Boxee/Moxi Parallels Go Beyond the Rhyme

Boxee announced today that its Netflix app has been delayed because of Netflix security requirements, and I joked on Twitter that maybe the company’s misfortunes are the fault of the “oxi” sound in its name. After all, Moxi didn’t do too well with its retail efforts either. However, in thinking about it further, I realized there … Read more

Roku Releases Official Support for USB Drives

Roku has finally launched official support for accessing USB-housed media via the current XD|S model and discontinued HD-XR. The “Roku USB Media Player” builds upon what was essentially a public beta by slightly broadening file support and reworking the interface. Unfortunately, release notes are slim and it’s not clear what the exact file encoding requirements … Read more

Dell Streak 7 Versus Samsung Galaxy Tab (T-Mobile)

Earlier today, T-Mobile tweeted their Dell Streak 7 launch plans. And I got to wondering how Dell’s 7″ Android tablet compares to the Samsung Galaxy tab. Pre-release, all we really have to go on is pricing and specs… versus usability and experience. So this isn’t anything close to an authentic evaluation by any means. The … Read more

The Case For Kinect?

Well, that didn’t last long… After only about a month with my (second) PS3, I went ahead and unloaded the Sony platform to a work buddy. While I appreciate the physical hardware, if not the UI and online gaming, after playing through Uncharted 2 I just didn’t have much use for the console. I thought I’d put the Blu-ray player to use, but I’ve got several good looking online HD video sources/devices available to me. Yeah, not as high quality as BRD. But good enough as I no longer hoard physical media.

Despite plans to the contrary, I sold my previous Xbox 360 to Gamestop last month when they ran a generous trade-in offer. So I’m currently consoleless, for the first time in forever, and contemplating a new 360 purchase. After all, my Xbox Live subscription is good for about another year and I’d be effectively upgrading RRoD-prone hardware to more modern (and cabinet friendly) construction. The question is, do I pick up a Kinect bundle?

Kinect is Microsoft’s take on the motion control craze. However, it utilizes decidedly more sophisticated (camera) technology than what Nintendo and Sony offer. And supposedly it’s selling like hotcakes. Yet I’m not sure I’d maximize its potential. Isn’t the point of video gaming to sprawl out on the couch and minimize physical exertion? If I really wanted to move, I’d hit the gym or take it outdoors.

I solicited some community feedback on Twitter. Based on the responses, as we have no children in the house and given the current gaming lineup, it seems like I can pass on Kinect. For now. Disagree?

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The Phone Upgrade Dilemma

While I have thoroughly enjoyed my Droid Eris for the last 13 months, the time has come for me to consider an upgrade. First, the Eris has grown a bit laggy, and HTC will never upgrade past the 2.1 interface. Second, I’m anticipating the day that Slacker actually launches its new on-demand service, and hoping … Read more

Amazon Set To Take On Netflix & Hulu?

Looks like Amazon is about to amp up their video-on-demand service with an unlimited streaming tier. At least that’s what we’re left to infer from the one Amazon customer whose account appears to have accidentally received early access the service: Your Amazon Prime membership now includes unlimited, commercial-free, instant streaming of 5,000 movies and TV … Read more

Deals Of The Day (but not today)

It just goes to show you, there are penalties to be paid for even the slightest time off the grid. Two pretty awesome deals hit Techbargains yesterday… Yet both are sold out as of this morning. However, I do expect them to come around again and so we must stay vigilant. First up, the Apple … Read more

Does The Netflix ISP Report Tell Us Anything?

Click to enlarge. Netflix will be publishing ISP performance stats, in regards to HD streaming rates, and their first batch is up. While the chart is colorful and somewhat interesting to ponder, I’m not quite sure anything of significance can be divined from these numbers (nor am I clear on Netflix’s objective here).  The typical … Read more