As you-know-who broke the news, TiVo has deployed automatic commercial skip capabilities with the latest “Hydra” software update … that has just begun rolling out to Bolt, Roamio, and Mini DVR hardware. When first initiating playback of a TiVo SkipMode-flagged recording, you’ll be prompted to enable “Auto Skip” to automatically zip by commercial interruption. There’s … Read more
Arlo launched a smart home doorbell last year that integrates into their existing security camera ecosystem. But the doorbell is audio-only, as in: no video capabilities. The idea was that you’d buy the audio doorbell to supplement an existing Arlo camera covering your front door or porch. But, as Dave predicted, Arlo is poised to … Read more
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
After a several month gestation period, the Tablo Quad OTA DVR is now ready for its closeup. While Tablo has previously offered a four-tuner, cord cutting DVR, the Quad features their latest hardware — both technologically, in terms of things like 802.11ac WiFi, and stylistically, carrying forward the Tablo Dual and Dual Lite visual cues. … Read more
TiVo’s greatest challenge has always been its pricing structure. And, to reduce the barrier to entry, they’re significantly subsidizing DVR hardware by floating a $0-down promotion. While this isn’t the first time they’ve gone down this path, this particular incarnation is fairly compelling: $15/mo, with two-year commitment, get you both the new TiVo Bolt OTA … Read more
After many months of teases, IKEA has finally come clean with two “Symfonisk” Sonos speakers. And the most interesting aspect may be the low price of entry, given Sonos hardware history. Pocket Lint has gone hands on with the $99 Sonos-powered IKEA Bookshelf Speaker and classified the sound as “good” or even “great”, in relation … Read more
TiVo has developed software that enables current generation Hydra-powered DVR hardware to manage a network ATSC 3.0 tuner and deliver next gen OTA content through those existing boxes. While widespread ATSC 3.0 deployment (and an associated ATSC 1.0 drawdown) is quite a bit off, broadcasters in 40 markets intend to light up hardware to begin … Read more
While I wouldn’t recommend a 32″ 720 set as your primary television, they make great additions to the kitchen or a guest bedroom – where I have rocked a similarly specced pair of TCL Rokus. And today the Best Buy Insignia Fire TV is on sale for a low $99.99. Which is significantly less than … Read more