Gaming

iOS 7 May Come with a Side of Apple TV

Apple TV with iOS 7

Everyone’s on the lookout for the debut of iOS 7 at Apple’s big press conference scheduled for next week. But GigaOM is reporting that, based on available shipping data from an analytics company called Panjiva, a new Apple TV set-top may also be in the cards.

According to the report, Apple received shipments labeled “Set Top Box with Communication Function” from a company called BYD Precision Manufacture based in Shenzhen, China on August 11th, 18th, and 25th. Panjiva is postulating that since Apple’s last set-top shipment was from a different company, Hon Hai, these latest devices are a new product altogether.

Aside from the timing of the set-top shipments, some of the new features in Apple’s mobile OS update also tie nicely with the idea of an upgraded TV product. For one thing, Apple will support device-to-device connections in iOS 7, which would allow a set-top to communicate directly with other gadgets (including gaming controllers!) without the need for an Internet connection.

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Microsoft Jettisons Mediaroom IPTV Solution

After failing to gain traction in the US, beyond AT&T (U-verse), or meaningful integration with other business components, Microsoft has decided to simply jettison their Mediaroom IPTV unit: Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) has reached an agreement with Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) to acquire its TV solution Mediaroom business. This will make Ericsson the leading provider of IPTV and multi-screen … Read more

Gamestop Offers $50 Console Trade-In Bonus

gamestop creditAs my most recent Xbox 360 (4GB model) has been collecting dust, given its noise pollution and annual tax, I’ve been contemplating switching the hardware up for another PS3 or handheld PS Vista ($250). And that was my plan when I arrived at Gamestop to redeem their $50 PS3 or Xbox 360 console credit bonus. While Gamestop rarely offers great trade-in values, it’s always extremely efficient. But the extra 50 bucks brought my $200 console up to $125 — which is quite reasonable considering how long I’ve had it, including the last year it’s been banished to storage. Yet, before the helpful clerk could bring my new PS Vita Assassin’s Creed bundle out from the back, I noticed Gamestop now offers a healthy selection of tablets including the 32GB Nexus 7 and entire range of Kindle Fires.

amazon kindle fire hd

My current iPad 3 hasn’t been able to replace a laptop and I find it too bulky to comfortably use on the couch, so my plan has been

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Nintendo To Channel TiVo

wiiu-tivo-scheduling

Nintendo has announced availability and pricing of their upcoming Wii U console. While the Wii successor finally brings the HD and bundles a 6″ touchscreen tablet-esque controller, I figure Nintendo’s hardware days are numbered… and the sooner they pull a Sega and go software-only, the better. But before we ever get our hands on iPad Metroid or Xbox Zelda, we have the Wii U to contend with this fall — landing November 18th at $300-$350, dependent upon configuration.

Following in the footsteps of Sony and Microsoft, the new Wii U expands their video offerings under the “Nintendo TVii” banner — featuring access to a variety of content and meta data. And, given that Wii-pad, not only do you get a remote control, you’ve acquired a “second screen.” In addition to the requisite streaming services, like Hulu Plus and Amazon Instant, the Wii U appears to go real time with a guide and sports stats. Perhaps less relevant, in sheer numbers, but way more interesting is Nintendo’s new relationship with TiVo.

Details are scarce at the moment, as neither TiVo nor Nintendo care to discuss the specifics. However, we know

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JBL Takes On Jambox With Soundfly Speaker

If the FCC is any indication, JBL’s compact “Soundfly” Bluetooth speaker should be hitting store shelves in short order. Unlike the rechargeable and portable Jawbone Jambox ($200), the Soundfly essentially mounts directly onto an AC outlet. I can’t imagine the Soundfly produces killer audio given its diminutive stature, but could make a nice kitchen or travel accessory … Read more

Is It Lights Out For Vizio?

A year after announcing intentions to bring their high tech, low cost approach to home lighting, Vizio has yet to deliver on their LED promises: The company’s eco-friendly line of High Efficiency LED bulbs are recyclable, do not contain mercury and boasts a glass-free design to prohibit shattering. With the longest lifespan of any source, including incandescent … Read more

The Trojan Horses Have Been Activated

Dave threw the gauntlet down back in 2006(!) when he suggested the Xbox was a Trojan Horse, designed to be activated in the future as a central device in the connected living room. Today, that reality has, in many ways, come to pass. According to Microsoft exec Russ Axelrod, more than 20 million Xbox homes … Read more