Samsung’s 2014 smart TVs will let you control videos by pointing your finger
Samsung’s 2014 smart TV lineup may revolve around impressive-looking hardware, but the Korean tech giant has revealed that interface improvements will also play an important role. Its new TVs will support finger gestures that should be more intuitive than the whole-hand commands of this year’s models; you can stop a movie with a spinning motion, for instance. Voice control will also be more powerful. It’s at last possible to change channels or launch apps with a single step, and search results appear in one place. While the gesture and voice upgrades may not be revolutions, they’ll likely be welcome to viewers frustrated with unwieldy TV software.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, Samsung
Source: Samsung Tomorrow
Shazam for iPhone can now listen for songs and shows in the background
Ever rush to identify a song with Shazam with your phone, only to be frustrated as the tune ends before you’ve even reached into your pocket? That won’t be a concern with the latest update to Shazam’s iPhone app. Much like on the iPad, the new audio recognition software can listen for music, live events and TV shows in the background, even if the device is locked; a night at the bar could leave you with a full playlist. There’s still no corresponding Android update, but iPhone owners can start producing the soundtrack of their lives after a quick trip to the App Store.
Filed under: Cellphones, Home Entertainment, Mobile
Source: App Store
Zeebox update for iOS lets you follow TV show news before the air date
Zeebox’s value as a TV show companion usually fades quickly once the credits start rolling, but it should be useful around the clock in the wake of the latest iOS app update. A fresh My TV feature lets viewers follow TV shows like they would a Facebook friend; you can now catch news and chat with fans well before an episode airs. Regardless of when you load the app, it should also be easier to join TV discussion rooms. Android users can’t join the party just yet, but Zeebox promises a My TV update for their platform in late January.
Filed under: Cellphones, Home Entertainment, Tablets, HD
Source: App Store
LG’s 105-inch, 21:9 curved UHD TV is wide enough to be a tanning bed
LG already has a big 77-inch curved Ultra HD OLED TV, but why stop there? The Korean company has just announced that it will be unveiling a 105-inch version at CES next month, but with a twist: this one uses LCD instead of the more expensive OLED, courtesy of improved TFT technology for an even backlighting across the curved surface. Furthermore, this 105UB9 model has a wider-than-usual 21:9 “CinemaScope” aspect ratio, thus providing a 5,120 x 2,160 UHD resolution (but technically not 5K). While we likely won’t find out about the pricing of this monstrosity until CES, this milestone for LG Display’s LCD technology could signify a wave of more affordable curved TVs next year — much like what Sony’s attempting with its S990A. Stay tuned for our eyes-on report once we hit the show floor.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, LG
Amazon Storybuilder beta puts your screenplay ideas in the cloud
Aspiring screenwriters don’t have many great choices for simple, purpose-built apps: What exists is frequently expensive, overkill or both. Amazon may shake things up with its new Storybuilder beta, though. The free web app lets auteurs outline movie and TV screenplays using a virtual corkboard accessible from any device with a modern browser; if you think of a clever plot twist while on your phone, you can drop it in. Writers can add images, notes and tags, and they can invite critiques from other readers. Storybuilder won’t replace a full set of scriptwriting tools, but it and the existing Storyteller app may get the ball rolling on your next big drama.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, Internet, HD, Amazon
Via: Amazon, The Next Web
Source: Amazon Storybuilder
Twitter’s story coming to a TV near you, thanks to ‘Hunger Games’ producer
In a world where history changes 140 characters at a time, what’s the above message if not the recipe for a bonafide Television hit? According to The Hollywood Reporter, Hunger Games producer Allison Shearmur is teaming up with Lionsgate Television to get all The Social Network with the best-seller Hatching Twitter: A True Story of Money, Power, Friendship and Betrayal. The details are pretty scant beyond that for now, though the term “power grab” is used at least once in the writeup, which always makes for compelling TV. Lionsgate’s recent production credits include the Netflix series Orange is the New Black. Perhaps we’ll be seeing the world’s first big budget Vine-based TV show, six-second power grabs at a time?
Filed under: Home Entertainment, Software, HD
Twitter and Comcast expand their tweet-based TV viewing to nine more providers
Comcast and Twitter made it easy to watch TV online when they launched their SeeIt social platform, but the service has only been truly useful for Comcast customers watching NBCUniversal shows. It’s about to become much more relevant, though, as Comcast has reached deals with nine new channel and TV service providers. ABC, A&E Networks, AMC, Cablevision, Charter, Crown Media Family Networks, Discovery, Fox and Time Warner Cable should all support SeeIt’s “watch now” links in tweets as soon as the first quarter of 2014. You also won’t need to sign up for Comcast service to get the full experience — the new SeeIt deal will let Cablevision, Charter and TWC TV subscribers both tune their set-top boxes and record programming without ever grabbing the TV remote. There will still be gaps in SeeIt’s coverage in the wake of these agreements, but don’t be surprised if it’s ubiquitous in the near future.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, Internet, HD
Via: The Verge
NimbleTV launches in New York City, streams paid TV starting at $4 per month
After nearly a year in beta testing, NimbleTV’s streaming service is at last ready for prime time. Anyone with an address in the New York City area can sign up to watch local cable programming anywhere they have a fast internet connection; they j…
LG’s AllJoyn support will let you control Smart TVs from any device
Many Smart TVs don’t really talk to other devices as well as we’d like; integration tends to be basic, proprietary or both. LG may soon have a more elegant solution, as it’s promising AllJoyn support in its TV line. The Qualcomm-built framework …
Best Buy Cyber Monday Deals Include the HTC One for $50 and Free LG G2
Cyber Monday continues to roll on, and Best Buy has a slew of deals you guys might be interested in. From TVs to laptops, and of course deals on great phones and tablets. You can pick up an HTC One for $50 with new 2-year contract, on all carriers but T-mobile. Best Buy also has […]
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