worth watching. Now you can get:

• National Geographic Documentaries
• Content from the Indy Racing League
• Classic cartoons including Rocky and Bullwinkle
• Independent films from IndieFlix
• Reality TV programs including Bridezillas
• Comedy, video game tips and reviews, healthy living programs, and Bollywood music videos

Still not exactly major news at a time when companies like Wal-Mart are announcing deals to deliver video downloads from all six major movie studios, but it's a start. You still need to apply for a beta tester account or get an invite in order to use Joost.

[via WebTVWire]

Niklas Zennstrom and Janus Friis, the brains behind Skype and Kazaa, are preparing to launch the first global television network later this year. The new service, called Joost, has already garnered interest from Endemol TV (Fear Factor, Deal or No Deal and 1 Vs. 100), September Films (Beauty and the Geek, Bridezillas) and the Indy Racing League, all of which will be providing content, though what that content will be is unknown at the time.

The creators hope to provide entertainment for viewers using a format that will also allow content providers to keep their shows safe from piracy. The new venture already has several advertisers lined up, which is no doubt due to the popularity of both Skype and Kazaa.

Speaking as a viewer who isn't exactly tech-savvy, I have to say that the success of Joost will come down to how easy it is to use. I've said before that a large part of YouTube's success is that it's incredibly simple to find and watch videos. As long as Joost doesn't over-complicate things and actually provide worthwhile content, it might be worth checking out.