A recent study concluded that many DVR and set-top box configurations are saddled with energy requirements that exceed those of “a new refrigerator and even some central air-conditioning systems.” Which does seem somewhat extreme when presented in that fashion. Of course, given all my gadgets, I’m sure I exceed my fridge’s estimated annual energy usage … Read more
With the bulk of the prime time Fall television season still ahead of us, we find ourselves in something of a programming rut. Thanks to Netflix, which I re-subscribed to for our Roku 2 review, we caught up on the fourth season of Mad Men – in HD, via AppleTV, for all of $7.99. We’re … Read more
Amazon has quietly launched an entirely web-based version of their Kindle e-reader platform. It’s not the Kindle 4 or a Kindle Air Android tablet but the Kindle Cloud Reader is an interesting product in its own right. First, while the Kindle Cloud Reader is entirely web-based the iPad browser edition let’s you “download” or cache any book … Read more
Sprint added 1.7 million WiMAX subscribers in Q2 (mostly wholesaled from Clearwire), while Verizon added 1.2 million LTE subscribers in the same time period. Long-time analyst Paul Kapustka tracked the WiMAX win over at Sidecut Reports, but he’s the only person I’ve seen report the comparison. Instead, most of the press has focused solely on … Read more
HBO GO offers arguably the best value in online streaming. For the cost of a HBO subscription, via your cable or satellite provider, you receive bundled online access to a solid stable of relatively new movies plus every episode of every HBO series. While watching Game of Thrones on my (wife’s) iPad or Eastbound & Down on my … Read more
Digital media streamer WDTV Live Plus has been updated to offer Hulu Plus. Although Western Digital’s platform (review here) may not feature as many “channels” as Roku’s, they clearly offer a solid and growing lineup of online content including Netflix, YouTube, Pandora, and two video on demand services. Additionally, as I frequently mention, one of … Read more
After getting a taste of Verizon’s free 4G hotspot feature on my HTC Thunderbolt, it was disappointing to lose the capability when the free trial ended and the $30 price kicked in. But, as I said then, there’s no way I’m adding a hotspot fee on top of my existing 4g data plan. I pay … Read more
Last month, CNN updated their iPhone and iPad apps to stream CNN and Headline News live… if you happen to subscribe to one of their television partners. While Verizon was announced as a compatible pay TV service, the app didn’t actually provide a FiOS TV login. Until today. And now our iPad will become our sunroom … Read more