Home Tech

2 New Slingboxes Give TV Junkies Anytime, Anywhere Fix
October 10, 2012

While they actually appeared on store shelves weeks ago, the Slingbox 350 and Slingbox 500 officially launched on Wednesday. These devices are the latest in Sling Media's revolutionary line of set-top boxes that allow users to connect their TV source to the Internet, and enable remote streaming to a computer, tablet or smartphone.

Google Gnaws Away at TV Cords With New Content Service
October 09, 2012

Cord-cutters now have a new option for content-viewing -- and possibly a major one at that. Google said Monday it was updating its Google TV platform, allowing users to buy or rent movies, TV shows and music through the Google Play store. Titles available on Google Play can be searched via its TV & Movies app, which can also recommend shows and movies from live TV, Netflix and Amazon.

2nd-Gen Nest Thermostat Slims Down, Smartens Up
October 03, 2012

If thermostats were cars, Nest Labs' would be a Cadillac. Selling for $249, the gadget brings design verve -- the company was founded by Tony Fadell, the former leader of the team at Apple that designed numerous generations of the iPod and iPhone -- and mobile technology to a device that barely registers on many consumers' consciousness scale.

Eyes Have It: Big Screen Is Best for Online Video
September 27, 2012

More viewers are using their TV screens to watch downloaded or streamed video content instead of the tinier screens on their laptops, tablets or smartphones, according to new research from NPD Group. The report found that over the past year, consumers using their TV as the primary screen when watching downloaded or streaming digital content jumped from 33 to 45 percent.

The 5 Features Apple Must Deliver for TV Success
September 27, 2012

As the fall television season kicks into full gear with season premieres, I've been thinking a lot about Apple's mythical Apple HDTV -- not the little hockey puck unit that attaches to any TV, but a real HDTV with a big, bright flat-panel display. As I've noted before, the Gordian Knot of content is a huge problem for Apple.

Bump Up Your Carrier's Lousy Signal With a Femtocell
September 27, 2012

If you've been experiencing choppy voice quality or dropped calls from your mobile provider at your home or workplace, there are steps you can take to correct the problem. Cellular phones use radio signals to communicate, and like any other radio, signal propagation issues -- including topography, obstructions, distance to tower and interference -- affect quality.

Oh Canada! Why Are You So Hard on Netflix?
September 26, 2012

There has been a lot of news about Netflix and Canada recently, including some bizarre quotes from a Netflix executive, so journalist Peter Nowak is with us to explain and expound upon the backstory of what's turned into a pretty entertaining and pretty important story north of the border. First off, let me ask you about some interesting quotes that I just mentioned from the Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos.

Getting Android on Your TV
September 20, 2012

If you've been getting into the convenience and usability of the smartphone and tablet User Interface and are wondering just why your cable provider is unable to create anything with the same elegance and function, it may be time to slap Android on your TV -- yourself. There are a few ways to approach this, and all of the methods have pros and cons.

Android Climbs Into Cloud-Based Desktop Computer
September 14, 2012

Motorola Mobility has introduced a desktop all-in-one computer running the Android operating system. The Cloud Broadband is being launched in China in partnership with WASU Digital Group. The device is being touted to Chinese consumers as a combination of an HD digital TV with live and on-demand capability, and a touchscreen tablet/PC running Android.

Living Without Audio CDs
September 13, 2012

During a recent apartment move, I became aware of how much stuff I had that was redundant. It was with great pleasure that I was able to dump a lot of it rather than paying guys to move it all across town -- again. Books and CDs were the principal weighty items I got rid of, along with a svelte cherry laminate IKEA CD rack that my girlfriend told me made my pad look old-fashioned.

Analysts: Apple Needs to Rethink Its TV Strategy
September 07, 2012

Reports that Apple's ambitions in the television arena have snagged in negotiations with media companies are an indication that the gadget maker's big screen strategy is flawed, according to Trip Chowdry, managing director for equity research at Global Equities Research. "Apple's approach is wrong," he said.

Sony's New TV Could Put HD to Shame - If Anyone Buys It
August 31, 2012

Sony on Thursday showed off an 84-inch TV set with 4K resolution technology at the IFA consumer show in Germany. The Sony set adheres to the 4K UHDTV standard, which is 3,840 by 2,160 pixels. It offers four times the number of pixels found in the 1080p HDTV standard, which measures 1,920 x 1,080.

How to Plan a Server-Style Rack for Home Multimedia
August 30, 2012

Wiring your home for multimedia? Dreaming about it? Even if you're using an electrician to pull the CAT 5e cable, it's worth getting involved in the design of the termination -- the rack. The rack is the centralized point within the home where the wiring meets switches, router and so on. The rack will be around a lot longer than the electrician, and you need it to last.

Don't Count on Apple to Slice Through TV's Gordian Knot
August 30, 2012

I've been an Apple product enthusiast and watcher for years, and if there's one product that I lusted after two years ago, it was a real Apple TV -- a cool HDTV with a big screen and a kickass Apple navigation system with live content and content on demand. Since then my ardor has cooled considerably.

Panasonic Ambles Into the Smart Home With New Appliance System
August 21, 2012

Japanese electronics manufacturer Panasonic has launched an app for cloud-based services that will let consumers control home appliances using their Android smartphones. Named "Panasonic Smart App," it will be available from September -- but only in Japan. It can be used by owners of smartphones running Android 2.3.3 or higher supporting NFC or Sony's FeliCa contactless RFID smart card system.

High-Tech Flashlights Could Turn You Into a Collector
August 16, 2012

Significant advances in LED technology mean it's now possible to create light approaching that of a car headlamp with just a handheld device. If you're in the market for one of these advanced flashlights, you're going to see one word continually appear in the product descriptions. That word is "Cree."

Disaster Prep: Picking Up TV Broadcasts When Stuff Hits the Fan
August 09, 2012

As these dog days ramp up for hurricane season in the east, and wildfire season in the west, it's worth taking a look at ways to gather information that can help you decide when to evacuate, keep tabs on what's going on back at home, and find out when it's safe to return.

AirPlay Mirroring Looks Great if Your Network Is Pretty Enough
August 07, 2012

OS X Mountain Lion is crawling with tweaks, new functions and improvements, but for the most part, they're minor adjustments that smooth out the general user experience. One new feature that does stand out, though, is AirPlay mirroring. It can be used to wirelessly connect your Mac with a television. Set it up correctly, and that TV is showing whatever is on your Mac's screen.

Google Puts Its Nexus Q Dream on Hold
August 01, 2012

Google has opted to delay the launch of its Nexus Q streaming media player. The company originally announced the orb-shaped entertainment device at its Google I/O conference in San Francisco in June. The Nexus Q runs the Android system and can only be controlled by users with Android smartphones or tablets.

Apple Does the Hulu Tango With 2 Left Feet
July 31, 2012

Hulu Plus content is now available on Apple TV. Subscribers to Hulu Plus will find the service on the Apple TV home screen, Hulu said. The company listed instructions on signing up for Apple TV owners who aren't currently subscribers. However, some Hulu Plus content is still not available on Apple TV due to content licensing restrictions.