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”.
Victor JVC in Japan have pushed out a new home theater speaker system, and unlike most such such setups it doesn’t look like it will intrude too significantly on your living room. The Victor JVC AX-FT1/FT2 amplifier and SP-FT1/FT2 speakers are 31mm and 30.8mm deep, respectively, but the amp still manages to output four channels of 20W apiece.
Sonos have pushed out a new ZonePlayer in their distributed home audio system, and in doing so drops the entry price by a (relatively) high amount. The Sonos ZonePlayer S5 packages together a receiver and an amplified 5-driver speaker into a single unit, which for $399 (or €350 in Europe) undercuts the previous entry-level ZonePlayer 90 which demanded a separate set of powered speakers on top of its $349 sticker price.
Video demo after the cut
LG have announced a new home cinema system, and if you’re a fan of globular satellite speakers and have an iPod then this might be worth a look. The LG HB954SP Blu-ray HCS packs a Full HD 1080p video and 5.1 surround sound audio system into a compact, blue-tinged box, with 1,000W of audio tuned by ear-wizard Mr Mark Levinson.
SlashGear Japan
