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Sonos' latest ZonePlayer, the all-in-one S5, has gone on sale in the US today. Packing a wireless receiver and an amplified 5-driver speaker array into a single, bedroom and kitchen friendly unit, the S5 automatically integrates into an existing Sonos setup, or alternatively could be used by those not wanting the extraneous mess and hassle of separate speakers demanded by the company's previous ZonePlayers.
The FCC has kindly outed Cisco’s latest device, the FlipShareTV, seemingly a companion media streamer for the company’s Flip range of point-and-shoot camcorders. The three-part FlipShareTV consists of a remote control, USB dongle for your computer, and a set-top box, with a basic folder-based browsing structure that can be used to view recorded video that has been transferred from the camcorders.
As predicted earlier today, Apple have pushed out their latest firmware for the Apple TV. Version 3.0 brings with it a newly redesigned GUI, along with compatibility with iTunes Extras and iTunes LP as introduced in iTunes 9. There’s also support for Genius Mixes and internet radio playback, and the whole set-top box experience is apparently smoother and quicker.
An upcoming update to the Apple TV has been tipped by a change in Terms & Conditions for the iTunes Store. The new agreement – which is shown as of today – lists that “you can now use iTunes LPs and iTunes extras on Apple TV with software version 3.0 or higher”; however Apple are yet to release version 3.0 for their set-top box.
IR extenders – which can be used to remotely-control A/V components tucked inside closed-up equipment racks or in other rooms – aren’t new, but Logitech probably have the brand-name recognition (and bricks-and-mortar shelf space) to soon dominate the market. The Logitech Harmony IR Extender System works with your existing remotes, and comes with a compact IR receiver and an IR blaster with various tethered mini-blasters.
The last we heard of MTube they were pushing a tiny, 2.8-inch MID with integrated WiMAX, but their latest touchscreen device jumps firmly onto the Android bandwagon. The MTube Android MID has a 7.6-inch capacitive touchscreen and uses an ARM processor, but rather than trying to hitch a ride in your bag, it’s intended for living room duties. Not only does the tablet offer internet access, but you can stream video, photos and music from the MTube to your big-screen TV.
Roku have outed a pair of new Netflix media streamers that go on sale alongside their existing Roku HD. The Roku HD-XR keeps the same 720p HD playback, optical audio output and HDMI connection as the original model, but upgrades the WiFi to b/g/n. Meanwhile there’s a new entry-level, standard definition model, the Roku SD, which offers basic WiFi and analog connectivity.
We’ve a soft-spot for Scottish radio and iPod dock manufacturer Revo; their tech at least attempts to look interesting, whether it’s through retro styling (but up to date functionality) or something more modern but no less distinctive. The company’s latest model is the Revo HERITAGE, a “contemporary reinterpretation of classic European table radio designs from the 50’s and 60’s” that packages DAB, DAB+, FM and WiFi internet radio, DLNA UPnP streaming and an iPod/iPhone dock.
Remember all the furore back in August, when Microsoft announced they’d locked up Netflix movie streaming for the Xbox 360 and basically told us it was an “exclusive” partnership? Well, that exclusivity seems to have been short-lived; Sony have announced that from November Netflix subscribers will be able to stream content on their PS3.
One of the ongoing frustrations for Xbox 360 owners is the absence of a Blu-ray accessory; they keep pestering Microsoft for one, and Microsoft keep rolling out the same “we have no plans” excuses. Now, finally, the company appears to be changing its tune, though it takes some between-the-lines reading of outspoken CEO Steve Ballmer in order to fathom it. Talking to Gizmodo, Ballmer told interviewer Wilson Rothman that “you’ll be able to get Blu-ray drives as accessories”.
JP
