Sources in a WSJ article indicate Amazon has several hardware projects in the works that are collectively referred to as the Alphabet Projects. Perhaps most intriguing among them is a smartphone that reportedly will have a screen that can produce 3D images without the use of special glasses. Combined with complex eye-tracking software, the phone’s screen will produce the 3D images at almost any angle, producing a holographic image effect with items seeming to float above the screen. Another benefit of the technology will be the ability for users to navigate content on their phone using just their eyes. The high-end phone is just one of several devices that may signal a new strategy for Amazon in getting content into the hands of consumers. » Read the rest
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Archos outs multi-touch TV Connect with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
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tagged ARCHOS, google tv, set-top box, TV Connect

Google TV may still be lacking behind the rest of the smart TV pack, but Archos believes it has solved the apparent issue with its new TV Connect. The Android-powered computer box plugs into any existing HDTV to offer a seamless connected experience.
Along with the box itself, customers will be treated to a massive remote with more controls than you could ever imagine necessary, featuring a full QWERTY kerboard, a D-pad and a slew of gaming buttons..To differentiate itself from the rest of the ill-fated Google TV crowd, Archos has also included a pair of pointer sticks to “control your TV just like you would your tablet with a tapping and/or swiping motion.” If that’s not enough, the box has a built-in HD webcam, making video calls a breeze. » Read the rest
Google sells Motorola’s home set-top box business to ARRIS for $2.35 billion
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tagged Google, motorola, receiver, set-top box

Google originally explained that it purchased Motorola almost exclusively for its wide portfolio of intellectual properties, and today that statement has been validated. Google has officially sold Motorola’s successful set-top box business for a staggering $2.35 billion. ARRIS is the recipient of the new business, ponying up $2 billion in cash and around $300 million in stock. The end result will have ARRIS garnering a quality swath of set-top patents, along with Google taking a 15.7 percent ownership of ARRIS
Of course, this news isn’t completely shocking as we had heard rumors of Google putting Motorola’s cable box business up for auction earlier this year. Sure, Google TV on your cable box would have been pretty darn cool, but it appears Google has chosen to go in a different direction. Be sure to hit the source link below for the full run-down.
Source: Motorola
Nixeus Fusion XS Brings Android to Your TV
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tagged media streamer, Nixeus Fusion XS, set-top box, tv
Media-streaming set-top boxes are becoming more popular after struggling to gain a foothold.. We watched Apple TV and Google TV flounder for a while (and they each still have some obstacles to overcome), but it’s no longer uncommon to have some type of set-top box to stream media, from Netflix and Pandora to custom apps. Into the arena enters the Nixeus Fusion XS. Running pure Android 2.2 and powered by a Marvell “Armada” processor. This lil Froyo-powered streamer sports 512MB RAM and has 2GB of flash memory, and connects to your TV by component or HDMI cables to offer up HD video. Obviously, the dev community will have a field day with it, and I’m eager to see what this box brings to the table when it launches later this year. With an expected price tag of $170, this will be a fairly cheap way to bring Android to your living room.
[via Engadget]

