Media Centre Archives • GadgetyNews https://gadgetynews.com/category/media-centre/ Low Jargon: High Tech Mon, 06 Mar 2023 21:26:38 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 https://gadgetynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/cropped-icon-32x32.jpg Media Centre Archives • GadgetyNews https://gadgetynews.com/category/media-centre/ 32 32 Best Surround Sound Soundbars 2023 for Dolby Atmos https://gadgetynews.com/best-surround-sound-soundbars-2023-for-dolby-atmos/ https://gadgetynews.com/best-surround-sound-soundbars-2023-for-dolby-atmos/#respond Mon, 06 Mar 2023 21:26:36 +0000 https://gadgetynews.com/?p=69933 GadgetyNews - Low Jargon: High Tech

Best Dolby Atmos Soundbars 2023With all streaming services supporting 4K and multiple HDR formats, which most new LED and

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Best Dolby Atmos Soundbars 2023

Best Dolby Atmos Soundbars 2023

With all streaming services supporting 4K and multiple HDR formats, which most new LED and OLED TVs feature, they are now focussing on improving the audio experience.

All streaming services support various forms of surround sound, 5.1 is the standard, but that’s old-fashioned nowadays.

What is Dolby Atmos?

The new go-to surround sound format is Dolby Atmos, which adds two additional speakers higher up, which allows the sounds to be interpreted as three-dimensional objects in a much more natural way.

Dolby Atmos typically has two front-height channels, but more advanced systems can add them to the rear as well.

Which streaming services support Dolby Atmos?

Currently, Netflix has either Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 or Dolby Atmos. Apple TV can do PCM Multichannel (up to 7.1), Dolby Digital 5.1, or Stereo.

Disney+ plans to take things to the next level by adding IMAX signature sound by DTS to select Marvel films and more in 2023. This is in addition to the IMAX Expanded Aspect Ratio they have already rolled out, which reduces the black bars in certain scenes.

The IMAX signature sound has a bit of a vague description stating it will enable an elevated end-to-end experience specially calibrated to provide fans at home with IMAX-quality pictures and sound.

However, the DTS that underpins this technology is well established. DTS has a wide range of technologies going up to DTS-HD Master Audio which supports a virtually unlimited number of surround sound channels and lossless 24-bit, 192 kHz audio.

However, with all these fancy sound formats, how do you enjoy them without investing in an overly complex (and expensive) multi-speaker and AV receiver?

Surround Sound Soundbars

Thankfully, there are a growing number of soundbars that support a lot of these advanced sound formats.

Different brands achieve this in different ways. Some companies have dedicated rear speakers and a subwoofer, while others contain all the speakers within the soundbar. Most of these will attempt to virtualise the surround in some way; it is not as effective as having seven (or more) speakers and subwoofer woofer dotted around your home, but it is much more convenient.

For the best performance, the price of these soundbars can get expensive, but they are a worthwhile investment if you have spent a lot of money on a large TV and want a quality home cinema experience.

The best surround sound soundbars with Dolby Atmos & more

James, at Mighty Gadget has compiled a list of the best surround sound soundbars on the market.

Sonos Beam Gen 2 – £425

The Beam Gen 2 is probably one of the best semi-affordable options that support Dolby Atmos. However, you will need to pair it up with rear speakers if you want to enjoy the surround sound experience properly.

Beam Gen 2 supports stereo PCM, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos (both the Digital+ and TrueHD versions), multichannel PCM and Dolby Multichannel PCM. Decoding for DTS digital surround will be later, but there will be no DTS:X.

The Beam has a single eARC port which allows it to receive the highest-quality audio formats.

Samsung HW-Q800B – 5.1.2 channel – £749

The Samsung HW-Q800B is not exactly cheap, but it is one of the most affordable options that claim to support full surround sound with Dolby Atmos. The speaker configuration is 5.1.2, and you have Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.

Similar to the Sonos Beam, there is a single eARC HDMI port.

There is also the Samsung HW-Q930B, priced at £949. This is the next model up. The main advantage is that you get two dedicated rear channels which have two up-firing and four side-firing speakers. This claims to have a 9.1.4-channel sound which should give you a sense of height from the rear channels.

LG Soundbar S80QR – 5.1.3 channel – £999

The LG S80QR has a bit of an odd surround sound design with a 5.1.3 channel arrangement. The soundbar sits at the front which has three upwards-firing channels. The central upwards channel is a world first for soundbars.

It is then paired with dedicated rear speakers, which have a dedicated receiver which then connects wirelessly to the soundbar.

This supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X to recreate the 3D effect of sound from above. It then has Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, and more, covering almost any need. It is also certified for IMAX Enhanced, which LG states will provide deeper bass and more dynamic sound for edge-of-seat sonic thrills.

This then has two HDMI ports, one with eARC and one input for another device. Sadly, the input HDMI is not  HDMI 2.1, so the soundbar does not support 4K at 120Hz on its input port.

Sony HT-A7000 – 7.1.2 channel – £1099

This is an all-in-one soundbar that claims to do 7.1.2. It has two up-firing speakers, two beam tweeters and five front speakers. There’s also a built-in dual subwoofer for added bass.

Sony calls their virtual surround 360 Spatial Sound, which is a similar technology to the spatial sound that’s used on the PS5.

You can upgrade this system for better performance. There is an optional SA-SW3 or SA-SW5 subwoofer. Then for the rear, you have the optional SA-RS3S or SA-RS5S wireless rear speakers.

Sound support includes Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD, DTS HD Master Audio and many more.

There are two HDMI ports. Both are HDMI 2.1, with one having eARC. This means you can use the input port for a PS5, Xbox Series X, or gaming PC and enjoy 4K 120Hz.

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus – 7.1.4 – £1299

The Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus is the only all-in-one 7.1.4 channel soundbar on the market. If you don’t want the inconvenience of multiple speakers and a subwoofer, this is the best way to enjoy surround sound formats.

With it being all in one, the surround sound is virtualised, but it is highly effective. You may not be able to pinpoint the exact location of the sound, but it is impressive how the sound seems to come at you from multiple directions.

You can also expand the system with any subwoofer using the RCA out or the dedicated wireless Sennheiser sub.

Audio compatibility includes Atmos, DTS:X and more.

This has three HDMI ports, but only the eARC port is HDMI 2.1; the other two are HDMI 2.0a, therefore not compatible with 4K 120Hz.

The Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX is also worth considering. It has a superior speaker design with 13 speakers in total but only has one HDMI port which supports eARC. It has been out for a few years now, but it is their flagship product and is priced accordingly at £1800.

Samsung HW-Q990B Soundbar – 11.1.4 channel – £1299

The Samsung HW-Q990B is the same price as the Sennheiser AMBEO Plus, but it takes a different approach.

You have the soundbar, two dedicated rears and a subwoofer. There are a total of 22 speakers plus the wireless sub, which allows this to achieve an 11.1.4 channel sound. You’d struggle to do that with separates!

It is basically an upgraded HW-Q930B. The rear speakers are the same design, with two up-firing and four side-firing speakers. The soundbar then has the usual left, centre, and right speakers. Then two up-firing speakers. It then improves surround sound performance with two side-firing speakers and two angled speakers, which they claim to be able to direct the sound in from the side of your listening position.

Sound support includes Atmos, Dolby MAT, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby True HD.

You have three HDMI ports. One HDMI 2.1 eARC, but the other two lack support for 4K 120Hz and variable refresh rate signals.

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Canton Smart Soundbar 9 https://gadgetynews.com/canton-smart-soundbar-9/ https://gadgetynews.com/canton-smart-soundbar-9/#respond Sat, 20 Jul 2019 15:28:04 +0000 https://gadgetynews.com/?p=69026 GadgetyNews - Low Jargon: High Tech

canton smart soundbar 9Canton has announced the Smart Soundbar 9 which they hope will become the starting point

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canton smart soundbar 9

Canton announces Smart Soundbar 9 to your Wireless Surround System

Canton has announced the Smart Soundbar 9 which they hope will become the starting point of your wireless home cinema speaker system.

German-based home cinema superstars Canton is ready to unleash its next generation of top-notch soundbars, equipped with a slew of sonic smarts including Wi-Fi streaming.

Smart Soundbar 9

First up is the Smart Soundbar 9. The slender soundbar has Chromecast built-in, allowing you to stream from Spotify, Tidal, Google Play Music, Deezer and TuneIn over Wi-Fi. Native support for Spotify Connect also enables direct streaming from Spotify.

Canton Smart Soundbar 9

Additionally, through the magic of Wi-Fi, you can connect the soundbar to other speakers to create a wireless multi-channel home cinema system. For instance, you could add a Canton Smart SUB 8 subwoofer to make a powerful 3.1 system. You could then add a pair Smart Soundbox 3 speakers for full 5.1 surround sound – all wirelessly.

2.4GHz and 5GHz WLAN connections are supported, while the addition of aptX Bluetooth enables you to stream directly from Bluetooth-equipped devices without connecting to the Wi-Fi network.

Canton Smart Soundbar 9

The Smart Soundbar 9 packs a host of high-quality audio tech including 300 watts of amplification powering eight drive units. The driver line-up includes four bass drivers and two midrange drivers – all with 50mm aluminium cones – plus two 19mm fabric-dome tweeters. A pair of passive drivers with 147x57mm diaphragms further augment the bass to deliver impressive depth and punch.

Canton Smart Soundbar 9

These drivers work in tandem with DTS TruSurround to deliver a spacious and immersive performance. There is also support for Hi-res audio, up to 24-bit/96kHz.

Connectivity is catered for by four HDMI ports – three inputs and one output, all HDCP 2.2-compliant and supports 4K Ultra HD video. Additionally, the HDMI output supports ARC.

Two digital audio inputs – one optical and one coaxial – provide further connectivity, together with a stereo RCA analogue input. A dedicated subwoofer output is also present.

The Smart Soundbar 9 measures 89x7x10cm (WxHxD) and is quite the looker too. The main cabinet is fashioned from reinforced MDF, embellished with a heat-treated glass top and integrated metal grille.

Price and availability

The Smart Soundbar 9 is available from late July in a choice of black or silver at an RRP of £699.

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Sonos One and Beam Gains Google Assistant https://gadgetynews.com/sonos-one-and-beam-gains-google-assistant/ https://gadgetynews.com/sonos-one-and-beam-gains-google-assistant/#respond Thu, 04 Jul 2019 15:14:09 +0000 https://gadgetynews.com/?p=69020 GadgetyNews - Low Jargon: High Tech

UK Sonos One and Beam owners can now use Google Assistant to control their smart

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Google Assistant Beams on to Sonos

UK Sonos One and Beam owners can now use Google Assistant to control their smart devices with their voice.

Google Assistant for Sonos is rolling out in the UK right now, following its US release a few weeks ago.

Sonos Update

Google’s voice-activated assistant is now available to Sonos Beam and Sonos One owners following a free software update, though it might take a few days for it to roll out. However, looking at the Sonos community forum, many in the UK have it already.

The update has also landed for customers in Germany, Canada, Australia, France and the Netherlands. It arrived in the US in the middle of May.

Google Assistant

Sonos Google Assistant UK

Sonos’ smart speakers already support Amazon’s Alexa. So now you have a choice of which digital butler to use. Additionally, this means Sonos has bragging rights to being the first company to offer support for multiple voice assistants in the same sound system.

Sonos Google Assistant UK

Google Assistant has more than a million actions, so there should be plenty of hands-free commands to try out. You can ask Google Assistant to start a song, queue a TV show, control smart home devices, and ask for updates about your day, including calendar events and traffic delays, just as you can with Google Home.

Naturally, basic controls such as play/pause and skip to the next track, request music from radio stations and streaming services, are also available.

Choice of Alexa or Google Assistant

Sonos Google Assistant UK

With both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant now supported, owners of the Sonos One or Sonos Beam have a choice between which assistant is used. You’ll have to pick between Google Assistant or Alexa, though – you can’t have both set up at the same time. However, there’s nothing stopping you from switching between them; you’ll just have to go through the setup process again.

The company claims that the purpose behind bringing in multiple assistants is to demonstrate the power of a multi-partner platform that offers a choice to its customers.

Sonos CEO Patrick Spence told GadgetyNews:

We value freedom of choice, empowering listeners to choose what they want to listen to and how they want to control it. We imagine a day where we’ll have multiple voice assistants operating concurrently on the same device, and we’re committed to making that happen as soon as possible.

Getting Google Assistant on your Sonos

If you already have a Google Assistant device, such as the Google Home or Google Home Mini, you can now use the Google Home app to add the Sonos skill.

Once added and you’ve linked your Sonos account to your Google account, you can use your voice speakers to control your Sonos system with your voice.

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Spark touchscreen smart speaker for Alexa and Google https://gadgetynews.com/spark-touchscreen-smart-speaker-alexa-google/ https://gadgetynews.com/spark-touchscreen-smart-speaker-alexa-google/#comments Tue, 26 Sep 2017 20:41:39 +0000 https://gadgetynews.com/?p=61864 GadgetyNews - Low Jargon: High Tech

Spark frontSpark combines voice command technologies with a top of the range audio system. This enables

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Spark front

Spark frontSpark combines voice command technologies with a top of the range audio system. This enables you to be able to control the product with the touchscreen display or through voice interaction.

Spark is a 7-inch wireless touchscreen speaker with a premium audio system. It runs on Android 7.0 Nougat OS. It also packs a 5 megapixel front camera.

Thanks to the built-in battery, you can move Spark to where you need it.

Clazio, a premier smart home creator, launched the Spark on Indiegogo today.

Top of the range speaker system

Built with two high-quality speakers, Spark has a powerful audio system that offers a clear crisp sound, with deep rich bass.

Clazio Spark smart speakerThe acoustics adapt to its surroundings and, together with streaming services, Spark gives users instant access to popular online video/audio content.

Whether listening to Pandora in the kitchen or watching Netflix in bed, the possibilities are endless. Use Spark to plug in a TV or projector and it displays as a home entertainment center, showcasing up to 4K output for crystal clear images.

High-tech functionality

As well as a smart speaker, Spark is similar to an Android tablet. It runs on Android 7.0 Nougat OS and has a powerful octa-core processor.

Spark frontThis means that you can use it to connect to popular smart home integrations, such as IFTTT, Hue, LightwaveRF, and Nest, and control your home from a single device.

You can also stay connected with family and friends and capture memories with the five-megapixel front camera.

Use Spark for video calls via Skype, Google Hangouts and more. The system works between a smartphone or laptop and a Spark as well as between Spark devices.

Hands-free control

The smart hub can be operated through single or multi-touch gestures with a stylus or finger. Furthermore, it can also be operated through voice.

spark smart speaker gifUse the two far-field microphones to access Alexa or OK Google voice commands. Using this you can play music, catch up on the latest news, and more.

Retro-modern design

At 1.76 lbs this stylish, smart hub fits perfectly into any home decor.

Clazio Spark rearThanks to its rechargeable battery you can place it anywhere. Pop it on the counter in the bedroom or the bookshelf in the living-room.

The 4,800 mAh battery supports up to five hours of music playback or four hours of video before it needs to be recharged.

Words

Dake Liu, Clazio’s CEO, explains:

Clazio Spark is the smartest home device available offering uncompromising audio and video quality. It is a wireless speaker and Android tablet all in one.”

Price and availability

The Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign kicks off on September 26th 2017 with a target of $50,000 to put this premium HiFi smart speaker into mass production.

The MSRP for Spark is $269.

Specifications at a glance

  • Processor – Octa-Core Processor
  • Internal Memory – 16G
  • Display – 7-inch Touchscreen 2K Retina Display
  • Camera – 5 Megapixel Camera
  • Speakers – Two 5 Wattage Hi-Fi Speakers with Diaphragm
  • Outputs – HDMI/ MicroSD/ Micro USB/ DC Port
  • Dimensions – 7.59- x 7.45- x 4.33-inch (193mm x 190mm x 110mm)
  • Weight – 1.763 lbs (0.8 kg)
  • Operation System – Android 7.0 Nougat OS
  • WiFi – 2.4G + 5G (IEEE 502.11 a/b/g/n/ac)
  • Bluetooth – v2.1 + EDR/ v3.0/ v4.0 + BLE
  • Battery – Li-poly battery 4800 mAh

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Veho releases 360° ZS-2 water resistant sports earphones https://gadgetynews.com/veho-releases-360-zs-2-water-resistant-sports-earphones/ https://gadgetynews.com/veho-releases-360-zs-2-water-resistant-sports-earphones/#respond Tue, 31 Mar 2015 13:38:01 +0000 https://gadgetynews.com/?p=40200 GadgetyNews - Low Jargon: High Tech

Veho has announced its new 360° ZS-2 Water Resistant Sports Earphones for all you sporty

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VEHO ZS2Veho has announced its new 360° ZS-2 Water Resistant Sports Earphones for all you sporty types.

The Zs-2 earphones are designed to give you high quality sound and comfort whether you are working out in the gym, training on the track, trekking the mountains or simply commuting to the office.

The small and lightweight UK patent design of the ZS-2 have an IP64 rating that ensures protection from dust and water spray, meaning you can rely upon them to deliver in any conditions.

The ZS-2 earphones also feature comfortable over-ear hooks and noise isolating rubber earbuds, which are ergonomically designed to ensure your music is uninterrupted, however vigorous or long your workout.

The ZS-2 matches practicality and aesthetics with performance. Using high-quality 10mm acoustic drivers for stronger bass and crisper sound, they also feature a universally compatible 3.5mm AUX jack to connect with any smartphones or portable music player.

VEHO ZS2 lifestyleSteve Lewis, Veho CEO and Founder elaborated,

We have designed the ZS-2 earphones to match the daily requirements of amateur and professional sports people, as well as those looking to keep fit and healthy”.

Featuring a sporty yellow and black colour-scheme, the ZS-2 feature a 20cm flat Flex anti tangle cable. The hook design is equally comfortable while wearing hats, helmets, goggles and glasses – making the ZS-2 versatile for use during any activity and climate.

Veho’s 360° ZS-2 Water Resistant Sports Earphones will retail for £29.95 and are available from online and retail stockists.

I should be reviewing some of these soon – no, I won’t be showing any pictures of me in lycra. Don’t worry!

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PlayStation TV and UK price announced https://gadgetynews.com/playstation-tv-and-uk-price-announced/ https://gadgetynews.com/playstation-tv-and-uk-price-announced/#respond Wed, 11 Jun 2014 13:38:07 +0000 https://gadgetynews.com/?p=37454 GadgetyNews - Low Jargon: High Tech

PS Vita TVThe PlayStation Vita TV micro-console released in Japan last autumn is now heading to the

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PS Vita TV

PS Vita TVThe PlayStation Vita TV micro-console released in Japan last autumn is now heading to the US and Europe later this year.

The PS Vita TV will come to us re-badged as ‘PlayStation TV’ and will swap its white covering for black. The aim of Sony will be to use the PlayStation TV as a gateway console for gaming, to be fuelled by the PlayStation Now streaming service, which launches in the US on July 31st.

The UK price of the PlayStation TV will be £84.99 when it is released here in the autumn and will retail for €99 in Europe which is a Euro to Dollar swap as the device will go for $99 in the States.

There is a second package available for $139 which includes a DualShock 3 controller, HDMI cable, 8GB memory card and The Lego Movie digital game but it doesn’t sound like we’ll see that one over here in the UK (I could be wrong though). It is, however, compatible with the PS4’s DualShock 4 controller.

PlayStation TV is being packaged as a fully comprehensive set-top media box that just so happens to be able to stream your PS4 games remotely, or access nearly 1,000 launch games via PlayStation Now.

The PS Now service will run on PS4 from launch, in a beta that will help determine costs and satisfaction, with PS3, PS Vita and PlayStation TV to follow shortly. It will also land on selected Sony TVs later in the year.

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Logitech Harmony Ultimate Hub – your phone will replace all your remote controls https://gadgetynews.com/logitech-harmony-ultimate-hub-your-phone-will-replace-all-your-remote-controls/ https://gadgetynews.com/logitech-harmony-ultimate-hub-your-phone-will-replace-all-your-remote-controls/#respond Thu, 20 Jun 2013 11:07:59 +0000 https://gadgetynews.com/?p=31111 GadgetyNews - Low Jargon: High Tech

logitech ultimate hubLogitech has announced the launch of their new Logitech Harmony Ultimate Hub which has been

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logitech ultimate hub

logitech ultimate hubLogitech has announced the launch of their new Logitech Harmony Ultimate Hub which has been designed to transform your smartphone into a multifunctional remote control.

The Logitech Harmony Ultimate Hub is a new “appcessory” which allows iPhone and Android users to ditch the range of remotes they’re currently surrounded by in favour of using their phone instead.

Previously offered as part of the Logitech Harmony Ultimate and Logitech Harmony Smart Control products, Logitech has now decided to create a standalone product for customers who want to control their digital experience with just a smartphone.

All you’ll need to do is install a small box and download the Harmony Smartphone App to your phone. Yep, no more fighting over the remote, just which channel to watch – installing it on multiple phones means you all have equality of control. That has to be a beautiful thing, right?

Once the app has been installed you can use your smartphone to control up to eight home theater devices, and swipe or tap your thumb across its screen to adjust the volume, change the channel, fast-forward or rewind, pause, play, and skip forward or back.

The Logitech Harmony Ultimate Hub is also compatible with Logitech’s Harmony Touch, turning its RF signals into IR and Bluetooth commands, allowing you to control video services such as Netflix on game consoles, including the Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii U.

“As you may know, the Harmony Hub is included with the Logitech Harmony Ultimate and Logitech Harmony Smart Control, our two newest universal remotes. However, with the standalone Harmony Ultimate Hub, everyone in the house will be able to download the free Harmony Smartphone App, and turn their smartphone into a personal universal remote. You’ll be able to customize activities and choose your own set of favorite channels icons for your very own experience.”

The Logitech Harmony Ultimate Hub will be launching in the US and Europe during August 2013, and will be priced at $99.99.

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Microsoft beats Apple and Google to grab home automation company R2 studios https://gadgetynews.com/microsoft-beats-apple-and-google-to-grab-home-automation-company-r2-studios/ https://gadgetynews.com/microsoft-beats-apple-and-google-to-grab-home-automation-company-r2-studios/#respond Thu, 03 Jan 2013 13:01:06 +0000 https://gadgetynews.com/?p=29020 GadgetyNews - Low Jargon: High Tech

r2 for androidA few weeks ago it broke that Microsoft, Apple and Google were all trying to

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r2 for android

r2 for androidA few weeks ago it broke that Microsoft, Apple and Google were all trying to woo id8 Group R2 Studios with plans to acquire the home entertainment and automation startup. Well, it seems that Microsoft are the winners.

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Microsoft has sealed the deal which will see the Redmond giant use R2’s resources, personel and that attractive tech.

R2 is a home automation and entertainment media startup, founded by Blake Krikorian, former founder of Sling Media.

R2 released a product called R2 Control for Crestron which gives your Android device the power to control home automation systems, managing audio visual and home theatre equipment, lighting, thermostats, security and other connected home devices both at home and remotely.

The group holds patents for controlling electronic devices as well as providing the control app for Android, which will be acquired by Microsoft. Krikorian and “a small team” will join Microsoft as employees as part of the deal.

Whether Microsoft has bought the company with plans to add the tech to the new Xbox to increase its family hub status or, for the smarts to be added directly into their Windows platforms is yet to be known but, either way, I am sure we’ll hear something fairly soon.

Let’s see what is said at CES and E3.

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Steve Jobs tribute takes over Apple homepage – 1 year on https://gadgetynews.com/steve-jobs-tribute-takes-over-apple-homepage-year-on/ https://gadgetynews.com/steve-jobs-tribute-takes-over-apple-homepage-year-on/#comments Fri, 05 Oct 2012 11:31:21 +0000 https://gadgetynews.com/?p=27753 GadgetyNews - Low Jargon: High Tech

steve jobs anniversaryI knew something was going on this morning. The fact that it’s the first anniversary

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steve jobs anniversary

steve jobs anniversaryI knew something was going on this morning. The fact that it’s the first anniversary of the passing of Steve Jobs seems to have been the reason for the earlier outage.

A year on from the death of Apple’s entrepreneur a video tribute and a message from Tim Cook, the current CEO of Apple, has replaced the usual homepage of the Apple site.

The video, which features black and white stills and key sound bites of iSteve from Apple launches through the years plays automatically when you land at Apple.com today, Friday October 5th.

It ends with the words “Remembering Steve – February 24, 1955 – October 5, 2011”

At the end of the video a written message from Tim Cook praises Jobs and remembers his efforts in making the company what it has become today.

“Steve’s passing one year ago today was a said and difficult time for all of us. I hope that today everyone will reflect on his extraordinary life and the many ways he made the world a better place,” starts the note from Cook.

“One of the greatest gifts Steve gave to the worlds is Apple. No company has ever inspired such creativity or set such high standards for itself. Our values originated from Steve and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple. We share the great privilege and responsibility of carrying his legacy into the future.”

Ending with a look to the future:

“I’m incredibly proud of the work we are doing, delivering products that our customers love and dreaming up new ones that will delight them down the road. It’s a wonderful tribute to Steve’s memory and everything that he stood for. Tim.”

While the rest of the site is still functioning, there are no other details on the homepage other than this fitting tribute to a man who, in no small way, changed the consumer tech world.

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New Apple TV gets Live Streaming, Social Smarts and iPad Interface https://gadgetynews.com/apple-tv-gets-live-streaming-social-smarts-ipad-interface/ https://gadgetynews.com/apple-tv-gets-live-streaming-social-smarts-ipad-interface/#respond Fri, 17 Aug 2012 12:36:36 +0000 https://gadgetynews.com/?p=27108 GadgetyNews - Low Jargon: High Tech

apple tv screenDetails of what Apple has in store for the new Apple TV have gotten out

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GadgetyNews - Low Jargon: High Tech

apple tv screen

apple tv screenDetails of what Apple has in store for the new Apple TV have gotten out and it sounds like tweaks to services and it’s interface are on the cards. Could it also be paving the way for the much talked-about Apple iHDTV?

The next version of Apple TV will feature live streaming, an iPad-style interface, and social media, according to the Wall Street Journal.

This follows on from word that Apple is currently in talks with cable providers to offer a more unique television service.

The distinction between live and on demand TV will be erased as all shows are stored. There will also be more social integration with access to Twitter, Facebook and the like while watching TV.

The thing is, will this be as useful seeing as people will be probably watching shows at different times?

“Apple’s vision for a new device that can be used as a set-top box includes features designed to simplify accessing and viewing programming and erase the distinction between live and on-demand content, people briefed on Apple’s plans said.

The Cupertino, California-based company proposes giving viewers the ability to start any show at any time through a digital-video recorder that would store TV shows on the Internet. Viewers even could start a show minutes after it has begun.”

The whole package will all enjoyed via a clear and, no doubt gorgeous, iPad-style interface with icons for services and channels.

I would even venture that all of these tweaks are being tested ahead of the company’s Apple iTV – that 50-inch super hi-res gogglebox that the Cupertino tech cobbler has been sweating over.

If you can’t wait for that then you may like to check out the Apple TV from B&O.

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