I was recently discussing companies that are trying to make it big with living room entertainment products with a friend, when he asked me which company — Microsoft or Apple — was doing a better job. My first reaction was to say Apple.
- Google Glass gains ClockworkMod Recovery for future hacks: have a peek!
- Solar Impulse: interviewing a man on an 18-hour solar-powered flight
- Chrome 27 brings desktop features to Android, we go hands-on
- Verizon invites Jennifer Lopez on stage for Viva Movil team-up
- Google Glass team talks hardware principles: Lightness, Simplicity, Scalability
- Google Glass creators talk “staring” and the social implications of wearables
- Xbox One vs Xbox 360: What’s Changed?
Author Archive for Don Reisinger
The New Mac Mini is Still Best Choice for the Living Room
Over the years, I’ve tried to find the best device to connect to my television and enjoy entertainment. I’ve gone with the Apple TV, Roku set-top boxes, the TiVo, and countless other products. But when it was all said and done, I decided that Apple’s Mac mini was the best option for me.
A RIM Apple TV Competitor is the Worst Idea Ever
This past week, I was just surfing the web, looking at news stories, and came across what might be the most shocking report I’ve seen in a long time: Research In Motion is working on an Apple TV competitor.
The product is apparently codenamed “BlackBerry Cyclone” and could launch later this year. The device will reportedly include Netflix streaming, YouTube content, and, well, a whole bunch of other stuff that you and I both know will never make its way to a living room-focused product by RIM.
Is this the chance Netflix rivals have been waiting for?
Netflix might have committed a major blunder earlier this week by announcing that customers who had previously paid $9.99 per month for unlimited DVD rentals (with one DVD out at a time) and unlimited streaming will now need to pay $15.98 for the same service.
In essence, Netflix is saying that those who want DVDs and streaming won’t get anything new or better, but they will need to pay more for that right. And as expected, a large group of the company’s customers have come out in criticism of that.
Sony Must Announce the PlayStation 4 ASAP
Earlier this week, reports surfaced suggesting Sony would be launching the PlayStation 4 next year. Almost immediately, Sony fans jumped for joy at the news, while Microsoft fans scoffed at the idea. And along the way, Sony hasn’t said for sure what might happen.
Even so, I’m here to tell you (and Sony) that the PlayStation 4 should launch as early as possible next year.
How Often Should You Replace Your TV?
Over the July 4 weekend, I was with some friends discussing televisions. We were talking about the different technologies and what sort of features we look for in new sets. After a lengthy discussion, our talk on TVs quickly turned to how often we all replace our current sets. As we went around the room discussing when we last replaced our televisions, and how long we had sets before that, I was shocked at the discrepancy in times.
Should Kinect Play A Role In the Xbox 720?
When the Nintendo Wii launched, the future of motion gaming was in doubt. Some speculated that the console would die as soon as it launched, since they suspected gamers wouldn’t want to jump around to play titles. Others said that motion gaming was the future.
Now, several years later, it’s clear motion gaming did work, and looking ahead, it will seemingly play a key role in all Nintendo products.
Why I Can Live Without Blu-ray
There was a time in my life, not too long ago, that I thought I couldn’t live without the Blu-ray player sitting in my living room. I reasoned that since I’m such a big film and television buff, not having Blu-ray available to me would be a major issue.
But over the weekend, I had an epiphany.
Making the Case for $20 Console Video Games
Over the last week, I’ve been thinking about the console market and how games are priced nowadays. Currently, new games on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 cost $60. Those who want the latest and greatest titles on the Nintendo Wii will be set back $50.
I Refuse to Use A Smartphone or Tablet As A Remote
Later this summer, Vizio will launch an 8-inch tablet that will come with an IR blaster. According to the company, that device will support 95-percent of the consumer electronic devices currently available in the U.S.
I’m sure there are many out there that are excited by Vizio’s news. Those folks like the idea of being able to use a single device to surf the Web, check their e-mail, play with applications, and control their televisions.
Blu-ray is a Must-Have Feature in Next-Gen Consoles
Nintendo made a surprising announcement recently that neither DVD nor Blu-ray will be making its way to the company’s upcoming Wii U console.
As expected, fans on both sides of the debate jumped on the story. Some said that Nintendo’s decision to nix Blu-ray in the Wii U proved that the company just didn’t know what it was doing in the gaming space any longer. Those who came out in defense of Nintendo said it makes perfect sense, since streaming is the future, and the console will likely support Netflix and other similar services.
Are DVRs Good or Bad for Us?
As someone who have been covering the technology industry for years, I sometimes get caught up in the idea that everyone sees the same value in tech as I do. I believe that when a new product launches, the average person loves it as much as I do. And when a device I love has been updated, I fully expect to see the same level of excitement from my friends that I feel after hearing the news.
REVIEWS
![JH Audio JH16 Pro with Freqphase Custom In-Ear Monitor Review [2013]](http://cdn.slashgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/P2111170-sg-320x80.jpg)
- POPULAR STORIES THIS WEEK
- Xbox One release date "later this year"
- Big Xbox Dashboard update tipped to pave Xbox 720 transition
- Verizon HTC One tipped for today's press event [UPDATE: Nope]
- Xbox 720 prototype secrets leak: TV, DVR, streaming, AR and more
- Hisense Sero 7 Pro Tablet leaks to take on the Nexus 7
- Verizon HTC One speculation returns as DROID DNA offer arrives
- Xbox 720: what's to be expected at tomorrow's announcement
- Xbox One vs Xbox 360: What's Changed?
- RECENT COMMENTS
