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Last Chance for Kindle Fire Discounts![teaser]The online retailer is taking as much as $80 off of select Kindle Fire tablets, but the sale ends today! [/teaser] As part of its Valentine's Day promotions, Amazon is running sales on select Kindle Fire tablets, making them the perfect gift for that special someone. The models included in the sale are: Kindle Fire 7" Tablet - Currently $124 ($15 off its retail price of $139). Kindle Fire HD 8.9" Tablet - Currently $189 ($80 off its retail price of $269). Kindle Fire HDX 7" Tablet - Currently $199 ($30 off its retail price of $229). Kindle Fire HDX 8.9" Tablet - Currently $339 ($40 off its retail price of $379). These deals will expire at the end of the day while supplies last, so act fast if you want to snag a Kindle Fire at these prices for your loved one. Make sure to stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more deals and special promotions!Posted Fri Feb 14, 2014 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
Comcast and Time Warner Cable Set to Merge[teaser]The two cable giants are officially set to merge into one massive technology and media company. [/teaser] Comcast and Time Warner Cable have announced a new deal that will effectively merge both companies through a stock-for-stock transaction. President and CEO Neil Smit will run the new cable company that will result from the merger. "The combination of Time Warner Cable and Comcast creates an exciting opportunity for our company, for our customers, and for our shareholders," said Brian L. Roberts, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Comcast Corporation. "This transaction will be accretive and will yield many synergies and benefits in the years ahead. Rob Marcus and his team have created a pure-play cable company that, combined with Comcast, has the foundation for future growth. We are looking forward to working with his team as we bring our companies together to deliver the most innovative products and services and a superior customer experience within the highly competitive and dynamic marketplace in which we operate." Both companies now plan to combine their unique services and strategic geographic bases, taking advantage of Comcast features like Xfinity streaming, and Time Warner features like the company's unique "LookBack" option that lets viewers watch shows up to three days after they air without a DVR. In addition, the merger promises a "superior video experience, higher broadband speeds, and the fastest in-home Wi-Fi." Through the merger, Comcast is estimated to net about 8 million current Time Warner subscribers, bringing the combined company's subscription total to 30 million. The deal is still subject to shareholder approval and regulatory review, but is expected to close by the end of the year. Source: Time Warner CablePosted Thu Feb 13, 2014 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
LG Officially Reveals G Pro 2[teaser]LG's latest HD smartphone has finally been detailed. [/teaser] After weeks of rumors, LG has officially announced its newest flagship smartphone, the G Pro 2. While the phone is set to make its global debut at the Mobile World Congress at the end of the month, full specs and details have already been unveiled for the Korean market. The G Pro 2 features a 5.9-inch 1080p IPS display with a slim 3.3mm bezel. The device is powered by a Snapdragon 800 2.26 GHz Quad-Core processor, an Adreno 330 GPU, 3GB of RAM, and a removable 3,200mAh battery all running Android 4.4. In addition, a 13MP rear camera and a 2.1MP front camera are included. Likewise, the camera supports 4K Ultra HD video recording, 120fps HD recording, slow motion editing, and burst shot capabilities. Other features integrated into the new phone, include Content Lock for file security, Mini View for one handed use, a Dual Browser mode, and LG's new Knock Code which allows users to unlock their phones by tapping the screen in different knock combinations. Pricing and availability for the US market have not been announced yet, but more details are expected to be revealed at the Mobile World Congress on February 24 where the smartphone will be on hand at LG's booth. Source: LGPosted Thu Feb 13, 2014 at 09:15 AM PST by: -
Comcast to Offer Warner Bros. Titles in Digital Store[teaser]The cable giant now has the rights to sell many Warner Bros. films and shows in its Xfinity digital store ahead of their Blu-ray releases. [/teaser] Comcast and Warner Bros. have announced a new deal that will allow Xfinity customers to purchase Warner Bros. titles through the service's On Demand Digital Store. The agreement also includes early rights to many popular films, giving users access to some titles several weeks before their Blu-ray and DVD releases. "We are thrilled to add the Warner Bros.' hit films and television shows to our rapidly expanding offering of titles available for purchase," said Michael Schreiber, Senior Vice President of Content Acquisition at Comcast. "Our Xfinity On Demand platform provides customers with the most current content, where and when they want it, and the incredible success of our digital store and cloud-based digital locker will only continue to grow as we expand the platform." Alfonso Cuaron's Academy Award nominated sci-fi blockbuster, 'Gravity,' is now available for Xfinity users to purchase. Likewise, the current and upcoming slate of films includes more popular titles like '42,' 'Argo,' 'The Great Gatsby,' 'The Lord of the Rings Trilogy,' 'Man of Steel,' 'Pacific Rim,' 'Prisoners,' 'The Conjuring,' 'The Following,' 'The Hangover Part III,' and 'Veronica Mars.' Purchased downloads can be stored in the cloud, enabling anywhere, anytime viewing on TVs, PCs, and mobile devices. Warner Bros.' library now joins titles already available from FOX, Lionsgate, and NBCUniversal. Source: ComcastPosted Wed Feb 12, 2014 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
CBS Expands Hulu Plus Lineup[teaser]More classic and contemporary CBS shows are coming to Hulu's streaming service. [/teaser] CBS has revealed an expanded collection of programming for Hulu Plus users, including many beloved sitcoms and even some popular contemporary series. In total, the new partnership will give subscribers access to more than 5,300 episodes from CBS' digital library of content. As part of the deal, Hulu Plus will now be home to nostalgic favorites like 'Cheers,' 'The Brady Bunch,' 'Laverne and Shirley' 'Happy Days,' and 'The Odd Couple.' In addition, several popular 90s series like 'Everybody Loves Raymond,' 'Wings,' '7th Heaven,' and 'Melrose Place' will be available as well. And the last decade won't be ignored either, as more recent shows like 'The United States of Tara,' 'The L Word,' 'Everybody Hates Chris,' 'Jericho,' and 'Ghost Whisperer' are included in the expanded partnership too. Finally, Hulu Plus subscribers will also soon be able to stream current CBS programs such as 'Blue Bloods' and 'Elementary.' All of these classic and contemporary series will join the current crop of CBS shows like 'The Good Wife,' 'The Amazing Race,' 'Star Trek,' and 'I Love Lucy' which are already available for streaming. Source: HuluPosted Tue Feb 11, 2014 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
LG Offers OLED Price Cut[teaser]LG has significantly reduced the price of its flagship 55-inch OLED display. [/teaser] After making its debut in July of last year at a $15,000 price point, LG is cutting the price of its curved-screen 55-inch OLED HDTV. The 55EA9800 will now retail for $7,999, and LG is currently offering a special $1,000 instant rebate, bringing the suggested price down to $6,999. The TV uses a 1080p OLED (organic light-emitting diode) curved-screen panel which offers superior contrast and black levels over traditional LCD technology. The set also features 3D capabilities, LG's proprietary WRGB four-color pixel system, THX certified picture, and Smart TV functions. Finally, the display comes complete with four 3D glasses and is ENERGY STAR certified. It's not clear how long LG's instant rebate will be active, but for now customers can purchase the 55EA9800 from Amazon and its affiliated sellers for as low as $6,499. In addition, the company recently previewed a new lineup of OLED TVs which is expected to launch in the second half of 2014. Source: Digital TrendsPosted Mon Feb 10, 2014 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
Asus Launches VivoTab Note 8 Tablet[teaser]The new 8-inch Windows tablet is now listed for sale from Microsoft. [/teaser] Microsoft is now selling the Asus VivoTab 8 Tablet. The device features an 8-inch 1200x800 IPS screen and comes with a Wacom digitizer stylus, making it an ideal mobile productivity tablet for students and professionals. As previously reported, the VivoTab Note 8 is powered by an Intel Atom Z3740 1.33 GHz processor and 2GB of RAM running Windows 8.1. A 5MP rear camera and a 1.2MP front camera are also included, and the tablet comes with Microsoft Office Home and Student software. In addition, the device features 32GB of internal storage (a 64GB model will also be available) and offers a microSD slot and up to 8 hours of battery life. The included Wacom stylus can be stored in the integrated holder on the tablet's bottom edge and offers 1,000 levels of pressure sensitivity for natural writing and drawing. The 32GB VivoTab Note 8 is now listed on Microsoft's website for $329, though the product appears to be out of stock for the time being. Sources: Microsoft via EngadgetPosted Mon Feb 10, 2014 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
Affordable Moto G Smartphone Comes to US Cellular[teaser]Motorola's budget conscious HD smartphone is making its way to another provider with a very attractive price tag. [/teaser] Motorola is now offering the Moto G through US Cellular. The affordable Android smartphone boasts solid specs and can be purchased for just $99. The Moto G features a 4.5-inch 720p screen with 329ppi and a 1.2GHz Quad-Core Processor running Android 4.4. A 5MP rear camera and a 2MP front camera are also included along with 8GB of on-board memory. The device is powered by an integrated 2070 mAh battery that is rated for 24 hours of mixed use. In addition, the phone offers support for interchangeable color backings for added personalization. The Moto G is now available through US Cellular's website for $99 without a contract and will hit stores on February 10. Likewise, the smartphone is also available through Verizon for the same price but with slightly different specs. Source: US Cellular via EngadgetPosted Fri Feb 7, 2014 at 11:15 AM PST by: -
Amazon Adds More Streaming Shows[teaser]Prime Instant Video is receiving a slew of new programs, including FX's 'The Americans' and several Amazon original pilots. [/teaser] Amazon and 20th Century Fox have announced a new deal, bringing more shows to the online retailer's growing video on demand service. Likewise, the company has also released a collection of original pilots that viewers can vote on, helping the site to determine which shows will get full orders. As part of its deal with Fox, Amazon now has the exclusive subscription streaming rights to the acclaimed FX spy-thriller, 'The Americans,' starring Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys. In addition, Prime Instant video will also share non-exclusive rights to other Fox produced shows, including 'How I Met Your Mother,' ' 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia,' 'The League,' 'Louie,' and 'Archer.' Meanwhile, a collection of ten new original pilots has premiered on Amazon's website, including five kids' shows and five comedy/drama shows. Viewers can now watch the programs for free and vote on which ones they like the most. The results will help Amazon decide which series get full season pick-ups. All Amazon users can watch the new pilots now, and Prime members can start streaming the first season of 'The Americans' today. The rest of the 20th Century Fox shows will hit the subscription service in March. Sources: Variety, AmazonPosted Fri Feb 7, 2014 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
Apple Considers Quantum Dot Technology[teaser]The nanocrystal tech could make its way into the company's future Retina Displays. [/teaser] Four new patents filed by Apple reveal that the company is experimenting with quantum dots. According to the documents, research is underway that could use the tech to improve the picture quality of Retina Displays on iPhones, iPads, and MacBook Pros. Quantum Dots are advanced nanoscale materials that can glow red, green, or blue based on their size when exposed to light, allowing for better picture quality and efficiency in high resolution LCD displays. This could potentially lead to improved brightness, better contrast, and more accurate colors. Based on the patents, Apple is looking at ways to implement quantum dots within LED backlit LCD displays. This would effectively replace the usual YAG phosphor layer which produces a white light, with the quantum dots that can produce light at different wavelengths. It's unclear when or if Apple will actually end up using quantum dots in their Retina Displays, but if executed properly, the tech could definitely yield improved picture quality and a wider color gamut. Source: Patently Apple via CNETPosted Thu Feb 6, 2014 at 11:00 AM PST by:
