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Acer Aspire RevoView network media streamer ships this month in the UK
Hard to say if it's too little, too late, but one thing's for darn sure -- Acer definitely has a lot of competition to shake off if it wants this Aspire RevoView to truly succeed. Announced originally way back in May, this here network media streamer is just now gaining an image, price and release date. It's able to fetch content from USB hard drives, an internal 3.5-inch HDD, a memory card slot or the world wide web, but the latter seems contained to just YouTube, Picasa and Flickr for the time being. It'll push things out via an HDMI socket on the rear, and the bundled remote will keep your keister firmly planted while it's in operation. No word on whether or not this fellow will ever leave the confines of the UK, but it'll go on sale there next week for £119.99 ($193).
Western Digital stuffs 1TB HDD into Live Hub networked media streamer
WD's no stranger to the media streaming game, but things apparently just got serious. Gone is the My Book-esque design that has been used on all of the units prior, and in is a sleeker, sexier box that's quite clearly designed to slip right on top of your existing cable set-top. The WD TV Live Hub is easily Western Digital's most feature-packed streamer yet, with a 1TB HDD within for storing who knows what locally. There's also an Ethernet socket for pulling down content via the web or your local network, and a pair of USB ports allow for storage expansion or transfers. Naturally, it'll handle Netflix, YouTube, Pandora, Blockbuster on Demand and UPnP / DLNA streaming to your favorite game console, but the lack of inbuilt WiFi (it's available via an optional adapter) puts a mild damper on an otherwise fantastic sounding product. It's available immediately around the globe, with Americans able to snag one for $199.99 directly from WD or at Best Buy. Update: Looks as if Desktop Review has a lengthy review on this guy, along with a slew of user interface shots. The botto line? It's the best player yet from the company, though the price tag did present a bit of sadness. Hit it up for the full skinny. %Gallery-105974%
LG Optimus 7 review
If last night's cameo showing off the official Twitter client for Windows Phone 7 wasn't enough of a hint, yes, we've gotten our hands on LG's Optimus 7. This 3.8-inch machine will serve as LG's international WP7 ambassador while Americans get to grips with its QWERTY keyboard-equipped Quantum brother. As you'll no doubt be aware by now, the internal equipment is standardized around Microsoft's chassis spec, meaning a WVGA screen resolution, a 1GHz Snapdragon inside, and a 5 megapixel camera shooting 720p video at 24fps. You'd think, therefore, that it'd be a nondescript, middle-of-the-road option, but the Optimus 7 left us extremely impressed after our first hands-on and we're eager to keep digging for more. Does it put up a righteous fight against the more ambitious HD7 from HTC and Omnia 7 from Samsung? Jump past the break to find out. This review is primarily of the LG Optimus 7 hardware. Check out our full review of Windows Phone 7 for our thoughts on the OS. %Gallery-105728%
Panasonic's DMR-BF200 stuffs hard drive and Blu-ray burner into one tiny, magical box
And this, friends, is why Japan is a marvelous place. Panasonic has just removed the wraps from its new DIGA DMR-BF200, which is being hailed as the planet's smallest Blu-ray recorder. For all intents and purposes, this is simply an external hard drive with a slot-loading Blu-ray burner baked in, but there's plenty more on the inside to pay attention to. It'll stream DLNA content, interface with your other VIERA Link equipment, output content via HDMI and even access acTVila (a Japanese video-on-demand service). Users can also toss in an SD card for watching flicks stored on more portable media, and most anything housed on the 320GB internal hard drive can be toasted on BD-R/RE for playback elsewhere. It should be noted, however, that neither BDXL nor Blu-ray 3D are supported, but those still keenly interested can find it on November 15th for ¥70,000 ($861) in black or white.
LG 72LEX9: the **largest 3D television you can purchase next year (updated)
If you're going to make the jump to 3D then don't pussyfoot around. Not when you can go all in with the world's largest commercial 3D LED backlit television from LG. The 72LEX9 stretches that 400Hz TruMotion panel to a full 72 inches while bunging NetCast online media streaming, Spot Control pixel dimming, DLNA, and Wireless AV Link into the mix. Look for it to be released in Q2 of 2011... at which time LG will probably release its 84-incher just to spite you. TV sans human after the break. ** Mitsubishi makes a 75-inch 3D-ready LaserVue TV. Talk about splitting hairs.
Western Digital debuts My Book Live NAS / media streamer, revamped My Photos app
The My Book Live definitely doesn't mark Western Digital's first foray into the world of connected storage, but the devil's in the details on this one. The company's newly released network drive falls into the budget-friendly My Book line, but promises access to files at up 100Mbps, or triple the speed of standard USB 2.0 units. Additionally, Apple Time Machine support comes baked in from the factory, and there's also an integrated DLNA-compatible media server that can stream photos, videos and audio through any number of devices (WD TV Live Plus HD, Xbox 360, your Blu-ray player, a PlayStation 3, etc.). It'll also double (triple?) as an iTunes music server, and when paired with the company's refreshed WD Photos app -- which is now optimized for iPad and iPhone 4 -- users can flip through their photo albums remotely. The My Book Live is now available for $169.99 (1TB) / $229.99 (2TB), and the aforementioned app can be sucked down as we speak from the action-packed App Store.%Gallery-104521%
Panasonic teases a 13.2MP 'Lumix phone' for October 5 unveiling
Looks like we'll soon have another heavyweight to throw into the renewed cameraphone wars, as Panasonic has put up a teaser site for its first Lumix-branded phone. Lumix is of course Panasonic's camera label, which counts among its luminary membership the likes of the GF1 and the newly refreshed LX5. The new phone shooter promises to beat both in terms of pure resolution with its 13.2 megapixel CMOS sensor, which is accompanied by a 3.3-inch LCD atop a 146-gram body. Much like Nokia's N8 and its protruding sensor compartment, this Lumix handset will have to make room for its expanded imaging equipment, which is why it'll offer a comparatively chubby 17.7mm thickness, to go along with a 116mm height and 52mm width. We'll know more next week when CEATEC 2010 gets rolling over in Tokyo. [Thanks, Anton] P.S. -- It's also noteworthy that Panasonic's press release indicates a folding mechanism for this handset, which, given current trends in Japan, makes it most likely to be a clamshell device. It's also got some DLNA voodoo inside and is coming out by the end of this fiscal year (April 2011).
Orb MP-1 music player pulls Sonos-like tricks for way less than a Benjamin
Streaming music from a computer to all manner of home audio devices is an area Sonos, Logitech, and Apple have been competing in for years. The recently-released MP-1 music player from Orb, though, is a surprise contender that can perform a host of streaming duties for less than $70. Like the competition, it works by connecting to a powered audio device via an in-line jack, and can play music stored locally, on a network, or from services like Pandora when streamed over 802.11b/g/n WiFi through its companion Orb Caster media server software. To sweeten the package, the company is also throwing in their Orb Controller app for iOS devices -- which normally costs $10 -- for a low price of free, and apparently has plans to release an Android version of the remote sometime in the near future. Sure, it's a little strange for us to see a company known for their free media streaming software jump in the hardware game so abruptly, but the MP-1's mixture of functionality for the price is a pretty enticing first step. Plus, if the move ignites a price war to the bottom with the aforementioned competition, who are we to complain? [Thanks, Tom]
Roku XDS review
It's an interesting time for Roku -- the upstart device company has owned the cheap'n'easy Netflix streaming market since the beginning, and its platform has been getting more and more flexible over time, adding various channels like Amazon Video on Demand, MLB.tv, UFC, and others. But cheap and simple aren't necessarily good enough anymore, not with the new $99 Apple TV set to launch in just a few weeks -- and while Roku already took the preemptive step of slashing prices across the board, it's following up with some promising new hardware and features. The new Roku HD offers basic 720p streaming capabilities for just $59, the new Roku XD adds 1080p streaming support for $79, and $99 Roku XDS -- which we tested -- offers 1080p support, a USB port for local media, optical and component outputs, and dual-band WiFi. Apart from the new case, the HD and XD are extremely similar to Roku's previous offerings, but the XDS is immediately interesting -- it offers a number of features absent on Apple's offering. So does the newest flagship Roku have what it takes to remain our favorite inexpensive streamer? Read on to find out! %Gallery-102946%
Motorola Europe repents, restores Milestone XT720 CPU to 720MHz speed with software update
Bought a Motorola Milestone XT720, only to find that "up to 720MHz" processor was actually clocked at a paltry 550 million cycles per second? If you live in Germany or the UK, you're in luck -- Motorola's poised to wash your troubles away with a software update that restores the OMAP3440's full 720MHz potential, and reportedly adds DLNA connectivity to the device as well. The company released the news on its official Facebook page earlier this week, and it was then reportedly available "today," so barring accident or injury you should be able to update your device or wait for the OTA. It feels like just yesterday we were discussing how software-updatable silicon felt slimy, but look -- it's not all bad.
HTC's Media Link provides the wireless DLNA support your phone and TV crave, coming Q4 2010
In our excitement over HTC's announcements this morning (that'd be Desire Z, Desire HD, and Sense enhancements, in case you missed it), we missed one other nugget of good news. The HTC Media Link wireless DLNA streaming adapter does exactly what you'd expect from a name like that -- namely, it's a box that allows you to stream media (photos, audio, video up to 720p) to TVs that don't natively have DLNA support. The pic above shows off what appears to be micro-USB and mini-HDMI ports. According to SlashGear, it's due out in Q4 this year, but price is still TBA. Update: Looks like the Media Link will go by "Tube," or so says this specifications list. Thanks, Michael!
Loewe shows off new Connect LEDs, wallets cringe
Ultra high-end German television maker Loewe revealed at IFA that its 32-inch and 42-inch Connect LED line will be refreshed with 200Hz edge LED backlit panels and improved MediaNet connectivity. Specifically MediaNet has been revamped to feature a new LAN interface for streaming local video or audio content on the TV's integrated DVR as well as from DLNA compatible devices and online sources. A so-called "Follow Me" feature is another handy addition that allows users to easily transfer a program in progress from TV to another display for completion -- which should prove useful to shipping magnates who prefer passing out to Titanic in bed after starting in the jacuzzi. Trusted Reviews also reports that Loewe, along with Sharp and Philips, is promoting web-based services built on CE-HTML that are optimized for TV displays, and even demoed a version of the BBC's iPlayer using the technology behind closed doors. Style-wise, the luxury set will ship in three colors along with a choice of stand and a 2.1 speaker setup when it hits the UK this November. Official pricing however is still unknown, but don't expect to find it at Asda. %Gallery-101499%
LG Optimus 7 Windows Phone 7 prototype flicks photos to TVs, launches October
We were a bit surprised to find LG's prototype Windows Phone 7 device for developers, soon to be unveiled officially as the Optimus 7 when released in its production form, hanging out in the wilds of IFA. Nevertheless, there it was, streaming DLNA content to a WiFi enabled TV. LG worked with Microsoft to develop a custom DLNA media sharing capability for its GW910 handset. Just one of the ways hardware partners are able to differentiate themselves on the otherwise locked down Windows Phone 7 platform. It certainly makes sense that LG would play to its strengths in the television industry as it moves to market with the device as early as next month according to our sources. Watch the trick flip-to-TV photo sharing interface in action after the break.
Samsung's 55-inch C9000 LCD and its amazing Touch Remote control land at IFA
That's not a PMP wirelessly mirroring the TV's display. It's a Samsung remote control that first blew us away at CES in January when Samsung's ultra-thin LCD 9000 series TV was first announced. So why revisit it? Well, for starters... look at it! It's a 3-inch touchscreen remote control in its production form that's now shipping with the LED backlit 200Hz (not 240Hz, it's Europe remember) Samsung C9000 -- a TV measuring just 7.98-mm thick with a 55-inch diagonal. The remote control itself is built on a 600MHz ARM 11 processor with a custom remote control layer sitting atop Linux and a 2.4GHz 802.11n radio. As such, this little powerhouse gives you lots of options to control and view your media including the ability to continue watching the game even as your bladder drags you into less, shall we say, comfortable rooms. You can even preview other channels without interrupting that vast expanse of LCD viewed by others in the room. It also supports DLNA for streaming your media from any number of compatible devices. Naturally, it also functions as a programmable remote for all your new gadget additions. Really, the entire package is quite amazing. Check it for yourself after the break.
Motorola Milestone 2 arrives, 720p HD video, Android 2.2, and Motoblur Enhanced in tow
Even without yesterday's premature video promo, you had to know Motorola wouldn't leave its international audience without a successor to the Milestone, so today -- surprise, surprise -- we're being treated to the Milestone 2's launch. The first thing to be said here is that if you've handled a Droid 2, you've also handled a Milestone 2 -- the new phone follows Moto's tradition of being a simple rebadge away from the Verizon-friendly Droid naming scheme, which means it retains the same 1GHz OMAP SOC, 512MB of RAM, 5 megapixel camera, 8GB of integrated storage (plus an included 8GB MicroSD card), and Android 2.2 as the default, albeit Motoblured, OS. Also, we got this straight from the Motohorse's mouth: Motoblur's not going anywhere, it's the company's "Android solution" and is here to stay. One advantage over the Droid 2 here is the addition of 720p video recording. It's still the exact same imager as on the back of the first Milestone, but now you can catch moving visuals in HD resolution. Moto were keen to point out the 5-device hotspot capabilities (courtesy of Froyo) on the Milestone 2, but they showed it off using a wired connection since the demo handset's O2 SIM card wouldn't permit wireless tethering. Well, that was a grand demonstration of how vulnerable our Android 2.2 goodness will be to the whims of mobile carriers. The Milestone 2's expected to launch around Europe in Q4, with carrier-dependent pricing as per usual. Update: Hands-on video now available after the break. %Gallery-100852%
Netgear announces NeoTV 550 & 350 HD Media Players plus other networking goodies
This week Netgear made a battery of new product announcements related to home entertainment and Powerline networking. On the media side, the NeoTV 550 & 350 HD players look a lot like last year's Digital Entertainer Elite, minus the 500GB of internal storage and access to VOD services like CinemaNow. Both are however capable of playing a robust list of codecs in full HD from a variety of attached sources like USB, eSATA (in the case of the 550) or SD storage, as well as streaming content from UPnP, DLNA or WMP11 networks. The 550 adds in support for external Blu-ray drives and BD-Live too, all for $219, which should appeal any of the poor souls with an unused standalone drive. Three new Powerline kits -- AV 200, AV 500, and AV+ 500 -- were also announced to help consumers avoid the pain of stringing Ethernet in every direction. The entry level AV 200 appears to improve on the previous HDXB101 kit by offering the same theoretical 200mbps in addition to push button security enhancements and greener power consumption. The AV 500 kit provides the same and ramps the networking speeds to up to -- you guessed it -- 500mbps, while the "+" version throws in a pass-through filtered AC socket to avoid sacrificing precious outlets. Priced all below $200, every kit will available be by mid November for all the fall home networking your heart could desire. Peep the galleries and PR below for further details. %Gallery-100540% %Gallery-100541%
Sony's Netbox streams Netflix, YouTube and other internet stuff for $130
We can't say there's a real shortage of streaming, set-top boxes on the market, but that doesn't mean we won't welcome Sony's addition with open arms. Not to be confused with a netbook or a nettop, the Netbox streams Sony's Bravia Internet services -- YouTube, Netflix, DailyMotion, etc. -- as well as supports a "wide range" of video formats including DivX and MKV. Although it's got 802.11n WiFi baked in, the rather compact box has an Ethernet port around back as well as an USB jack on the front for hooking up an external hard drive for watching any of your legally-downloaded (obviously!) videos. Sadly, when we got to check out the Netbox earlier today it wasn't connected to a network -- go figure, with all those connectivity options -- but the software was up and running, and we got to take a peek at the remote app on an Xperia X10. Fret not, the free app will be available for the iPhone and other Android phones. Look, we'd understand holding out for a BRAVIA with Google TV, but all in all for $130 we wouldn't blame you for heading off to Sony right now and picking one of these little guys up.
Epic 4G coming August 31st for $249.99 on contract (updated)
Like your Samsung Galaxy S with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard and a dash of WiMAX? Sprint's website has finally spilled the beans: the Epic 4G will arrive Tuesday, August 31st for $249.99 on contract (after $150 instant rebate and $100 mail-in rebate). Oddly enough, we've gotten a number of screencaps from readers who see an August 20th date, one that coincides with an upcoming Epic 4G promo we caught wind of, but the press release definitively lists the 31st. No way to pre-order at this point -- reservations begin Friday, according to the press release -- but feel free to sign up for reminders. Whew, glad that mystery's finally solved. PR after the break. Update: With Sprint now offering two Android-powered 4G smartphones, you're probably wondering, Epic 4G or EVO 4G? Fortunately, Sprint's got a video laying out the differences highlighting the Epic's Super AMOLED display, keyboard, Samsung Media Hub movie store (available post-launch), and DLNA to wirelessly send pics and video to other DLNA devices in the home. Check it out after the break. Update 2: Although reservations for in-store pickup aren't set to begin until tomorrow, we've been tipped on a reservation link intended for premier customers. [Thanks, Miguel] Update 3: You can also preorder at Radio Shack on August 13th -- with the purchase of a $50 gift card. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
3view launches first hybrid Digital/IPTV HD DVR with DVB-T2 tuners
Considering our frustrations with the closed nature of most DVRs stateside, now that 3view has started shipping pre-orders of its first £299 [$472] Hybrid Digital / IPTV HD DVR set- top box, we're certainly jealous. That's because for starters, it performs all of the basic functions of a 500GB HD DVR and provides viewers with access to 50+ TV channels, as well as all free OTA HD channels, thanks to partner MaxLinear's dual MxL5007T DVB-T2 broadcast tuners. There's also integrated support for YouTube and IPTV sources like BBC's iPlayer, with Sky Player slated to join the mix soon. If that wasn't enough to make you pity your recorder, UK owners can even view digital media content via the box's HDD, external USB storage, or DLNA networks, and easily rub in their gleeful media freedom via Twitter or Facebook. No, it may not be fair, but it seems remembering that we don't have to pay a license fee just to get basic national news is the only cheap shot worth clinging to for solace in this situation.
CableLabs demos multiroom DVR and DLNA servers
In recent comments to the FCC the NCTA and its members were proud to exclaim how innovative its set-top boxes were, while we still laugh at their pitifully small hard drives, hideous user interfaces and the down right unpleasant experience they provide. But to be fair the cable providers do innovate, it is just 5-10 years behind the retail market. So in the same light, CableLabs held a tech demo recently and showed multi-room DVRs and set-top boxes with DLNA servers built in. Now both of these features should've been old news years ago, but will be welcomed even today since the majority of valuable content is delivered via cable companies. The DLNA aspect is actually an interesting one as we remember how odd it was when that very group issued a press release during CES that included quotes from most of the big cable companies who were sharing their love for DLNA. Of course that was 8 months ago and we are just now seeing a demo, so you can probably expect to see it hit your set-top in about 4 or 5 more years.
