Google TV

Google burst onto the video streaming scene way back in 2010 with Logitech in the form of the Google TV-powered Revue. While early hardware was a mixed bag, Google has successfully evolved their offerings over the years with Android TV, Chromecast, and Google TV once again to remain a notable player in the space — often with partners, like NVIDIA and TiVo. As with Android smartphones, a primary Google selling point is a high degree of device customization compared to Apple TV and Roku.

Best Google streamers of 2021

Below is a reverse chronological listing of Google streamer updates.

TiVo Summer Update Released (without Android streaming)

TiVo’s summer update (20.4.2) has started rolling out. As expected, headlining the visual changes are a new customizable 3-column My Shows view and the release of the TiVo Roamio UI onto Premiere and Mini hardware. Along with the refreshed Premiere interface, is a bullet-worthy speed bump – already confirmed by one of our community peers. From TiVo’s new Service Updates page:

Updated, modern design: Premiere’s HD interface has a fresh, new look and feel
Zippier performance within TiVo menus: Navigate through Premiere menus quicker so you can find what you want faster
New categories in My Shows: Categories in My Shows automatically organize your recordings by genre so you can find a recording faster than ever
On-demand and web app options now in Guide: You’re no longer limited to live TV when browsing the Guide. With on-demand and web app options now included, browse shows from yesterday, today or tomorrow and watch them anytime with the click of a button

Android Wear Smartwatch First Look

Writers from Business Insider, The Verge, and The Next Web share their initial Android Wear Smartwatch feedback…

https://twitter.com/stevekovach/status/482295797589884928

Mohu Channels Now Shipping (with time shifting to come)

By way of Mohu (and Twitter), we’ve learned that the latest cord cutting device is now shipping to all 1200 Kickstarter backers. Mohu Channels is basically a small Android box with built-in OTA tuner, thus merging over-the-air television with online video (and other web content). And in response to early feedback, some compelling new items on the roadmap…

Wink Hub To Take On Staples Connect & SmartThings

By way of the New York Times, we learn GE and Quirky have expanded their collaboration on “Wink” – the brand under which they’ll tie together their existing (and downright bizarre) product line and tap into other home automation solutions via the FCC-revealed Wink Hub. The $79 Hub bridges networks, like Z-Wave, and will be displayed at nearly 2,000 Home Depot retail outposts when it launches July 7th. (Take that Lowe’s Iris?) Of course, these guys aren’t the only players in town with the very fine Staples Connect and SmartThings out to early leads with the Apple behemoth now taking interest via HomeKit and healthy Apple TV hub speculation. Not to mention, after like a decade of stagnation, Harmony finally woke up ready to fulfill their home control destiny. The next 12-18 months are going to be huge in this space as the tech expands beyond the affluent digerati and into the mainstream. As for me, my needs are simple…

Starbucks Picks Up Coffee Bean's Abandoned Inductive Charging Initiative

While Coffee Bean may have given up on café table Qi charging, Starbucks has just announced a nationwide initiative to bring Powermat inductive charging to all US stores. Despite the promise of wireless power, a variety of competing standards and far-from-universal mobile manufacturer integration have led to limited consumer uptake. Perhaps more than 12,000 retail SBUX outposts will stimulate adoption. Although, iPhone and iPad owners will require compatible cases or external chargers, which probably defeats the purpose, as wireless power hasn’t (yet?) been integrated.

Amazon Prime Music Arrives!

After months of rumor and speculation, Amazon Prime Music has arrived. And, as with other Prime benefits, the streaming service is effectively free for existing Prime members ($99/yr). At launch, Amazon’s collection pales in comparison to other streaming music services, such as Spotify. Yet, as The Verge notes, it doesn’t have to compete head-on. Prime Music … Read more

T-Mobile: The Uncarrier Hard Stop

My T-Mobile honeymoon has long since passed, with the day-to-day reality of life on a second-rate carrier having set in. Of course, your mileage may vary as cell coverage is highly dependent upon locale (or building composition). For me, T-Mobile has provided an extremely frustrating experience with perhaps, ironically, superior coverage roaming overseas partners versus native networks here at home — with the majority of my calls dropping. On the occasions I have coverage to initiate one.