Some Best Buy Insignia TiVo HDTV Gossip

For the first time in over a year, we recently learned a little something of Best Buy’s partnership with TiVo… consisting of two upcoming Insignia-branded HDTVs. The sets will feature TiVo’s interface, universal search, programming guide and a variety of connected apps – including Best Buy’s own Napster and CinemaNow properties. But no actual DVR … Read more

Hands On The Sony Dash v2

It’s a bit strange to be running our third Chumby-related CES post, but as I was cruising off the show floor at I ran into Sony’s revised Dash widget station. As discussed earlier this week, the new models are due mid year and the higher tier unit features enclosures in multiple colors and the oft … Read more

Catching up with the Sony Dash

Since I originally took a look at the Sony Dash ($200) home widget station about two months ago, it’s already seen a pretty significant update that improves touchscreen sensitivity and lag – a ding amongst the early reviews. Additionally, there’s a cool, new theme (above) which allows you to quickly scroll through and launch your … Read more

Do you want a Chumby? Or a Smartphone?

I’ve been percolating a post on iPhone software enhancements I’d like to see rolled out as part of a 3.5 OS update. However, my requests are largely unchanged from the shortcomings I described back in January. And thanks to the Chumby One previews popping up across the blogosphere, we can focus instead on my top … Read more

The Verizon Hub has been Discontinued

Mari and I have been following the Verizon Hub, from its pre-release iterations through the product that ultimately shipped in February of this year. And I’m sad to say that Verizon has decided to pull the plug. The Hub was designed to be both an Internet-connected widget station and serve as the household VoIP hub … Read more

Verizon Hub gets Internet Radio (plus ads?)

I swung by the Verizon mall kiosk today to play a bit with the Verizon Hub ($200). Unfortunately, I only had my iPhone with me and wasn’t able to take stellar photographs. But it should be clear (enough) that the promised streaming Internet radio has arrived. Verizon’s initial music source/partner is iheartradio.com, a Clear Channel … Read more

Marketing the Verizon Hub

Prior to delivery, we’ve definitely seen the potential in Verizon’s Internet widget station here at ZNF. But as release approached, with the implementation and contract details revealed, my enthusiasm has waned. In fact, I turned down a hands on briefing at Verizon’s HQ last week. However, that didn’t dissuade another PR flack from rebutting a … Read more

Wi-Fi Photo Frame the New Trojan Horse?

Photo courtesy of the Kodak PluggedIn Blog While gaming consoles are still attempting to make good on their role as Trojan Horse in the living room , I have a new candidate for the job: Wi-Fi photo frames. As ridiculous as that sounds, a WI-Fi photo frame is really nothing more than an IP-based display, … Read more