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The best media streaming devices
By Chris Heinonen This post was done in partnership with The Wirecutter, a buyer's guide to the best technology. When readers choose to buy The Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, it may earn affiliate commissions that support its work. Read the full article here. The best media streaming device for most people is the updated Roku Streaming Stick. It's as fast to use as any streamer available and has a wider selection of apps than others offer. And unlike its main competitors, Roku doesn't try to sell content from its own store; rather than prioritizing one streaming service over another within its interface, it lets you customize what it displays to suit your preferences.
StreamNation's digital-media locker overhaul focuses on mobile music
You've got to hand it to tech companies lately: they've been awfully keen on taking user feedback to heart and addressing any shortcomings in their services. The latest to do so is the digital-media locker outfit StreamNation. The firm has launched a completely overhauled website and mobile apps, and in doing so retconned features of the old ones that weren't quite up to snuff. Because the new access points were apparently built from scratch, StreamNation says that's why the service currently missing stuff like a search feature and a content management system on iOS. Same goes for DTS and Dolby Digital audio support. Users on Apple's mobile OS do get offline music playback as well as support for in-car listening via AirPlay, Bluetooth and USB. Oh, and a retooled Chromecast experience is supposedly in the works as well. Have any suggestions for bits and bobs you'd like added? Let the team know -- it's listening.
Amazon likely to announce media streamer at April 2nd event
Amazon's name has been circulated pretty heavily in the rumor mill as of late, especially when it comes to a streaming music service and set-top box. So we aren't necessarily surprised to see the company send us an invite to an event April 2nd for "an update to our video business." That's the only clue we have -- unless you count the image of a couch as a hint -- but given the aforementioned rumors, it seems very likely that we're going to see the set-top box that's been rumored for so long. If so, this should be Amazon's answer to other media streamers like Apple TV and Roku. We've heard whispers that the new box will run on a forked version of Android, much like the Kindle Fire, and will feature Netflix and Hulu Plus apps. Whatever Amazon does announce, we've got the event on our calendars and we'll be there to get you the latest updates.
Roku's revamped mobile apps bring content search and a fresh look
Roku's mobile software just got a long overdue coat of fresh paint. The remote control apps for both Android and iOS now have a minimalist (and very purple) interface, as well as search that lets you track down content based on actors, directors and similar minutiae. It's now easier to control most any Roku device on the network, too. You don't have to use an account for most functions, and a single sign-in will automatically log in to every device linked to your credentials. There's still no iPad-optimized app -- really, Roku? -- but what's here is definitely worth grabbing from the App Store or Google Play.
Xbox One will act as a media server and play audio CDs
The Xbox One will stream media from your home network and play audio CDs, Microsoft tells Penny Arcade Report. In that way, the One is much like the Xbox 360. When it comes to MP3 playback, however, it's a little trickier. The Xbox One is a Play To device that supports Redmond's PC and mobile ecosystem, but not much else. This comes just days after Sony released its massive FAQ that said, among other things, that the PlayStation 4 wouldn't do any of the above. If you're looking for a new do-all device for your A/V rack, the Xbox One could be it.
Official PlayStation 4 FAQ explains what the system can (and can't) do
Sony has built a reputation of releasing numerous updates to its PlayStation platform, and apparently that has carried over to PS4 news ahead of launch. If last week's updates weren't enough, the company posted a massive FAQ (yes, we read all 30 pages, including the list of launch titles) to the PlayStation Blog today, explaining a few details we weren't clear on. For starters, the PS4 can't stream media from your home network like its predecessor could. Sony's next-gen console also won't play MP3s or CDs, and the only way of using your own background music in-game is via Sony's Music Unlimited service. PlayStation's Head of Worldwide Studios Shuhei Yoshida addressed concerns about this on Twitter, saying he'd share feedback with the PS4 dev team for future consideration (update: He's expanded on the statement, saying the team is "happy & appreciative to learn so many people use and like PS3's media features"). Whether you still like it or not, you're stuck with your old PSN ID too. Another "can't" relates to cached game data. If you rent Knack and a few weeks later want to buy a digital copy from the PSN Store, you can't simply grab an activation code to use with the data cached to your hard drive, you have to download the full game. The tech giant also shed new light on a few audio-related aspects of the PS4. Out of the box, you'll be able to output all game audio through the DualShock 4's 3.5mm headset jack. However, it isn't until after the V1.5 Day One patch that "most" USB headsets will be usable with the system. The former likely means audio will be limited to stereo unless the controller is packing some sort of DSP on-board, while the latter presumably enables chat functionality for higher-end cans. We've reached out to Sony for clarification and will update this post if we hear back. Until then, keep the FAQ in an open browser tab -- Sony promised it will keep patching adding to it leading up to and after the PS4's launch.
QuikIO improves its media-streaming services in version 3.0
We looked at QuikIO earlier this year, and the file-sharing and media-streaming service has really evolved in the past few months. The company is placing an emphasis on media and is beefing up its streaming features by slimming them down. QuikIO lets you connect your iPhone or iPad to your Mac so you can browse through your documents and stream media on the go. The latest version of QuikIO, version 3.0, now uses a live media conversion technology to serve up music in a format that minimizes the data sent to your iOS device. The company claims you can save up to 80 percent of your data consumption with this technology. QuikIO also added a robust music buffer that allows you to drop your cellular connection for up to 20 minutes and still keep your music streaming. This is a huge benefit for someone like me who lives in a mountainous rural area and is always driving through pockets with no cellular coverage. Other new features in this latest version of QuikIO include support for subtitles in movies, which can be streamed to your phone and to your Apple TV via AirPlay. Music playback is significantly more convenient now that you can create, import and save playlists. A shuffle option will also keep your track list fresh by picking songs randomly. Passcode support, expanded audio codecs and photo zoom round out the new features. QuikIO does a good job of walking the tightrope between feature-rich complex app and easy-to-use app. Even with all these new features, the service has still managed to be an easy-to-use file-sharing and media-streaming app. Setup and configuration is simple -- install the desktop and mobile apps, log in to your QuikIO account on all your devices and you are ready to go. You can stream your media files, download your music files to your device or share your files, photos or videos with other QuikIO users using QuickSend. The QuikIO service supports a variety of file formats outside of music and movies, making it easy to view text documents, PDF files and more without leaving the app. You can also set up connections to multiple computers, though you can only browse files on one computer at a time. It's a whole lotta goodness packed into one small package. Those concerned about privacy should know that the app indexes the files in the folders that you select on your Mac. It only indexes the files and does not upload them to QuikIO's servers. QuikIO confirmed to me that, saying, "Everything stays on your computer. We have cloud-based connection service which connects your computer with your iPhone / iPad in a peer-to-peer manner." QuikIO for iOS is available in the App Store. There is an iPhone app and an iPad app; both are free. The OS X app can be downloaded for free from QuikIO's website.
Google-built media player hits the FCC, reveals only a Hitchhiker's Guide reference
With much of its information obscured it's hard to say what Google has planned for this new device revealed by its FCC filing, but the model number at least indicates someone has a sense of humor. Called an "H840 device" and rocking the model number H2G2-42 (Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - 42, the ultimate answer to the question of life, the universe and everything) it has WiFi of the 802.11 b/g/n varieties, but that's all we know for sure. The natural question is whether this is a proper revamp of / follow up to the failed Nexus Q project, particularly with its appearance coming so closely after the unveiling of its Google Play Music All Access subscription. Of course, Google has no shortage of mysterious device projects in store, we're hopeful this one will reveal all of its secrets soon.
Panasonic prices and ships its first media streamers, newest Blu-ray Disc players
Don't look now, but Panasonic has just gone public with pricing and availability information for its inaugural line of streaming media players. Announced a few months back at CES, the 3D-capable DMP-MS10 is shipping today for $79.99, offering up VIERA Connect (for easy integration with older Panny HDTVs), inbuilt WiFi, external HDD playback and access to Netflix, Hulu Plus, CinemaNow, Vudu and YouTube. An extra $20 gets you the DMP-MST60, which is also shipping today while adding 2D-to-3D conversion and Miracast functionality. Over on the BD side, the DMP-BD79 is moving out now for $79.99, while the BD89 is going for $10 more; these two are 2D-only models, with the latter being equipped with WiFi out of the box. For those still (somehow) enamored with the third dimension, the DMP-BBT01 ($269.99), BDT500 ($349.99), BDT330 ($199.99) and BDT230 ($129.999) are also hitting store shelves within the next few moments. The full releases are just past the break -- you know, if you're into such things.
Roku 3 review: our favorite media streamer, and the simplest to use, too
Roku's media streamers have carved out a notable niche for themselves, with what started out as a Netflix box, but quickly grew to include hundreds of other entertainment options. Whatever they've lacked in style, they've always made up for with an easy-to-navigate menu and remote, not to mention low prices. In fact, they've become our default recommendation in the media streamer category, and now the company is back with its third iteration. Its approach hasn't changed: the Roku 3 is still a simple $99 box that brings internet content including video, some simple apps and even games to your TV. But this one is touted as the most powerful Roku ever, and the team behind it has even dared to tweak that boring, but simple menu system. There have always been some rough edges that needed polishing, along with holes in its offerings -- join us to see if it's good enough to be the best.
Roku 4200X appears in FCC filing, shows off smaller footprint
The last time Roku properly refreshed its line of media streamers was back in 2011 with the Roku 2 series but we're apparently in for at least one new addition, if not a whole new line. This 4200X (the current players are in the 2000/3000 series) just popped up in the FCC's database, although most of the juicy information was withheld. Still, as seen above, its measurements indicate a box that's just 2.25-inches on each side, smaller than the current top of the line Roku 2 XS which is 3.3-inches long on each side. Other than WiFi with 2 and 5GHz bands we didn't uncover much else, although we wonder what the company may add in a new model. One possibility is the (official) YouTube channel we've been waiting for since 2011, which CEO Anthony Wood recently told analyst Michael Wolf "isn't far away", but would require new hardware. Otherwise, the current boxes have 1080p output, more than 700 channels, and a Bluetooth gaming remote on the high-end units. Previous FCC leaks of the 2 and refreshed HD saw official launches within weeks, so we should know more about this new version pretty soon.
Slingbox 350 and 500 review: Sling Media finally upgrades its line of media streamers
It's hard to believe that the Slingbox has been around for seven years, but that only makes it harder to accept these are the first retail models that have been released since 2008. That finally changes today, though: Sling Media just introduced two new place-shifters: the Slingbox 500 and 350 (pictured). Available on October 14th for $299 and $179, respectively, these new set-top boxes replace the Solo and Pro-HD. While the 350 simply adds 1080p streaming for the same price, the 500 adds SlingProjector, a feature that lets you take photos stored on your iOS or Android device and send them to your television (video streaming will soon be supported as well). The Slingbox 500 will also soon be able to play content on USB-attached storage, but that will come in a future software update. The SlingPlayer apps get a refresh as well, adding reminders and an easier way to share your Slingbox with friends. What we set out to determine in this review -- and what you'll discover if you click through -- is how big of an upgrade this really is. Is it worth chucking your old hardware for one of these boxes? What if you're thinking of getting your first media streamer? We'll delve into all that after the break.
Synology launches DiskStation DS413j NAS server for your own private cloud
If you like your data local, but crave remote access, you've now got options like Synology's new DiskStation DS413j -- a network-attached storage (NAS) server for your own private cloud. The feature-packed box has four drive bays for a total of 16TB storage, and you can mix and match HDDs of different sizes without losing the comfort of RAID. Along with what you'd expect from NAS, its media server will stream content to your console or TV via DLNA or UPnP and push tunes to your stereo, with iOS and Android apps for couch DJing. The server will sync your files across computers if you wish, and give you access to all that data on the move via the internet or mobile apps. And, if you need more files, you can download directly using your favorite protocols -- it'll even automate them if you trust RSS feeds to make recommendations. All this can be yours for around $380, depending on the retailer, but don't forget to budget for drives to fill those empty bays. %Gallery-164329%
Popcorn Hour launches A-400 streamer for €289 with 'studio-quality' 3D video processing
If you're a streamer who shuns plastic disks and their ilk, but still wants 3D, there's good news: Syabas has announced the Popcorn Hour A-400 network media player. Thanks to a dual-core video processor, the box can mulch through 3D Blu-ray content (ripped, presumably), while also supporting studio-level features like detail enhancement and debanding. Like its A-300 predecessor, the streamer can dock a hard disk for content storage, and connects to your network via ethernet or optional WiFi. Other connections include an SD card reader, HDMI 1.4, eSATA and USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 (pending confirmation). On top of giving you access to your own content, the Syabas Apps Market brings YouTube, BBC's iPlayer, and 90 or so other free or premium channels. It'll hit stores in October with a €289 price tag, so if that sounds like your bag of popcorn, see the PR for more info.
Roku picks up financing from BSkyB, News Corp and more, keeps eye on the premium streaming crown
The little media streamer company that could, Roku, has gained some powerful friends in its latest round of financing, with $45 million in funds coming from the likes of BSkyB, News Corp and another partner who would prefer to remain nameless at this time, as well as previous investors Menlo Ventures and Globespan Capital Partners. While we leave you to ponder which company might be that unidentified source, Roku is simply continuing on, earmarking the money for use in building brand awareness, expanding internationally and much, much more. Also, that MHL-connected Roku Streaming Stick introduced at CES? It hasn't gone away and is still on track for launch later this year, with an eye towards providing a "Roku Inside" bundled experience for otherwise dumb flat-panel HDTVs. Roku's alignment with BSkyB (which reported a $10m stake in its earnings this morning, as well as the option to distribute its own branded Roku hardware) makes sense after the pay-TV giant launched Now TV recently with the hockey puck as one of its supported platforms, while CEO Anthony Wood tells us the fruitful partnership with News Corp had its root in the Fox News, Wall Street Journal Live and X-Factor channels it launched last year. Wood cites plans to make Roku "the TV distribution platform of the future", and this fifth round of financing -- larger than all previous rounds combined -- may help push it in this direction, check out a few more details in the press release after the break.
Roku 2, LT and new HD boxes upgraded for more languages, future remote apps
Over on the Roku blog the company just announced it's delivering a software 4.8 upgrade starting today. First up there's a few new features included right away like support for Spanish and German in the UI, performance optimizations and playback improvement for channels like MLB.tv and GBTV. More interesting however is the prospect of what's to come, as it also note "under the hood" preparations for new channels and features, promising upgrades for the iOS and Android remote apps soon. Like the last upgrade, the new version is getting pushed to Roku 2 and LT boxes now, while new HD boxes should see it next week.
Nexus Q review: Google's mysterious little social streamer
When setting up a gadget for review, delicately unboxing and smelling the carcinogenic whiff of freshly molded plastics, we typically feel some amount of excitement and anticipation to see how it stacks up against the competition. It's either that or a resigned sense of duty as we run yet another iterative evolution of this or that laptop through the same benchmarks to see just how this year's model stacks up to the older model now being sold on discount. With the Nexus Q, though, we felt something different altogether: genuine curiosity. Why? Well, it's a high-end device with a $299 MSRP, a price that's multiple times higher higher than media streamers like the Apple TV, anything from Roku and, indeed, Google's own Google TV. And yet, the Q has considerably less functionality than any of them. Largely because of this, many who witnessed its unveiling at Google I/O were quick to write it off. Despite having our own doubts we pledged to give it a fair swing, a week of solid use at home and with friends. How did it do? Does this high-concept device with high-end componentry make up for some decidedly low-end capabilities? There's only one way to find out.%Gallery-159848%
Nexus Q social streaming device hands-on
What is the Q? Well, it's a ball... a ball that plays music. And videos. And it also lights up. It's what Google is calling it a "social streaming device" but what's most important is that this is finally the realization of the Android@Home standard that was unveiled last year. While the styling is what'll immediately grab you, it's the functionality that Google thinks will rock your living room. Join us after the break for our first impressions of this category-defying device.
Belkin announces @TV, Slingbox-esque media streamer and companion app
Belkin has unveiled @TVPlus, a media streamer that jacks into your home theater and pumps episodes of Community (or, other things, we guess) to your smartphone, tablet or laptop through the internet. Packing a built-in WiFi radio, you'll connect to it on your travels with the @TV app, which is capable of recording live TV straight to your mobile device for offline viewing. The app is free for tablets ($12.99 for smartphones) while the box itself will set you back $150 when it arrives in mid-July.
D-Link outs MovieNite Plus, still expects you to buy the popcorn
D-Link has refreshed its MovieNite Apple TV / Roku competitor to enable the media streamer to add a wide variety of apps -- including Hulu Plus (soon). The 1080p video pusher is nearly unmistakable for the original edition, which was available for as little as $48 online, except that it won't be exclusive to Walmart anymore -- oh, and this time out it'll set you back $80.
