For months, powerful companies including Google, Amazon, Microsoft and Facebook have been working to shrink online video sizes. But their work just got more important, because Apple has now joined the partnership too. The Alliance for Open Media is working on technology called AV1 that compresses video before it’s stored or sent over the network. …
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Get ready for TiVo in the cloud, DVR box optional
The TiVo you know as an alternative to your cable company’s DVR is still around, but the company is betting on the cloud for the future. On Thursday TiVo announced its next-gen platform, a catch-all product for “providers” like cable companies. It’s available for multiple TV devices, including not only Linux- and Android TV-based set-top boxes and traditional DVRs, but …
Read More »Grab these iPhone and Android charger deals while they last
I was writing up Mophie’s new Powerstation AC, a $200 external battery with built-in AC power, when I noticed that MyCharge’s competing Portable Power Outlet (normally $180), was on sale for 40 percent off. In fact, every product on MyCharge’s site is on sale for 40 percent off when you use the code “NewYear” at checkout. You also get free ground …
Read More »LG 2018 TVs tap Google Assistant, Alexa for voice control
LG has announced that select 2018 televisions will feature Google Assistant built in, which will enable users to issue voice commands directly via the remote. LG’s “Intelligent Voice Control with Integrated Google Assistant” will enable users to control numerous functions on the TV, as well as search from information taken from the Electronic Program Guide (EPG). LG says users will …
Read More »Status Audio CB
Status Audio may be a new name to me, but I’m so glad it sent its CB-1 headphones over for review. They’re affordable and ruggedly built, and the sound quality is as good as I’ve heard for the money — just $69 on Amazon (£44 in the UK). It’s pretty much a no-frills design, but these closed-back headphones’ thick, plush ear pads …
Read More »The 7 best perks of your new Amazon Prime subscription
Did Santa leave something Prime in your stocking? If you’re new to Amazon’s subscription service, you may think the only benefits are two-day shipping and streaming video — both of which are awesome, no question. But Amazon Prime affords you a lot of other perks as well. Let’s take a look at seven of the best (and, in some cases, …
Read More »The best Amazon Digital Day deals we’ve found
The holidays are over, and it’s time to load up your new device with digital content. Enter Amazon. To celebrate its second annual “Digital Day,” the retailer will offer discounts on thousands of products including movies, apps, e-books and TV shows. Like with Amazon’s Prime Day, there is much dreck — but also gems hidden among the rough. The deals kicked …
Read More »YouTube on Fire TV? Things just got trickier
It’s another shot fired in a showdown between Amazon and Google. On Thursday, four days ahead of a deadline imposed by Google, its YouTube app has apparently been deactivated on Amazon’s Fire TV devices. People who want to use Fire TV to look at YouTube are being directed instead to a pair of browsers, including Amazon’s own Silk. It’s not …
Read More »How to upgrade your home theater system for 4K and HDR
With high dynamic range (HDR) becoming available on more and more TVs, chances are your next TV will have it as a feature. But you might need to upgrade more than just the TV to get the full HDR experience. Depending on how complex your system is, you may also need to upgrade all or some of your gear, since …
Read More »How to sell or swap gift cards
Forget socks; did Santa bring unwanted gift cards? If you’re now the proud owner of some gift cards you’re just never going to use, have no fear. Instead of dumping those unwanted gift cards in your junk drawer for future regifting, why not try your hand at selling or swapping them online? Where to buy, sell or swap Gift cards are …
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