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LeEco Expands 4K Ultra HD TV Availability to Amazon, Best Buy, and More[teaser]The company's Ultra HD TV lineup is now available through various retail and online stores.[/teaser] LeEco has announced the national retail launch of its ecotv collection, including the flagship uMax85 85-inch Ultra HD TV and the Super4 X Series 43-inch, 55-inch, and 65-inch Ultra HD TVs. The displays are now available through Best Buy, Amazon, and more, as well as www.lemall.com. In addition, the company has also detailed a special DirecTV Now promotion for select LeEco purchases. "We continue to bring to life our vision of a connected ecosystem that puts content at the center of the experience. With today's announcements, we are making our premium products and the best content even more accessible," said Danny Bowman, Chief Revenue Officer for LeEco North America. "We've had tremendous success with our direct-to-consumer ecommerce site, LeMall.com, but we're thrilled to be working with the top retailers to make our products more accessible." The premium uMax85 is an 85-inch Ultra HD TV with a slim industrial design and a full array LED panel with 448 active local dimming zones. In addition, the display supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision, along with Fluid Motion 1920 Display Technology and Harmon Kardon speakers. Under the hood, the smart TV is powered by a quad-core ARM Cortex CPU and quad-core ARM Mali-T820 GPU, 4GB of DDR3 RAM, and 64GB of internal SSD (Solid State Drive) storage. Meanwhile, the Super4 X Series displays use ultra-slim frames and ultra-narrow bezels. The Ultra HD TVs feature LCD LED panels with HDR support. Under the hood, the displays are each powered by a quad-core ARM Cortex CPU, a quad-core ARM Mali-T820 GPU, and 3GB DDR3 RAM. The 43-inch model includes 16GB of internal SSD storage, while the 55-inch and 65-inch models include 32GB. In addition, the 55-inch and 65-inch models also feature Harmon Kardon speakers. Finally, all four displays incorporate "eui," LeEco's fully native Android TV interface. The uMax85 85-inch Ultra HD TV ($4,999) and the Super4 X Series 43-inch ($649), 55-inch ($899), and 65-inch (1,399) Ultra HD TVs are now available. And as a special added bonus, from November 29 through January 5, customers who purchase a LeEco ecophone (Le S3 and Le Pro3) or Super4 X43 Pro ecotv will receive access to DIRECTV NOW for 3 months. Likewise, customers who buy a Super4 X55 or Super4 X65 will receive access to DIRECTV NOW for 6 months, and customers who purchase a uMax85 will receive access to DIRECTV NOW for 12 months. Source: LeEcoPosted Thu Dec 1, 2016 at 01:00 PM PST by: -
Turner & Criterion Bring FilmStruck Streaming Service to Apple TV[teaser]The streaming platform geared toward film buffs is now available on Apple TV.[/teaser] The Criterion Collection and Turner Classic Movies have announced the addition of FilmStruck to the Apple TV. The ad-free subscription platform offers a curated and constantly refreshed library of streaming independent, art-house, international, cult, and contemporary cinema. "FilmStruck is a departure from the timeless Hollywood classics that we offer at TCM and a genuinely distinct offering for the streaming marketplace, focusing on a thoughtfully curated experience around hard-to-find, critically acclaimed, independent films from the most celebrated libraries in the world," said Jennifer Dorian, general manager of TCM and FilmStruck. "By combining the expertise at TCM and the Criterion Collection - two of the leading authorities in film preservation and history - we have created something really special that is a must-have for passionate film lovers." FilmStruck offers a mix of contemporary and classic arthouse, indie, foreign and cult films from many major studios and independent distributors, including Janus Films, Flicker Alley, Icarus Films, Kino, Milestone, Zeitgeist, Film Movement, Global Lens, First Run Features, Oscilloscope Laboratories, Shout Factory, Warner Bros., and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). Likewise, the platform also includes extensive bonus content, filmmaker interviews and rare footage. Titles set to be featured include 'Babette's Feast,' 'Blood Simple,' 'Blow-Up,' 'Breaker Morant,' 'A Hard Day's Night,' 'Mad Max,' 'Metropolis,' 'Moulin Rouge,' 'My Life as a Dog,' 'Paths of Glory,' 'The Player,' 'A Room with a View,' 'Seven Samurai,' 'The Seventh Seal,' 'The Unbearable Lightness of Being,' 'Stardust Memories,' 'The Trip to Bountiful,' 'The Umbrellas of Cherbourg' and more. And beyond the standard FilmStruck library, subscribers can aslo sign up for the Criterion Channel -- a premium add-on service dedicated to the Criterion Collection with access to the company's entire streaming library of films and special features. Here's a full rundown of subscription plans per the press release: - FilmStruck Subscription: $6.99/month, offering hundreds of constantly refreshed, hard-to-find and critically acclaimed films, plus exclusive bonus content including hosted introductions, originally produced pieces, interviews and rare footage. - FilmStruck + The Criterion Channel Subscription: $10.99/month, offering everything in the FilmStruck subscription plus unlimited access to Criterion's entire streaming library of films and special features, along with channel-exclusive original programming such as filmmaker profiles, master classes, and curated series by celebrated guests from the film world and beyond. - Annual Subscription: $99/year for FilmStruck + The Criterion Channel (a $30 annual savings). FilmStruck is now available for Apple TV 4th generation devices through the Apple App store. In addition, the serive is also available for Amazon Fire TV, web, iOS and Android devices. New users can receive a special 14-day free trial. Source: FilmStruckPosted Thu Dec 1, 2016 at 11:30 AM PST by: -
Verizon & Fingerprint Team Up for New GizmoTab Next-Gen Kid's Tablet[teaser]The educational tablet is now available through Verizon.[/teaser] Verizon and Fingerprint have announced the launch of the new GizmoTab next-gen kid's tablet. The device features Fingerprint's family-friendly digital platform with hundreds of fun, educational apps curated and merchandised by age, subject, media type, and popular themes. "With the addition of the GizmoTab, Verizon has created a portfolio of family products that parents can trust and their children will enjoy for years to come," said Jeffrey Dietel, vice president, wireless devices, Verizon. "Since the launch of the Verizon Gizmo product line, we spent a lot of time listening to what our customers wanted in a kid's tablet. Parents told us that they wanted trusted and relevant content that would engage their children and the ability to add their own content. The GizmoTab meets both of those needs. We've created a great tablet kids and parents will love." The tablet features an 8" IPS TFT LCD display with a resolution of 1920x1200 and 282 PPI. Under the hood, the device is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 Octa Core processor running Android Marshmallow OS along with 3GB of RAM and a 5,100mAh battery. An 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera are integrated as well. Designed with children in mind, the GizmoTab's app library helps parents ensure quality screen time along with the ability to measure and tailor a child's progress and set appropriate time limits. In addition, customers who activate the tablet on Verizon's 4G LTE network will receive free unlimited access to 300 premium curated learning apps featuring brands like Crayola, DreamWorks Animation, Hasbro, The Jim Henson Company, Highlights for Children, HiT Entertainment, National Geographic, Sesame Workshop, Toca Boca, and more. Verizon's GizmoTab is now available for $250 without a plan or $80 with a new two-year contract. Sources: Verizon, FingerprintPosted Thu Dec 1, 2016 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
HBO & Cinemax Join Amazon Channels Streaming Lineup for Prime Members[teaser]Prime members can now subscribe to HBO and Cinemax directly through Amazon. [/teaser] Amazon has announced the addition of HBO and Cinemax streaming subscription plans to its Amazon Channels lineup. As part of the launch, Prime members can now sign up for a monthly HBO subscription for $15 per month. Likewise, users can also subscribe to a monthly Cinemax plan for $10 per month. "HBO has produced some of the most groundbreaking, beloved and award-winning shows in television history. Their selection of blockbuster movies is unsurpassed, including hits like Batman vs. Superman, The Revenant, and Deadpool. And, our customers have been asking when all that wonderful content will be available on Amazon Channels," said Michael Paull, Vice President, Digital Video, Amazon. "Prime members can now watch the latest episodes of the critically-acclaimed Westworld and Game of Thrones without the need for a cable subscription. We're thrilled to work with HBO to bring their cutting-edge content to Amazon Prime members with Amazon Channels." With HBO and Cinemax through Amazon Channels, users get full streaming access to each network's lineup of series, original films, miniseries, sports, documentaries, specials, and blockbuster movies whenever they want without a traditional cable or satellite subscription. HBO highlights include all episodes of the newest and most popular shows like 'Westworld,' 'Divorce,' 'Insecure,' 'Ballers,' and 'Game of Thrones,' along with hit movies like 'Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice,' 'The Revenant,' 'Deadpool,' 'Joy,' 'The Martian,' 'Ride Along 2,' 'Sisters,' 'Straight Outta Compton,' and more. "For years now, Amazon has demonstrated an incomparable capability for bringing customers exactly what they want, in all the ways they want it," said Sofia Chang, Executive Vice President, Worldwide Digital Distribution and Home Entertainment, HBO. "We have a very successful partnership with this great company that continues to evolve. We share the goal of providing Amazon customers more ways to access all of the high-quality HBO and Cinemax programming they’ve been asking for." Amazon Prime members can sign up for HBO and Cinemax through Amazon Channels now. And beyond HBO and Cinemax, the service offers a growing collection of over 80 premium and specialty channels to choose from. A current Amazon Prime subscription costs $99 per year or $11 per month. Likewise, Prime Video is available as a standalone service for $9 per month. Source: AmazonPosted Thu Dec 1, 2016 at 09:30 AM PST by: -
YouTube Launches 4K Ultra HD Live Streaming Support[teaser]The internet video platform now offers 4K live streaming capabilities.[/teaser] YouTube has announced the addition of 4K live streaming support. As part of the update, users can now watch and create 4K live streams of standard videos and 360 degree videos. With 4K live streaming, YouTube creators and partners can now broadcast standard and 360 Ultra HD content in real time. Likewise, viewers can enjoy the live streams on supported 4K devices. YouTube first launched 4K video support in 2010, and since then the platform has amassed the largest library of online 4K videos. YouTube 4K content is supported at up to 60 frames per second, allowing users to upload and watch highly detailed, smooth video. And with 360 degree support as well, viewers can experience immersive Ultra HD videos from all angles. To help kick off the new feature, YouTube will be live streaming the Game Awards tomorrow, December 1 at 9 p.m. EST / 6 p.m. PST in its entirety in 4K resolution. Beyond the platform's new 4K live streaming feature, YouTube also recently launched HDR (high dynamic range) video playback and upload support. High Dynamic Range content offers enhanced contrast with more detailed highlights and shadows. Likewise, HDR YouTube videos also include support for a wider color gamut. In addition, YouTube recently released a standalone VR (virtual reality) app for the Daydream View headset as well. The app was designed specifically for VR, offering a growing collection of 360 degree videos. Users can also watch standard videos on a virtual movie screen through the app's new theater mode. Google's Daydream View is now available through Verizon, Best Buy, and the Google Store for $79. Source: YouTubePosted Wed Nov 30, 2016 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
Netflix Adds Download Feature for iOS and Android Mobile Devices[teaser]Users can now download content for offline viewing.[/teaser] Netflix has announced the launch of a download feature for mobile devices. The new option is now available through the latest Netflix app on iOS and Android smartphones and tablets. With the new download feature, Netflix subscribers can now save content for offline viewing, allowing them to keep watching titles in situations where an internet connection might not be available. Users simply need to click on the download button located on the details page of the selected film or TV series. Several movies and shows are available for download starting today -- including 'Orange is The New Black,' 'Narcos' and 'The Crown' -- and support for more titles will be added in the future. Netflix mobile downloading is offered with all plans at no extra charge. A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Upcoming Netflix premieres include 'Pacific Heat' on December 2, 'Reggie Watts: Spatial' on December 6, 'Fuller House' season two on December 9, 'Barry' on December 16, 'Gabriel lglesias: I'm Sorry For What I Said When I Was Hungry' on December 20, 'Travelers' on December 23, 'A Series of Unfortunate Events' on January 13, 'David Brent: Life on the Road' on February 10, and 'Iron Fist' on March 17. Likewise, the streaming platform is also prepping new seasons of 'Chelsea,' 'Lady Dynamite,' and 'Real Rob,' the second season of 'Stranger Things' for 2017, the third season of 'Bloodline' for 2017, new episodes of the documentary series 'Making a Murderer,' 'Bill Nye Saves the World' for 2017, Marvel's 'The Punisher,' Marvel's 'Defenders,' a new 'Lost in Space' series, Spike Lee's 'She's Gotta Have It,' the final season of 'Longmire,' the South Korean disaster film 'Pandora,' and a feature film adaptation of the manga 'Death Note.' Source: NetflixPosted Wed Nov 30, 2016 at 09:30 AM PST by: -
Doug Jones, Michelle Yeoh, and Anthony Rapp Join 'Star Trek: Discovery' Cast, Streaming Premiere Set for May 2017[teaser]Three cast members have been confirmed for the upcoming streaming show.[/teaser] CBS has announced the addition of Doug Jones, Michelle Yeoh, and Anthony Rapp to the cast of 'Star Trek: Discovery.' The series is set to premiere on CBS All Access in May 2017. Star Trek, one of the most iconic and influential global television franchises, returns to television 50 years after it first premiered with STAR TREK: DISCOVERY. The series will feature a new ship, new characters, and new missions, while embracing the same ideology and hope for the future that inspired a generation of dreamers and doers. According to the press release, Doug Jones is set to star as Lt. Saru," a Starfleet Science Officer and a new alien species to the Star Trek universe. Meanwhile, Michelle Yeoh will star as "Captain Georgiou," the Starfleet Captain aboard the Starship Shenzhou. Finally, Anthony Rapp will play "Lt. Stamets," an astromycologist, fungus expert, and Starfleet Science Officer aboard the Starship Discovery. A special premiere episode of 'Star Trek: Discovery' will air on CBS in May 2017. Following that initial broadcast, all first run episodes of the show will be available exclusively through the CBS All Access streaming platform in the US. In addition, the series will stream globally (outside of the US and Canada) through Netflix. CBS All Access offers next day streaming for new episodes of many popular shows and a library of over 8,500 on demand episodes, including content from current programs like 'Limitless' and 'Elementary,' and classic series like 'Star Trek' and 'Cheers.' Likewise, customers in more than 150 markets across the US -- including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and Philadelphia -- can watch live local CBS broadcasts through the app. The service is available in two subscription plans: reduced commercials for $5.99 per month or commercial-free for $9.99 per month. The commercial free option offers ad-free playback of on demand content and upcoming original shows. With that said, live streaming will still include the same commercials found in standard over-the-air broadcasts. The service is currently available through the Xbox One, PS4, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick with Voice Remote, Roku players, Roku TVs, Apple TV, Chromecast, Xbox 360, and Windows 10, iOS and Android products. New customers can sign up for a one week free trial now at https://www.cbs.com/allaccess. Source: CBSPosted Wed Nov 30, 2016 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
VLC Launches Technical Preview App for 360-Degree Video Playback[teaser]A new preview app with 360 degree video support is now available for download.[/teaser] VLC has announced the release of the VLC 360-Degree Technical Preview for Windows and Mac platforms. Help in developing the app was provided by Giroptic, who offered 360 degree samples, cameras, code, and expertise. "VLC is one of the video players most widely used in the world. We are very proud to contribute our expertise in 360° to this open source player. This will allow the millions of VLC users to take full advantage of a promising new technology and be widely involved in its democratization.", said Richard Ollier, co-founder and CEO of Giroptic. With the VLC 360-Degree Technical Preview, users can now play 360 degree videos and images directly with VLC. The app is now available for Windows 7 and later, and macOS 10.10 and later. Likewise, the company has posted three 360 test samples for download -- Eagle video, Surfers video, and Mountain panorama (photo). Here's a full rundown of the app's features: - Playback of 360 Videos following the Spatial Video spec- Playback of 360 Photos and Panoramas following the Spherical spec- Display modes with Zoom, Little planet and Reverse little planet- Control it with your Mouse and Keyboard Future versions of VLC are expected to bring these features to additional platforms, including Android, iOS and Xbox One. In addition, mobile versions will use smartphone sensors to navigate inside the videos. Likewise, the company plans to offer support for VR headsets and platforms like the HTC Vive, Daydream, Oculus, and OSVR in 2017. Finally, 3D audio playback, including head tracking headphones, is planned for the future as well. Source: VideoLANPosted Tue Nov 29, 2016 at 02:30 PM PST by: -
Netflix Acquires 'Medici: Masters of Florence,' Streaming Premiere Set for December 9[teaser]The new series starring Richard Madden and Dustin Hoffman will start streaming in December.[/teaser] Netflix has announced its latest original series, 'Medici: Masters of Florence.' The show comes from award-winning writer and executive producer Frank Spotnitz ('The Man in the High Castle,' 'The X-Files') and Nicholas Meyer ('The Seven Per-Cent Solution,' 'Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan'). "I am delighted that millions of viewers will be able to see Medici: Masters of Florence as a Netflix Original Series," said Big Light Chief Executive Frank Spotnitz, the show's co-creator and executive producer. "I was thrilled by the incredible response we got from our Italian audience, and I can't wait to see how viewers around the world respond." The 8 x 60-minute drama series stars Richard Madden ('Game of Thrones,' 'Cinderella') and twice Oscar® winner and four times BAFTA winner Dustin Hoffman with credits such as 'Rain Man,' 'Tootsie' and 'Kramer vs Kramer,' as members of the legendary Medici family, who turned a modest family business into a banking empire and went on to fund the Renaissance. 'Medici: Masters of Florence' will premiere as a Netflix original in the US, UK, Ireland, Canada, and India on December 9. The series is produced by Lux Vide, Big Light Productions, Wild Bunch TV and RAI Fiction. A second season has already been greenlit. Other upcoming Netflix premieres include 'Pacific Heat' on December 2, 'Reggie Watts: Spatial' on December 6, 'Fuller House' season two on December 9, 'Barry' on December 16, 'Gabriel lglesias: I'm Sorry For What I Said When I Was Hungry' on December 20, 'Travelers' on December 23, 'A Series of Unfortunate Events' on January 13, 'David Brent: Life on the Road' on February 10, and 'Iron Fist' on March 17. A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: NetflixPosted Tue Nov 29, 2016 at 01:00 PM PST by: -
Sling TV Readies Cloud DVR Beta for Roku Devices[teaser]The streaming TV platform is rolling out a new DVR feature.[/teaser] Sling TV has announced plans to launch a Cloud DVR beta program. The beta will initially be available on Roku streaming players and Roku TVs in December. As part of the Cloud DVR beta, eligible customers will receive 100 hours of free cloud DVR storage, allowing them to record their favorite shows and movies on the Sling TV service. Here's a rundown of key features per the press release: • Entertainment on your time – Record movies, episodes, full series and more and watch the TV you want whenever is best for you. You'll also be able to pause, rewind or fast-forward your recorded content. DVR functionality not available on all channels.• Conflict-free recording – Users may record multiple programs simultaneously, with no recording conflicts.• Easy access – Your DVR content will be integrated directly into your “My TV” screen, so you can get to your recordings easily and quickly.• Simple space management – Just sit back and relax! We’ll automatically manage your DVR space to make room for new recordings by deleting the oldest ‘watched’ recording when capacity is full, so you don’t have to! Sling TV users who subscribe to Sling Orange and/or Sling Blue using a Roku device can now request an invitation to the Cloud DVR beta program by visiting www.sling.com/dvr. The base Sling TV Orange plan currently costs $20 per month and features more than 30 channels, including Disney/ESPN stations. Meanwhile, the base Sling TV Blue plan costs $25 per month and features more than 40 channels, including FOX and NBC stations. Finally, customers can also opt to combine both plans for $40 per month. Source: Sling TVPosted Tue Nov 29, 2016 at 12:30 PM PST by:
