New Apple TV Product Will Include Video Game Support, Launch Date Unclear
Apple’s much-rumored revamped Apple TV product will be revealed “any week now” according to a new report from the Financial Times, though notable Apple journalist Jim Dalrymple poured water on a separate report, saying an Apple TV will not be launching soon.
Though a launch date is uncertain, rumors have indicated the redesigned Apple TV product will include support for games, which the Financial Times confirms. It may also include a fully-fledged App Store, bringing apps to the set-top box for the first time.
The significantly redesigned hardware will include greater support for video-games, already a popular pastime on its iPhones and iPads, as well as other new features which could include bringing its App Store to the TV set for the first time.
The release, which was delayed from the end of last year, could come “any week now”, this source said. Apple has not commented on the rumours.
Rumors of a revamped set-top box first began appearing in early 2013, with TechCrunch‘s MG Siegler pointing towards an Apple TV product with a focus on gaming. Later in the year, hints of a delay surfaced, and it appears that the product was indeed scheduled for a 2013 launch that was later pushed back to 2014.
A recent report from Bloomberg suggested Apple was on the verge of revealing a new set-top box, possibly at some point in April, but indicated an actual product launch might come somewhat later in the year, which could potentially account for the discrepancy between launch reports from the Financial Times and other media outlets and a “Nope” from Jim Dalrymple.
In addition to games and support for Apple’s iOS 7 controllers, other Apple TV rumors have pointed to a hardware product that combines the Apple TV with the router features of the existing AirPort Express. It has also been suggested that Apple is planning to work in conjunction with cable companies to build an Apple TV interface over existing cable content, essentially replacing the cable box.
Earlier today, Tim Cook told shareholders that the Apple TV generated $1 billion during 2013, counting hardware sales and movie/TV show rentals. He also noted that it was “a little more difficult to call [the Apple TV] a hobby these days” given its ever-increasing growth.
The company has also began offering a $25 gift card with the purchase of an Apple TV, possibly in an effort to clear out existing inventory ahead of a new product launch, and the Apple TV has also gained its own product section on Apple’s online storefront.
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New Apple TV Not Imminent Despite $25 Gift Card Promotion [Mac Blog]
Earlier today a reports indicated Apple’s $25 gift card with the purchase of an Apple TV promotion could be an effort to clear out stock ahead of an imminent updated Apple TV launch, which notable Apple journalist Jim Dalrymple has just said is not the case.
According to one of his famous “Nope” posts, Apple does not have plans to release a new Apple TV in the immediate future. Specifically, Dalrymple clarified to MacRumors that the company is not on the verge of launching a revamped Apple TV next week, but he does not appear to refute reports suggesting a redesigned box could come in later in the year, possibly ahead of Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference.
While the promotion led to some chatter about an immediate Apple TV product launch, the majority of Apple TV reports over the course of the last month or two have pointed towards a revamped Apple TV that might be revealed at some point in March or April. Bloomberg has suggested the new Apple TV could be revealed in April with a launch coming later in the year, while the Financial Times has just released a similar report pointing towards a launch ahead of WWDC in June.
Though an updated Apple TV will not come in the immediate future, a launch later in the year has not been ruled out. It is clear that Apple is working on some kind of update to the product, with rumors hinting at the new Apple TV gaining gaming support and possibly a full App Store.
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Lenovo and Ashton Kutcher team up on special edition phones, due out this year
If at first you don’t succeed… iterate, iterate, iterate on Android? After signing on Ashton Kutcher as a product engineer — and then going on to release a pair of poorly received tablets — Lenovo is dusting itself off. A marketing executive told Recode that the company is once again teaming up with Mr. Kutcher, this time on a line of special edition smartphones. Unfortunately, details about the devices are scarce for now — all we know is that they’re due out later this year, and that contrary to what you might expect, Kutcher will in fact have a say in the product design. “I know on one level, it sounds corny, but it is real,” chief marketing officer David Roman told Recode. Because these are limited edition phones, we’re going to assume they’ll be sold under the Lenovo brand — not Motorola’s. Still, we’ve asked a Lenovo rep for comment and will let you know if we learn more.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Lenovo
Source: Recode
FIFA 14 is now available for Windows Phone footie fans
Windows Phone owners no longer have to watch from the sidelines as their friends battle for supremacy in FIFA 14. EA has released a native version of the free-to-play soccer (aka football) title for Microsoft’s platform with the same on-the-pitch action that you’d expect on Android and iOS, including options to buy both team points and special game modes like Manager or Kick Off. There’s nothing specifically taking advantage of Windows Phone here, but Lumia owners wanting to dominate a virtual Premier League should be very happy.
Filed under: Cellphones, Gaming, Mobile
Via: Windows Phone Blog
Source: Windows Phone Store
Mt. Gox exchange faces US lawsuit over Bitcoin losses
Remember how the discovery of a botnet took much of the value out of the Mt. Gox Bitcoin exchange, leading it to declare bankruptcy? Yeah, investors aren’t happy about that — and they’re now demanding compensation. One of them, Gregory Greene, has filed a lawsuit accusing the exchange of fraud for not doing enough to protect traders from theft. He’s pressing for class action status to cover all Bitcoin owners who used Mt. Gox, and he wants the exchange to pay both restitution and damages. It’s not yet clear how the company will respond, but it wouldn’t be surprising if there are other lawsuits to come. When customers may have lost the equivalent of $480 million in virtual currency, there’s a lot more than just hurt feelings at stake.
Filed under: Internet
Source: Reuters
Camera deals of the week: 2.28.14
As winter begins to slowly depart here in the States, some of us here at Engadget are anxious to get outside and shoot some spring-like stills. What’s that? Oh, you are too? Well, we’ve collected a handful of discounted camera options this time around that await on the other side of the jump. Per usual, there’s a range of prices, so there should be something to suit most budgets.
If there are other cameras, lenses and the like you have your eye on that we haven’t included here — join us and add them to your “Want” list. Every time there’s a price cut in the future, you’ll get an email alert!
Canon EOS 5D Mark III (body only)
Price: $2,750
Regular Price: $3,500
Engadget Global Score: 88
Buy: Fumfie
While the Mark III was introduced back in 2012, it has become a workhorse for both stills and video. During the course of our review, our only major gripe was the lack of autofocus while capturing HD video. That steep $3,500 price tag is now seeing a $750 discount though, so the cost of admission has come down significantly.
Pentax K-3 (body only)
Price: $950
Regular Price: $1,300
Engadget Global Score: 90
Buy: Fumfie
The Pentax K-3 just went on sale in late 2013 and the reviews are starting to roll in. The verdict? So far, the DSLR as tallied a 90 Engadget Global Score — not too shabby. Despite snappy performance and solid output in the stills department, early adopters have noted a dip in video quality. While the K-3 hasn’t been on the market for a full 90 days, our Price Drop tool shows that $950 is the lowest we’ve seen so far.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 (body only)
Price: $330
Regular Price: $600
Engadget Global Score: 83
Buy: Newegg
Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-G5, despite being a body-only purchase, allows beginners to enter into ILC shooting with a fairly modest investment. If you’re unsure about this model though, you can browse all of the company’s offerings and compare them for yourself in our product database. Willing to hold out to save a few more bucks? The 90-day Price History shows that the current price tag is marked $30 above the lowest from back in December.
Olympus Stylus Tough TG-2 iHS
Price: $309
Regular Price: $399
Engadget Global Score: 86
Buy: 42nd Street Photo
Spring is just around the corner, so why not consider a rugged point-and-shoot for logging those upcoming outdoor expeditions? The TG-2 offers up respectable performance in a shockproof and waterproof shell for durable performance on the trail. Oh yeah, the current $309 price is on par with the 90-day low, too.
Filed under: Cameras
Samsung’s Galaxy S5 is coming to Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile
Long gone are the days of prepaid carriers being stuck with low-end smartphones. Need proof? That’s easy: Sprint has announced that both Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile will carry Samsung’s Galaxy S5 in the second quarter of the year, or sometime around the worldwide launch in April. Neither wireless brand is giving out prices at this stage, although it’s safe to presume that the brand new, Spark-compatible flagship will carry a premium. Even so, its presence should be welcome to Boost and Virgin customers who’ve had to go without high-end Galaxies.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Samsung, Sprint
Source: Facebook (Boost Mobile), (Virgin Mobile)
Engadget Podcast 386 – 2.28.14
With most of the regular crew away, Terrence decides to call in some heavy-duty reinforcements. Richard joins us with critical insights into HD and the Netflix bottleneck debacle. Meanwhile, Brad is perfect for a providing a rundown of the best from Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, including first-hand insight into Samsung’s newest devices. There’s plenty to learn by tuning in this week, so head to the streaming links for the full episode of the Engadget Podcast.
Hosts: Terrence O’Brien, Richard Lawler, Brad Molen
Producer: Jon Turi
Hear the podcast:
02:37 – MWC 2014
03:29 – Hands-on with Nokia’s X family of Android smartphones
11:53 – Samsung Galaxy S5 preview: simpler in some ways, more ‘glam’ in others
23:46 – Meet Samsung’s new smartwatch family: the Gear 2, Neo and Fit
38:50 – No, Netflix’s deal with Comcast won’t destroy the internet
40:01 – Netflix’s internet provider claims companies causing streaming bottlenecks
46:23 – Netflix deal with Comcast sends its traffic — and money — directly to the ISP instead of middlemen
52:02 – Federal Reserve has no authority to regulate Bitcoin, according to Chairwoman
54:39 – US Senator asks for a Bitcoin ban, but don’t hold your breath
54:52 – Popular Bitcoin exchange Mt. Gox files for bankruptcy protection
Subscribe to the podcast:
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Download the podcast:
Contact the podcast:
Connect with the hosts on Twitter: @terrenceobrien, @rjcc, @phonewisdom
Email us: podcast [at] engadget [dot] com
Filed under: Podcasts
Adobe backs ConnectED Initiative, sends free software to schools
Microsoft, Apple, Sprint and Verizon have already shelled out millions to help the president bring high-speed broadband to schools and amp up the role technology plays in education. Now Adobe’s on the bandwagon too, and it’s bringing along gobs of software and educational resources for kids and teachers. Students at some 15,000 US schools get access to Photoshop Elements and Premiere Elements, while the staff gets tools from Adobe’s Education Exchange, electronic signature software and presentation tech for distance learning. The company’s total commitment weighs in at over $300 million, but it’s not hard to see what it gets out of the deal. Looking past the potential for a hefty tax writeoff, the company said its plans are in line with the Common Core State Standards Initiative’s emphasis on media production and criticism. In other words, Adobe wants to help foster creative skills in youngsters. Getting a new generation of media-savvy kids interested in its production tools is just icing on the cake.
Source: Adobe
Daily Roundup: Ashton Kutcher designs smartphones, March Madness on WP8, and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours — all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Ashton Kutcher and Lenovo designing smartphones
It looks like Ashton Kutcher and Lenovo are ready for round two. A marketing executive told Recode that the dynamic duo are working together again, this time on a line of special edition smartphones.
Fed Chairwomen says it can’t regulate Bitcoin
Between recent issues at Mt. Gox and a request for banishment by a US senator, Bitcoin is awash in controversy. But according to Fed Chair Janet Yellen, the digital currency lies outside of the central banking system and can’t be regulated by the Federal Reserve.
Apple TV buyers get iTunes credit
Apple rarely offers discounts on its products, but the company’s new US promo gives Apple TV buyers $25 iTunes credit to jumpstart their media library. Hurry, though, because it ends March 5th.
March Madness Live app arrives on Windows Phone
The March Madness Live app has been on Android and iOS for ages, but now Windows Phone 8 users can join in the fun. The app itself is free, but certain games still require a cable subscription to view.
Filed under: Misc
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