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Sony Adds EPIX Hits and Machinima Channels to PlayStation Vue Cloud-Based TV Service[teaser]Two new channels have been added to the streaming platform. [/teaser] Sony has announced the latest additions to its PlayStation Vue internet TV service. Subscribers can now sign up for packages that include EPIX Hits and Machinima. EPIX Hits offers popular live and on-demand movies like 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1' (premieres 10/23) and 'Transformers: Age of Extinction.' The station is available as a premium pack with Showtime for $14 per month; included as part of the Elite package for $70 per month; or as a standalone add-on to the Access and Core packages for $4 per month. Meanwhile, Machinima features "daily entertainment shows and the most innovative programming from the gaming and fandom universe, along with new gameplay and hundreds of hours of the best content curated from the Machinima network." The channel is available as part of the $70 per month Elite package or as a standalone station for $4 per month. PlayStation Vue is currently available through the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 in New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, and Miami. As part of a special promotion, customers who subscribe to the EPIX Hits and Showtime premium package in 2015 will receive a special monthly rate of $11.49 (or $9.99 for PS Plus members) for one year. Source: SonyPosted Wed Sep 30, 2015 at 11:30 AM PDT by: -
Chromecast Audio Brings Music Streaming to Existing Speakers, Price set for $35[teaser]The new device turns speakers into smart speakers. [/teaser] Google has revealed a new addition to its product lineup. The Chromecast Audio is designed to bring music streaming capabilities to existing speakers. The compact, circular shaped device can plug into a customer's existing speakers through an RCA, 3.5mm, or Optical input. Once the Chromecast Audio is connected, users can stream music from their mobile devices or laptops to their speakers through Wi-Fi. Many popular music services are supported, including Pandora, Google Play Music, iHeartRadio Rdio, and Spotify. Customers simply need to press the Cast button from the app, and the music will instantly play through their connected speakers without any need for pairing. The Chromecast Audio is launching today for $35. In addition, Google also recently announced an updated Chromecast model. Source: GooglePosted Tue Sep 29, 2015 at 10:30 AM PDT by: -
Google Releases New Chromecast with Improved Wi-Fi for $35![teaser]An updated Chromecast model has been revealed. [/teaser] Google has announced a new version of its popular streaming dongle. The new Chromecast features a circular design and improved performance. Like the previous model, the new Chromecast is an HDMI dongle that allows customers to cast media from mobile devices and computers to their big-screen TVs. With support for dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz 802.11ac Wi-Fi, the updated Chromecast offers greatly improved connection speeds and stability. In addition, the model features a revamped app that makes it easier for customers to stream their favorite content. Likewise, the new circular design makes it easier to plug into a user's display. Models will be available in black, coral, and lemonade. Google's new Chromecast is launching today for $35. In addition, the company also recently announced a Chromecast Audio model. Source: GooglePosted Tue Sep 29, 2015 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: JBL Studio 200 Series Speakers up to 40% Off![teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering a significant discount on select JBL speakers! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing electronics sales and promotions, Amazon is running a limited time deal on JBL's Studio 200 Series speakers. JBL Studio 210 2-Way On-Wall Surround Loudspeaker (Pair) - Currently $250 (35% off). JBL Studio 220 4-Inch 2-Way Bookshelf Loudspeaker (Pair) - Currently $200 (39% off). JBL Studio 230 6.5-Inch 2-Way Bookshelf Loudspeaker (Pair) - Currently $300 (32% off). JBL Studio 225C Dual 4-Inch 2-Way Center Channel Loudspeaker - Currently $200 (27% off). JBL Studio 235C Dual 6.5-Inch 2-Way Center Channel Loudspeaker - Currently $250 (40% off). JBL Sub 250P 10-Inch 200-Watt Powered Subwoofer - Currently $300 (39% off). JBL Sub 260P 12-Inch 300-Watt Powered Subwoofer - Currently $400 (39% off). JBL Studio 270 6.5-Inch 3-Way Floorstanding Loudspeaker - Currently $300 (32% off). JBL Studio 280 Dual 6.5-Inch 3-Way Floorstanding Loudspeaker - Currently $350 (36% off). JBL Studio 290 Dual 8-Inch 3-Way Floorstanding Loudspeaker - Currently $400 (39% off). As always, 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 Mon Sep 28, 2015 at 12:30 PM PDT by: -
Memento Smart Frame Features 4K Ultra HD Display for Digital Photos[teaser]The smart picture frame supports 4K resolution. [/teaser] Memento Electronics is running a Kickstarter campaign to help increase manufacturing capacity and add new features to its Memento Smart Frame. The smart frame allows customers to display their photos in Ultra HD resolution. The Memento Smart Frame uses a 4K Ultra HD screen to display 7 megapixels with an optimized 3:2 aspect ratio and over 1 billion colors. In addition, the frame uses proprietary Print Display 4K technology to simulate the appearance of a high-quality physical print. Likewise, the device features an optical sensor that automatically adjusts the display's brightness to fit the room's ambient lighting. Internal storage for over 3,000 images is included as well, along with Wi-Fi connectivity for changing the photos on display. Customers can even control the device and load/change pictures through an iOS or Android app. Finally, the frame's paper-thin and flexible FlatWire power cable can be painted to virtually disappear into a customer's decor and is foldable to go around corners. Models will be available in 25": 30" X 23" ($699), and 35": 41" X 31" ($899) sizes. Kickstarter orders are expected to start shipping in February 2016. Source: Memento Smart FramePosted Fri Sep 25, 2015 at 05:00 PM PDT by: -
CNN Announces Virtual Reality Live Stream for Democratic Debate on Samsung Gear VR[teaser]The debate will be streamed in virtual reality. [/teaser] CNN and NextVR have announced plans to live stream the upcoming Democratic Presidential Debate in virtual reality. This will mark the first-ever live stream of a news event in virtual reality. The debate will be presented in full 3D immersive virtual reality through the NextVR platform, allowing users to enjoy a virtual front row seat that enables them to shift their perspective around the room. The technology was previously used to capture the CNN Republican Debate at the Ronald Reagan Library in 360-degree virtual reality. Users who own a Samsung Gear VR headset can now download that event from the NextVR portal in the Oculus Store. The CNN Democratic Presidential Debate will be live streamed in virtual reality on October 13. The Samsung Gear VR Innovator Edition is currently available for $200. In addition, Samsung recently announced an upcoming consumer model for $99. Source: CNNPosted Fri Sep 25, 2015 at 01:00 PM PDT by: -
Amazon Celebrates 5 Wins from 67th Primetime Emmy Awards with $67 Prime Memberships Today Only![teaser]Amazon is discounting its Prime membership cost for one day only! [/teaser] To celebrate the five wins for its original series 'Transparent' at the recent 67th Primetime Emmy Awards, Amazon is offering customers a special one-day Prime discount. Today, the company has reduced the price of its Prime membership to just $67 -- $32 off the regular cost of $99. "This has been an incredibly exciting year—with the Golden Globes wins in January and now twelve nominations and five Primetime Emmy wins. We are thrilled to celebrate Transparent with our customers by offering a Prime discount," said Michael Paull, Vice President of Digital Video for Amazon. "Congratulations again to Jill Soloway, Jeffrey Tambor and the cast and crew of Transparent for making such a beautiful show, and to our customers—enjoy!" 'Transparent' follows an LA family with serious boundary issues as their past and future unravel when a dramatic admission causes everyone's secrets to spill out. The show stars Jeffrey Tambor, Judith Light, Amy Landecker, Jay Duplass, and Gaby Hoffmann. The series won five Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series and Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series. The second season will premiere on Prime Video on December 4. Amazon Prime service includes free 2-day shipping, Prime Instant Video, Prime Music, the Kindle Owners' Lending Library, and more. Customers can sign up for the one-day Prime discount at Amazon.com/TransparentPrime now! The sale will run until 11:59 p.m. PT. Source: AmazonPosted Fri Sep 25, 2015 at 11:30 AM PDT by: -
Netflix Launches Support for Virtual Reality Headsets, Hulu and More to Follow[teaser]Several streaming services have announced VR support. [/teaser] Netflix has released its first app for virtual reality headsets. The new app for Oculus VR devices allows subscribers to watch Netflix content in a virtual environment. Click here for detailed information about how the app works! In addition to Netflix, other streaming services like Hulu, Twitch, and Vimeo have also announced plans to release Oculus VR apps. Like Netflix, The Hulu app will also allow customers to watch 2D streaming content in a virtual environment. For instance, viewers streaming episodes of 'Seinfeld,' will be able to watch the show in a recreation of Jerry's apartment. Likewise, the company will be releasing original virtual reality short-form content as well. The first of these VR shorts is called 'The Big One' and features a meteor shower that turns into an apocalyptic nightmare. "Hulu lives at the intersection of technology and entertainment, and this is a great example," said Julian Eggebrecht, Hulu VP of Device Platforms. "Providing viewers with dynamic environments of their choice and themed around their favorite shows provides a whole new level of engagement, which together with our cinematic VR experiences makes Hulu an exciting VR destination." Netflix for Oculus VR is now available on the Samsung Gear VR headset. Release dates for the other streaming services have not been announced yet. Sources: Netflix, Hulu, EngadgetPosted Thu Sep 24, 2015 at 05:30 PM PDT by: -
Fox Readies More than 100 Movies for Oculus VR Cinema, Including 'X-Men: Days of Future Past' and 'Birdman'[teaser]The studio has pledged its support for virtual reality devices. [/teaser] Oculus and 20th Century Fox have announced a partnership to bring more than 100 movies to the new Oculus Video app, allowing viewers to watch titles in a virtual cinema. "VR cinema is a new way of presenting our movies, and has the opportunity to bring in mass market consumers to virtual reality. With Oculus Video, we are leveraging the scale and flexibility of mobile, while continuing to deliver a powerful, emotional experience for consumers," said Mike Dunn, president of Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, in a statement. Titles announced so far include 'Alien,' 'Life of Pi,' 'Birdman,' 'Gone Girl,' 'Kingsman: The Secret Service,' 'Taken,' 'The Maze Runner,' 'The Wolverine,' 'X-Men: Days of Future Past,' 'Black Swan,' 'Cast Away,' 'Die Hard,' 'Predator,' and 'Office Space.' In addition to Fox, Lionsgate has also announced plans to support the Oculus Video platform. Though not full VR experiences, the movies will be presented in 2D or 3D in a virtual theater environment. The Fox VR Cinema titles will be available through the Oculus Store at launch. The app will be supported by the upcoming Samsung Gear VR and the Oculus Rift headset. Sources: The Hollywood Reporter, Forbes, EngadgetPosted Thu Sep 24, 2015 at 04:30 PM PDT by: -
Samsung & Oculus Announce Gear VR Headset for Consumers, Price Set at $99[teaser]The first consumer version of the Gear VR has been detailed. [/teaser] Samsung and Oculus have revealed their first Gear VR device designed for consumers. The mobile headset is compatible with a variety of smartphones, offering virtual reality film and gaming content. "Samsung has been at the forefront of delivering mobile experiences and 'Gear VR Innovator Edition' launched last year was no exception," said JK Shin, CEO and President of IT & Mobile Division, Samsung Electronics. "We see virtual reality as the next computing platform, and we are thrilled to partner with Oculus on Gear VR to set the standard for mobile VR and bring this revolutionary product to consumers." The consumer Gear VR offers several improvements over the previous Gear VR Innovator Edition, including new foam cushioning and an updated touchpad. Likewise, the device is now 22% lighter, weighing just 310g and offers an FOV of 96 degrees. "Together with Samsung, we've redefined virtual reality and created the best mobile VR experience available today," said Brendan Iribe, CEO, Oculus. “On Gear VR, people are playing immersive VR games with friends, sharing 360 video experiences, and teleporting around the world with photos and videos – and it's only the beginning for what’s possible with mobile VR." Samsung's Gear VR will be compatible with the Galaxy Note 5, S6 edge+, S6, and S6 edge smartphones, using each device's super AMOLED display to help create an immersive VR experience. The Gear VR will be available this fall in Frost White for a suggested retail price of $99. Source: SamsungPosted Thu Sep 24, 2015 at 12:45 PM PDT by: