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Prime Instant Video Launches on Android[teaser]Amazon's streaming service is finally available on Android smartphones. [/teaser] Amazon has announced the arrival of Prime Instant Video on Android mobile devices, giving subscribers access to tens of thousands of movies and TV shows. The updated Android Amazon app is now available for Android users in the US, UK, and Germany. "Tens of millions of our customers have installed the Amazon app on their Android phones in order to enjoy the ease and convenience of shopping Amazon on the go," said Paul Cousineau, Director of Mobile Shopping. "Now, the latest Amazon App for Android combines that award-winning mobile shopping experience with access to Amazon's digital products and services, including unlimited streaming of tens of thousands of movies and TV episodes at no additional cost for Prime members. At Amazon, we are always innovating on behalf of our customers and we look forward to receiving their feedback on this enhanced shopping experience." Users can install the new Prime Instant Video player app through the Amazon app store. Prime Instant Video provides a growing library of video content, including several HBO shows and Amazon original series like 'Alpha House.' In addition to streaming video, the app also provides over 30 million songs, more than 2 million Kindle books, 5GB of free photo back-up with Amazon Cloud Drive, and hundreds of millions of items for purchase through Amazon's online store. Prime Instant Video is part of Amazon Prime and currently costs $99 per year. Source: AmazonPosted Tue Sep 9, 2014 at 06:30 PM PDT by: -
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Apple Unveils iPhone 6 Plus[teaser]Apple's latest flagship smartphone features a 1080p Retina display. [/teaser] Apple has announced the newest model in its iPhone series, the iPhone 6 Plus. The upcoming smartphone offers a Full HD 1080p screen. Likewise, the company is also releasing a standard iPhone 6 model with a 1334 x 750 HD screen. "iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus are the biggest advancements in iPhone history," said Tim Cook, Apple's CEO. "The iPhone is the most loved smartphone in the world with the highest customer satisfaction in the industry and we are making it much better in every way. Only Apple can combine the best hardware, software and services at this unprecedented level and we think customers are going to love it." The iPhone 6 Plus features a 5.5-inch IPS 1080p Retina display with 401ppi and a 1300:1 contrast ratio. Meanwhile, the standard iPhone 6 features a 4.7-inch IPS Retina display with a resolution of 1334 x 750, 326ppi and a contrast ratio of 1400:1. Both models use an A8 chip with 64-bit architecture and an M8 motion coprocessor running iOS 8. An 8MP iSight camera and a 1.2MP FaceTime camera are included as well. 16GB, 64GB, and 128GB options will be available and each model will come in silver, gold, and space gray designs. Apple's iPhone 6 Plus and iPhone 6 will start shipping on September 19 and pre-orders begin on September 12. Supported carriers include AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless. The standard iPhone 6 will start at a suggested retail price of $199 for the 16GB model with a two-year contract. The iPhone 6 Plus will start out at $299 for the 16GB model with a two-year contract. Source: ApplePosted Tue Sep 9, 2014 at 12:30 PM PDT by: -
Dell Reveals First 5K Monitor[teaser]The upcoming display features a resolution of 5120 x 2880. [/teaser] Dell has detailed its newest monitor, the UltraSharp 27 Ultra HD 5K Monitor. With seven times the resolution of traditional Full HD displays, the new model is the world's first with an Ultra HD 5K resolution. The UltraSharp 27 Ultra HD 5K Monitor uses a 27-inch panel with a resolution of 5120 x 2880 and 218ppi. Likewise, the display uses Dell's PremierColor and anti-smudge/anti-reflective design. Two 16W Harman Kardon speakers are integrated as well. Finally, the monitor also sports six USB connections and one media card reader. In addition to the upcoming 5K model, the company is also releasing an extra-large 55-inch Full HD monitor geared toward business use for conference calls and presentations. Dell's UltraSharp 27 Ultra HD 5K Monitor will start shipping in the fourth quarter of 2014 for a suggested retail price of $2,500. Meanwhile the Dell 55 Monitor is now available for $1,049. Source: Dell via EngadgetPosted Mon Sep 8, 2014 at 07:00 PM PDT by: -
KEF Announces Atmos Speaker Module[teaser]The upcoming Atmos speaker is designed to sit atop the company's existing models. [/teaser] KEF has detailed the latest entry in its R Series, the R50. The Atmos speaker module can be placed on top of the company's existing freestanding or wall-mounted satellite speakers, adding overhead sound to a user's Dolby Atmos home theater. The R50 features a Uni-Q driver array with a 1-inch vented aluminum tweeter and a 5.25-inch bass/mid driver. The module is angled upward and reflects sound off of the ceiling to simulate overhead effects. Frequency response is rated at 105Hz – 18.5kHz (±3dB) and maximum output is listed as 106dB. KEF's R50 Dolby Atmos Speaker will be available in October for a suggested retail price of $1,200. The speaker will also be on display at the CEDIA Expo in Denver this week. Sources: TWICE, KEFPosted Mon Sep 8, 2014 at 12:30 PM PDT by: -
4K Blu-ray Spec & Players Confirmed for 2015[teaser]The BDA is in the process of finalizing 4K Blu-ray technology for next year. [/teaser] At the IFA trade show today, the BDA has confirmed plans to finalize the spec for 4K Blu-ray development. The first 4K disc players should start rolling out to stores during the 2015 holiday season. According to Victor Matsuda, chairman of the Blu-ray Disc Association global promotions committee, the upcoming Ultra HD optical disc format will also offer a wider color gamut and a higher dynamic range to go along with the improved resolution. Likewise, the spec will offer support for 4K playback at 60 frames per second. In addition, while the new 4K format will be able to use existing BD-50 discs, it will take advantage of the H.265/HEVC compression codec instead of the currently used H.264/AVC codec. With that said, work is being done to develop larger capacity discs as well. Finally, 4K Blu-ray players will be capable of extracting data at rates around 50 and 60 megabits per second with possible support for rates as high as 100Mbps. Currently, 4K content is only available through streaming services like Netflix and proprietary media players like Sony's FMP-X10. A physical disc format will offer improvements in picture quality as customers will not be subject to internet bandwidth limitations for playback. There's no word yet on which studios and manufacturers will be releasing movies and hardware, but it's likely that many of the major industry players will jump on board. Source: CNETPosted Fri Sep 5, 2014 at 06:30 PM PDT by: -
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Sony Details Premium Soundbar[teaser]Pricing and availability have been announced for the upcoming 7.1 channel soundbar. [/teaser] Sony has revealed the latest addition to its home audio lineup, the HT-ST5 soundbar. The new model joins the currently available HTST7 soundbar. The HT-ST5 is a 7.1 channel soundbar with 380-watts and a wireless subwoofer. The system uses 9 independent speakers and 7 discrete amplifiers, and includes integrated support for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio sound. Likewise, the soundbar incorporates Sony's S-Force Pro Front Surround technology for virtual surround sound. Bluetooth and NFC One-touch connectivity are offered as well, along with aptX and AAC codec support for high quality music streaming. Finally, the device features three HDMI 2.0 inputs and one HDMI 2.0 output with audio return channel. Sony's HT-ST5 will start shipping later this month for a suggested retail price of $1,000. Meanwhile, the HTST7 is currently on sale for $1,298. Source: SonyPosted Fri Sep 5, 2014 at 02:00 PM PDT by: -
LG Shows Off 8K TV[teaser]The company is demoing a large collection of new TVs, including its first 8K display. [/teaser] LG has brought its massive lineup of Smart Ultra HD and OLED TV models to IFA 2014 -- and if 4K wasn't enough for you, the Korean manufacturer has also revealed an impressive 8K concept TV. LG's 8K prototype display uses a 98-inch LCD panel with a resolution of 7680 x 4320, giving it 16 times the resolution of Full HD and four times the resolution of Ultra HD. In addition, the company is also highlighting its new 4K OLED TVs, and an upcoming 77-inch bendable OLED model that can adjust its curve to a user's preference. Likewise, LG's extensive lineup of Ultra HD LCDs with IPS screens is on display as well, ranging in size from 49-inches to a gigantic 105-inches. All of the various models feature LG's webOS Smart+ platform for a simple and convenient user experience. For now, the 8K set is just a tech demo, and without any content available to take advantage of its extra high resolution, LG will hold off on releasing a consumer model. Meanwhile, the company remains dedicated to Ultra HD and OLED offerings. Source: LG, CNETPosted Fri Sep 5, 2014 at 09:30 AM PDT by: -
Onkyo Readies Dolby Atmos Firmware Update[teaser]An Atmos firmware update for several existing receivers will be available later this month. [/teaser] Onkyo has announced a launch date for its Dolby Atmos firmware update. The free download will be available on September 29 and will be compatible with the company's mid-range TX-NR636, TX-NR737, and TX-NR838 receivers. Dolby Atmos home theater technology uses object-based mixing to expand audio design beyond the traditional limitations of channel-based systems, and incorporates the inclusion of overhead sound. In addition to the aforementioned devices, Onkyo is also releasing the high-end TX-NR1030 ($1,699) and TX-NR3030 ($2,399) receivers, and the PR-SC5530 Network A/V Controller ($2,499) with Atmos support built-in this October. Likewise, the HT-S7700 Network Home Theater System will also feature integrated Atmos support and will ship at the end of September. For more details on Dolby Atmos and Onkyo's implementation of the technology, check out the company's Atmos website. The TX-NR636 ($549), TX-NR737 ($699), and TX-NR838 ($899) receivers are all available for purchase now. Source: OnkyoPosted Thu Sep 4, 2014 at 03:00 PM PDT by: -
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Klipsch Adds Second Soundbar to Reference Lineup[teaser]Another soundbar has been added to the company's Reference series. [/teaser] Klipsch has announced the launch of its latest Reference audio product, the R-20B soundbar. The new model joins the previously released R-10B soundbar. "The Reference R-20B provides our consumers with a redefined audio solution that significantly improves the dialogue quality that is lacking from today's flat panel TV's," said Paul Jacobs, CEO of Klipsch. "The product combines handcrafted precision and innovative technology to deliver an unforgettable listening experience, while offering users the conveniences of plug n' play functionality, Dolby Digital Decoding, Bluetooth wireless technology and 3D surround mode." The R-20B is a two-way soundbar that features two lightweight ¾-inch tweeters and four 3-inch polypropylene woofers for crisp highs and dynamic sound. In addition, the tweeters use the company's Tractrix Horns for reduced distortion and better audio dispersion to the main listening area. A 10-inch wireless subwoofer with a slot-port design is also included. Dolby Digital decoding, Bluetooth support, and aptX audio decoding for lossless music streaming are integrated as well. Klipsch's Reference R-20B Soundbar is now available for a suggested retail price of $800. Source: KlipschPosted Thu Sep 4, 2014 at 12:30 PM PDT by: -
Samsung Spotlights 105-Inch Bendable 4K Display[teaser]The Korean manufacturer's latest gigantic Ultra HD TV can transition from flat to curved. [/teaser] Joining the company's previously announced curved-screen 105-inch UHD display, Samsung has unveiled a new bendable model at its IFA press conference. The massive LCD TV is capable of changing from flat to curved to suit the customer's preference. "We're at the helm of a new era in TV viewing – an era driven by the curve: a simple yet powerful design ethos that greatly enhances the viewing and overall sensory experience," said HyunSuk Kim, Executive Vice President of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. "IFA 2014 marks an exciting time to share the power of the curve with the world to bring the Curved TV into the mainstream and highlight its impact on the household viewing experience and TV market as a whole." The 105-inch bendable 4K TV features an extra-wide 21:9 aspect ratio with a resolution of 5120X2160. Using a specially designed mechanism, the screen can switch from flat to curved with a curvature of 4200R. In addition, the display offers UHD Dimming and UHD Upscaling for superior contrast and picture enhancement. Pricing and availability have not been detailed yet, but the company's fixed curved-screen 105-inch model retails for $120,000. Samsung's 105-inch bendable Ultra HD TV is now on display at IFA in Berlin. A similar 78-inch bendable model was recently released in Korea. Source: SamsungPosted Thu Sep 4, 2014 at 09:00 AM PDT by:
