Dave Zatz 
Wyze, the company known for surprisingly robust smart cams with generous cloud services in relation to its inexpensive pricing (starting at $25, no fees!), is extending their reach into our smart homes … by soon fleshing out the product lineup with motion and contact sensors that communicate via what looks to be a tiny USB-powered … Read more
TiVo has submitted a number trademark filings for a “TiVo Enhanced” logo and verbiage… seemingly covering just about everything the company currently offers. One example: Subscription television broadcasting services; transmission of cable television and interactive delivery of audio and video over digital networks; cable television transmission of personalized and interactive television programming; Transmission of network … Read more
A pair of Fitbit devices just passed thru the FCC. And, given aggressive $90 Versa pricing today, my first thought was a quick refresh of the company’s relatively new smart watch. However, with ‘activity tracker’ verbiage and narrow “e-label” screens, a revamp or replacement of the Fitbit Alta line seems way more likely. From limited … Read more
Tipster Susan H shouldn’t have been doubted… as a small number of lucky folks did indeed receive Echo Auto invites. And orders have started arriving! Not much yet in the way of commentary, but Tod Kuntzelman has posted some nice pictures while we await more well-formed initial thoughts, including the requisite Roav Viva comparisons — given experiences … Read more
Variety reports that streaming service Hulu intends to implement pause screen advertising beginning next year. This isn’t an entirely new development, since TiVo pioneered that “feature” way back in 2009. Given Hulu’s least expensive tier already runs traditional commercials, this appears to be both an additive disruption for users and revenue stream for the company. As … Read more
What the what?! A new TiVo “Android” voice remote with Google Assistant button just passed through the FCC. Is the TiVo experience intended to run on top of the Android TV platform, similar to DirecTV NOW’s beta box? Might the company lean on Android’s native DVR functionality or would something like this function as a … Read more
As we anxiously await the Kadrilj and Fyrtur IKEA smart blinds, we learn the company will be expanding the NORDMÄRKE line of Qi chargers to include a double-wide wireless charging stand (of unknown power) to simultaneously juice up multiple smartphones. Ikea was something of an early leader in wireless charging, having introduced a variety of furniture back in 2015 … Read more
Roku has announced they’ll no longer charge for themes. Over the years, many have been free, including a small but random sampling to get started and some to commemorate the periodic holiday. While others have been sponsorships, such as my preferred Subaru National Parks presentation. But a few were Roku Store purchases. And I so wish … Read more