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Arlo Pro Lines Now Do Apple HomeKit

After announcing support at CES 2019, Arlo has made good on it’s promise for HomeKit support for their Pro and Pro 2 wireless cameras.  This implementation is notable because it’s the first time a battery-powered camera supports HomeKit (albeit via the Arlo base station).  Logitech Circle 2 offers a truly wireless variant, but only the … Read more

The Logitech Harmony Express Made Me Buy Caavo

Just a few short years ago, Logitech attempted to jettison the entire Harmony product line. Fortunately, management reconsidered and doubled down on the historically unmatched universal remote controls. Yet, I’m not entirely feeling their latest entrant, the Logitech Harmony Express. Harmony Express diminutive proportions belie its expense, running a fairly lofty $250. And, whereas most … Read more

Apple Reinvents Amazon Video, Intends To Replace Your Roku Interface*

Given Apple’s prior Apple TV app moves, such as cable single sign on, it comes as no surprise that the company would continue efforts aggregating content from disparate sources for a better user experience. And, as announced this week, what benefits us will presumably also benefit them given plans to allow in-app subscriptions and associated … Read more

TiVo Mini Wireless Adapter Slated For Midyear Release @ $60

TiVo has never taken the Mini wireless for television programming due to MPEG2 bandwidth considerations … and the resultant experience, which would be highly variable dependent upon ones home network. Of course, I told you how to take matters into your own hands (five years ago!). But for those still looking to something other than … Read more

Vizio Doubles Down On The 5.1 Soundbar

Those following closely know the original Vizio 5.1 “soundbar” was one of the best tech purchases I made in 2013. Unlike traditional soundbars, in addition to being paired to a subwoofer, the Vizio also includes a pair of rear channel speakers (that connect to the subwoofer, which communicates wireless to the soundbar) to provide a … Read more

Roku TV Launching This Fall

roku-smart-tv

Nearly two years after announcing their MHL Streaming Stick designed to make dumb TVs smart, Roku has now inked deals with Hisense and TCL to produce Roku TVs — in sizes ranging from 32″ to 55″ that are expected to ship this fall. It’s a great win for manufacturers looking to integrate a mature and continually updated platform. But, like LG, Roku and their partners will soon learn if a television operating system matters to shoppers the way it does in mobile as these guys collectively work to shorten the consumer television refresh cycle.

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Fanhattan’s UI Lands at Cox

Cox Communications is piloting an IPTV service in Orange County, California that combines cable television with Fanhattan’s Fan TV set-top and user interface. Todd Spangler at Variety broke the news about flareWatch late last week, and Cox has since confirmed the trial and Fanhattan partnership. Spokesperson Todd Smith says: Cox is testing a video service with a unique … Read more