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Meltdown & Spectre CPU Bugs Threaten Mac and PC Security[teaser]Two big CPU security flaws have been discovered.[/teaser] Researchers have recently come across two potentially devastating hardware flaws built into many modern CPUs used in PCs and Apple devices. Dubbed Meltdown and Spectre, the two widespread CPU bugs could lead to exploits that would put a user's data at risk. According to a recent support document released by Apple, both bugs rely on "speculative execution," which is a CPU performance feature found on many modern processors. The feature works by allowing a CPU to predict and start executing code before it knows for sure whether or not that path is correct. If the prediction ends up being wrong, the execution is then rolled back in a way that is supposed to be invisible to software. Unfortunately, the Meltdown and Spectre bugs could take advantage of this process to enable a malicious app to access privileged memory. In other words, worst case scenario, the flaws could lead to the theft of personal data from other programs on your system like passwords, emails, photos, and other documents. Per researchers at Meltdownattack.com, Spectre is said to be a threat to "all modern processors capable of keeping many instructions in flight," including Intel, AMD, and ARM CPUs. Meanwhile, Meltdown is currently thought to only affect Intel CPUs, but its reach covers virtually every Intel CPU made since 1995. Thankfully, while there are no known exploits for these bugs at this time, there are now patches available to help guard against Meltdown. Likewise, software updates for programs that could be susceptible to Spectre are also in the works. For its part, Apple says that its recent December updates for iOS 11.2, macOS 10.13.2, and tvOS 11.2 should mitigate against Meltdown exploits without any discernable performance hit. Meanwhile, the company is expected to release an update for Safari on macOS and iOS in the coming days to help prevent potential Spectre exploits that would use JavaScript. Users who want more information about what hardware is affected by these flaws and what steps can be taken to help secure their systems, can head over to Meltdownattack.com for more detailed information. Sources: Apple, Meltdownattack, SlashgearPosted Fri Jan 5, 2018 at 01:25 PM PST by: -
LG Unveils Compact 4K UHD Projector with HDR Support[teaser]The new projector will make its debut at CES 2018.[/teaser] LG has announced its first 4K UHD projector model. The upcoming HU80K has already earned a CES 2018 Best of Innovation award, and will be on hand at the show next week. "LG's first-ever 4K UHD projector represents the pinnacle of innovation in the portable entertainment market," said Tim Alessi, head of product marketing at LG Electronics USA. "Offering superb brightness coupled with a design that offers true versatility, the new HU80KA will lead the way in changing how consumers enjoy 4K content in their home and on the go." The new compact projector was designed with quality 4K performance and portability in mind, allowing users to bring their UHD entertainment to any room in the house. The device can project a 150-inch image with 2,500 lumens of brightness and uses a mirrorless I-shaped engine. This helps to enable the projector's compact form factor and upright design, allowing the unit to display images whether it's placed on the floor, wall-mounted, or hanging from the ceiling. In addition, the HU80K also supports high dynamic range content using the HDR10 format. Two 7W speakers are included as well, but users can opt to connect external speakers or a sound bar through the projector's optical output, HDMI port, or Bluetooth wireless instead. Meanwhile, LG has also integrated its webOS 3.5 smart TV interface, offering access to several streaming services. Installation has been made flexible as well thanks to the projector's carrying handle and Auto Cord feature. Exact pricing and availability for the HU80K 4K UHD projector have not been annouced yet, but the device will be demoed at the company's booth during CES 2018 in Las Vegas from January 9-12. And beyond the new 4K model, LG will also be showing off its latest Full HD MiniBeam Projector (model PF50K) with webOS 3.5. Source: LGPosted Thu Jan 4, 2018 at 06:30 PM PST by: -
Samsung Details New QLED Curved Monitor with Thunderbolt 3 Support[teaser]The upcoming display will be the first curved monitor to include Thunderbolt 3 connectivity.[/teaser] Samsung has revealed its latest QLED curved monitor. The 34-inch CJ791 will offer Thunderbolt 3 support and is set to make its debut at CES 2018 in Las Vegas next week. "As the pioneer of the curved monitor industry, Samsung continues to seek new ways to refine our displays and exceed consumers' expectations on heightened performance and presentation," said Seog-gi Kim, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. "The CJ791 aligns Thunderbolt 3 connectivity with our best-in-class curvature and QLED picture quality to captivate and engage users, while also promoting improved organization and productivity. We are thrilled to demonstrate the full capabilities of our innovative new display to CES 2018 attendees.” The CJ791 features a 34-inch QLED LCD panel with an ultra-wide 21:9 aspect ratio, a 1,500R curvature, a 178-degree viewing angle, and a QHD resolution of 3440×1440. In addition, the display offers support for 125 percent of the sRGB color spectrum. Likewise, the monitor is the first curved model to include Thunderbolt 3 which supports processing speeds of up to 40 Gigabits per second (Gbps) for connectivity across an array of docks, displays, and peripherals like Macs, USB type-C laptops, storage drives, and external graphics cards. Up to 85 watts (W) of laptop charging power can also be enabled via the Thunderbolt 3 connection. Finally, the screen also offers a few features geared toward gamers, including a four milliseconds (ms) response time, and a Game Mode with a dynamic gamma setting. Pricing and availability for the Samsung CJ791 have not been announced yet, but the monitor will be on hand at the company's booth at CES 2018 in Las Vegas from January 9-12. Source: SamsungPosted Thu Jan 4, 2018 at 05:00 PM PST by: -
Optoma Announces New High Brightness ProAV Projectors[teaser]Two new projectors designed for professional and commercial use have been revealed.[/teaser] Optoma has detailed the latest additions to its ProScene projector lineup. The new WU615T and EH615T are both geared toward corporate and house of worship use. "As the brightest, most affordable WUXGA and 1080p fixed lens projectors in the market, the Optoma ProScene WU615T and EH615T are packed with cutting-edge DLP imaging technology along with installation features that make them an ideal choice for corporate and house of worship environments," said Brian Soto, head of product management, Optoma Technology. "With this new line of innovative ProScene projectors we're offering a new level of flexibility and choice for ProAV environments." The ProScene WU615T features a WUXGA resolution of 1920 x 1200 with 6,500 ANSI lumens of brightness. Meanwhile, the ProScene EH615T features a full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 with 6,200 ANSI lumens of brightness. Both models offer a 1.8x zoom, 360-degree and portrait mode operation, four corner geometric correction, vertical and horizontal lens shifts, and keystone correction. Two HDMI ports, HDBaseT, and built-in MHL connectivity are included as well. Finally, both units incorporate an Eco+ lamp power management mode for improved energy efficiency. Here's a rundown of additional specs and features per Optoma: - Contrast Ratio: 10,000:1 - Displayable Colors: 1.07 Billion - Throw Ratio: 1.2 – 2.16:1 - Optical Zoom: 1.8x - Audio: Two 10W speakers The Optoma ProScene WU615T (ESP $2,999) and the Optoma ProScene EH615T (ESP $2,799) are now available from authorized dealers. And beyond the new projector models, Optoma has also announced two new ProScene projector lenses: the BX-CTADOME dedicated dome projection lens (ESP $6,999) and the BX-CTA16 ultra-short throw projection lens (ESP $7,999). Both lenses are compatible with the ZU850, and the BX-CTADOME is also compatible with the ZU650+. Source: OptomaPosted Thu Jan 4, 2018 at 03:00 PM PST by: -
Select DTS Play-Fi Wireless Speakers Add "Works with Amazon Alexa" Support[teaser]Three wireless speakers with DTS Play-Fi now offer "Works with Amazon Alexa" capabilities.[/teaser] DTS has announced the arrival of "Works with Amazon Alexa" support for several DTS Play-Fi enabled speakers. The initial lineup includes the Phorus PS10 wireless speaker (MSRP $249), the Onkyo Smart Speaker P3, and Pioneer Elite Smart Speaker F4 (MSRP $200). In addition, the feature is set to be added to other DTS Play-Fi devices like the Klipsch Stream wireless multi-room audio lineup, and products from McIntosh Laboratories, MartinLogan, and THIEL Audio by the end of Q1 2018. "We continue to expand our range of Alexa voice control solutions available to licensees, making DTS Play-Fi the first open wireless multi-room audio platform to offer both integrated Alexa Voice Services (AVS) and Works with Amazon Alexa," said Dannie Lau, general manager, DTS Play-Fi, at Xperi. "We look forward to continuing to forge a strong relationship with Amazon, the most widely recognized and adopted voice service on the market." Owners of the Phorus PS10, Onkyo P3, or Pioneer F4 can now enable the new feature through the "Works with Amazon Alexa" over-the-air firmware update. Once enabled, the upgrade will allow users to control audio playback on their speaker from another room via voice commands through an Amazon Echo, Amazon Dot, or Amazon Show. In addition, all three models also feature their own integrated far-field microphone systems in order to support the Alexa Voice Service. Meanwhile, the speakers incorporate DTS Play-Fit tech as well, enabling customers to wirelessly play high quality lossless music from smartphones and tablets over an existing Wi-Fi network throughout the home. The tech can synchronize playback of a single source to multiple speakers; can stream different sources to different speakers simultaneously from the same mobile device; and can support individual music streams to separate speakers from different devices at the same time. Likewise, Play-Fi is not brand exclusive. This means that Play-Fi audio products from different manufacturers can actually work together seamlessly. "We're thrilled to offer the Pioneer Elite Smart Speaker F4 and Onkyo Smart Speaker P3 as the first speakers in the DTS Play-Fi ecosystem that can be controlled via Amazon Alexa," Nobuaki Okuda, director and CTO, Onkyo Corporation and president, Onkyo and Pioneer Technology Corporation. "With this update, consumers can not only control their whole-home music system using their voice with our speakers, but using a third party voice control product as well." Source: DTSPosted Thu Jan 4, 2018 at 12:50 PM PST by: -
Warner Bros. Names New President for DC Films[teaser]A new president has been appointed to manage the development of DC Comics-based movies.[/teaser] According to a report from The Hollywood Reporter, Warner Bros. has found a new President for its DC Films division. Walter Hamada has been tapped for the job, placing him in charge of overseeing the studio's development of DC Comics-based movies. Hamada previously worked as an executive for Warner's New Line division, where he helped bring It and The Conjuring franchise to the big screen. Hamada will be stepping in for Jon Berg who left his role as the head of DC Films in December. The promotion is said to be in part based on Hamada's recent work on Shazam!, the only upcoming DC film that falls under the New Line banner, which apparently impressed Toby Emmerich, the president and chief content officer of Warner Bros. In a statement to the Hollywood Reporter, Emmerich said, "Walter is creative, resourceful, and committed to excellence, and will bring those qualities to his oversight of our superhero films. He's a terrific production executive and served as an executive producer on two of the summer's most popular films, New Line's It and Annabelle: Creation. I'm confident Walter and Geoff, working with our filmmaking partners, will deliver films that will resonate with both broad global audiences as well as DC fanboys and fangirls. Walter's a great addition to the Warner Bros. Pictures team, and I look forward to working with him in his new post." The first DC film set to open following Hamada's promotion is James Wan's Aquaman which is due to hit theaters on December 21, 2018. Other upcoming DC movies in various stages of development include Shazam!, The Flash, Suicide Squad 2, Wonder Woman 2, The Batman, Cyborg, Batgirl, Black Adam, Green Lantern Corps, and Justice League Dark -- though that potential lineup will likely evolve as Hamada takes the reins. Source: The Hollywood ReporterPosted Thu Jan 4, 2018 at 11:45 AM PST by: -
Hisense Preps Amazon Alexa Support for Select 2018 4K Ultra HD TVs[teaser]Alexa voice support will be included on some 2018 4K TVs.[/teaser] Hisense has announced plans to integrate Amazon Alexa capabilities into select display models in its 2018 4K Ultra HD TV lineup. Though a full list of supported sets has not been announced yet, the collection will include Hisense's 100" 4K Ultra HD Smart Laser TV. "We are thrilled to bring Alexa voice technology to our Smart TVs," said Mark Viken, Hisense USA Vice President of Marketing. "While content providers and other TV manufacturers tend to focus on quantity of content, Hisense recognizes that the future is all about simplicity, making it easy for consumers to find and watch their favorite content, play music, control their smart home and more." With Alexa support for Hisense smart TVs, customers will be able to take advantage of voice control features, enabling them to use Alex voice commands for certain primary functions. Likewise, Alexa is compatible with music services like iHeartRadio and Pandora, along with thousands of Alexa skills offering options for shopping, ordering food, and more. In addition, Alexa can also connect to other smart home products, allowing customers to control compatible lights and other IoT devices and appliances. "We're excited that Hisense is bringing Alexa to televisions," said Steve Rabuchin, Vice President, Amazon Alexa. "Hisense has a history of building Alexa integrations for smart home products. Now, with Alexa on select Hisense Smart TVs, they're bringing Alexa directly to customers' living rooms. This means customers can do things like turn the volume up, control their smart home, get a movie recommendation or even order dinner on select models – with just their voice." Full details on Hisense's 2018 4K Ultra HD TV lineup will be announced at CES 2018 which is being held in Las Vegas on January 9-12. Source: HisensePosted Wed Jan 3, 2018 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
LG Reveals 2018 UHD and FHD TV Lineup[teaser]Several new 4K and 1080p sets have been announced.[/teaser] In advance of the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next week, LG has revealed its upcoming collection of 4K Ultra HD and Full HD TVs. The lineup includes sizes ranging from 32-inches to 86-inches. The new 4K Ultra HD TV slate is comprised of the UK6300, UK6500/70, and UK7700 series. With the exception of the 70-inch UK6500 model, all of the displays use 4K IPS LCD panels for superior viewing angles. Meanwhile, the 70-inch UK6500 uses a 4K VA panel which should offer superior contrast/black levels in exchange for a hit in viewing angles. In addition, the UK7700 series also uses a version of the Nano Cell tech found on LG's flagship SUPER UHD lineup for improved color performance. All of the sets use edge-lit backlights and select models also add local dimming support. 4K Active HDR capabilities are included as well, though the standard Ultra HD models will only offer HDR10 and HLG playback, eschewing the Dolby Vision support found on the SUPER UHD and OLED models. (Last year's model pictured above) Here's a full rundown of LG's 2018 4K Ultra HD TV lineup: UK6300 Sizes: 65-inches, 55-inches, 50-inches, 49-inches, 43-inches Panel: 4K IPS Display Processor: Quad Core HDR: 4K Active HDR Sound: Ultra Surround Dimming: Edge-lit on 65-inch and 55-inch Smart: webOS with Smart Assistant UK6500/70 Sizes: 86-inches, 75-inches, 70-inches, 65-inches, 55-inches, 50-inches, 43-inches Panel: 4K IPS Display, 4K VA Display (70-inch only) Processor: Quad Core HDR: 4K Active HDR Sound: Ultra Surround Dimming: Edge-lit on 70-inch, 65-inch, and 55-inch Smart: webOS with Smart Assistant UK7700 Sizes: 65-inches, 55-inches, 49-inches Panel: 4K IPS Display with Nano Cell Processor: Quad Core HDR: 4K Active HDR Sound: Ultra Surround Dimming: Edge-lit Smart: webOS with Smart Assistant Meanwhile, LG has also announced a new Full HD TV lineup. The collection will include the LJ5000, LJ5100, and the LK5400. All three series will feature FHD 1080p LCD panels, and as a new feature for an HD model in 2018, the LK5400 will also include Active HDR support. Here's a full rundown of LG's 2018 FHD TV lineup: LJ5000 Sizes: 43-inches, 32-inches Processor: Dual Core HDR: No Sound: Clear Voice Smart: No LJ5100 Sizes: 49-inches Processor: Dual Core HDR: No Sound: Clear Voice Smart: No LK5400 Sizes: 49-inches, 43-inches, 32-inches Processor: Quad Core HDR: Active HDR Sound: Virtual Surround Plus Smart: webOS with Smart Assistant (requires separate Google Home device) Pricing and availability for LG's 2018 4K UHD and FHD TV lineup have not been announced yet. More details are expected to be revealed at CES 2018 in Las Vegas on January 9-12 where the new displays will be showcased to the public. In addition to the above models, LG also recently detailed it flagship 2018 4K OLED and SUPER UHD TV lineups. Source: LGPosted Wed Jan 3, 2018 at 09:10 AM PST by: -
LG Details 2018 4K OLED & SUPER UHD TV Lineup[teaser]The company's upcoming display collection has been unveiled.[/teaser] In advance of the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next week, LG has revealed its new slate of OLED and SUPER UHD TVs. The lineup uses the company's new ThinQ artificial intelligence (AI), the new α (Alpha) 9 and 7 processors, and 4K Cinema HDR tech. "As a leading innovator in the TV industry, LG is pleased to introduce the LG ThinQ and α (Alpha) 9 processor for an unrivaled viewing experience," said Tim Alessi, head of product marketing at LG Electronics USA. "LG is dedicated to providing cutting-edge technology that elevates user lifestyles and offers unmatched convenience. In 2018, our 'Best TV Ever' gets even better." The new ThinQ AI tech found on 2018 LG OLED and SUPER UHD TVs allows customers to take advantage of advanced voice assistant features by speaking directly into their remote controls, enabling users to search for information, images or videos through verbal requests like "show me all of the movies this actor has starred in." Likewise, ThinQ TVs can also serve as smart home hubs with access to other smart home devices like robotic vacuum cleaners, air conditioners, air purifiers, smart lights, smart speakers and more. The feature uses Natural Language Processing (NLP) based on LG’s DeepThinQ to power its intelligent voice-activated control. In addition, ThinQ AI TVs support services based on Electronic Program Guide (EPG) to access real time info or to switch to a channel with requested content. 2018 OLED TV Lineup Building upon last year's OLED collection, the 2018 OLED lineup is set to include the B8, C8, E8, and W8 series. With the exception of the entry-level B8, all of the OLED sets will use the company's new α (Alpha) 9 intelligent processor for improved image and color performance over last year's models. The α (Alpha) 9 boasts a new four-step noise reduction process, advanced mapping capabilities, and a refined color correction algorithm to deliver better clarity and more accurate, natural colors. In addition, the (Alpha) 9 supports next generation high frame rate (HFR) content with 120 frames per second playback capabilities. Meanwhile, the OLED lineup also includes support for LG's 4K Cinema HDR suite of high dynamic range formats, including Advanced HDR by Technicolor, Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma). In addition, the displays offer a technicolor expert mode with settings optimized by Technicolor's color scientists. Likewise, new HDR10 Pro and HLG Pro options are provided as well, allowing the TVs to process HDR10 and HLG images dynamically frame by frame using LG's proprietary algorithm with Enhanced Dynamic Tone mapping. This should approximate the effect of HDR formats that use native dynamic metadata like Dolby Vision. Here's a full rundown of specs and sizes for LG's 2018 OLED lineup: B8 Series Sizes: 65-inches, 55-inches Processor: α (Alpha) 7 HDR/HFR: 4K Cinema HDR, 4K HFR Sound: Dolby Atmos 40W 2.2Ch Design: Blade Slim Smart: webOS with ThinQ C8 Series Sizes: 77-inches, 65-inches, 55-inches Processor: α (Alpha) 9 HDR/HFR: 4K Cinema HDR, 4K HFR Sound: Dolby Atmos 40W 2.2Ch Design: Blade Slim Smart: webOS with ThinQ E8 Series Sizes: 65-inches, 55-inches Processor: α (Alpha) 9 HDR/HFR: 4K Cinema HDR, 4K HFR Sound: Dolby Atmos 60W 4.2Ch Design: Picture-on-Glass Smart: webOS with ThinQ W8 Series Sizes: 77-inches, 65-inches Processor: α (Alpha) 9 HDR/HFR: 4K Cinema HDR, 4K HFR Sound: Dolby Atmos 60W 4.2Ch Design: Picture-on-Wall Smart: webOS with ThinQ 2018 SUPER UHD TV Lineup The new 2018 SUPER UHD TV collection will include the SK9500, SK9000, and SK8000 series. All of the displays use LCD panels with LG's Nano Cell technology for wider colors and improved viewing angles. In addition, the sets incorporate the new α (Alpha) 7 processor, a step-down version of the company's advanced α (Alpha) 9, for enhanced image rendering. And as a very welcomed new feature for 2018, the SK9500 and SK9000 models include Full Array Local Dimming (FALD) support for improved black level performance. Unlike the edge-lit dimming used on LG's 2017 lineup, FALD offers independent control of LED light zones behind the image to create an inkier and more uniform picture with better shadow detail and less light bleed. With that said, the SK8000 model will still implement edge-lit dimming. Finally, the SUPER UHD lineup also includes support for LG's 4K Cinema HDR suite of high dynamic range formats, including Advanced HDR by Technicolor, Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma); and new HDR10 Pro and HLG Pro options with Enhanced Dynamic Tone mapping. Here's a full rundown of specs and sizes for LG's 2018 SUPER UHD TV lineup: SK8000 Sizes: 75-inches, 65-inches, 55-inches Panel: Nano Cell Display Processor: α (Alpha) 7 Dimming: Edge-Lit Local Dimming HDR/HFR: 4K Cinema HDR, 4K HFR Sound: Dolby Atmos Smart: webOS with ThinQ SK9000 Sizes: 65-inches, 55-inches Panel: Nano Cell Display Processor: α (Alpha) 7 Dimming: Full Array Local Dimming HDR/HFR: 4K Cinema HDR, 4K HFR Sound: Dolby Atmos Smart: webOS with ThinQ SK9500 Sizes: 65-inches, 55-inches Panel: Nano Cell Display Processor: α (Alpha) 7 Dimming: Full Array Local Dimming Pro HDR/HFR: 4K Cinema HDR, 4K HFR Sound: Dolby Atmos Smart: webOS with ThinQ Pricing and availability for LG's 2018 4K OLED and SUPER UHD TV lineup have not been announced yet. More details are expected to be revealed at CES 2018 in Las Vegas on January 9-12 where the new displays will be showcased to the public. Source: LGPosted Tue Jan 2, 2018 at 05:00 PM PST by: -
Flixster Video is Shutting Down[teaser]The UltraViolet digital copy redemption and playback service is closing its website.[/teaser] Flixster Video has announced plans to terminate its website and all related operations in the US on February 20, 2018. In addition, the platform has already stopped supporting the redemption of UltraViolet digital codes and playback of videos in the US. As an alternative, Flixster customers can use VUDU to access their existing UltraViolet libraries. Users simply need to go to the VUDU website, sign up or log in, and then click on the "Account Info" page. From there, customers can follow the instructions to link their UltraViolet library to VUDU. This should then offer access to the same collection of redeemed UV titles previously available through Flixster Video. An in addition to UltraViolet, VUDU users also now have the option to link their accounts to the new Movies Anywhere digital locker system. Movies Anywhere allows users to buy, redeem, and store digital films from five major studios and then sync those titles across multiple retailer apps and playback devices. The platform supports a growing collection of over 7,300 digital titles from Disney, 20th Century Fox, Warner Bros., Universal, and Sony. Likewise, in addition to the ability to link to VUDU, Movies Anywhere can also link to Amazon Video, iTunes, and Google Play -- letting customers access all of their content on the service and device of their choosing. Click here for a full review. With that said, UltraViolet TV shows and select movies previously supported by Flixster are not currently available in Movies Anywhere, but users should still be able to access their full UV libraries through VUDU. Source: Flixster VideoPosted Tue Jan 2, 2018 at 03:35 PM PST by:
