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Amazon Offers Limited Time Discount on Amazon Tap Alexa-Enabled Portable Bluetooth Speaker[teaser]The mobile voice-controlled Bluetooth speaker is now on sale. [/teaser] Amazon is now offering a limited time discount on its Amazon Tap Alexa-Enabled Portable Bluetooth Speaker. The device is currently on sale for $110, down 15% from its list price of $130. The Amazon Tap is designed to serve as a mobile version of the Echo. The Tap is a portable Alexa-enabled speaker with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The device uses dual stereo speakers with Dolby processing to offer 360 degree omni directional audio. Users can simply tap the microphone button to enable the Alexa Voice Service, allowing them to ask for music, make searches, hear news, order products and more. The speaker is rated for up to nine hours of playback. Beyond the Tap, Amazon also offers the Echo Dot and Echo as part of their family of Alexa-enabled audio products. The Echo is an always-on device that uses Wi-Fi to connect to the cloud through Amazon Web Services, allowing customers to ask for information, music, news, weather, and more. Likewise, thanks to its cloud integration, Echo actually adapts to your speech patterns, vocabulary, and personal preferences over time. The speaker features Far-field voice recognition that uses seven microphones to pick up a customer's commands. A 2.5-inch woofer and a 2-inch tweeter are integrated as well, offering 360 degree omni directional audio. The Amazon Echo is now available for $180. Meanwhile, the Echo Dot is a hands free, voice controlled puck shaped device. Just like Echo, Dot uses far-field voice recognition. The product is designed to be connected to existing speakers through an audio cable of Bluetooth, allowing users to add voice control to their sound systems. In addition, the device also includes a small integrated speaker for use as an alarm clock or a voice assistant for smart home devices. Echo Dot is currently available exclusively to Prime members for $90 through Alexa Voice Shopping in limited quantities. Buyers simply need to say "Alexa, order an Echo Dot," into their Echo or Fire TV to make a purchase. Source: AmazonPosted Tue Jun 14, 2016 at 12:30 PM PDT by: -
Netflix Releases Trailer for 'Stranger Things' Starring Winona Ryder[teaser]The supernatural drama series will start streaming in July. [/teaser] Netflix has released a trailer for its newest original show. 'Stranger Things' is a throwback to the supernatural classics of the 80's and stars Winona Ryder. The show is written and directed by Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer ('Wayward Pines,' 'Hidden') In the series, a young boy vanishes into thin air. As friends, family, and local police search for answers, they are drawn into an extraordinary mystery involving top secret experiments, terrifying supernatural forces, and one very strange little girl. The series, set in Indiana, is a love letter to the ‘80s classics that captivated a generation. Stranger Things stars Winona Ryder ('Show Me a Hero'), David Harbour ('Suicide Squad'), Finn Wolfhard ('The 100,' 'Aftermath,' 'The Resurrection'), Millie Brown (BBC's 'Intruders,' 'Once Upon A Time,' 'NCIS'), Gaten Matarazzo ('The Blacklist'), Caleb McLaughlin ('The Lion King on Broadway'), Noah Schnapp ('Bridge of Spies,' 'The Peanuts Movie'), Natalia Dyer ('After Darkness,' 'Hannah Montana: The Movie'), Charlie Heaton ('Shut In,' 'Urban and the Shed Crew'), and Matthew Modine ('Weeds,' 'Proof'). The Duffer Brothers are writing, directing and showrunning the series, and will serve as executive producers along with Shawn Levy and Dan Cohen via their 21 Laps entertainment banner ('The Spectacular Now,' 'Night At The Museum,' 'Real Steel,' 'Date Night'). 'Stranger Things' is a Netflix production. Check out the trailer below! All eight, hour long episodes will premiere globally through Netflix on July 15. Other upcoming Netflix premieres include season four of 'Orange is the New Black' on June 17, 'Marco Polo' season two on July 1, the documentary 'Tony Robbins: I Am Not Your Guru' on July 15, season three of 'BoJack Horseman' on July 22, 'The Little Prince' on August 5, 'Project Mc2' season two on August 12, and 'The Crown' on November 4. Likewise, the streaming platform is also prepping a new sci-fi series called 'Travelers' from writer Brad Wright. A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: NetflixPosted Tue Jun 14, 2016 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
Philips Bundles 'Creed' with Upcoming Ultra HD Blu-ray Player, MSRP Set for $400[teaser]The Ultra HD Blu-ray player will come packaged with a copy of Warner Brothers' 'Creed.' [/teaser] P&F USA has announced plans to bundle the Ultra HD Blu-ray release of 'Creed' with its upcoming Philips branded BDP7501 Ultra HD Blu-ray player. The bundle will be available later this month for a suggested retail price of $400. The BDP7501 Ultra HD Blu-ray player features a compact design along with HDR support, HDMI 2.0a and 1.4a outputs, a dedicated HDMI audio out, and HDCP 2.2 compliancy. In addition to Ultra HD Blu-ray disc playback, the device offers Blu-ray 3D support and 4K upscaling. HEVC and VP9 decoding are integrated as well, allowing customers to watch 4K videos from streaming apps like Netflix and YouTube. Likewise, the players include Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding, and passthrough for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive audio formats. Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB connectivity are also included. Copies of 'Creed' on Ultra HD Blu-ray will be bundled with the player through September 30. The Ultra HD Blu-ray/Blu-ray/Digital HD combo pack features 2160p video with HDR and a DTS-HD MA soundtrack. Adonis Johnson (Michael B. Jordan), son of deceased world heavyweight champion Apollo Creed, has boxing in his blood. Looking to win his own title, Adonis heads to Philadelphia and convinces his father's rival-turned-friend, Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), to train him – even as Rocky battles his own deadly opponent outside the ring. Now Adonis has a shot, but first he must develop the heart of a true fighter in this new chapter of the Rocky story from critically acclaimed director Ryan Coogler. Order the Ultra HD Blu-ray The Philips Ultra HD Blu-ray player will join Samsung's previously released UBD-K8500 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player, which also retails for $400. In addition, Panasonic recently released its own DMP-UB900 Ultra HD Blu-ray player in Europe for £600, but exact US pricing and availability have not been detailed yet. Likewise, Sony has announced plans to offer an Ultra HD Blu-ray player as well, but it is not expected to arrive until 2017. Sources: HD Guru, TWICEPosted Mon Jun 13, 2016 at 04:30 PM PDT by: -
New Siri Features & Single Sign-On Are Heading to Apple TV[teaser]Several new features have been announced for Apple's set-top box. [/teaser] Apple has revealed expanded capabilities for the Apple TV. New features include updated Siri functionality and a single sign-on option. "The future of TV is apps, and Siri on Apple TV has changed the way we interact with our television and these expanded features will continue to deliver viewers what they want to watch even faster," said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services. "There are over 6,000 apps to enjoy on your Apple TV including over 1,300 video channels, which are even more fun to watch with the new Siri features combined with single sign-on." As part of the update, the Apple TV will receive several new Siri features, including the ability to search across more apps, YouTube search, topic search, and the option to tune into more live channels. Likewise, this fall users will also gain access to a single sign-on option, allowing customers to authenticate all the video channels from their pay-TV providers by signing in just once. In addition, updates for Apple Music, Photos, the Apple TV Remote App, and more are also part of the new upgrade. Here's a full rundown of new Siri capabilities per Apple's press release: - Topic search for movies: With the ability to ask Siri for a movie by topic or theme, you have even more ways to find the films you really feel like watching, such as "Show movies about baseball," "Find documentaries about cars," or "Find high school comedies from the '80s." - YouTube search: Later this month, users can ask Siri to search YouTube, so you can say "Search YouTube for cute pug videos."- Live tune-in: Ask Siri to go directly to a live channel inside a supported app, such as "Watch CBS News" or "Watch ESPN." - Manage HomeKit™ accessories: Apple TV gives users control of HomeKit-enabled accessories so you can ask Siri to "Turn on the lights" or "Set the temperature to 70 degrees." Apple TV also allows users to control HomeKit accessories when they are away from home or use it for home automation with the Home app on their iOS device. And here's a rundown of general new Apple TV features and updates per the press release: - iOS users can download the new Apple TV Remote app with touch navigation, Siri and game play support.- Apple Music® has an all-new design, bringing greater clarity and simplicity to every aspect of the experience. The Library, For You, Browse and Radio tabs have been completely redesigned to provide an even greater sense of place, and a Search tab has been added to make finding music even easier.- Photos for Apple TV now supports the new Memories feature, making it easy to rediscover meaningful moments in a user’s photo library and share them on the big screen.- While users love the bright and fresh Apple TV interface, some may prefer a darker background to fit a home theater environment or darker rooms, so now users can select a dark background for Apple TV. - Universal apps will now automatically download on Apple TV and show up on the Home screen when an app has been added to a user’s iOS device.When a keyboard appears on Apple TV, one will also appear on nearby iOS devices that are logged into the same iCloud account, making entering text even more convenient. Source: ApplePosted Mon Jun 13, 2016 at 02:15 PM PDT by: -
Sling TV Debuts on Apple TV with Updated Interface[teaser]The internet TV service is now available on Apple's streaming player. [/teaser] Apple has announced the addition of Sling TV to its app lineup. Users with fourth generation Apple TVs can now download the Sling TV app from the App Store, offering access to the platform's single-stream, beta multi-stream, Sling Latino and Sling International options. "Delivering the best TV experience for our viewers means being on the devices people want to use — Apple TV is our most requested platform, and we're excited to finally bring Sling TV to Apple TV today," said Roger Lynch, CEO of Sling TV. "Incorporating Apple TV innovations like touch with the Siri Remote will enable Sling TV's new UI to deliver the highly polished experience Apple fans have come to expect." To coincide with the launch, Sling TV is debuting a new user interface (UI) on the Apple TV. The new design offers better personalization and customization while improving content discovery and navigation. Likewise, the UI includes a new feature called My TV, "which allows customers to select their favorite channels, resume watching where they left off on select programs, and set favorite shows and movies for easy, one-click access." The single stream Sling TV "Best of Live TV" package currently includes ESPN, ESPN2, AMC, A&E, TNT, HISTORY, H2, TBS, Food Network, HGTV, Travel Channel, IFC, El Rey, Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Freeform, Disney Channel, CNN, Bloomberg TV, Local Now, Lifetime, Galavisión, and recent addition Comedy Central. As an added bonus, new Sling TV uses can now purchase a 32GB Apple TV for $89 when they pre-pay for three months of Sling TV’s single-stream service or beta multi-stream service. New users can sign up for Sling TV and access the Apple TV promotion through https://www.sling.com/devices/appletv. Beyond Apple TV, the Sling TV platform is available on Roku players, Roku TVs, the Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, PCs, Macs, Xbox One, Android and iOS devices, and more. Source: Sling TVPosted Mon Jun 13, 2016 at 01:00 PM PDT by: -
Netflix Readies 'Girlboss' Starring Britt Robertson[teaser]The new comedy series will start streaming next year. [/teaser] Netflix has announced its latest original show. 'Girlboss' is inspired by the NY Times best selling book #Girlboss by Sophia Amoruso, and is set to star Britt Robertson. In 'Girlboss,' Robertson portrays Sophia, a rebellious, broke anarchist who refuses to grow up. She stumbles upon her passion of selling vintage clothes online and becomes an unlikely businesswoman. As she builds her retail fashion empire, she realizes the value and the difficulty of being the boss of her own life. The series is created by Kay Cannon ('Pitch Perfect 2,' '30 Rock'). Cannon will also handle showrunning duties. Meanwhile, Charlize Theron ('Monster,' 'Young Adult') and Laverne McKinnon of Denver & Delilah Productions are on board as Executive Producers, along with Christian Ditter ('How to Be Single') and Sophia Amoruso. In addition, Christian Ditter will also direct the show. Actress Britt Robertson previously starred in the features films 'The Longest Ride' and 'Tomorrowland.' She can be seen next in 'The Space Between Us,' 'Mr. Church,' and 'A Dog’s Purpose.' An exact release date has not been announced yet, but the 13 episode, half hour comedy is set to make its streaming debut through Netflix in 2017. Other upcoming Netflix premieres include season four of 'Orange is the New Black' on June 17, 'Marco Polo' season two on July 1, the documentary 'Tony Robbins: I Am Not Your Guru' on July 15, season three of 'BoJack Horseman' on July 22, 'The Little Prince' on August 5, 'Project Mc2' season two on August 12, and 'The Crown' on November 4. Likewise, the streaming platform is also prepping a new sci-fi series called 'Travelers' from writer Brad Wight. A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: NetflixPosted Mon Jun 13, 2016 at 08:15 AM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Up to 40% off Speakers & Receivers![teaser]Amazon is offering big discounts on select home audio products! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing deals, Amazon is running a sale on speakers and receivers from KEF, Sharper Image, Pyle, Polk, and Sony. KEF X300A Wireless Digital Hi-Fi Speaker System - Linear White (Pair) - Currently $600 (40% off). Sony STR-DN850 7.2 Channel 4K AV Receiver - Currently $268 (30% off). Sharper Image 5.1 Home Theater Sound System - Currently $122 (19% off). Pyle PHITB65BK Bluetooth Sound Tower Speaker System - Currently $80 (14% off). Polk Audio PSW10 10-Inch Powered Subwoofer - Currently $100 (13% off). These deals will only be active for a limited time while supplies last. Make sure to stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more sales and special promotions!Posted Fri Jun 10, 2016 at 02:30 PM PDT by: -
Netflix Debuts Trailer for 'Marco Polo' Season Two, Streaming Premiere Set for July 1[teaser]The show's second season will arrive in July. [/teaser] Netflix has released an official trailer for season two of 'Marco Polo.' The 10 episode second season is set to premiere exclusively through Netflix on July 1. In a world replete with greed, betrayal, sexual intrigue and rivalry, Marco Polo is based on the famed explorer's adventures in Kublai Khan's court in 13th Century China, and the dark and tempestuous battle for the expanding Mongol empire. John Fusco, who wrote the Academy-Award nominated feature Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron is executive producer and showrunner along with Dan Minahan, whose previous work includes Homeland and Game of Thrones, with Patrick Macmanus, Harvey Weinstein, Bob Weinstein and Elizabeth Sarnoff as executive producers. The second season includes new and returning cast: Lorenzo Richelmy (Marco Polo), Michelle Yeoh (the Handmaiden), Benedict Wong (Kublai Khan), Joan Chen (Empress Chabi), Zhu Zhu (Kokachin), Tom Wu (Hundred Eyes), Olivia Cheng (Mei Lin), Claudia Kim (Khutulun), Rick Yune (Kaidu), Remy Hii (Prince Jingim), Mahesh Jadu (Ahmad) and Uli Latukefu (Byamba), among others. Check out the season two trailer below! All ten episodes of 'Marco Polo' season one and the show's 2015 Christmas Special are now available for streaming through Netflix. Other upcoming Netflix premieres include 'Voltron: Legendary Defender' on June 10, season four of 'Orange is the New Black' on June 17, the documentary 'Tony Robbins: I Am Not Your Guru' on July 15, season three of 'BoJack Horseman' on July 22, 'The Little Prince' on August 5, 'Project Mc2' season two on August 12, and 'The Crown' on November 4. Likewise, the streaming platform is also prepping a new sci-fi series called 'Travelers' from writer Brad Wight. A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: NetflixPosted Thu Jun 9, 2016 at 04:30 PM PDT by: -
Lenovo Reveals Phab 2 Pro, the World's First Google Tango Smartphone[teaser]The upcoming smartphone is the first to use Google Tango augmented reality technology. [/teaser] Lenovo has announced the latest addition to its smartphone lineup. The Phab 2 Pro is now the first Tango-enabled smartphone, offering augmented reality (AR) gaming and utilities. With Google Tango technology, the Phab 2 Pro uses a set of sensors and software to sense and map its surroundings, enabling an augmented reality experience through motion tracking, depth perception and area learning. In practice, this allows apps and games to overlay digital objects over a user's surroundings when looking through the smartphone's display. For instance, if a customer is shopping for a new bed, Tango AR technology allows them to view their bedroom through their phone while visualizing different options of virtual furniture in the space. Likewise, Tango gaming experience can allow users to play with a set of virtual dominoes on their kitchen table or fight against aliens invading their actual house. In addition, Google hopes that Tango will also help users navigate different real-world locations, like malls and museums through overlayed directions. Check out the video below for an example of the tech in action! Beyond the added benefits of Google Tango, the Lenovo Phab 2 Pro features a 6.4" QHD (1440 x 2560) Assertive Display with a 2.5D curved glass and 8.9 mm aluminum unibody design. Under the hood, the device is powered by a Snapdragon 652 processor Tango Edition, 4 GB of RAM, and a 4050 mAh 2.4 x turbo charging battery. A 16 MP rear camera and an 8 MP front camera are included as well. In addition, the smartphone offers Dolby Audio Capture 5.1 with Dolby Atmos playback capabilities. "Put simply, we wanted to take what was an amazing concept and transform it into a commercially viable mobile device," said Jeff Meredith, vice president and general manager of Android and Chrome Computing, Lenovo. "From the moment we saw Tango, we knew it could become pervasive, just like GPS. However, to truly make the PHAB2 Pro a game-changer, we developed it at an affordable price for mainstream consumers, delivering not just a bleeding-edge phone, but an all-around fantastic phone that’s first to market." Lenovo's Phab 2 Pro is expected to launch globally beginning in September. Prices will start at $499. Sources: Lenovo, GooglePosted Thu Jun 9, 2016 at 02:15 PM PDT by: -
Plex Adds Full Plex Media Server Support to NVIDIA Shield Streaming Player[teaser]The powerful streaming player can now act as a complete Plex solution. [/teaser] Plex has announced full media server support for the NVIDIA Shield. The 500GB model of the media player is now one of the first truly all-in-one Plex boxes on the market. Under the hood, the NVIDIA Shield is powered by an NVIDIA Tegra X1 processor; 256 core NVIDIA graphics 64-bit CPU; and 3 GB of RAM. The player is also Android TV Google Cast Ready and offers 4K Ultra HD playback at 60 fps. Likewise, the streaming box includes support for 10-bit color and HDR (high dynamic range) content. The base model includes 16 GB of storage; a microSD card slot; Wi-Fi; Gigabit Ethernet; USB 3.0; and a micro-USB SHIELD controller along with support for next-gen Android games. In addition, a larger 500 GB model is also available. Thanks to the player's beefy specs, owners of the NVIDIA Shield are now able to run an entire Plex server directly through their devices. This incorporates support for the Android TV interface and the full media server, including hardware accelerated video transcoding (H.264, MPEG2 and HEVC) with multiple simultaneous streams. Plex is currently finalizing full support for the NVIDIA Shield and plans to include new features in their next firmware update set for later this month. The NVIDIA Shield 16 GB model is now on sale for $180. Meanwhile, the NVIDIA Shield 500 GB model is currently available for $300. Plex also hopes to expand similar features and media server support to more devices in the future as well. And be sure to check out our full review of the Plex Pass Service! Source: Plex via EngadgetPosted Thu Jun 9, 2016 at 01:15 PM PDT by:
