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DIAL support from Netflix, YouTube helping merge content delivery devices, take on AirPlay

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by Jeff Causey on
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In case you haven’t noticed, in the world of consumer electronics there is a continual effort going on to enable consumers to share content between their mobile devices and non-mobile devices like TVs. An example of this is Apple’s AirPlay system that gives users the ability to mirror iPad or iPhone content to their Apple TV. Apple’s solution enables some other features as well like initiating playback of remote content. Key to this is the ability to discover AirPlay capable devices. Great if you are part of the Apple ecosystem, not so great if you use other solutions or have hardware from other manufacturers. Netflix and YouTube hope to provide an alternative for non-Apple consumers and have launched DIAL with the backing of several other parties. Companies like Samsung, Sony, Hulu and the BBC are backing the effort to develop and implement the DIAL protocol. » Read the rest

Haier Introduces HXT 3D Smart TV Series, Comes Fully Loaded With Quad-Core Snapdragon Chip And Jelly Bean

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by Roy Alugbue on
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TV manufacturer Haier may be a mainstay in many living rooms out there, but it is using CES to introduce itself and its brand into the Android world by launching its HXT 3D Smart TVs. The special line of TVs will arrive in a super slim profile, but come packing a major punch featuring a built-in quad-core Snapdragon processor and operated by the latest version of Jelly Bean (Android 4.2). Additionally, the television will also feature a specialized WiFi Direct QWERTY remote, giving users of the device all sorts of additional functionality and umph.

Unfortunately, Haier is staying mum on how much the Android-powered TV set will cost or when it will be available, but we suspect that both will be known sooner than later.

For all of our continuous CES coverage click here.

 

» Read the rest

LG Introduces New Cinema 3D TVs Ahead Of CES, Highlights Full NFC Capabilities In The Process

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by Roy Alugbue on
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LG hasn’t just been focused on developing awesome smartphones, but it’s also been focused on developing awesome TV sets as well. LG has unofficially introduced its 2013 Cinema 3D TV lineup ahead of CES next week. The biggest noteworthy aspect of the new TVs is the fact that they will arrive with full NFC capabilities emphasizing LG’s “Tag On” technology– allowing users of the TVs to pair the TV sets with their NFC-enabled smartphones using an NFC sticker and effectively streaming content with minimal, if any issues. Additional features of the new TV sets includes things like a faster CPU processor, a new Magic Remote which is a motion-sensing pointer and voice-controlled device that features Miracast and of course, higher-end models featuring a near bezel-less design.

We know you’re all itching for some more details and shots of the TVs up close, so be sure to stick around with us next week at CES to get all the details and shots you can handle.

source: Pocket-lint

LG To Bring Line Of Google TV 3.0 Devices In 2013

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by Rudy Rivapalacio on
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Korean electronics giant LG, announced it will bring a new line of big screen TVs with Google TV 3.0 in the first half of 2013. The smart TVs, ranging in size from 42-inch up to 60-inch, will include a voice search functionality LG is saying will go beyond simple voice input to near magic-remote control levels. Users will be able to perform broad voice queries like “Will Smith new action movie coming out” and the TV will respond with a list of likely results. Quick Guide and Prime Time features will allow users to search for content and continue watching at the same time.

The new line also gets a new remote which will have a microphone, QWERTY keyboard and will be capable of gesture input. For those of you/us who didn’t jump on the Ouya Android gaming consoles, the new remote will work with OnLive on Google TV to help get you your gaming fix. We’ll get our first look at the new sets next month at CES (Consumer Electronic Show).

Source: LG Newsroom

Samsung Smart TVs to launch later this year with Google TV

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by Colton Kaiser on
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Samsung has built a major part of its reputation with its line of Smart TVs, but has yet to fully dip its toes into Google TV — until now, that is. While not a part of its press conference, the company is showing off new Google TV hardware on the show floor of IFA 2012.

Details are scarce, but Samsung plans to utilize its Smart Hub as the central user interface for switching between television and apps. As expected, the company has already ported some of its own Smart TV apps to the Google TV unit. With these added tweaks, the company hopes to “enhance the Smart TV experience.” 

Google TV has undoubtedly failed to catch on with consumers, but Samsung is hoping that it can make an impact with its prominent branding. Let’s just hope Samsung can actually bring this thing to market for a reasonable price. More on this story as it develops.

Source: Engadget
Via: Phandroid

Giant tablet or small Android-based TV? Tencent and TCL show off new iCE SCREEN product

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by Jeff Causey on
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Two major players in China’s markets have released a new product they describe as the “world’s first large screen mobile entertainment smart cloud product.” The iCE SCREEN is a 26-inch “mobile” device meant to define a new experience dubbed 3C – communication, computer, and consumer electronics. TCL Multimedia and Tencent, a Chinese Internet provider, revealed the product today to claims that it is a “large portable screen, “a high-speed video player,” a “stylish music and photo album,” and a “high-definition video communications” device.

The 26-inch display of the iCE SCREEN runs at 1366 x 768 resolution and is powered by a dual-core Cortex A9 1GHz processor with 4GB of RAM and support for up to 32GB of storage. The device includes built-in wifi, a couple USB ports, an HDMI port and 3.5mm headphone jack. The device will also have IR capabilities that supposedly let it be controlled with other Android powered devices. The iCE SCREEN comes with a rotary hanger so it can be oriented in either landscape or portrait mode and will be offered in one of four colors – sapphire blue, fantasy pink, champagne gold and green tea green. At the same time, the device has its own power source onboard, which means it can be moved around and reoriented instead of being constantly connected to the hanger. Powered by Android, users will be able to access typical cloud applications and mobile apps as well as TCL’s QQ services.

Could you figure out some way to make effective use of a product like this? If so, you can start your pre-order on August 23rd with an expected release date of September 3rd. Current pricing is  ¥1,999, or approximately $315.

source: Engadget

There’s Only 5 Days Left to get in on Kickstarter Project Pocket TV

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by Macky Evangelista on
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Wouldn’t it be awesome to be able to turn any high-definition TV into an Android running Smart-TV?  That’s exactly what Project Pocket TV does and they need your help to get their project started. We have written about Pocket TV and during that time there was 31 days left for consumers to “pledge” money to the program. Now there’s just 5 days left and even though the company has already surpassed their goal of $100,000 with a total of $409,111 in pledges, you are still welcome to pledge. Of course, if you get in now, you can save up to $50 rather than waiting until it’s released. Hit the break for all the details.  » Read the rest

Kickstarter Project Pocket TV Makes Your TV Smart With Android 4.0 [Video]

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by Ed Caggiani on
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Smart TV set top boxes, as well as full-on integrated Smart TV sets, are becoming very popular these days. But how do you make your existing TV smart without adding another bulky box to your entertainment center? Kickstarter project Pocket TV could be the answer.

Pocket TV is a small computer running Android 4.0, with an HDMI output to connect to your TV or monitor. It supports 1080p output, Wi-Fi, has 4GB of storage, a microSD slot, and is small enough to fit in your hand. It has a 1GHz Cortex A9 processor, 512MB RAM, and a USB port for connecting a keyboard or external hard drive.

Since the device runs standard Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, it behaves more like a giant touchless tablet. To get around the fact that your TV is not a touchscreen, the makers of Pocket TV have come up with an interesting way to control the device. While a standard IR remote will work, as will a smartphone remote app, you also have the option to use their Air Remote, which is basically a keyboard about the size of a phone, with gyroscopic controls. Wave it around to control the screen, like a Wii.

This novel device already passed its $100,000 goal on Kickstarter with 31 days left, so things are looking good for this to ship in October. Get your Pocket TV and Air Remote bundle for pitching in $135 now, or wait until it’s released and pay $190.

Hit the break for a demo video.

» Read the rest

Lenovo to begin Taking pre-orders in China for their New Line of Smart TVs

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by Spencer McClendon on
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Lenovo has launched a Chinese website detailing their plans to begin taking pre-orders for their new smart TV product. Unfortunately this is only a test for China because Lenovo doesn’t have high expectations for their TVs just yet. Lenovo wants to test the market to see if the demand is there but I’m sure that they will see that in fact there is a demand, the question is will it be for their brand. Samsung has already taken the dive into the market and it was their commercial alone that made me go out and check out their new TV. It’s awesome, but that is so off track of what we were talking about. One of Lenovo’s TVs being listed is the 42-inch K71 which will retail for 6499 yuan ($1,029 U.S.) and is expected to go on sale by the end of the month.

All four models of the TVs are expected to run Android 4.0, have voice controls, run a 1.5 dual core processor, and have LCD screens in sizes of 42-inch and 55-inch. Three of the TVs are also to include flicker-free 3D capabilities. It should make some of your favorite Android games jump out at you. Pre-orders don’t begin until Tuesday, April 10th , which is only three days away.

The problem is, is that Samsung already has their hands deep in this market and they might be tough to compete against being as successful as they are. What do you think? Does Lenovo have a fighting chance in the smart TV arena? Let us know in the comments section below.

source: Shop Lenovo
via: PCWorld

Samsung rolls out Media Hub Beta for users of AT&T Galaxy S II, Receive $25 voucher towards content

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by Robert Nazarian on
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The Samsung Media Hub allows you to watch thousands of movies and TV shows on your Samsung Galaxy S series smartphone or Galaxy Tab. Samsung just rolled out the Beta version of Media Hub for AT&T Galaxy S II users. It lets you watch select movies and TV shows not only on your Galaxy S II, but also on any 2011 Smart TV via the Media Hub Beta application.

Upon signing up you will receive a $25 voucher that can be used within the Media Hub Beta app. At the conclusion of the program, you will receive a short survey so you can provide feedback. Hit the source link to sign up.

Samsung plans on adding a series of new services to the Media Hub program, so this is just the tip of the iceberg.

[via samsung]