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New Apps Come to Apple TV[teaser]Apple's streaming device has been updated with support for five new apps, including The Disney Channel and Vevo. [/teaser] A recent update has added Vevo, the Disney Channel, Disney XD, the Smithsonian Channel and The Weather Channel to Apple TV's lineup of apps, bringing new content to the popular streaming gadget. Vevo, in particular, comes with a sizeable array of programming, including 75,000 HD music videos. In addition, the Disney apps offer live feeds and on demand options for both channels, but do require an authorized cable/satellite subscription. These new apps join previously available services like iTunes, Netflix, YouTube, and Vimeo. The Apple TV supports 1080p video, 802.11n Wi-Fi, AirPlay for wireless streaming from iPhones and iPads, and offers a selection of over 15,000 HD movies for purchase or rental. Apple TV currently retails for $99, and faces stiff competition from rival streaming devices like the Roku 3 and the Google Chromecast. Source:Posted Tue Aug 27, 2013 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
Ultra HDTVs Receive Substantial Price Cut[teaser]Both Samsung and Sony have reduced the prices for their 4K TV lineup. [/teaser] Though television manufacturers have been eagerly pushing for 4K adoption among home theater enthusiasts, high prices have been a notable stumbling block. Thankfully, this nagging hindrance is finally starting to be addressed. In a very welcome move, Sony has significantly reduced the price of its 55-inch and 65-inch Ultra HDTVs. The XBR-55X900A has received a $1,000 price cut and is now listed at $3,998. The XBR-65X900A has been given an even more substantial $1,500 price reduction and is now retailing for $5,498. These new prices are now active on Amazon and other retail sites. Likewise, Samsung has followed suit, cutting the price of its competing 55-inch UN55F9000 and its 65-inch UN65F9000 to $3,998 and $5,498 as well, though prices have not been adjusted on Amazon yet. All four models feature 3,840 x 2,160 displays, giving them about four times the resolution of a traditional 1080p HDTV. In addition, the televisions offer similar Smart TV functions and are based on LED technology with local dimming capabilities. While these new prices are still high compared to standard 1080p models, the adjusted costs are certainly a step in the right direction for consumers anxious to join the 4K party. Rumors also indicate that new, even more affordable Ultra HD displays could be announced from Sony next week for an October release. Source: CNETPosted Mon Aug 26, 2013 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
LG OLED TV Makes its European Debut[teaser]The 54.6 inch OLED display is hitting the European market. [/teaser] LG's first OLED display is now making its way across Europe. The 55EA9800 will be available for purchase in Germany starting this week. From there, the curved screen TV will expand to more areas throughout the continent in the fourth quarter, making it the first advanced OLED television to be available in the European market. Like its U.S. counterpart, the 55EA9800 uses OLED (organic light-emitting diode) technology and comes complete with full 1080p resolution, 3D capabilities, LG's proprietary WRGB four-color pixel system, THX certified picture, and Smart TV functions. The set has also been awarded the Red Dot: Best of the Best design honor. Suggested retail price for the TV is 8,999 euros (about $12,000) though individual pricing may vary across Europe. The television is currently available in select Best Buy Magnolia stores in the United States for a suggested retail price of $15,000. Competing manufacturer Samsung also recently released their first OLED display, the KN55S9C, in the States for a suggested retail price of $9,000, but there is no official word on a European release date at this time. Source:Posted Mon Aug 26, 2013 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
The White Box One Making the Rounds[teaser]Some Microsoft employees rumored eligible for Special Edition White Xbox One bundle. [/teaser] One current rumor being passed around online involves a Special Edition White Xbox One that is exclusive for Microsoft's Interactive Entertainment Business. The "unique for our team" white Xbox One is inscribed with a "I Made This, Launch Team IEB," and comes with a haul of others items. According to the rumored and supposedly leaked image, any Microsoft IEB full-time employees who have been employed from at least 7/12/13 until the system's launch are eligible for this free package. In addition to the console, the bundle includes a year of Xbox Live, "All 1P Games" (first-party), and launch day achievement. It may be some time before this rumor is confirmed or disconfirmed, but in the meantime, the white box one can become more and more fabled. Source: NeoGAF Author: Brian HossPosted Mon Aug 26, 2013 at 08:30 AM PDT by: -
Weekend Roundtable: Your Home Theater Equipment RackIn this week's Roundtable, it's time for a little Show & Tell. We'll give you a peek at the gear in our home theater equipment racks if you tell us about yours too. Join the discussion in the blog today.Posted Fri Aug 23, 2013 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Motorola Moto X Available Now through AT&T[teaser]The fully customizable smartphone is on sale now. [/teaser] AT&T and Motorola have announced the release of the Moto X smartphone. The mobile device features a 4.7-inch 1280x720 AMOLED screen with 316 ppi. In addition, using Motorola's online studio Moto Maker, customers have the option to modify the phone with different colors, accents and wallpapers. The Moto X comes powered by a 1.7GHz dual-core Qualcomm S4 Pro processor with Android v4.2 Jelly Bean and a 2200mAh battery. The smartphone also includes a 10MP rear facing camera, a 2MP front facing camera, 2GB of ram, and up to 16GB of internal memory. AT&T is offering the Moto X now for $199.99 with a two year contract or $449.99 with a one year contract. The full retail price is set at $579.99. Wireless provider Verizon will also carry the phone starting August 29, and both Sprint and US Cellular have plans to offer the device as well. Sources: AT&T, CNETPosted Fri Aug 23, 2013 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
Microsoft Enticing Game Streamers with the Upload: Outreach Program[teaser]A one minute submission could net the entrant an Xbox One.[/teaser] One of the big features of the next-gen consoles involves a phenomena peculiar to the current generation of games, live game streaming. With the new consoles, everyone will be able to easily share recorded game segments. To help kick start the accessibility, Microsoft has introduced the Upload: Outreach Program. The program asks the entrants to submit a "1 minute video about any Xbox 360 or Xbox One game you love," and twenty winners will receive a brand new Xbox One, a year of Xbox Live Gold, and a variety of launch games. From Microsoft, "We are excited to announce the Upload Outreach Program, an effort to attract creative minds from around the world to become a major part of the Upload experience. Selected users will receive a brand new Xbox One, a 1 year Xbox Live Gold membership and some launch games, and will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with the Upload team to see their content show up within the Upload experience." Full terms are available at the Xbox website. Source: Xbox Author: Brian HossPosted Fri Aug 23, 2013 at 07:30 AM PDT by: -
TiVo Details New Roamio DVRs[teaser]The company has revealed its new lineup of digital video recorders with streaming features. [/teaser] TiVo has just released three new DVR models under its Roamio line of products, including the TiVo Roamio, the TiVo Roamio Plus, and the TiVo Roamio Pro. The DVRs offer cable subscribers up to six tuners to record multiple shows at once, an updated interface, a new apps platform, an improved RF remote, support for many popular streaming services, up to 3TB of storage with up to 450 hours of HD recording space, and built in WiFi. The Roamio Plus and Roamio Pro also include TiVo Stream capabilities offering out-of-home streaming to watch your favorite programming on the go. The TiVo Roamio is currently available for a suggested retail price of $199.99. The TiVo Roamio Plus is available for $399.99 and the TiVo Roamio Pro is available for $599.99. Source: EngadgetPosted Fri Aug 23, 2013 at 05:00 AM PDT by: -
Amazon is Running a Kindle Fire HD Sale Today![teaser]The Kindle Fire HD 8.9" tablet is the Amazon Gold Box deal of the day! [/teaser] For its deal of the day, Amazon is offering a Certified Refurbished Kindle Fire HD 8.9" 16GB for just $179. That's 25% off the regular price. The Certified Refurbished 32GB model is also on sale, coming in at just $199. In addition, the online retailer is hosting a series of Kindle related lightning deals throughout the day. The Kindle Fire HD 8.9" features a 1920x1200 IPS display at 254 ppi, a 1.5 Ghz dual-core processor with Imagination PowerVR 3D graphics core, dual-band, dual-antenna Wi-Fi, a front facing HD camera, and built in Bluetooth. The tablet is rated for over 10 hours of battery life and provides users with access to over 23 million movies, TV shows, songs, magazines, books, audiobooks, apps and games. Be sure to check out Amazon's Gold Box Deals page for links and details to all the upcoming Kindle lightning deals. Source: GizmodoPosted Thu Aug 22, 2013 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
Samsung Announces New Soundbar Geared toward Large Screen TVs[teaser]The AirTrack HW-F850 is designed with 60-inch and larger displays in mind. [/teaser] Samsung has revealed the successor to its HW-F750 vacuum-tube amplified soundbar. The new HW-F850 features 350W, which is 40W more than its predecessor. The new soundbar also boasts a more powerful subwoofer for deeper bass response. The soundbar's larger size makes it a perfect match for big-screen displays and the device comes equipped with Bluetooth and NFC wireless capabilities for connecting to mobile devices like smartphones. The HW-F850 will arrive in Europe in September. Pricing and a U.S. release date have not been announced yet. Source: EngadgetPosted Thu Aug 22, 2013 at 07:00 AM PDT by:
