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Toshiba and Insignia add AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support to their 2020 Fire TVs
Toshiba and Insignia have updated their 4K Fire TVs to add support for Apple's AirPlay 2 and HomeKit protocols.
The best USB-C MacBook and laptop chargers
By Nick Guy This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter. When readers choose to buy Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, Wirecutter and Engadget may earn affiliate commission. Read the full USB-C MacBook and laptop chargers guide here. If you need a new charger for your USB-C–powered MacBook or PC laptop, the safest bet is to get the same model that shipped with it. But if the stock charger is difficult to find or expensive, or if you want additional charging ports, we think Nekteck's 4-port 72W USB Wall Charger with Type-C 60W Power Delivery is the best option. We tested 19 USB-C chargers with seven computers and found that the Nekteck charger is powerful enough to charge almost every USB-C laptop at full speed, and it's USB-IF certified, which means it should be safe to use. It also has three USB-A ports for charging other devices at the same time, and it's affordable. The Nekteck charger is one of the least expensive replacement chargers available, yet it works as well as more expensive competitors. It's the same height and thickness as Apple's 13-inch MacBook Pro charger and only about 0.7 inch longer, but it includes three 12-watt USB-A charging ports alongside its USB-C charging port. It also comes with a USB-C charging cable and a long power cord to help you reach far-away outlets. If you don't want the extra USB-A charging ports and would rather have the smallest possible charger for your computer, we recommend Anker's PowerPort Speed PD 60. This 60-watt charger is smaller than what Apple sells but just as powerful, and it's USB-IF certified. You have to provide your own USB-C cable—you can use the one that came with your charger, or buy a new one in whatever length you need. The 15-inch MacBook Pro requires a higher-power—and more expensive—charger. The best replacement is Insignia's Type-C Wall Charger, a 90-watt model that's perfect for the job. It's just a bit larger than Apple's own charger, but it includes a built-in USB-C charge cable for half the price of what a full replacement set would cost from Apple. Like all of our recommendations, it's USB-IF certified. Plus, it's readily available in Best Buy stores across the country, making it an easy pick if you need to grab something today. If you're okay with sacrificing some charging speed in exchange for saving some money, or if you need to charge one of Apple's 2018 iPad Pros (which maxes out at 45 watts), then the ZMI Turbo 45W Wall Charger is your best bet. It still charges at twice the speed of the 18-watt chargers Apple includes with its latest iPads, and it features a detachable (and replaceable) USB-C cable, which our cable testing equipment verified is safe.
RCA's new Roku TVs are dirt-cheap, if you can live without 4K
RCA is the latest brand to offer a line of Roku TVs and while they aren't 4K, they are super affordable. Three models are included in the line -- 50-inch, 43-inch and 32-inch versions priced at $499, $380 and $250, respectively. The larger two models are 1080p HD while the 32-inch is 720p.
The first 4K Roku TVs hit Best Buy for $400 and up
Roku TVs afford you all the same features and apps the dinky set-top boxes do without cluttering up your entertainment center. Last year, Roku caught up with the times by launching the Ultra HD-ready Roku 4, also setting the stage for its TV partners to build 4K sets with the platform baked-in. Chinese manufacturer TCL was expected to be the first to market, but it's been beaten to the punch by Best Buy today with the launch of the first 4K Roku TVs under the retailer's Insignia brand.
The best Lightning cable
This post was done in partnership with The Wirecutter, a list of the best technology to buy. Read the full article below at TheWirecutter.com After measuring the charging speed of nearly 50 Lightning cables and sending the top 11 to our electrical engineer for teardown analysis, the $9 Anker Lightning to USB Cable is the one we'd buy. Its Lightning-connector plug will work with almost any case, and it costs less than half of what you'd pay for Apple's cables. Plus, it's built with a stress-relief collar that's molded with the plastic plug housing, meaning it should be sturdier than the competition.
Sharp will start making HDTVs with Roku built-in
Until now, the only names that had signed up to be part of Roku's integrated smart TV club were TCL, Hisense and Insignia. If none of those brands floated your boat, however, then you may be relieved to hear that Sharp has now signed to bake the streaming company's hardware into a new range of TVs as well. The company is pledging to knock out both a 42 and a 50-inch 1080p set built from Roku's reference designs. Price-wise, the former is priced at $379.99, while the latter will wind up setting you back $499.99 -- with both available exclusively through Best Buy.
Roku TV is gearing up for a future full of 4K
Roku is going 4K! Eventually. The company has announced plans for a 4K reference model of a Roku TV, and that TCL would be the first to partner with the company in the Ultra HD space. What does that mean? Well, it means soon enough Roku will have a board and software capable of spitting out unnaturally hi-res video from the likes of Netflix (one of the first to announce it will deliver 4K through Roku TV), but that it will be up to TV manufacturers to turn that into a consumer product. How long will that take? Who knows? The company isn't nailing down a time frame just yet. But we don't expect anything to hit shelves until the summer at the earliest. (And we're probably being optimistic.)
Reuters says Insignia Flex Tablet may cost $239 to $259, we'd say it faces stiff odds
Best Buy omitted a handful of details when it unveiled the Insignia Flex Tablet last week, not the least of which is the price that usually sells Insignia-branded gear. A Reuters tipster claims to have filled in that blank: the 9.7-inch, Ice Cream Sandwich-based slate will reportedly cost between $239 to $259 when it ships November 11th. That's not bad for a tablet at the size of the Flex, but you'll be giving up a lot to get that screen size if the price tag is real. A similar outlay could net a (likely faster) 32GB Kindle Fire HD, for starters -- and while we don't know any details of what's coming from Apple's "little" event next week, we have a hunch that it just might overshadow Best Buy's hopes of being the value leader in the tablet field. Without an official confirmation or denial, we'd suggest fence-sitting for a little while longer if you're not already in love with the big-box retailer's in-house brand.
Best Buy reveals Insignia Flex Tablet, 9.7-inches of Android 4.0
It's been a little while since we visited anything from Best Buy's Insignia brand, but this new tablet from the retailer just caught our (or rather a tipster's) eye. Called the Insignia Flex, it's a 9.7-inch, dual-core 1GHz, Android 4.0 slate that promises up to ten hours of battery life. As you can see, the design is unique enough to stand out from the crowd, with a squared off look, and an almost Xperia T-esque curve to the bezel. That's about all we know about it at the minute, other than it being penciled in for release a month from now. We're hoping that this could land with a smile-friendly price tag, but if you want to know for sure, hit up the source link to follow along on Facebook. [Thanks, Matt]
Roku Streaming Stick launches in October for $99, Vudu comes to the Roku platform today
We've been waiting for Roku to release its miniaturized dongle since CES, and now we finally know the flash drive-sized Streaming Stick will be available next month for $99. Priced the same as as the Roku 2 XS set-top box, it brings the same feature set but in a smaller package designed to work directly with your HDTV, thanks to power, remote control and data signals fed through an MHL-compatible HDMI port. While it will work with other MHL-ready host devices, manufacturers with Roku Ready stamped and certified HDTVs on shelves this fall will include Apex, Insignia and Hitachi -- Onkyo plans to ship receivers early next year. If you pick up an otherwise dumb flat-panel with the stick bundled along with it the price is set by that manufacturer, but the standalone plan means buyers savings are focused on the two cables they won't be needing, and simplified remote capability since their TV remote can talk to the Stick directly. Like the Roku 2 XS, the Streaming Stick also includes the motion control capable game remote. A separate move will benefit many existing Roku owners, as it is also announcing that Walmart-owned Vudu is launching on the platform today. You will need a Roku HD (2500), LT or Roku 2 box (or the Streaming Stick, once it launches) to take advantage of the Vudu app and its streams that bring quality of up to 1080p and 7.1 surround sound. That also means access to Vudu-compatible UltraViolet movie titles on yet another set-top box, if that's a consideration, and users score a $5.99 credit with Vudu just for linking the account to their boxes. All the details are in the press release after the break, and on the Roku blog.
Roku Streaming Stick ready devices will come from Insignia, Mitsubishi, Onkyo, Oppo and others
Roku unveiled its miniaturized Streaming Stick at CES, and while we still don't have an exact release date or price tag, the company has produced a list of manufacturers that will deliver "Roku Ready" hardware. That list is comprised of Element Electronics; GlobalVue International, LLC; Haier; Hitachi America, Ltd.; Insignia / Best Buy (which already tried out this strategy once with the whatever-happened-to-the TiVo-powered cTV); Mitsubishi Electric (TVs); Onkyo and Integra; OPPO and TMAX Digital, Inc.(Apex Digital® TVs). In case you've forgotten, the Roku Streaming Stick plugs into MHL-compatible HDMI ports to not only feed video to the HDTV, receiver or other device, but also accept remote control inputs and power, and brings its own WiFi hookup for internet access. That way, users can add this single accessory to make a "dumb" flat panel into a connected TV all without any extra cords or switching remotes, and, if necessary, easily upgrade in the future. As CEO Anthony Wood mentioned just days ago Roku's current focus is finding companies willing to work together to provide a well integrated experience for the add-on. To make that clear for potential buyers, Roku Ready devices like HDTVs, receivers and Blu-ray players will not only be stamped with a logo to show they're compatible, some will arrive with the dongle packed in. Its due date is set for "the coming weeks" so it shouldn't be long until we nail down the other details about the Roku Streaming Stick -- all currently available information can be found in the press release after the break.
Roku unveils Streaming Stick, squeezes box into MHL dongle
The latest innovation from Roku CEO Anthony Wood and his squad? After reducing the size of its players to a mere hockey puck, it has now managed to fit all the necessary hardware into this tiny dongle, that plugs into the HDMI port of MHL-compatible HDTVs. Mobile High-Definition Link ports, were intended for users to hook up their mobile phones simply for control and charging all-in-one, but also powers this unit which packs WiFi and all into one tiny package and can even be controlled by the TV's remote. Now, HDTV manufacturers can build TVs that function as dumb displays without it, but become smart TVs featuring the Roku experience we've become accustomed to just by plugging one in. The other benefit? No more obsolete smart TV hardware when the updates stop flowing. While Roku has a decent track record in this regard, if you ever need a more powerful unit, it's a lot simpler to swap out a simple dongle (expect a good/better/best pattern for functions like gaming, etc., following the player line) to add features than changing an entire HDTV. Best Buy's Insignia-branded line is the first scheduled to take advantage with pack-ins when the stick debuts in the second half of the year, although it will work with TVs from other manufacturers (Samsung, Toshiba, etc.) that meet the spec, but we don't figure the big boys will be willing to sacrifice their existing smart TV platforms very quickly. We're told the price (it will be available both as a standalone and pack-in) should be in a similar range to current Roku players, which the company also announced it has shipped 2.5 million of to date. Check after the break for the press release and pics showing how it fits in an HDTV.
Best Buy launches Insignia connected TVs with DVR-less TiVo
Right on schedule, Best Buy's announced it's good and ready to ship two Insignia-branded connected televisions with TiVo's UI -- minus the whole DVR thing, that is. The two 1080p sets, available in 32- and 42-inch flavors, are landing months after the retailer said it was buddying up with TiVo to borrow its user interface -- and only that, there's no indication these will play nicely with Premiere DVRs and their multiroom streaming at launch -- for searching content and also just getting up and running easily. As you'd expect, folks perusing these sets can watch movies from Netflix, CinemaNow, and YouTube, as well as stream from Pandora and Napster. Rounding out the list of apps are Facebook, Twitter, Photobucket, and Chumby, with more to come, Best Buy tells us. In addition to the easy access to content, the story here is that the UI plays nice with existing cable boxes, making the installation easy even if the person holding the remote doesn't happen to have a lengthy serial number on hand. Look for the 32-inch number for $499, with the 42-incher fetching $699. Find the full PR and some b-roll video after the break, along with a smattering of hands-on shots of what should be an all-too-familiar interface. %Gallery-129545%
Box pics, price and features leak out for the Best Buy Insignia cTV with TiVo
As we close in on the purported release date for Best Buy's Insignia cTV, more details have come to light about the TiVo menu system (but not DVR) powered HDTV. Zatz Not Funny reports the 32- and 42-inch models available initially will cost $599 and $999, respectively, with a pretty standard list of features including built-in 802.11n WiFi, 4 HDMI ports, etc. More interesting however are these box shots that reveal unannounced apps on the way including Chumby widgets -- destined to replace the late FrameChannel? -- as well as Twitter and Facebook, which were integrated via the iPad app but not the box, yet. So far we still don't know for sure if these TVs will be able to serve as multiroom extenders and stream video from a TiVo Premiere (whenever TiVo brings the feature back) but until there's some official word you can get more pictures and details at the source below.
Best Buy Insignia cTV with DVR-less TiVo built-in launches July 31st
Best Buy and TiVo announced they were forming a "broad partnership" two years ago, then revealed a connected HDTV product last year, and now it's apparently just days from being released. This information posted over at ZatzNotFunny pegs the launch date for the Insignia cTV as July 31st, packing the TiVo Premiere's menu system and apps like Netflix, CinemaNow and Pandora. The 32- and 42-inch models feature built-in WiFi, but no included DVR and don't require a TiVo subscription. With the recent launch of multiroom streaming on the TiVo Premiere and another DVR-less product from TiVo in the Preview, this is a perfect opportunity to include multiroom access, no set-top box needed. Unfortunately, like the pricetag of the cTV units, that detail has yet to be revealed.
Flameseeker Chronicles: Whatever shall I wear?
Every now and again I'm fond of revisiting the basics of Guild Wars here in Flameseeker Chronicles. This usually happens for one of two reasons: newer players have given me some ideas on things that are universally confusing or there's a lack of new Guild Wars 2 news. Well, the Engineer topic has bypassed "beating a dead horse" and is rapidly approaching "beating a small smear of glue," and Justin Olivetti is playing Guild Wars in earnest again. What does that last thing have to do with the price of tea in Cantha, you ask? Follow along after the jump and we'll find out!
Insignia intros second portable HD Radio: NS-HD02 with 'live pause' and bookmarks
Believe it or not, HD Radio's still kickin'. It'll never be the runaway hit that MP3 was, but considering what satellite radio has been through over the past couple of years... well, maybe things aren't so gloomy after all. Best Buy's house label has just introduced a followup to last year's NS-HD01 portable HD Radio -- a unit we were able to toy with for a tick -- with the predictably named NS-HD02 boasting a far nicer display and a trio of newfangled features. Best Buy's trumpeting Artist Experience (on-screen program related images, including targeted ads), Live Pause (enables users to pause playback for up to 15 minutes) and Bookmark (self explanatory), but it ought to be focusing on the 2.5- x 3-inch capacitive touchpanel that looks to be leaps and bounds better than the LCD we kvetched about last year. It'll also boast a 3.5mm headphone jack and ship with a pair of sure-to-be-lackluster earbuds, and it'll land in Best Buy stores on October 24th for $69 (a $20 premium over the HD01).%Gallery-104843%
Insignia's Infocast gains a web browser, a little dignity in the process
Nah, it's not an officially supported browser, but it's a browser nonetheless. Chumby founder Andrew Huang has recently posted up instructions (along with a prebuilt file for those stretched thin) on how to port a WebKit-based browser onto Best Buy's self-proclaimed Internet Media Device. Currently, the browser requires a USB keyboard for text input, though the touch panel still functions just fine when it comes to window management / navigation. Hit the links below if you're looking for good reason to dust your Infocast off and put it to better use. Or don't, and just become more bitter at the world around you for no good reason at all. Your choice.
Ask Engadget: best media display / internet viewer for bedside?
We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget question is coming to us from Jon, who just needs something to give him loads of glanceable information moments before he drifts off into the land of fairies, unicorns and deep-friend cotton candy. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "I've been trying to buy a new alarm clock lately and am completely appalled at the selection available online or elsewhere. Most are basically docks for your iPod / PMP and have a pre-turn of the century LCD digital clock display and some shoddy speakers. They also range in price from $40 to $200. After seeing things like the Sony Dash and the new Insignia Infocast, I could see those as viable alarm clock solutions (with weather, music, maybe an RSS feed). Are there other items out there that have a great display that you can dim and would be able to serve this purpose? Or or either of those the one to get?" So, sweet-dreamers, what'll it be? Do you have a Chumby-infused widget display on your own night stand? Go on, don't be shy -- help a brother out in comments below.
Insignia's new 5.1 surround sound offers plenty at a great price
We love us some high end equipment, but we also know everyone has to start somewhere and when you're starting from scratch, any surround sound system is better than no surround sound at all. The Insignia 5.1 system pictured above is available now from Best Buy at $399 and is hard to beat at that price. The specs claim it pumps out 110 watts per channel and includes a 120 watt powered sub. Best of all is it features the Audyssey audio technology, which makes proper calibration a real breeze. And in case you been eyeing a 3DTV, it has three HDMI inputs that are 1.4 compatible and will pass all the latest 3D formats.
