Dave Zatz As we approach the launch of Google TV hardware, the GOOG has been dropping additional set-top box details. And they’re running full steam ahead with the “app ecosystem” pitch. As opposed to the new AppleTV‘s (currently?) neutered approach. In fact, Google concludes their video above with: “More coming soon from Android Market…” Google’s initial partners … Read more
Not that you had any doubts after seeing the beta correspondence and executive comments, and I don’t want to beat a dead horse. However, I did notice TiVo has updated their website to reflect that a 2010 DirecTV TiVo launch is off the table. Earlier last week (below): TiVo and DIRECTV have renewed their partnership, which … Read more
This morning I disposed of the awful 2Wire Blockbuster VOD box… that you probably didn’t remember existed. Not only was it limited to just standard def content, but it was also plagued by DRM issues and UI lockups. As you can see below, I took it apart (like Akimbo, Moviebeam, etc) looking for salvageable parts before sending it … Read more
As nice as the TiVo Slide Bluetooth QWERTY remote is, the list price of $90 seems to be off-putting for many. Fortunately, various retailers are periodically offering it at more reasonable rates. Thanks to the TiVo Community, I learned that the Slide is currently available via Tiger’s ebay presence today – along with free shipping. So I placed … Read more
A periodic roundup of relevant news… from our other blogs: Spotify Shows Up on IPTV Set-Tops Motorola has been showing off its latest IPTV hardware and software out at IBC, and it looks like Spotify made its first on-screen appearance. New Remote Controls at IBC The big focus at IBC for Motorola was the introduction … Read more
I think we’ve finally found a solid use for Roku’s limited USB support… My buddy Tim has been struggling to find an efficient way to pipe his Flip UltraHD videos to the television and his first stop was the Xbox. And, for whatever reason, his 360 delivered stuttering 720p video when the Flip was directly … Read more
It’s official… The new DirecTV TiVo, announced in 2008, won’t be available until 2011. Which probably isn’t so surprising as CEO Tom Rogers left the door open for another delay at TiVo’s last quarterly call and the recently revealed beta testing is scheduled to run through January. And now PC Mag has the official word from SVP … Read more
This week in Department of the Obvious, we find Blockbuster filing for bankruptcy. The only possible surprise is that it took this long. As chapter 11 was the inevitable outcome after failing to modernize their operation quickly enough and, in my experience, providing years of poor customer service. Fortunately, for them, they intend to emerge … Read more