Amazon’s X-Ray now visible on Fire TV devices
One of the benefits that Fire tablet device owners have when watching Amazon Prime Instant Video is access to information about a title through IMDb thanks to their X-Ray for Movies and TV Shows feature. Using X-Ray, viewers can ask questions like “Who is that actor?”, “What else do they appear in?”, or “What is this song?” Amazon is now making this feature available to owners of their Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick devices. Using a click of their remote, viewers can get answers to those questions and more displayed on their big screen.
Amazon notes that besides basic information about who stars in a movie or show, viewers can access other information contained in the IMDb database. This includes stuff like backstories behind character development, goofs, and trivia.
The new feature only works on Amazon Prime Instant Video, but it does include Amazon’s original series and members-only exclusives. Amazon indicates the new X-Ray feature will be rolling out to Fire TV devices via an OTA update starting today.
Hit the source link to read the full press release from Amazon.
source: Amazon
Come comment on this article: Amazon’s X-Ray now visible on Fire TV devices
Amazon adds IMDb-fueled X-Ray for Movies to Fire TV
Amazon’s X-Ray for Movies and TV Shows feature is great when you’re trying to figure out the name of the actor on your screen. Today that feature is hitting Amazon Instant Video on the Fire TV which is frankly where it should have been since the set-top box’s launch. The IMDb-powered X-Ray feature brings many of the same attributes found on the Kindle Fire tablet to your television. To activate it, viewers can either pause what they are watching or press up on the remote’s directional button to see the names of the actors and music playing in the current scene. Pressing up a second time drops the viewer into the full X-Ray environment with access to to information about the actors, characters, music, and IMDb’s user-submitted trivia.
X-Ray on the Fire TV also features the ability to jump directly to scenes and musical numbers in a movie or TV show. If you really want to only listen to the songs from Frozen, it can be done even if it means angering everyone within a half-block radius. Unfortunately, when you select a song or soundtrack from the X-Ray screen, you can’t launch Amazon Music to purchase of listen to the album. Amazon says that it’s working on implementing that feature in the future.
Amazon isn’t the only streaming service that surfaces actor information. Hulu’s Face Match brings up an actors name and bio when you hover over their face. Google Play Movies and TV uses info cards to display an actors name and bio when you tap on their face. Starting today though, only Amazon’s feature works with a set-top box without casting.
If you have a Fire TV or Fire TV Stick, the X-Ray update will be rolling out to both devices by the end of the day.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, Amazon
5 Android apps you shouldn’t miss this week! – Android Apps Weekly
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Welcome back to Android Apps Weekly! Here are your headlines this week:
- A new study came out this last week that shows that three out of the top four regularly used apps belonged to Facebook. The main app, Whatsapp, and Instagram, all owned by Facebook, are in the top four with Blackberry Messenger clocking in at number two. Also up there is Twitter, Snapchat, WeChat, and an app called Average.
- While we’re on the subject of Facebook, they’ve also started testing out WhatsApp integration. In some apps, you now have the option to send things to people directly over WhatsApp from the Facebook app which is interesting because the services have remained separate for so long. It’s not available for everyone, so if you want to try it, patience.
- A new Humble Bundle is out now. You can pay whatever you want and get Bounden, Auro, and Avernum: Escape From the Pit. If you pay the average, which is around $4.18, you get 80 Days, Kingdom Rush Origins, and Riddick: The Merc Files. As always, it’s a great way to give to charity and buy some awesome games.
- Reports are out that say that YouTube is preparing to launch a subscription option that removes advertising from all videos. They’re still working out the details and we don’t know how much it’ll cost, but we do know that it is happening. Soon you can pay to remove all ads from YouTube.
- In our last bit of news this week, Amazon Prime Instant Video now officially works on Android tablets. This was some key functionality that’s been missing for a long time but now it’s there and you can watch it. It’s a little convoluted to install and it’s a bit shaky to use but it’s there. Now, we wait for Chromecast support.
If you want to see even more headlines, updates, and new releases, don’t forget to check out this week’s newsletter. We send it out every Friday along with the show so give it a bookmark and check out all of this week’s biggest Android apps and games news. You can also sign up with your email address if you want to.
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Playworld Superheroes
[Price: $3.99]
Playworld Superheroes is a new kids game that’s a mixture of a crafting game and an action-adventure game. Players can craft various costumes and such in the treehouse and then take to the streets to thwart bad guys. The graphics and game play mechanics are phenomenal and this is definitely a step above most kids games. There are also no in-app purchases which will make parents happy and there are even some lessons to be learned from the game. It hits all the right notes and is worth a try.
AppSlinger
[Price: Free]
AppSlinger is an application that helps you find other applications. The premise is pretty simple because it only shows you applications that are free to use. This is great for Android users on a budget and those who don’t want to go surfing through the Play Store to find good free stuff. The recommendations are customizable and the app claims to never show you the same app twice. It’s interesting and so far has really good ratings so it’s worth a shot.
KX Music Player
[Price: Free]
KX Music Player is a free music app with a dark theme and some basic features. It’s not trying to compete with something like PowerAmp but it’s a good option for those looking for something minimal, small, and simple. It has a built-in equalizer including bass boost and sound effects and basic controls like editing playlists and using shuffle/repeat. It is simple and it does lack some features but it is also entirely free.
KromacelliK
[Price: $0.99].
KromacelliK is a unique game where you play as a cell as you make your way around a strange world by moving other microbes and cells out of your way. The mechanics are simple and the graphics are colorful and retro. It also features an ambient soundtrack. It’s definitely a design and game type we don’t see every day and it’s exploration-style game play is quite enjoyable. Thankfully, it’s only $0.99 and there are no in-app purchases.
Adventures of Poco Eco
[Price: $1.98]
Adventures of Poco Eco is a beautifully designed adventure game with colorful, 3D graphics and a story that has you helping Poco find his tribe. It features atmospheric music, simple game mechanics, and really focuses more on the whole experience than any individual part of the game. It’s a mixture of a puzzler and an adventure game and it really is a joy to play. It’s $1.98 and there are no in app purchases for this one either.
Wrap up
If we missed any great Android apps and games news, let us know in the comments!
[Deal] Select Motorola Moto 360 models discounted through Best Buy, Amazon
Didn’t pre-order an Apple Watch? That’s probably because you don’t have an iPhone or you did not want to wait weeks or months to get a smartwatch. If you want one right now, maybe the Moto 360 is worth a look because both Best Buy and Amazon (which we mentioned earlier) have select models discounted. The Motorola smartwatch, which is powered by Android Wear, can be purchased for as low as $179.
Check out the models listed in the links below. Let us know in the comments if you purchased one or already have a smartwatch on your wrist.
Come comment on this article: [Deal] Select Motorola Moto 360 models discounted through Best Buy, Amazon
[DEAL] – Amazon has the leather Moto 360 for $179 and the metal Moto 360 for $229
For those of you that have yet to get on the wearable bandwagon and are looking to jump in while keeping your wallet relatively intact, Amazon has your back. Today the online retailer is selling both the metal and leather Moto 360 watches for deeply discounted prices.
That’s right ladies and gentlemen, $179 will net you the leather-wristband Moto 360 and $229 will score you a metal-clad version. While the Moto 360 has been surpassed by newer Android Wear devices it remained the smartwatch to beat when it first came out and even though there may be newer options, the Moto 360 is still a decent Android Wear device and one hard to pass up with the deep discounts Amazon has them for.
Come comment on this article: [DEAL] – Amazon has the leather Moto 360 for $179 and the metal Moto 360 for $229
Amazon Prime Music radio stations coming to Android Prime Music app
Amazon’s Prime Music service offers a great radio station feature, but unfortunately, it hasn’t been available in the Android app. Compared to other apps like Google’s own All Access and things like Milk Music, Pandora, or Spotify, that puts Prime Music at a serious disadvantage if your Android phone is your primary music streaming device. Thanks to the latest update, though, it looks like Amazon is fixing that shortcoming.
The newest update to Prime Music bakes in support for those ad-free radio stations that you currently have access to on the web, so you can listen to mixes and curated music alongside your normal library.
This update isn’t major, and probably isn’t going to bring in many new customers, but it’s a great option for someone that’s already on board with Amazon’s Prime service and ecosystem.
Come comment on this article: Amazon Prime Music radio stations coming to Android Prime Music app
Amazon Prime Now launches in Austin Texas
The Amazon Prime Now service, the one that can get you daily essentials and more delivered in 1 to 2 hours from the time of ordering, is getting another location today. Amazon ha announced that Austin Texas residents are now in the mix. This marks the second Texas city to get access to the quick […]
The post Amazon Prime Now launches in Austin Texas appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Amazon files lawsuit against fake review providers
Amazon has had enough of fake reviews that skew its products’ ratings, so it’s reportedly taking the issue to court. According to GeekWire, the e-commerce giant has filed a lawsuit against a man known as Jay Gentile from California, who was identified as the operator of several websites that peddle product reviews, including bayreviews.net, buyreviewsnow.com, buyazonreviews.com and buyamazonreviews.com. The Seattle TImes, however, notes that while the last two are included in the lawsuit, they are owned by different people, and that buyamazonreviews.com belongs to someone named Mark Collins.
The lawsuit accuses Gentile of offering fake verified reviews for a price and of telling potential customers that they can just ship empty boxes to his writers for the website to recognize the purchase. These sham endorsements are typically posted by established accounts, which you’d think twice of associating with sketchy practices. It accuses Collins’ website of running the same scheme, as well, though he denied the charge to Seattle Times. He told the publication that he just acts as a middleman between shop owners and customers willing to write reviews.
If you visit Collins’ website, however, you’ll find that it clearly states that “A purchase of [the seller’s] product is not required for [buyamazonreviews.com] to post a review.” It also notes that each piece will be written by someone “who specializes in writing testimonials for products and services.” While Amazon hasn’t issued an official statement yet, the sources say it has charged all the aforementioned providers with copyright infringement (for using its logo), deceptive acts and violation of the Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act and the Washington Consumer Protection Act, among others.
This might be the first time the company has filed a case against fake review providers, but the practice has been going on for a long, long time. If you recall, Belkin had to issue an apology in 2009 after it was discovered that one of its employees solicited fake positive testimonials. A tablet-maker’s Managing Director was also forced to resign in 2011, after he was caught posting five-star reviews under fake names.
Source: Geekwire
BLU Advance 4.0 unlocked Dual SIM phone is $50 today only through Amazon
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Today’s Amazon Gold Box Deal of the Day is a a great one for people looking to ease their way into smartphones without spending a lot of money. For the rest of the day you can score a BLU Advance 4.0 Unlocked Dual SIM smartphone for only $50. That’s a savings of around 44 percent and quite the deal.
To be fair, this is not the sort of device that’s going to compete with the likes of today’s flagships. But, for many users it should be sufficient to get the job done. Even seasoned users might wanna consider grabbing one of these for trips abroad or to have around in case of an emergency.
Powered by Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, the phone features a 4-inch screen and a 5-megapixel rear camera. The Dual SIM is a nice touch and offers a degree of flexibility, particularly if you plan to travel to other countries.
To get in on this deal head to Amazon today.
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Amazon Prime Instant Video now available on all Android Tablets
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Amazon today has opened up its Amazon Prime Instant Video service to all Android users. Well, for those of you that use a tablet that is. Starting today, Amazon Prime users can begin to use their tablet devices and subscription to enjoy Amazon’s streaming selection, at no further charge. The only caveat is that to use the service, you have to download Amazon’s app store to then be able to download the Amazon Instant Video app. To do so, just head over to the download page using the link provided at the bottom and download the app. After that, you should be good to go. Have fun being a little less productive!
Link: Amazon App Store
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