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Samsung plotting a single platform to connect TVs and phones
Samsung's mad, monied quest to "free the TV apps" may not stop at your couch -- the electronics manufacturer says it's looking to loop in cell phones as well. "We plan to have a single platform for Samsung TV and phones," a VP told Reuters, without providing further details. We have to wonder if it might cross swords with the Media Hub video-on-demand software the company's pushing in the tablet and smartphone space. No word on when we'll find out.
Samsung's DI07 update for Epic 4G adds Media Hub, but does it fix other issues?
The Samsung Epic 4G has a new software update available that takes the device from version DG27 (spotted in the build number and baseband version) to DI07. Since it launched on Sprint at the end of last month, users have complained about various issues from inaccurate GPS results (despite functional results in our testing with apps like Google Maps and Foursquare, obtaining a precise location from satellites only is still iffy at best and too often requires a reboot), 3G upload speeds that appear to be capped at 150kbps, poor signal reception and more and are likely waiting to see if those have been addressed. So far, the update details (included after the break) indicate that isn't the case. Getting the update is a matter of luck for now with the servers initially in push mode but when it hits users should have access to the just-launched Media Hub app as well as optimizations for battery power in hotspot mode, performance tweaks and several fixes including one for recognizing 32 GB micro SD cards. Our Epic 4G isn't rocking any new patches no matter how many times we hit Update Android; if you get the update, let us know if you notice any other changes. Update: A few commenters have linked up the zip file for your manual upgrading pleasure. We were able to update using the process and haven't experienced any glitches or instantaneous combustion as a result, though we are feeling even more attractive and intelligent than usual. A demonstration video from AndroidCentral is embedded after the break if you're still curious.
Samsung Galaxy Tab for US (and Media Hub) hands-on (update: video!)
By and large, there aren't really any surprises with the Galaxy Tab we just tried out -- it was only two weeks ago that we tried it at IFA. We did hear from Samsung that the company might change the back, but what we said about hardware and experience before remains true here. The Media Hub, which is new, is sleek and convenient, and the Iron Man preview we watched looked great on the screen. If you're in need of more Tab pictures, we got you covered just below. Update: We've got video, just after the break!%Gallery-102505%
Samsung Media Hub: movies and next-day TV shows from NBC, Paramount, Universal, and more
We've been itching to see how Samsung would leverage Media Hub, and now we're getting the goods at its Galaxy Tab event. Compatible with Tab and Galaxy S devices, both movies and next-day TV shows will be available for purchase and rental. As for the content partners, they're not quite shabby: MTV Networks, NBC, Paramount, Universal Studios, and Warner, with more to be announced. Purchased content can be shared with up to five devices. What's not specified is pricing. We should be getting hands-on with it soon, so stay tuned -- or whatever the internet equivalent of that idiom is.
Nyko reveals Wii Wand with built-in MotionPlus, more at CES
Last year at CES, Nyko unveiled the Wand, its take on Nintendo's Wiimote. This year, the peripheral maker's big item is ... abracadabra ... the Wand -- with one exciting addition! The $40 Wand+ is a single, self-contained unit that includes MotionPlus compatibility. The device still supports the crazy Trans-Port stuff, like the original Wand does, which means that Wiimote buttons can be automatically remapped to buttons on other Nyko accessories, including its gun controller. Nyko has also introduced two variants of its cookie-inspiring Charge Base IC remote charger: a version of the original in black and a new one that can accommodate four Wiimotes. For PS3, the company has designed a new version of its Intercooler made to bulk up Sony's Slim model, and the Media Hub Slim, a combination of a tiny remote control and a USB hub. The Wand and Charge Base Quad IC are due in stores this March. The Intercooler will be available next month for $19.99, and the Media Hub Slim will retail for $19.99 when it's released in April. %Gallery-81970%
Cisco Media Hub reviewed, punched like a baby
Cisco's been trying to make themselves comfortable in our living rooms over the last few years with variable success. For Cisco, the more audio, home spun video, TV, and just plain data they can entice you to push around your house, and The Net in general, translates to warm willowy cash riding an OSPF packet direct into Cisco's pocket. Now we've got a review from HotHardware of Cisco's latest, the Linksys Media Hub Network Attached Storage device. Unfortunately for Cisco, the review politely ripped the Media Hub to shreds. It's most compelling feature -- the intuitive, built-in, Internet accessible Media Browser -- would "lose" media and "frequently" degrade performance during database rebuilds that kicked off throughout the day. Issues that could be solved via firmware update -- someday... probably. The price is also set too high compared to other NAS devices in the same capacity range. For about the same dough, you can get the Business Edition of the 2TB Maxtor Central Axis NAS preferred by HH. Fortunately for you, you've seen the review prior to handing Cisco your $350. You did wait for the review, right?
Linksys announces Media Hub NAS
We knew Cisco would be throwing down in the home media space, and it's coming out in force, supplementing that sexy Wireless Home Audio system with the web-enabled Media Hub NAS. Both the $400 500GB NMH405 and $430 NMH410 (1TB) feature a front-panel LCD and card reader, while the $350 NMH305 (500GB) does away with such frills. All three models come with a single drive, but can be expanded with a second unit later. The web interface actually looks super-slick, with file system and media playback functionality available to any web browser. Of course, you can also stream to any UPnP AV / DLNA device, and there's also iTunes streaming if you roll like that. Not a bad little package, if you're in the market -- we'll see how that interface runs in person later this week.
Nyko's Media Hub for PS3 inelegantly adds USB ports, multicard reader
Nyko's got a knack for delivering some of the ugliest, most preposterous third-party peripherals on the planet, yet -- for whatever reason -- we can't help but love 'em. The latest abomination from the outfit that begins to grow on you almost immediately is the Media Hub for PlayStation 3. For those that went cheap on the 40GB PS3 and missed out on a multicard reader and the full array of USB ports, this here adornment presumably connects to one of those USB sockets and adds three more while tossing in the card reader you've so dearly missed. Thankfully, Nyko's only charging $19.99 for this, so you should be okay even if your ship has yet to come in.[Via Joystiq]
Nyko Media Hub adds USB ports, SD card support to 40GB machines
The cheaper 40GB is missing a few features, the most noteworthy being backwards compatibility with PS2 games. However, it has a few other minor quirks. For example, it only has two USB ports, instead of four, and it's missing some memory card readers. (The 20GB launch machine is also missing memory card readers.) Well, Nyko will have none of that nonsense!From the press release: "We found that many of our customers who had purchased the popular 40 GB version of the PS3, which has less USB ports and no media card reader, were looking for an affordable solution to expand with these features," said Chris Arbogast, Director of Marketing at Nyko Technologies. "With the Media Hub, an additional three USB ports and a media card reader are now possible for all PS3 models, allowing consumers to enjoy the full capabilities of their multimedia system no matter which model they choose." The Media Hub is expected to hit stores in August, with a rather steep asking price of $20.
Console as entertainment hub: This time for sure
Today's San Jose Mercury News covers the PS3 and Wii launch for a broad audience, including the push to make consoles home entertainment hubs. We've heard the promise before, including Media Center Extender for the original Xbox and the PSX DVR that was supposed to ship worldwide. Even the Pippin and Dreamcast browsed the web, but few seemed to care.Are these internet and media features finally converging into single devices? The Wii has the fewest media features, but even that console is far ahead of the previous generations. Will general consumers -- or gamers -- care that they can download movies on a console?
