Does Aereo Have a Back-Up Plan?

Broadcasters aren’t giving up on shutting Aereo down. A new court brief filed on Friday has several programmers fighting a judge’s ruling this summer that Aereo is legally in the clear (for now) to continue operating. The new filing claims that the ruling ignores an existing statute which requires licensing payment “whether the members of … Read more

TiVo’s Banking on Analytics in the Cloud

TiVo’s purchase of TRA this summer was no happy accident. The DVR company sees television analytics as an important part of its future. At a Multichannel News event I attended last week, Senior Director of Product Marketing Evan Young commented that TiVo views the shift toward cloud TV as a way for TiVo to “leverage information … Read more

TiVo, Inc Trims The Fat

I’ve heard from multiple sources that TiVo recently laid off a number of folks. However, I’ve been unable to confirm the specific count and will speculate that we’re only talking couple dozen. While these moves surely suck for the employees impacted, I’m confident this isn’t a negative reflection on TiVo’s financial health. In fact, quite … Read more

Is This Logitech's Next Harmony Universal Remote?

harmony-touch1

It’s been some time since Logitech significantly refreshed their Harmony line of universal remote controls. But, after that Google TV debacle, the company indicated a desire to double down on their earlier and more successful product lines (and acquisitions). And, if this description and prototype illustrations by a Logitech intern are any indication, the next Harmony is more Android handset than old school clicker. As explained, the “Magic Touch” Harmony would utilize voice, gesture, and motion control — in addition to offering a rich second screen guide. Of course, we’d also expect inclusion of Logitech’s ultimate device database and activity-based control. Unfortunately, it’s not yet clear if this is merely a fanciful rendering or a production device headed to store shelves. We shall see… 

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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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iPhone 5 To Ride The Lightning

We’re mere hours away from the introduction of the next iPhone. Whether or or not it goes by “iPhone 5” there’s been a rash of leaked hardware photos (assuming they’re legit, as last year’s rumored wedge design never made it to market) and, hidden within our bounty, is a new dock connector. Many appear fixated on … Read more

Why Buy An AppleTV, When You Can Rent (What?)

Cablevision subsidiary OMGFAST! has begun leasing Apple TV to broadband customers in South Florida. While they probably sport the cleverest (or nerdiest) name in Internet service, long term, $5 a month for a $99 device you can easily pick up on your own may not be the best value. Then again, we imagine there are those unfamiliar … Read more

The Clintons Dig Slingbox & TiVo

It appears I’m in good company as the Clinton family appreciates both TiVo and Slingbox hardware. As the story goes, Hillary was traveling abroad and was unable to catch Bill’s speech locally (obviously) and in real time. So she remotely caught the DVR-ed presentation at an ambassador’s home: For you technophiles that were curious as to … Read more