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ARM Reveals New Mobile Processor Designs for Faster Smartphones with Expanded 4K Video Support[teaser]The company has detailed its latest innovations for mobile devices. [/teaser] ARM has announced its newest mobile processor designs. The premium mobile experience IP suite includes the ARM Cortex-A72 processor and the ARM Mali T880 GPU. Together, they promise to deliver new levels of smartphone video, graphics, and CPU performance. "Our new premium mobile experience IP suite with the Cortex-A72 processor delivers a decisive step forward from the compelling user experiences provided by this year's Cortex-A57 based devices," said Pete Hutton, executive vice president and president, products groups, ARM. "For multiple generations, together with our partners, we have delivered the leading-edge of the premium mobile experience. Building on this, in 2016 the ARM ecosystem will deliver even slimmer, lighter, more immersive mobile devices that serve as your primary and only compute platform." ARM's premium mobile experience IP suite offers image and video capture support for 4K 120fps content, and console-level graphics and gaming performance. The Cortex-A72 processor features energy-efficient 64-bit processing with a 75 percent reduction in energy consumption compared to 2014 devices. Likewise, the new design offers 3.5X the overall performance of 2014 Cortex-A15 products. Meanwhile, the Mali T880 GPU delivers 1.8X the graphics performance of Mali-T760 based devices along with a 40 percent reduction in energy consumption. Specific devices that will utilize ARM's latest designs have not been announced yet, but several partners -- including HiSilicon, MediaTek and Rockchip -- have already licensed the new CPU. Mobile products that use the new tech are expected to start hitting the market in 2016. Sources: ARM via EngadgetPosted Tue Feb 3, 2015 at 03:30 PM PST by: -
HTC Drops the Mic on Apple & Samsung Smartphones with New Rap Music Video[teaser]The mobile rap battle that nobody asked for has begun. [/teaser] In either a stroke of creative genius or just a sign of an actual stroke, HTC has taken its smartphone feud with Apple and Samsung to the next obvious level... a rap battle. Through "hard-hitting" lyrics, rapper Doc G (from the group P.M. Dawn) proudly sings the praises of HTC's brand while taking a few snarky shots at the competition. Don't believe me? Well, I don't blame you, but the proof is in the video below! Proclamations of Gorilla Glass and extreme power saving modes have never sounded so badass! And if you can handle watching another video after bearing witness to men dressed as smartphones lifting weights, check out the interview below to learn more about the creation of "Hold the Crown" and Doc G's love for all things HTC. The gauntlet has been officially thrown. Your move Apple and Samsung. Time to bring it. Sources: HTC via EngadgetPosted Tue Feb 3, 2015 at 01:00 PM PST by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Save up to $80 on Amazon Fire HDX & HD Tablets![teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering deals on select Fire tablet models! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing electronics sales and promotions, Amazon is running limited time deals on Fire HD and Fire HDX tablets. Fire HDX 8.9 Tablet - Currently $299 ($80 off). Fire HDX 7" Tablet - Currently $199 ($40 off). Fire HD 7 Tablet - Currently $114 ($25 off). Fire HD 6 Tablet - Currently $84 ($15 off). Fire HD 7 Kids Edition Tablet - Currently $164 ($25 off). Fire HD 6 Kids Edition Tablet - Currently $134 ($15 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 Feb 2, 2015 at 05:15 PM PST by: -
Sling TV Bolsters Streaming Lineup with Univision Channels & Content[teaser]The online TV service is expanding its portfolio with Spanish-language programming. [/teaser] Sling TV has announced the addition of Univision entertainment, news and sports to its over-the-top TV platform. The new live and on-demand content joins a growing collection of channels that already includes ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, TBS, Food Network, HGTV, Travel Channel, Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Disney Channel, ABC Family and CNN. "We are delighted to add Univision's wide-ranging programming to our growing Sling TV lineup," said Roger Lynch, Sling TV CEO. "Hispanics are the demographic most engaged with mobile devices, making Univision a natural match for Sling TV. At CES I committed to expanding our programming portfolio. Additional details about the availability of Univision’s award-winning content on Sling TV will be announced in the coming weeks." The deal covers OTT multi-stream rights for both live and on-demand content. Channels included in the agreement are Univision Network, UniMás, UDN (Univision Deportes Network), Galavisión, El Rey Network, Bandamax, De Película, De Película Clásico, Telehit, tlnovelas, FOROtv, and Univision and UniMás broadcast stations nationwide. "At UCI our number one goal is creating access for our audience – an audience that is young, digitally-savvy and passionate about our content," said Tonia O’Connor, president, content distribution and corporate business development. "Sling TV's next generation TV service aligns with our strategy to deliver the best experiences to our diverse audience, while also partnering with a distributor that has for decades been hyper focused on the Hispanic consumer." Sling TV is currently available through invitation only and is expected to fully launch during the first quarter of 2015. Pricing starts out at $20 per month. Source: Business WirePosted Mon Feb 2, 2015 at 02:00 PM PST by: -
Aziz Ansari's Latest Netflix Stand-up Comedy Special Set for Streaming Devices on March 6[teaser]Prepare to "treat yo self" to the comedian's newest streaming comedy show. [/teaser] Netflix has announced a premiere date for Aziz Ansari's upcoming stand-up special. The Netflix original show will debut on March 6 at 12:01am PST in all markets where Netflix is available. 'Aziz Ansari: Live At Madison Square Garden' features the comedian performing in front of a sold-out audience at New York's Madison Square Garden. Topics covered throughout the show include the struggle of American immigrants, the food industry, relationships, and gender inequality, highlighting Ansari's unique comic sensibilities and delivery. The show is executive produced by Mike Berkowitz, Dave Becky and David Miner. The comedian's previous Netflix special, 'Buried Alive,' and past stand-up specials 'Intimate Moments for a Sensual Evening' and 'Dangerously Delicious' are all available to stream on Netflix now. A monthly Netflix subscription currently starts at $7.99 for SD streaming, $8.99 for HD streaming, and $11.99 for Ultra HD streaming. The service is available on a variety of smart TVs and media players, including the Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, Roku 3, Apple TV and Chromecast. Source: NetflixPosted Mon Feb 2, 2015 at 08:45 AM PST by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: JBL Studio 200 Series Speakers 27 Percent Off![teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering a significant discount on 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 $280 (27 percent off). JBL Studio 220 4-Inch 2-Way Bookshelf Loudspeaker (Pair) - Currently $240 (27 percent off). JBL Studio 230 6.5-Inch 2-Way Bookshelf Loudspeaker (Pair) - Currently $320 (27 percent off). JBL Studio 225C Dual 4-Inch 2-Way Center Channel Loudspeaker - Currently $200 (27 percent off). JBL Studio 235C Dual 6.5-Inch 2-Way Center Channel Loudspeaker - Currently $304 (27 percent off). JBL Sub 250P 10-Inch 200-Watt Powered Subwoofer - Currently $360 (27 percent off). JBL Sub 260P 12-Inch 300-Watt Powered Subwoofer - Currently $480 (27 percent off). JBL Studio 270 6.5-Inch 3-Way Floorstanding Loudspeaker - Currently $320 (27 percent off). JBL Studio 280 Dual 6.5-Inch 3-Way Floorstanding Loudspeaker - Currently $400 (27 percent off). JBL Studio 290 Dual 8-Inch 3-Way Floorstanding Loudspeaker - Currently $480 (27 percent 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 Fri Jan 30, 2015 at 05:15 PM PST by: -
Rotel Readies RSP-1582 7.1 Home Theater Surround Sound Processor for $3,499[teaser]The surround sound unit includes HDMI 2.0 connections and Bluetooth with aptX support. [/teaser] Rotel has announced the latest addition to its lineup of audio components. The upcoming RSP-1582 preamplifier/surround processor ($3,499) will join the currently available RSP-1572 ($2,199). The RSP-1582 is a 7.1 channel preamplifier/surround processor that features six 24-bit/192kHz Wolfson DACs and a 7-inch front-panel TFT color screen. Eight HDMI 2.0 inputs with 4K pass-through support and two HDMI 2.0 outputs are integrated as well. In addition, the unit includes support for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio codecs but does not offer Atmos or DTS:X support out of the box. With that said, an upgrade option for Atmos is planned for the future. Finally, the preamplifier also features Bluetooth with aptX connectivity and a USB input for 24-bit/192kHz audio from a PC. Rotel's RSP-1582 is expected to launch in March or April of this year. Source: TWICEPosted Fri Jan 30, 2015 at 03:00 PM PST by: -
Toshiba Ends TV Development in North America, Licenses Business to Compal Electronics[teaser]The Japanese electronics manufacturer is ceasing TV production for the North American market. [/teaser] Toshiba has announced plans to end TV development and sales in North America. The company will now license its television business to Taiwan's Compal Electronics, Inc. Products from the new licensing deal are expected to start shipping for the North American market in March. In addition, Toshiba also plans to introduce similar licensing agreements for its TV brand in other territories as well, and the company hopes to have more agreements in place by April. This dramatic restructuring is due in part to difficult price competition and slow global market growth. Despite the end of TV manufacturing for North America and other markets, the company will continue its TV business in Japan. Sources: Toshiba via EngadgetPosted Fri Jan 30, 2015 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Home Theater Systems & Soundbars up to 65 Percent Off![teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering big deals on select home audio items! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing electronics sales and promotions, Amazon is running limited time deals on home theater systems and soundbars from Sony, Energy, AudioSource, JBL, and Yamaha. Energy 5.1 Take Classic Home Theater System - Currently $299 (50 percent off). Sony BDV-E3100 5.1 Channel Home Theater System - Currently $248 (17 percent off). AudioSource S3D650 Soundbar - Currently $210 (65 percent off). Yamaha YSP-1400BL Soundbar - Currently $300 (33 percent off). Yamaha YAS-203 Soundbar - Currently $300 (25 percent off). JBL Cinema SB400 Soundbar - Currently $450 (32 percent off). JBL Cinema SB350 Soundbar - Currently $350 (27 percent 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 Thu Jan 29, 2015 at 05:30 PM PST by: -
Nickelodeon Preps Standalone Streaming Service for February[teaser]The children's network will reveal its own streaming platform next month. [/teaser] According to a report from Variety, Nickelodeon is planning to announce a standalone streaming service. The direct-to-consumer subscription service will be geared toward mobile users and devices. The news was shared during an investor call with Nickelodeon's parent company, Viacom. Full details on pricing, content, and supported products are still forthcoming but it's likely that the streaming platform will be launched under a unique name or brand. Nickelodeon now joins a growing number of cable and broadcast networks that provide cord-cutting alternatives to traditional TV. CBS currently offers its CBS All Access online subscription platform for $6 per month and HBO has plans to launch its own standalone streaming option later this year. In addition, streaming-only services like Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, and Hulu continue to gain popularity. More details on Nickelodeon's standalone streaming service will be revealed at the network's upfront meeting with advertisers next month. Source: Variety via EngadgetPosted Thu Jan 29, 2015 at 01:30 PM PST by: