Dave Zatz
Roku 5.5 Update Brings Faster Loading Netflix 6/24
At a press event earlier this week, Tom’s Guide learned that Roku will be rolling out software updates beginning June 24th. And the key improvement appears to be support for a faster-loading Netflix channel. The firmware and Netflix updates are earmarked for the Roku 3 and Streaming Stick, with vague references to potential support of other models down the line. While we’re … Read more
Vizio's Latest 5.1 Surround Bar Now Shipping & Reviewed
We’re big fans of Vizio’s original 5.1 soundbar, which delivers true surround sound from an extremely compact and tasteful form – including a wireless sub that powers the rear channel speakers. As announced at CES, Vizio has doubled down on this form factor with a larger model that overcomes the original’s connectivity limitations by adding two HDMI inputs. And their … Read more
Fitbit PurePulse To Bring Heart Rate Monitoring
By way of the US Patent & Trademark Office, as the Apple iWatch crescendo rises, we learn that Fitbit has much grander intentions than merely producing a refreshed hypoallergenic Force activity tracker. Also in the pipeline, should these marks pan out, are Fitbit PurePulse, Surge, and Charge. Trademark applications such as these are attached to extremely broad category descriptions and it’s not clear which of the three are services (PurePulse?) versus hardware (Surge, Charge?) nor is there any guarantee any will ultimately ship. But, hey, the speculation game is fun and I’ve taken the liberty of bolding a few interesting tidbits from the wearable pioneer and market leader. Stay tuned!
Heart rate monitors; optical heart rate sensors; wrist-based sensors; multifunctional electronic devices for displaying, measuring, and uploading to the Internet information including time, date, heart rate, calories burned, activity, intensity, exertion; computer software for wireless data communication for receiving, processing, transmitting and displaying information relating to fitness, heart rate, calories burned, activity levels, intensity, exertion; computer software for managing information regarding tracking, compliance and motivation with a health and fitness program
Amazon Smartphone Passes Thru The FCC
While we’re still an hour away from Amazon’s smartphone reveal, what I believe to be their Android-powered handset just passed thru the FCC. We don’t have much to go on other than a shell company and my successful track record in turning up Lab126 products ahead of launch. Beyond the label, identifying the unnamed smartphone as the SD4930UR, documents indicate it … Read more
Deal of the Day: Refurb Roku 3 @ $62
Roku Mania has returned to Woot with three refurb streamer models up for grabs. Of course, we’d suggest the no-comprise Roku 3 – that clocks in at a record low $62. Per Woot’s standard operating procedure, all orders ship for 5 bucks… regardless of how many Roku’s you stick in your cart. Roku remains our go-to … Read more
https://twitter.com/jnealis/status/478932566347501570/
2nd Gen Google Fiber Set-Top Box Nears Release
Google’s investment in Sage TV continues to bear fruit as the team is apparently hard at work preparing their second generation Google Fiber set-box.