Dave Zatz, Author at Zatz Not Funny!

A New Slingbox… Headed to Verizon?!

I told you Sling had some unexpected and positive news here at CES. In addition to the upcoming Google TV SlingPlayer functionality, they’ve announced a partnership with Verizon. Not only is it huge accomplishment to broker a deal with a major US carrier, for those of us who remember, it’s also somewhat ironic… As early … Read more

Motorola Atrix Smartphone/Netbook Combo Is HOT

Not only is Motorola’s Atrix one of the hottest smartphones at the show, it’s quite possibly the hottest gadget overall. It’s a sleek Android handset powered by a dual core processor that feels a whole lot more solid than say Samsung’s Galaxy S line. But with so many nicely specced Android devices coming to market, … Read more

Chumby Rolls Its Own 8″ Widget Station

After seeing Sony and Best Buy harness the power of their widget platform, Chumby is following suit with their own dedicated kitchen companion. And given its styling, that’s where you’ll want it — versus the Sony Dash which is equally at home in the bedroom as a super-powered Internet-connected alarm clock. The upcoming “personalized Internet … Read more

Watch Slingbox on Google TV!

slingplayer-googletv-3

It turns out my old friends at Sling Media do have one or two new and notable items to share from CES. And first up is a Google TV SlingPlayer client — eliminating the need for dedicated SlingCatcher hardware (that didn’t turn out so great anyway). It should go without saying that I’m very pleased to see Sling move in this direction… as I assume this is just the first of various television- and set-top-based apps.

The initial Google TV app isn’t actually an app, but rather a Flash website optimized for the platform. As you can see from the pics, they’re logically carrying the Android interface onto the Android-based Google TV. The software and experience look pretty dang complete, with streaming up to 1080i, but all Sling will tell me is that they intend to launch sometime this year. However, it’d make sense to see them ultimate move to a dedicated app if/when Google launches a television-based marketplace – something that seems like an inevitability.

Intel Doubles Down on WiDi

Intel’s doubled down on their Wireless Display technology, aka WiDi. And while last year they had a single partner in Netgear, v2 will be offered by a variety of hardware manufacturers including Toshiba and D-Link. The WiDi premise is simple: stream anything/everything from your computer display to a television. Of course, this isn’t a new … Read more

Catching Up With Boxee (iPad, Iomega)

I spent a few minutes catching up with Boxee CEO Avner Ronen this evening. First off, the upcoming Iomega Boxee Box looks much better in person than it does in their press shot – for a rectangular black plastic box, it’s pretty sharp. It’s also larger than I had envisioned. The QWERTY remote seems practical. I … Read more

Two New Vulkano Placeshifters On Tap

Unfortunately, Monsoon Multimedia’s Vulkano wasn’t greeted with the warmest reception upon launch last fall. I was fired up with the Vulkano’s promise when I was briefed pre-release at CES 2010, yet the reality didn’t live up to my possibly unreasonable expectations. I’d christened it a “Godbox” given it’s myriad capabilities – time shifting, placeshifting, local media playback, and Internet-sourced content. But, as we know, good ideas aren’t enough.

But Monsoon’s been listening to the feedback and continuing to broker deals. The firmware has seen improvement and the that work is ongoing. In fact, the Vulkano setup experience continues to be optimized (or is that humanized) and it sounds like streaming, versus copying, of DVR-ed content is under development. YouTube’s pretty lonely as the sole Internet app, yet I hear Monsoon is having discussions with several video providers (the usual suspects) and a selection of Yahoo TV widgets may make an appearance this spring.

CES Tips for 2011; My Rebuttal

I knew canceling my trip to CES was going to be difficult. But, boy did I underestimate the magnetism of Vegas. So I’ve made arrangements for a cameo appearance, scheduled between home projects and health emergencies, requiring just a single day of PTO. No, there’s no specific product that’s amazed me (yet) that I just have to see in person. In fact, I could do with a dozen or so fewer tablet devices. Yet I want to see it all, if you know what I mean.

In the spirit of this gadget extravaganza, while awaiting my airborne chariot, I’d like to respond to my pal Jeremy Toeman’s 2011 Tips for surviving and maximizing CES. And let me start by saying, how you handle CES is largely dependent on your objectives and plain ‘ole personal preference. While Jeremy’s an industry guy, I’m obviously a mobile blogger and prepare a bit differently. His list, my commentary:

Wear Comfy Shoes
On this point, Jeremy and I are in complete agreement. CES involves tons of walking. Walking around football fields of convention center and miles between venues – if you can handle it. And you should, as you’ll avoid the long cab and bus lines, in addition to the brutal traffic backups. I’m going business casual, yet as comfortable and supportive as my work shoes are, I’m still opting for a pair of Nikes.

Stay Clean
Jeremy seems to think you might be able to avoid the CES flu. Whereas I suspect it’s inevitable. However, given the hundreds of people and gadgets I’ll caress, we both agree to pack the Purell and keep your hands washed as a precaution. But that’s my SOP.

Pack Light
Definitely pack light. But, whereas Jeremy suggests a near empty backpack, I need a near full laptop bag to remain productive as the days progress. My travel kit remains the same as my Thanksgiving getaway, minus the Kindle. No time for love, Dr. Jones.