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HTC Unveils One E9+ Smartphone with 5.5-inch Quad HD Screen[teaser]HTC's latest handset features the company's sharpest smartphone display. [/teaser] HTC has detailed its latest mobile device via a listing on its Chinese website. The upcoming smartphone features a Quad HD screen with an impressive 534ppi. The HTC One E9+ uses a 5.5-inch 2,560 x 1,440 display. Preliminary specs include a 64-bit octa-core 2GHz Mediatek CPU, 3GB of RAM, 16GB of storage, and a 2,800 mAh battery. A 20MP rear camera and an UltraPixel front camera are integrated as well, along with support for Dolby Audio and HTC BoomSound. It should be noted, however, that there are some discrepancies regarding the E9+ specs on HTC's Chinese website, and it's believed that there will also be a step-down standard E9 model with a 1080p screen, 2GB of RAM, and a 13MP rear camera. Pricing and availability for the HTC One E9+ have not been revealed yet. Sources: HTC via EngadgetPosted Mon Mar 30, 2015 at 05:30 PM PDT by: -
CNNgo Arrives on Apple TV, Offers Live & On-Demand News Content[teaser]The 24-hour news station is now streaming on the Apple TV. [/teaser] Apple and CNN have announced the addition of CNNgo to the Apple TV channel lineup. The app features access to live and on-demand news coverage. "CNNgo on Apple TV brings together our live CNN TV simulcast and deep library of original films, franchises and short-form video in a powerful, on-demand way unlike any product we've launched to date," said CNN's Chief Product Officer Alex Wellen. "Apple TV is the first critical platform in our digital strategy to reimagine the TV news experience." CNNgo now offers a selection of curated on-demand content for all Apple TV users. The clips are sorted by topic in the channel's "Must See" section. In addition, users with an authenticated pay-TV subscription can also enjoy Live TV and CNN Original Series like 'Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown,' 'Finding Jesus,' 'Mike Rowe's Sombody's Gotta Do It,' 'Morgan Spurlock Inside Man,' 'This is Life with Lisa Ling,' 'The Wonder List with Bill Weir' and 'Anderson Cooper's AC 360°.' The Apple TV is currently on sale for $68 following a recent price reduction. Rumors persist that Apple will announce a new version of its streaming media player in June. Source: CNNPosted Mon Mar 30, 2015 at 01:15 PM PDT by: -
Origin Acoustics Details New Subwoofer Models[teaser]The company has revealed three upcoming subwoofers. [/teaser] Origin Acoustics has announced its new Bassic Collection of subwoofers. The lineup includes 8-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch models. The 8-inch subwoofer offers 100 watts, the 10-inch model offers 150 watts, and the 12-inch model offers 250 watts. Each of the subwoofers uses class D amplification along with front-mounted controls for changing level, phase and crossover. This design makes it convenient for users to make adjustments whether the unit is placed against a wall or installed inside a cabinet. in addition, the subwoofers feature high-gloss enclosures, high and low level inputs, and magnetic grilles. Prices for the Bassic Collection will range from $600 to $1,200. Shipments are expected to begin in mid-April. Sources: TWICE, Origin AcousticsPosted Mon Mar 30, 2015 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Sony Adds AMC, IFC, Sundance, and More to PlayStation Vue Cloud-Based TV Service[teaser]More channels have arrived on the internet TV platform. [/teaser] Sony has announced the addition of four new channels to its PlayStation Vue service. The new networks are AMC, IFC, Sundance, and WEtv. PlayStation Vue is currently only available through the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 in New York City, Chicago, and Philadelphia. The service offers live and on-demand content from more than 85 channels, including popular stations from CBS, FOX, NBCUniversal, Viacom, Turner, Discovery Communications, Scripps Networks Interactive, and now recent addition AMC. The platform enables viewers to easily search through available programming with an intuitive interface and convenient personal recommendations. In addition, if customers tag a favorite series they will be given cloud access to episodes of that show for 28 days with no storage restrictions. AMC and WEtv are now included in all of the PlayStation Vue content packages, starting with the base Access package at $50 per month. IFC and Sundance are only available in the step-up Core ($60 per month) and Elite ($70 per month) packages. With these new channels, PlayStation Vue users now have access to many popular shows like 'The Walking Dead,' 'Better Call Saul,' and 'Portlandia.' A full nationwide PlayStation Vue launch is expected by the end of the year. Likewise, support for the Apple iPad and more non-Sony devices is planned for the future. PlayStation Vue now joins an increasing number of subscription based cord-cutting services, including Sling TV, CBS All Access, and HBO Now. Source: PlayStation BlogPosted Fri Mar 27, 2015 at 01:15 PM PDT by: -
HTC One M9 Smartphone Pre-Orders Begin March 27, Unlocked Model Starts at $649[teaser]HTC's new flagship smartphone will hit stores in April. [/teaser] HTC has announced pricing and availability for the HTC One M9. Pre-orders start March 27 at 12:01 AM ET for an April 10 release. "The craftsmanship of our new HTC One M9 resembles that of a fine watch. We’ve retained our iconic design but made it even better while not compromising on what is important to our customers," said Jason Mackenzie, president of HTC America. The HTC One M9 features a 5-inch full HD 1080p LCD display along with an elegant all-metal unibody design. Under the hood, the smartphone is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810, octa core 64-bit (4 x 2.0GHz + 4 x 1.5GHz) CPU, 3GB of RAM, and a 2840 mAh battery running Android 5.0 with HTC Sense 7. A 20MP rear camera with 4K video recording support, and an UltraPixel front camera with low-light capture support are included as well. In addition, the device includes HTC BoomSound along with dual front-facing speakers and simulated Dolby 5.1 surround sound. Finally, the purchase of an HTC One M9 includes the company's UH OH Protection that offers "a one-time free replacement within the first 12 months of purchase for cracked screens, water damage or a different carrier variant for customers wanting or needing to switch networks." The HTC One M9 with UH OH Protection will be available through AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon. Likewise, an unlocked version will be on sale through HTC's website for $649. Source: HTCPosted Thu Mar 26, 2015 at 01:30 PM PDT by: -
TCL Preps 2015 Roku HDTV Lineup, Prices Start at $219[teaser]The company has revealed its upcoming Roku TVs. [/teaser] TCL has announced three new series in its Roku TV lineup. The 3700 series, 3800 series, and 3850 series will offer a total of 11 models that range in size from 32-inches to 55-inches. "Partnering with Roku led to a huge success for TCL in 2014, and we're excited to offer 11 new models that give consumers a range of sizes, designs, and prices to choose from," said Chris Larson, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, TCL North America. "In an industry where a lot of Smart TV platforms are abandoned, Roku's ongoing commitment to consistently update its streaming platform with new features and streaming channels means the best smart TV of 2014 is even better in 2015 – exactly the experience we want for our customers." The entry-level 3700 series includes the 32-inch 32S3700 ($219 MSRP), 48-inch 48S3700 ($429 MSRP) and 55-inch 55S3700 ($598 MSRP). The latter two models feature full HD 1080p resolution. Meanwhile, the 3800 series will include the 32-inch 32S3800, 40-inch 40S3800, 48-inch 48S3800 and 50-inch 50S3800. All four 3800 series models feature 1080p picture. Finally, the top of the line 3850 series will include the 32-inch 32S3850, 40-inch 40S3850, 50-inch 50S3850 and 55-inch 55S3850. Each 3850 set features "a premium design with a metallic finish offered in gunmetal and an all-aluminum quad pedestal stand." In addition, all three series feature Roku's smart TV platform that offers an extensive lineup of apps, including support for the new Sling TV platform. TCL's 3700 series Roku TVs will be available later this month. The 3800 and 3850 series will launch in the second quarter of 2015. In addition, the company is also developing 4K Ultra HD Roku TVs, though details have not been announced yet. Source: TCL via PR NewswirePosted Thu Mar 26, 2015 at 12:30 PM PDT by: -
Samsung Reveals April 10 Release for Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge Smartphones, Pre-Orders Start March 27[teaser]Samsung's latest flagship phones will arrive early next month. [/teaser] Samsung has announced pricing and availability for its Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge smartphones. Pre-orders for both models will begin on March 27 for an April 10 release. "We have completely reimagined the Galaxy experience from the ground up by listening to what matters most to our customers," said Gregory Lee, president and CEO of Samsung Electronics North America Headquarters. "The Galaxy S 6 and Galaxy S 6 edge are more than just beautiful – they're better. We've improved the smartphone essentials – camera, battery, display – and redesigned the phone experience so our consumer and business users are empowered to do more." The Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge both feature 5.1-inch Quad HD 2560x1440 Super AMOLED displays with 577ppi. In addition, the edge model uses a dual edge screen design that curves the display around both sides of the device. Under the hood, the smartphones are powered by a Quad 2.1GHz + Quad 1.5Ghz, Octacore application processor and 3GB of RAM running Android 5.0. A 16MP rear camera with OIS and a 5MP front camera are integrated as well. in addition, both models offer WPC and PMA certified wireless charging technology, the world’s first mobile 1440P/VP9 hardware based decoder for efficient high resolution video streaming, and the Samsung KNOX security platform. Finally, the Galaxy S6 line will also support Samsung's upcoming Samsung Pay mobile payment service. AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular and Verizon Wireless will carry both models, while Boost Mobile, Cricket Wireless and MetroPCS will carry the standard Galaxy S6. In addition, T-Mobile has already announced pricing details: Samsung Galaxy S6 32 GB - $0 down + $28.33/mo x 24, Total: $679.92 Samsung Galaxy S6 64GB - $99.99 down + $27.50/mo x 24, Total $759.99 Samsung Galaxy S6 128GB - $199.99 down + $27.50/mo x 24, Total $859.99 Samsung Galaxy S6 edge 32 GB - $0 down + $32.49/mo x 24, Total $779.76 Samsung Galaxy S6 edge 64GB - $99.99 down + $31.66/mo x 24, Total $859.83 Samsung Galaxy S6 edge 128GB - $199.99 down + $31.66/mo x 24, Total $959.83 T-Mobile pre-orders begin tomorrow at 7 a.m. pacific time. As a special bonus, buyers who order before April 12 can also receive a one year free Netflix subscription. Sources: Samsung, T-Mobile via Business WirePosted Thu Mar 26, 2015 at 11:30 AM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Up to 67% off Tablets![teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering big discounts on select tablet models! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing electronics sales and promotions, Amazon is running limited time deals on Fire HD, Samsung, and ProntoTec tablets. ProntoTec 9 Inch HD Android Tablet - Currently $56 (67% off). Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 10.1-Inch (Certified Refurbished) - Currently $220 (37% off). Fire HD 7 Kids Edition Tablet - Currently $164 ($25 off). Fire HD 6 Kids Edition Tablet - Currently $124 ($25 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 Wed Mar 25, 2015 at 07:15 PM PDT by: -
Pioneer Announces 2015 Elite Receivers, Including $700 Dolby Atmos Model[teaser]The company has detailed two new receivers. [/teaser] Pioneer has revealed two upcoming additions to its Elite line of A/V receivers. The Elite VSX-45 5.2-channel receiver ($450) and the Elite VSX-90 7.2-channel receiver ($700) both offer integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity along with more advanced features for custom installation. "The Elite products are designed to make the installation and set-up process convenient for the custom installation market," said Roberta Tapp, director of marketing communications, Pioneer Home Entertainment USA. "Integrated features such RS-232 control over IP and multi-zone capabilities 'make or break it' for installers because it saves them labor and time. And, for consumers, HDCP 2.2 and Dolby Atmos prepare them for the next wave of home theater experiences." The VSX-45 and VSX-90 also include HDCP 2.2 compliancy, HDMI 2.0 support for 4K60p 4:4:4 24-bit color pass-through and upscaling, AVNavigator, and multi-channel high resolution music playback. Likewise, both components offer access to popular music services like Spotify, PANDORA and vTuner. In addition, the VSX-90 7.2 channel model will also feature the ES9006S DAC (192kHz/24-bit), Dolby Atmos support for 5.1.2 configurations, and MCACC Pro calibration. Pioneer's VSX-45 and VSX-90 will both start shipping in April. The company also recently announced two more A/V receivers in its standard home audio line. Source: Pioneer via Business WirePosted Wed Mar 25, 2015 at 03:00 PM PDT by: -
TED Talks, Tastemade & Young Hollywood Apps Head to Apple TV[teaser]New apps are now available on the Apple TV. [/teaser] Apple has added three apps to its content lineup on the Apple TV. The new services include TED Talks, Tastemade, and Young Hollywood. TED Talks offers a growing library of conference talks and lectures related to technology, design, culture, science and academics. Users can now browse videos by category or engage in playlists with curated collections of TED Talks clips. Meanwhile, the Tastemade app features free food and travel lifestyle content, including several cooking shows. Finally, the Young Hollywood channel includes free media related to entertainment and lifestyle, including music performances and celebrity interviews. All three channels are available now and should load automatically. The Apple TV is currently on sale for $68 following a recent price reduction. Rumors persist that Apple will announce a new version of its streaming media player in June. Source: 9to5Mac via EngadgetPosted Wed Mar 25, 2015 at 12:30 PM PDT by: