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Sony's second try at Google TV brings Blu-ray player, streaming box and a new remote (Update: hands-on!)
Interestingly, despite a Sony execs saying that its Google TV model was meeting sales expectations, for the second round it's focusing on two add-on boxes. The NSZ-GP9 Blu-ray player and NSZ-GS7 network media player (pictured above) will ship in North America and Europe in early summer, and are expect to roll out in other regions afterwards as Google TV expands its reach. Common to both boxes is a completely reimagined remote, featuring a backlit QWERTY keyboard, touchpad and motion control for gaming. We're not hearing anything about IR blasters up front this time around, but it can work as a universal remote to control other devices with "basic" control of Sony's 2012 HDTVs as well, while the Blu-ray player supports voice search as well. Unspecified at this time are the provenance of the internals, although the switch away from its Intel predecessors should yield cheaper, cooler running units. There's no price or expected ship date available currently, check back for more info and hands-on with these as well as the other new Sony hardware shortly. Update: We got our hands all over the new hardware and our first impression is: it's tiny. The network streamer is still bigger than a Roku, but compared to say, a Revue, the switch to ARM has clearly had a slimming effect on Google TV. The Blu-ray player is similarly shrunken, with its footprint down to merely what a normal player would occupy. The remote is conveniently backlit this time around, and dual sided. It certainly has an improved feel this time around, but is it good enough to satisfy the masses? We'll know better after we've spent more time with it. Check the pics in the gallery to see for yourself.
Nuance's Dragon TV offers voice recognition platform for connected televisions
Nuance isn't skipping a beat in Las Vegas, as the speech recognition company is busy launching a brand new platform that focuses on bringing its technology to connected TVs. According to the company, the platform, called Dragon TV, can be used to build customized voice and touch apps that run on televisions, set-top boxes, phones and tablets. Essentially, the technology will allow the viewer to use their voice to conduct searches, send messages and access plenty of other features, and mobile devices can be used to act as a remote to control the TV. Nuance's new platform is available now for OEMs, developers and operators to take advantage of, and supports Linux, Android and iOS as well as all major TV, set-top box and remote control standards. Head past the break for the full press release, and make your way to the company's site below to get more details.
Always Innovating HDMI dongle brings Android to your 'dumb TV' (video)
Google TV's looking for a second wind here at CES, but for those of you uninterested in buying a new TV (or a new set-top box, for that matter), here's a little diddy that just might tickle your fancy. Always Innovating is making a triumphant return to Las Vegas with what might be the raddest little gizmo of the show. The simply-titled HDMI Dongle is effectively an entire system on a chip dongle (and yeah, it looks a lot like Roku's Streaming Stick), boasting a Cortex-A9, between 256MB and 1GB of RAM, inbuilt WiFi / Bluetooth, an NFC module and even an accelerometer. The goal here is to convert your completely vanilla HDTV into an internet-connected device; just plug it into your HDMI port, grab the bundled RF remote and start enjoying Android on the big screen. It's capable of streaming content at 1080p, and accessing Hulu, Netflix or Amazon's video store shouldn't cause a fuss. We're told it'll start at $79, but an actual release date seems to be eluding us. Head on past the break for a couple of in-action videos.
Comcast Xfinity Skype webcam for cable boxes revealed by FCC (Update: Pics, pricing and details!)
About six months after we first heard Comcast would release a Skype webcam built for its cable boxes Wireless Goodness has uncovered the FCC filing for just such a unit. There's no pictures of the device itself, but scans from the manual and the diagram above give a good idea of the experience available, including the ability to have video as an overlay on top of TV content, or as a picture-in-picture. Video and audio calls are both possible, as well as instant messaging, and while the Xfinity-branded camera itself clips onto your flat-panel, a small adapter hooks into the set-top box. There's no word whether or not we'll see this accessory on display at CES, but the timing certainly lends itself to the possibility. Update: Why settle for diagrams when you can get a better look? An anonymous tipster dropped us off a load of images showing off the new setup, currently codenamed "Astro". The camera itself (above) is pretty standard, while the adapter box packs in HDMI passthrough, an Ethernet port, front mounted SD slot and two USB jacks on the rear (we're told the storage options are currently disabled, but as seen in the diagrams could bring file sharing). The price of the camera itself is unknown, however "Basic service" currently rocks a $9.95 fee, while additional adapters are also $9.95. Check out the gallery for many more pictures including screenshots and pictures of the remote.
Broadcom befriends Sling and Myriad, outs new set-top and streaming chips
Busy days at Broadcom, which has already forgotten about its earlier 5G WiFi announcement and launched a barrage of new chips for set-top boxes and home networking. The line-up supports the latest MoCA 2.0 standard for greater network bandwidth over coax wiring, but even more interesting is what some of the SoCs can do for smart TV and streaming. The BCM7425 dual-tuner HD gateway SoC will support Sling Media's "place-shifting" platform, potentially making it easier for set-top manufacturers to enable TV streaming to mobile devices. A similar deal has been inked with Myriad over its clever Alien Vue software (shown above), allowing Broadcom-equipped boxes to run apps designed for Google TV and HTML 5 without the need for extra dedicated hardware. In short, if your service provider fails to make TV content smarter or easier to access in 2012, they won't be able to blame it on Broadcom. Further details in the PR combo after the break and at the source link.
Google TV officially switching to ARM, Marvell Armada 1500 CPU to lead the charge
After all the rumors including word that Intel was backing away from its Atom CE4100 CPU it's finally official: Google TV is moving from x86 to ARM, and Marvell is letting everyone know its Foresight platform has been selected to power the next generation of Google TV hardware. The Armada 1500 dual-core CPU at its heart promises PC-like performance with cellphone-like power management and support for Blu-ray 3D, video encoding / decoding and upscaling. enabling fanless smart TV products built on the package like this demo box seen above. Marvell Co-founder Weili Dai considers this as an opportunity to fundamentally change the relationship between content producers and consumers, a lofty goal for the second round of products after a lackluster market response to the initial effort. Of course, there are some early signs that this hardware switch could be just what the doctor ordered, like the fact that similar hardware powers the OnLive Microconsole, and likely lurked in the heart of the Vizio Google TVs we observed with inbuilt OnLive capabilities last year. Beyond the lower heat and power requirements this chip may be able to do it all for less money -- something we're sure $99 Revue buyers can appreciate. Check out the press release after the break for a few more details, we'll wait to find out more about the new partners and hardware before jumping on the Google TV 2.0 hype train along with Eric Schmidt.
Verizon FiOS TV's new media server scheduled for late 2012
The fine folks at Verizon's Innovation Labs in Waltham, Massachusetts have posted a couple of videos of their efforts that include their vision of how Verizon plans to deliver TV to all the devices in your home, over both wired and wireless networks in HD, served off of a centralized media server. In addition to tablets, game consoles and computers, the media server will also serve content to smaller, more energy efficient thin clients at the other HDTVs in your home. Besides the obvious benefits of more content in more places, a centralized approach like this also offers the promise of being more user friendly by making the experience consistent across every screen -- no more walking to another room to schedule recordings. We're told the media server is expected to roll out late next year, but sadly, FiOS TV isn't exactly known for delivering new technologies when promised.
Roku planning to bring set-top boxes to Canada, UK in early 2012
It's been a big year for Roku. The streaming content box manufacturer launched its Roku 2 HD, XD and XS this summer, with a $50 LT model coming just last month. Now, the Netflix / HBO Go / Angry Birds player will cross the border into Canada and the U.K., with the expansion set to begin in early 2012. The company is looking to build its 350 channels with region-specific content, which can be provided free, supported by ads or with a subscription -- and if you choose to add your own content to the service, you'd certainly be in good company.
DirecTV shows off its new HD UI with a website and trailer, still no release date
That slick, speedy new interface DirecTV recently pushed out to beta testers is officially getting hyped with a new landing page and (unfortunately not embeddable) video trailer. It advertises all the features we'd heard about, including the facelifted HD graphics, "lightning fast" scrolling, visual browsing experience and personalized recommendations. The HD UI is still without a release date however, and while we'd probably put it it ahead of the DirecTiVo on the company's current priority list, let's not forget who we're dealing with here. Hit the source link for the orientation materials, there will be a quiz later. Update: You can now view the video here, embedded after the break, thanks to our friend Dave Zatz! [Thanks, Stuart & cypherstream]
DirecTV Nomad is ready to launch, transcodes DVRed shows for mobile viewing
It was just about a year ago that we initially heard rumors of the DirecTV Nomad, and after some lengthy intrigue it is finally ready to launch. While its product page on the company's website isn't live yet, the folks at DBSTalk have been testing it and already posted one of their detailed walkthroughs, revealing the box as a TiVoToGo-style transcoder. Plug the $149 box into your whole home DVR network and it snags recorded programs and prepares them for viewing on other devices. Currently that list includes PCs with 1.2GHz processors or higher (no Atom powered netbooks invited to this party) and iOS devices, although an app for Android is apparently on the way. Compared to Dish Network's Sling-powered TV Everywhere streaming approach, DirecTV's sideloading has the distinct benefit of offline viewing, but without access to live TV on the go. The iPhone app is already available in iTunes and some forum posters report they've already been able to preorder the unit, but check DBSTalk for their breakdown and the device's manual in PDF form before making a decision on your placeshifting future.
Budget-friendly Roku LT pops up at the FCC as the 2400X (Updated with pics)
Well, this is kinda interesting: a brand new Roku just hit the FCC, sporting model number 2400X. Beyond the fact that we just got a trio of new streaming media boxes from the company, the model number would almost seem to imply this is a last-gen device (the Roku 2 lineup all start with "30"). It's clear the Roku LT (the name it will eventually go to market with) is going to be the new low-cost member of the family, but it's not just rebranded old tech. Inside is the same Broadcom 2835 SOC that powers the Roku 2 XD, XS, and HD and, while it tops out at 720p just like the low-end HD, it actually sports more RAM than the current budget model. Presumably the loss of Bluetooth and the SD slot will offset any cost increase associated with moving up to 256MB of memory. When the Roku LT will actually ship and how much it'll cost is anyone's guess, but we'd put our money on soon and cheap. For a few more specs check out the chart after the break. Update: We got ourselves some exclusive pics of the upcoming Roku LT, check 'em out in the gallery below. %Gallery-135013% [Thanks, Anonymous]
Movea MoveTV platform delivers motion control options to TV and set-top makers
In case you've been living under a rock: motion controls are all the rage these days. And it's not just console makers who want in on the action. ASUS, Philips and Hillcrest Labs have all launched their own takes on the tech. Movea is a company that's well versed in the field, and now plans to start offering its wares direct to TV and set-top box manufacturers. The MoveTV platform offers not only remote control tech to OEMs, but opens up the company's tools to developers for building games and apps. Movea even announced its first partners: C&M Media, a major cable provider in Korea, and Remote Solution. Remote Solution will be licensing Movea's SmartMotion and integrating MoveTV into the set-tops provided to C&M. Soon enough using gestures to change channels and playing arm-flailing renditions of Angry Birds on your cable box could be the norm. Check out the video, PR and one more pic after the break.
Sony's new internet TV box, projector and Blu-ray player make an appearance at IFA
They didn't earn highlights during Sony's IFA 2011 keynote, but it did slip out a few more pieces of home theater hardware that are more likely to end up in your living room than its outlandish 3D helmet. The SMP-N200 replaces the earlier Netbox that debuted last year with a refreshed design and support for HD and 3D. Unsurprisingly, this Blu-ray player (without the Blu-ray) also supports DLNA "throwing" of content, making it a natural Apple TV-style tie-in for the Tablet S and Tablet P once they launch. Moving on, the VPL-VW95ES is a proper replacement for last year's VPL-VW90ES that we'll probably get more properly acquainted with later this week at CEDIA. For 2011 it's been refreshed with 3D conversion capabilities, an integrated 3D emitter to sync the glasses and the ability to set and memorize different lens positions to switch seamlessly between 16:9 and ultrawidescreen projecting. Finally, the BDP-S185 Blu-ray player was announced, with compact size and power consumption that Sony claims is 47 percent less than the previous year's models as its most notable features. All should start shipping in October, no specific word on pricing yet.
DirecTV's Nomad teaser page suggests a Slingbox competitor, but little else
It's been a while since we heard anything solid about the DirecTV Nomad unit, but a teaser page recently went live on the satellite company's website showing the device. The tiny pic isn't incredibly revealing, but other than "coming soon" the page also displays a laptop, phone and tablet -- likely targets for viewers to watch their TV broadcasts away from the satellite box. That MDR1R0-01 remains scarce, but hit the source link and keep your eye peeled on that URL for more information about DirecTV's competitor to the Slingbox / iPad apps being offered by other TV providers. [Thanks, Tyler]
Honeycomb beta update now available for Logitech Revue, only the intrepid need apply
Logitech Revue users are waking up to some exciting news today, because they can finally run Honeycomb on their TVs -- if they're brave enough to try. As expected, the folks over at GTVHacker have leaked their Android 3.1 beta update for the recently discounted set-top box, now available for download and flash without even requiring a root. You can find all the requisite details and downloads at the source link, though you'll have to register with the site to do so. It's also worth noting that the update is still in a buggy, beta phase of development, and that once you upgrade, you may not be able to go back. If you're willing to dance with danger, let us know how you fare.
TiVo is set for a September launch in Spain with ONO
International expansion plans for TiVo don't stop with the UK, as it will be a key part of Spanish cable operator ONO's new high definition service that launches in September. Gizmo Lovers points out an article detailing the ten channel package that will kick things off, including Fox, Sony TV, MTV Live, TVE and Gol TV. While there's still not a lot of details available about the boxes themselves, our friends at Engadget Spanish also have information on the Cisco hardware that will get all of that HD flowing from the head end, and are probably a good place to keep an eye on if you're waiting for this TiVo to arrive.
Pandora music streaming comes to FiOS TV set-top boxes
Two years after launching the FiOS TV app store, Verizon is bringing Pandora music streaming (already on TiVo and a number of other connected devices) to its HD set-top boxes and DVRs. California, Texas and Virginia customers are the first to get access with more markets due "in the coming months". If you love your customized John Mayer station but aren't excited about navigating the menus with a TV remote you'll be happy to know Pandora, like other FiOS apps, is also controllable via the FiOS Mobile Remote app on many phones. Check out the launch video for a few more details, but we figure once you get past "it's Pandora, on your TV" all the necessary details have been explained. Our only complaint? Pandora is so 2009, we're all about Spotify, Google Music and Turntable.fm now.
Roku 2 HD, XD, and XS officially launch: same price, smaller size and Angry Birds
Roku has gone from a barely known streaming media box manufacturer to a retail darling in a remarkably short amount of time (the last hardware revamp launched less than a year ago) and it's back with more new hardware to continue the assault. The Roku 2 lineup will put their (much smaller) footprint in the spaces left by their predecessors when they hit shelves later this month without changing the price one bit. Besides being more energy efficient, it brings new channels including Angry Birds, Epix, MLS and more, while also upgrading the Netflix experience with support for subtitles, surround sound and 1080p video. The pricing tiers of $60 (HD), $80 (XD) and $100 (XS) remain; while stepping up to the XD adds 1080p video output, splurging for the XS adds a game remote (a $29 accessory), included copy of Angry Birds plus Ethernet and USB ports. If you still need confirmation after all the leaks, there's another pic and a press release after the break, plus a quick demonstration of the box by the cutest product spokesperson of all time.
Roku 2 HD struts its stuff in the wild along with a new remote (Update: new comparison pics)
Sure it already posed for the FCC's unflattering cameras, but now we can observe the Roku 2 HD -- with packed in MicroSD card and lightly refreshed remote -- in its natural habitat. Our tipster didn't indicate the provenance of this particular package but we'd previously heard they would start shipping to beta testers last week with an updated UI and this likely represents one of the lucky few delivered so far. The polished state of the hardware and packaging suggests the testing period is to work out any software kinks and (more likely) get in a few rounds of Angry Birds; until we hear something about more specific you can check out a few more of shots in the gallery. Update: Another anonymous tipster has just sent over this picture of one of the new units next to a Roku XD that gives a good impression of how tiny the new units really are, and another showing the surround sound option. They also noted the new hardware shows improved picture quality, however at this stage the UI isn't different and there aren't any new games available yet. [Thanks, Geraldine] %Gallery-127471%
Verizon FiOS IMG 1.9 rollout to resume next week, with SD override and improved contrast
Verizon FiOS TV subscribers eagerly waiting for their crack at the new IMG 1.9 software for their set-top boxes with its HD guides, support for external hard drives and more can breathe now, as it will start rolling out again soon. Mari Silbey at Zatz Not Funny has heard from a "very reliable" source that updates will resume next week, and expand nationally in the next few months. Director of Product Management Joe Ambeault confirmed on Twitter that the new v1.9a software started getting loaded into the network last night, and includes the SD override wizard and improved contrast tweaks that necessitated a pause in the first place. The one minor damper on the news is that the roll out will restart with those that already have 1.9 getting the new version first, so if you're still looking at a 4x3 UI it will likely remain in front of you for a few weeks longer.
