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Google drops 'Cast' branding in favor of 'Chromecast built-in' (updated)
Has that seemingly ubiquitous Google Cast branding on media devices felt uninspiring, or even a bit confusing? Google might just agree with you. The company has been phasing out the Google Cast name over the course of recent weeks, both for its own products as well as supporting hardware from third parties like Toshiba and Vizio. Instead, it's increasingly referring to embedded streaming technology as "Chromecast built-in." To top things off, Google just renamed its @googlecast Twitter account to @chromecast.
Nest 'Instaclips' capture highlights with a single click
Time-lapse photography is super cool, but doing it yourself is a pretty involved undertaking. The folks at Nest want to take the work out of it though. With a new feature for Nest Aware subscribers you can make a short "instaclip" of the video footage it's grabbing. The outfit says that its algorithms work to look for the beginning and end of the action (like when people start setting a table or decorating a room for the holidays, as an example), but you can dictate where the video starts and stops as well. Once you're done perfecting the footage, you can share the clip however you'd like from within the app.
Twitter's live video app comes to Android TV
Twitter TV events have included Thursday NFL games and the presidential election, but until now they've only been available on TV through Apple TV, Fire TV and Xbox One. Now, Android TV is joining that list, and from the appearance, the app is the same as on every other platform. There's a listing for whatever featured broadcast is going on at the top, plus popular tweets and videos from the service, and some live Periscope streams. Twitter is pushing this ahead of tomorrow's Saints/Panthers game, but it should probably add some updated screenshots to the Google Play Store first -- currently they only show the phone version of the app.
PlayStation Vue is on Android TV now, Mac and PC later
Sony keeps getting more serious about its cord-cutter service, PlayStation Vue. After announcing support for Android mobile devices in June, the company has revealed that its streaming app is now available on Android TV. If you have a set-top box powered by Google's platform, or a compatible TV, you just need to make sure you're running Android OS 4.4 or higher and you'll be good to go.
LeEco inadvertently spoils its US launch plans
LeEco's hardware lineup is supposed to make its splashy US debut on October 19th, but it appears that someone at the company couldn't wait to show what it had in store. Vizio's new owner briefly posted listings for most (if not all) of its American devices, and it looks like the company's cost-conscious Chinese pricing will survive the trip across the Pacific. Its 5.7-inch Le Max 2 flagship, for example, could cost just $349 before a $60 promo discount -- and the mid-tier, 5.5-inch Le S3 (likely a rebranded Le 2) could start at $299 before discounts. You may not like the absence of a built-in headphone jack, but these phones could offer a lot of performance for the money.
Xiaomi's Android TV box showed up at a Walmart for $69
It looks like you may be able to check out Google's Android TV soon. Since Xiaomi's Mi Box was announced at Google I/O this year, multiple reports have speculated that the company's set top box will be available for a sub-$100 price soon. It appears those guesses may have been true: some Mi Box units have been reportedly spotted at Walmart going for just $69.
UFC 200 will be on DirecTV and streaming to Sony TVs in 4K
Need a reason to get excited about UFC 200 this weekend even though the headlining match has been called off? You should know that it will be available in 4K, through a couple of outlets. DirecTV is delivering the match in 4K on channel 106, while owners of Sony's Android TV-powered Ultra HD televisions (made in 2015 or 2016) can access it via the UFC app. Those appear to be the only two 4K sources for the fight, which is suddenly without the cachet of Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier 2 thanks to a "potential Anti-Doping Policy violation" by the former.
Sony adds cheaper 4K TVs to its lineup
Sony started 2016 by showing off some high-end 4K TVs with HDR, and with the arrival of summer it's time to see cheaper versions pop up on store shelves. The company says the new 800D, 750D and 700D are entry-level models for its premium XBR line, however only the 800D TVs will ship with HDR-10 support that offers enhanced colors and contrast on things like Ultra HD Blu-ray, Netflix/Amazon streaming and even some games -- the other two versions will get it in a firmware upgrade later this year. They're all Android TVs just like their higher-end cousins, with support for Google Cast and even Logitech's Harmony Hub app.
Your NVIDIA Shield now plays Netflix videos in HDR
NVIDIA just underscored one of the advantages of having a high-powered streaming media hub: you can roll out new video features before anyone else. It's delivering an update to its Shield set-top box that introduces high dynamic range Netflix video on supporting TVs -- a first for a stand-alone device, NVIDIA claims. You can also watch YouTube videos at both 4K and 60 frames per second, while Vudu 4K support is equally new. And if you're an audio junkie, you'll be glad to know that Dolby Atmos' extra-immersive audio gets a direct pass-through when you're using apps like Vudu, MX Player and NVIDIA's own media gallery.
Google connects Netflix to Android TV's universal search
Nearly two years after we first got our hands on the platform, Android TV is integrating Netflix with its universal search. Just last year we were complaining about the search on NVIDIA's Shield TV because it could only show results from YouTube, Hulu or Google's Play Store, and now that's fixed. Also, it's available on every Android TV device, so you shouldn't have to wait for an update before it starts working.
VLC for Android now plays videos from your local network
VLC for Android just became much, much more useful if you like full control over how and where you play your videos. The newly released VLC 2.0 rolls in a few big features that you may well have missed, most notably network browsing. Yes, you can find that elusive movie on your home media server. The upgrade also brings a pop-up video window that's helpful for tablet owners eager to multitask.
Google stops selling the Nexus Player
The writing has been on the wall for a while, but it finally happened: Google has stopped selling the ASUS-made Nexus Player through its own store. Google hasn't said what prompted the move, but it tells us that you'll have to go to the handful of third-party retailers still stocking the Android TV box if you just have to get the official experience. Otherwise, you'll have to either get a third-party device like the NVIDIA Shield or a TV set.
Spotify comes to Android TV
The Google I/O opening keynote might be over, but that doesn't mean there's any shortage of news from the developer event. Spotify, for one, has announced that it is expanding its reach to TVs and set-top boxes by launching a new Android TV app. It's exactly what you'd expect from a Spotify offering, in that it allows you to browse your tracks, albums and playlists, either with your Android TV remote or with the Spotify app thanks to Spotify Connect.
Google Cast and Android TV are coming to even more screens
During today's I/O keynote Google just barely squeezed in some notes about Android TV. On stage, while the Cast feature/ecosystem took a starring a role in the new Home device while also expanding from Vizio's TVs to work on screens from Magnavox, Philips, Polaroid, Toshiba, Westinghouse "and more." Picture-in-picture, new APIs for recording live TV and support for 4K / HDR video will all be a part of the Android N upgrade on Android TV, although there's no mention yet of a new Nexus Player with support for things like Ultra HD, or USB 3.0 hookups for external storage.
Starz starts streaming on Android TV
ESPN isn't the only big broadcaster showing some affection for Android TV today. Starz has launched its streaming service on Google's big-screen platform, giving you access to Ash vs. Evil Dead, Outlander and other shows through Android-powered TVs and set-top boxes. The features will resemble what you've found on iOS and smaller Android devices, including both the $9 per month internet-only plan and authentication if you already get Starz through a supporting TV provider (sorry, Comcast customers). Just don't expect it to work on every gadget running the platform -- the company only promises support for "select" Android TV devices, such as Sony's Android sets and Google's Nexus Player.
WatchESPN brings live and on-demand sports to Android TV
ESPN's streaming app is already available on a number of streaming gadgets and mobile devices, and now you can watch it on Android TV. WatchESPN's live and on-demand content is now available on Sony 4K HDR Ultra HD TVs, Sharp Aquos Android TV, Nexus Player, Nvidia Shield and Razer Forge TV. The company says that the app will makes its way to Philips and RCA devices "at a later date." If you'll recall, WatchESPN was already available on Google's Chromecast streaming dongle.
HDHomeRun is ready to make your Android TV a DVR
When SiliconDust announced its DIY DVR project a year ago, recording your shows meant building a PC dedicated to the task, or hooking up network storage. Now it's testing out HDHomeRun Record for Android TV, which lets you create an entire DVR with just one of its TV tuner devices and an Android box. Unfortunately, suggested requirements of Android 6.0, Ethernet, and a USB 3.0 connection for external storage mean Amazon's Fire TV and Google's Nexus Player won't work, but NVIDIA Shield Pro owners should be able to try it out immediately, thanks to their 500GB of built-in storage. You can watch the recorded shows directly on the device, or on any platform that runs its HDHomeRun View app.
Remote app for Android TV finally comes to iOS
Google announced that Android TV would launch with an accompanying remote app for Android devices, and two years later, they're releasing it for iOS. Lest you think that's a long delay, the newest Apple TV only got connected to its iOS Remote app in December.
Logitech's Harmony app brings smart home control to Android TV
Logitech's ill-fated Revue was one of the first devices with Google TV -- how could we forget that ad campaign -- and now it's back in the fold with an Android TV app. Compatible with hub-based Harmony remotes, it brings control of Harmony Activities to the big screen. Given enough home automation tie-ins throughout your home, it can adjust the blinds, thermostat, speakers and lights to create the desired viewing experience. If you have a Harmony Hub and an Android TV device (like one of Sony's smart TVs) on the same WiFi network then you're ready to go, just install the app from the Play Store right here.
Google is reportedly working with Vizio on Cast-ready TVs
Google has tried reworking Google TV into Android TV, but we're still not seeing the platform embedded in many more new TVs that were announced at launch. Now, according to a report from Variety, the company could try convincing manufacturers to build Chromecast-like receiving directly into TV sets. The first rumored partner is Vizio, which could be looking for a new edge in smart TVs with Yahoo shutting down its platform, and the possibility of an Android tablet remote. Vizio tried building its own Android tablet before, but packing one in with each new TV would be a step further.
