Zatz Not Funny!

Hacking The Nook Touch

What a difference a week makes… When we last discussed Barnes & Noble’s new Nook Touch e-Reader ($139), I lamented the absence of a web browser. While some browser components were clearly present, to enable WiFi hotspot login functionality, there was no obvious means to launch a full-on browsing experience. As it turns out, it’s … Read more

Roku Joins The People of Walmart

Without any fanfare, Roku landed on Walmart’s virtual shelves last month. Specifically the Roku XD ($78) and Roku XDS ($98) models. Given the forum chatter, associated retail brick & mortar placement appears imminent. And, speaking of that forum, I share the same suspicious as TheEndless… that Netgear-branded Roku devices, and their associated retail exposure, are no … Read more

20 Minutes With The Nook Touch & Review Roundup

Barnes & Noble may have slated June 10th for Nook Touch availability, yet shipments have arrived decidedly early — hitting both pre-orderers and retail outlets starting about the 3rd. I’m not sure why the $139 e-Reader has me so fired up, but it does. Perhaps it’s the vacuum of gadget news ahead of the E3 gaming convention and Apple’s World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC). Regardless of reason, I’ve made several trips to the B&N with the sole purpose of checking out the 6″ Nook Touch.

First off, the (infrared) touch screen technology performs much better than expected and is surprisingly usable. Combined with B&N’s superior interface, the Nook Touch outperforms the similarly equipped Sony Readers. It should also come as no surprise that the touchscreen UI surpasses Amazon’s Kindle physical 5-way rocker, Menu, and Back buttons. In fact, the virtual keyboard is even an improvement. Without a cover, the new Nook feels great in the hand. The contoured soft touch rear and super light weight make it very comfortable to hold with one hand, and page turning can be accomplished via screen taps, swipes, or the narrow, elongated bezel buttons. Although the lightweight plastic also gives the Nook something of a cheapie feel compared to say Sony’s metal enclosure.

As far as rendering goes

Sonos Readies Nightstand Speaker System

Why thank you, FCC. Looks like Sonos is making good on their foreshadowing survey of last spring and intends to introduce a smaller, less expensive networked speaker system.

As regulars know, we’re big fans of the dead simple yet high quality Sonos whole-home music streaming solution. And what they’re calling the Play:3 looks like it could be a solid addition to my bedroom nightstand. The Sonos S5 houses five speakers and clocks in at about 9lbs, $400. If branding is a reliable indicator of speaker count, versus model generation or something else entirely, the Play:3 might include three audio drivers. More certain would be a lighter weight and lower price tag. Also, based on the dual labels, one can assume the Play:3 will be offered in white and black finishes. Additionally, like the S5, both wired and wireless connections (via a ZoneBridge) are covered.

GoogleTV Slingbox Client Enters Beta

Unveiled at CES in January, EchoStar’s Slingbox client for Google TV is nearly ready for its closeup. And, I have to say, it’s probably the most exciting new development out of Sling since we they were acquired.

Instead of relying on a large software package or proprietary browser plugin, the first “SlingPlayer for Connected Devices” rev is essentially a Flash-based website. Connect a Slingbox to your home entertainment gear and stream your content anywhere in the world you’ve got access to a web browser. Including that GoogleTV in the other room. Despite recent and frequent Adobe Flash negativity, it’s fairly ubiquitous and this is as close as clientless we’ll get in the placeshifting realm.

Two Nook Touch Shortcomings

I’m sure many of you are familiar with that gnawing new gadget urge. And it seems to have descended upon me once again. In fact, I’ve blown my own eReader market segmentation theory and have begun contemplating picking up the new greyscale Nook Touch ($139) once it’s released next month. Or perhaps Mom needs a … Read more

The Future Of eReaders

Earlier this week, Barnes & Noble dispensed with their original, clever hybrid E-Ink+LCD Nook to introduce a dedicated E-Ink eReader. In some respects, it may appear that the Nook platform has devolved. Yet I’m sure B&N has reduced their production costs with the new Nook ($139)… while, at the same time, made the device fully touch … Read more

All The Boxes

The folks behind the Streaming Media East event, that Mari attended, have published their Broadband Device Pavilion device comparison. The matrix provides all sorts of details such as supported formats, max resolution, popular video streaming services, etc on notable platforms including Apple TV, TiVo Premiere, Roku, and Boxee. But don’t take my word for it. … Read more