-
HD Gear News Roundup: Expanded VIZIO SmartCast Content, BenQ QHD Monitor, LG Smartphone, and More[teaser]We've compiled the latest gear news, including a new QHD monitor, HD smartphone, and SmartCast updates![/teaser] From product announcements and streaming app updates to general industry news and recent gear trends, keeping up with the latest tech news can be a daunting task. With that in mind, we're here to offer you a roundup of some of the latest gear and consumer electronics news that you may have missed. For this edition, we're covering the launch of Turner Networks through the VIZIO SmartCast mobile app, a new BenQ monitor, new security certification for the LG webOS 3.5 Smart TV platform, and a new LG smartphone. So, without further ado, here's a rundown of some of the latest gear and tech news: VIZIO SmartCast Mobile App Adds Content Integration from Turner Networks VIZIO has announced the integration of several popular Turner Networks into its SmartCast mobile app platform. As part of the launch, TNT, TBS, and Cartoon Network will now join other SmartCast apps like Fandango NOW, Google Play Movies & TV, Hulu, and Vudu, allowing consumers to search for media and seamlessly stream content from their mobile devices to their VIZIO SmartCast displays. "The integration of TNT, TBS and Cartoon Network into VIZIO SmartCast Mobile equates to an added level of convenience for consumers," said Matt McRae, Chief Technology Officer, VIZIO. "The partnership with Turner allows popular network content to be infused directly into the SmartCast experience, allowing consumers to easily browse content catalogs before deciding on content to cast to the big screen." The VIZIO SmartCast mobile app is available for iOS and Android devices. With the app, users can search and browse content by genre across multiple apps at the same time before choosing which titles they'd like to watch on their SmartCast display. And now with Turner Networks integration, SmartCast users with authenticated pay-TV subscriptions can access content from TNT, TBS, and Cartoon Network, including popular shows like Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, CONAN, Animal Kingdom, The Powerpuff Girls, and Steven Universe. "As consumers are spending an increasing amount of time viewing content on connected devices, the partnership with VIZIO highlights our overall strategy to give viewers greater accessibility to Turner's programming," said John Harran, Senior Vice President of Business Development, Digital Distribution and Strategic Partnerships, Turner. "Offering our programming to subscribers drives home the value of pay-TV and reinforces VIZIO's innovative technology which is helping to reshape the home entertainment experience." VIZIO's SmartCast platform is currently found on a variety of the company's home theater products, including the new 2017 P-Series and M-Series Ultra HD HDR Displays. Source: VIZIO BenQ Details PD2500Q LED QHD Monitor BenQ has revealed the latest addition to its monitor lineup. The upcoming PD2500Q is geared toward the professional designer market. "PD2500Q is a declaration of BenQ's commitment to optimize professional display performance," said Conway Lee, President of BenQ Corporation. "Our significant resource investment to individual color calibration ensures PD Series monitors provide precise details to enable designers to create perfection." The PD2500Q features a 25-inch 2K QHD (2560x1440) LED LCD IPS panel with an edge-to-edge ultra slim bezel and a 90-degree pivoting, height-adjustable stand. The display offers 100% sRGB and Rec. 709 color gamut accuracy as well as Technicolor Color Certification and individual factory calibration. Likewise, the monitor is capable of multiple display daisy-chaining with Multi-Stream Transport (MST) support, and includes DisplayPort, mini DisplayPort, HDMI, USB 3.1 Gen1, headphone, and audio ports. In addition, the PD2500Q also offers several options specially geared toward designers, including: - CAD/CAM Mode activates superior contrast for lines and shapes in technical illustrations, accentuating the finest details in Pro/E, SOLIDWORKS, AutoCAD, CATIA, or other - design software. - Animation Mode enhances the brightness of dark areas without overexposing bright regions, to overcome often-challenging design work with intricate details in dark images. - Darkroom Mode creates the optimal image brightness and contrast for work in darkened post-processing environments for superb clarity and detail sharpness. Pricing and availability for the PD2500Q have not been announced yet. Source: BenQ LG webOS 3.5 Smart TV Platform Receives Common Criteria Certification for Security Performance LG has announced that its webOS 3.5 Smart TV platform has earned Common Criteria (CC) certification for its enhanced Application Security Solution Version 1.0 software. "We have taken every possible step to ensure that webOS 3.5 offers excellent application protection and the highest level of privacy security," said J.H. Hwang, senior vice president and head of R&D at LG's Home Entertainment Company. "Consistent with customers" concerns over product security issues, we have enhanced the security of our smart TV platform. Certification by Common Criteria confirms that we're on the right track when it comes to customer privacy and data protection." In order to receive certification, Security Manager (the webOS 3.5 security software module), was tested in three phases under Common Criteria's rigid benchmarks: application installation protection, application execution protection, and application content protection with digital rights management (DRM) encryption. To provide its enhanced security, the webOS 3.5 platform blocks the installation of unauthorized apps by conducting a rigorous digital signature verification process. The LG webOS 3.5 smart TV platform is now integrated into several new displays, including the recently launched OLED 55-inch C7 (OLED55C7P), OLED 65-inch E7 (OLED65E7P), OLED 65-inch C7 (OLED65C7P), SUPER UHD 55-inch SJ8500, and SUPER UHD 65-inch SJ8500. Source: LG LG Launches X power2 Smartphone LG has announced the release of its X power2 smartphone. The device is now rolling out around the globe, starting in North America with key target markets in Asia, Europe, Latin America, and other regions set to follow. "The LG X power2 was designed to meet the demands of users who want maximum usage from their smartphones between charges and many of the advanced features found on our flagship devices," said Juno Cho, president of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. "The combination of outstanding battery life, spacious display and exceptional camera capabilities made the first X power a popular proposition for millions and we expect the newest iteration of the X power series to be even more attractive." The smartphone uses a 5.5-inch HD In-cell Touch display along with a powerful 4,500mAh battery rated for around 26 hours of talk time, 18 hours of video playback, or about 19 hours of internet browsing. Under the hood, the device is powered by a 1.5 GHz Octa-Core processor running Android 7.0. A 13MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera are integrated as well. Here's a full rundown of specs per LG: - Display: 5.5-inch HD In-cell Touch- Chipset: 1.5 GHz Octa-Core- Camera: Rear 13MP / Front 5MP (Wide Angle / LED Flash)- Memory: 2GB or 1.5GB RAM / 16GB ROM / Micro SD (up to 2TB)- Battery: 4,500mAh (embedded)- Operating System: Android 7.0 Nougat- Size: 154.7 x 78.1 x 8.4mm-Weight: 164g- Network: LTE / 3G / 2G- Connectivity: Wi-Fi (802.11 b, g, n) / Bluetooth 4.2 / USB 2.0- Colors: Black Titan / Shiny Titan / Shiny Gold / Shiny Blue- Others: USB OTG / Gyro Sensor Pricing and exact release dates will vary by market. Source: LGPosted Fri May 12, 2017 at 06:30 AM PDT by: -
Blu-ray News Roundup: 'Bates Motel,' '3 Generations,' and More[teaser]More Kino titles and the final season of Bates Motel are among the newest Blu-ray pre-orders.[/teaser] New info has been announced for several upcoming Blu-ray releases from Universal, Lionsgate, Kino, and Vinegar Syndrome. Here's a full rundown of recently revealed details and title announcements: First up, Universal is set to release Bates Motel: Season Five starring Freddie Highmore, Vera Farmiga, and Max Thieriot later this year. An exact release date has not been announced yet, but pre-orders are now live. Order the Blu-ray Meanwhile, Raro Video will bring Fernando Di Leo's The Seduction to Blu-ray on July 18. Full specs and supplements have not been announced yet, but the disc will feature a new digital restoration and a new and improved English subtitle translation. Order the Blu-ray Kino has detailed its upcoming July lineup of Blu-ray releases. Discs set for a July 11 release include... Edward Dmytryk's Shalako starring Sean Connery, Brigitte Bardot, and Stephen Boyd. Supplements will include: - Audio Commentary by Filmmaker Alex Cox (Repo Man)- Trailer Gallery- Reversible Blu-ray Art Don Medford's The Hunting Party starring Oliver Reed, Candice Bergen, and Gene Hackman. Supplements will include: - Interview with actor Mitchell Ryan- Audio Commentary by Film Historians Howard S. Berger and Nathaniel Thompson- Reversible Blu-ray Art- Trailer Gallery Fred Olen Ray's Star Slammer starring Sandy Brooke, Suzy Stokey, and Ross Hagen. Supplements will include: - Audio Commentary by Director Fred Olen Ray- Original Trailers Lance Lindsay's Star Crystal starring C. Juston Campbell, Faye Bolt, and John W. Smith. Supplements will include: - Reversible Blu-ray Art- Original Theatrical Trailer Meanwhile, Kino Blu-rays set for a July 18 release include... John Mackenzie's The Last of the Finest starring Brian Dennehy, Joe Pantoliano, Jeff Fahey, and Bill Paxton. Supplements will include: - Audio commentary by Steve Mitchell, producer-director of King Cohen, and film historian Nathaniel Thompson- Original Theatrical Trailers Peter Werner's No Man's Land starring Charlie Sheen, D.B. Sweeney, and Lara Harris. Supplements will include: - Interview with Star D.B. Sweeney- Interview with Director Peter Werner- Audio commentary by Steve Mitchell, producer-director of King Cohen, and film historian Nathaniel Thompson- Original Theatrical Trailer Francis Delia's Freeway starring James Russo, Billy Drago, and Darlanne Fluegel. Supplements will include: - Interview with Director Francis Delia- Original Theatrical Trailer In addition, Kino will also release Who's Crazy on July 25. Supplements will include: - Q&A with Director Thomas White (courtesy of Film Society of Lincoln Center)- "David, Moffett & Ornette" (1966 episode of Tempo International)- Booklet Essay by Adam Shatz (Contributing Editor at the London Review of Books) Lastly, the label has announced plans to bring Arthur H. Nadel's Clambake starring Elvis Presley to Blu-ray later this year. No other details have been revealed yet. Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Lionsgate is preparing Gaby Dellal's 3 Generations starring Elle Fanning, Naomi Watts, and Susan Sarandon for Blu-ray on June 13. Supplements will include Deleted and Extended Scenes. Vinegar Syndrome is prepping Nurse Sherri for Blu-ray later this year, and newly announced supplements will include: - Audio Commentary track with Producer Sam Sherman- "Nurses' Confessions" – featurette with co-stars Jill Jacobson and Marliyn Joi- Alternate feature length 'exploitation' version (DVD only)- "Then and Now" – locations featurette- Promotional still gallery- Original trailers- Reversible cover artwork Likewise, the label is also bringing A Touch of Genie to Blu-ray later this year. Supplements will include: - "A Touch of Eric" – video interview with actor Eric Edwards- "All About Joe" – video interview with biographer Michael Bowen- Original Theatrical Trailer- Reversible cover artwork Finally, Vinegar Syndrome has also announced plans to release My Chauffeur on Blu-ray. No other details have been revealed at this time. You can find the latest specs for all of the titles listed above linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule.Posted Thu May 11, 2017 at 10:30 PM PDT by: -
TCL Announces Availability for 4K HDR Roku TVs with Dolby Vision, Prices Set to Start at $499[teaser]Pricing and availability for the company's new 4K Ultra HD TVs have been announced.[/teaser] TCL has revealed full details for its upcoming premium 2017 Roku Ultra HD TV lineup. The Dolby Vision-enabled collection will include the C Series and the P Series, with preliminary prices set to start at just $499. "With more Dolby Vision as well as generic HDR content now available through the streaming content providers, TCL is delivering premium products with leading technology like Dolby Vision and the Roku® OS at the perfect time," said Chris Larson, Senior Vice President, TCL. "Consumers are hungry for bigger screens with best-in-class picture quality and TCL is meeting both of those needs by leveraging Dolby's deep expertise in bringing advanced technologies from the cinema to the home in our newest TV models. The 4K HDR TCL Roku TVs are the perfect addition to elevate our portfolio and continue driving TCL’s success in the U.S." The C and P series displays both offer support for Dolby Vision and HDR10 high dynamic range formats, along with wide color gamut capabilities with NBP Photon technology. Likewise, the sets also use the Roku OS smart TV platform with access to more than 4,000 streaming channels and 450,000+ movies and TV episodes. An advanced remote offering voice search and a headphone jack for private listening, high-speed 802.11ac wireless and Ethernet networking, and three HDMI 2.0a ports with HDCP 2.2 are integrated as well. In addition, the C-Series offers a super slim, elegant design, while the P-Series offers HDR Contrast Control Zones, allowing contrast to be individually optimized across 72 zones to achieve deeper blacks and brighter whites. Here's a full rundown of pricing and availability: P-SERIES ·50-inch 50P607 ($499, preliminary price) - Expected to start shipping in late 2017. ·55-inch 55P607 ($649) - Expected to start shipping in late 2017. Pre-orders on Amazon will start May 26 for a special introductory price of $599. ·65-inch 65P607 ($999, preliminary price) - Expected to start shipping in late 2017. C-SERIES ·55-inch 55C807 ($699) - Expected to start shipping in June. ·65-inch 65C807 ($1,099) - Expected to start shipping in July. ·75-inch 75C807 ($1,999) - Expected to start shipping in late 2017. Sources: TCL, CNET 1, CNET 2Posted Thu May 11, 2017 at 07:00 PM PDT by: -
Blu-ray News Roundup: 'Gifted,' John Carpenter SteelBooks, and More[teaser]Director Marc Webb's latest and Limited Edition John Carpenter SteelBooks are among the newest Blu-ray announcements.[/teaser] New info has been announced for several upcoming Blu-ray releases from 20th Century Fox, Shout Factory, Sony, Strand Releasing, Lionsgate, and Kino. Here's a full rundown of recently revealed details and title announcements: First up, 20th Century Fox is set to release March Webb's Gifted starring Chris Evans, Mckenna Grace, and Lindsay Duncan later this year. An exact release date has not been announced yet, but pre-orders are now live. In addition, the studio is prepping Craig Johnson's Wilson starring Woody Harrelson, Sandy Oian-Thomas, and Shaun Brown for Blu-ray on June 30. Supplements will include: - 15 Never-Before-Seen Deleted Scenes- 3 Promotional Featurettes- Gallery- Trailers Order the Blu-ray As previously reported, Shout Factory will bring The Lawnmower Man: Collector's Edition to Blu-ray on June 20. The 2-Disc release will feature the Theatrical and Director's Cuts, and newly announced supplements will include: - NEW Cybergod: Creating The Lawnmower Man – Featuring Interviews With Co-Writer/Director Brett Leonard, Actor Jeff Fahey, Editor Alan Baumgarten, Make-up Effects Artist Michael Deak And Special Effects Coordinator Frank Ceglia- Audio Commentary With Writer/Director Brett Leonard And Writer/Producer Gimel Everett- Deleted Scenes- Original Electronic Press Kit With Cast Interviews And Behind-The-Scenes Footage- Edited Animated Sequences- Theatrical Trailer- TV Spot- Audio Commentary With Writer/Director Brett Leonard And Writer/Producer Gimel Everett (Director's Cut)- Conceptual Art And Design Sketches- Behind-The-Scenes And Production Stills- Storyboard Comparison Likewise, the label has also announced supplements for the upcoming June 20 release of Island of Terror. The disc will include: - NEW Audio Commentary with Film Historian Dr. Robert J. Kiss and Blogger/Actor Rick Pruitt- Theatrical Trailer- Still Gallery Meanwhile, Alastair Orr's horror flick House on Willow Street will hit Blu-ray on August 1. No other details have been announced yet. Lastly, Shout Factory will be bringing new Limited Edition SteelBook Editions of John Carpenter's The Fog, Escape from New York, and They Live to Blu-ray on August 1. Each SteelBook will be limited to 10,000 units. Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Lionsgate has announced plans to release Enter the Warriors Gate starring Dave Bautista, Mark Chao, and Ni Ni on June 6. Supplements will include: - Deleted Scene- "Beyond the Gate: Making Enter the Warriors Gate" Featurette- "The Journey East: Bridging the Cultural Divide" Featurette- Audio Commentary with Director Matthias Hoene Order the Blu-ray Sony is preparing Aleksey Mizgirev's The Duelist for Blu-ray on June 20. No other details have been announced at this time. Order the Blu-ray Strand Releasing will bring the award-winning crime drama Heli to Blu-ray on June 27. Supplements will include: - Behind-the-Scenes Featurette- Original Theatrical Trailer- Other Strand Trailers Order the Blu-ray Finally, Kino has announced several titles set for release on Blu-ray later this year. The upcoming lineup will include: - Sydney Pollack's They Shoot Horses, Don't They? starring Jane Fonda, Michael Sarrazin, Susannah York, and Gig Young. - Robert Siodmak's Custer of the West starring Robert Shaw, Mary Ure, Ty Hardin, and Jeffrey Hunter. - Frederick De Cordova's Frankie and Johnny starring Elvis Presley, Donna Douglas, and Harry Morgan - James Cruze's silent film The Covered Wagon starring J. Warren Kerrigan and Lois Wilson. You can find the latest specs for all of the titles listed above linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule.Posted Tue May 9, 2017 at 09:20 PM PDT by: -
Onkyo Details New RZ Series AV Receivers with Dolby Atmos & DTS:X[teaser]Three new network receivers have been announced.[/teaser] Onkyo has revealed the latest additions to its RZ series of audio components. The new 7.2-channel lineup includes the THX Certified Select TX-RZ820 Network AV Receiver, the THX Certified Select TX-RZ720 Network AV Receiver, and the TX-RZ620 Network AV Receiver. The TX-RZ820 features 130 W/Ch (8 Ohms, 2 channels driven, 20 Hz–20 kHz, 0.08% THD, FTC); the TX-RZ720 features 110 W/Ch; and the TX-RZ620 features 100 W/Ch (8 Ohms, 2 channels driven, 20 Hz–20 kHz, 0.08% THD, FTC). Likewise, all three models offer Dynamic Audio Amplification and use 384 kHz/32-bit AK4458 D/A converters enhanced by VLSC filtering technology. In addition, the receivers include support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive audio formats with AccuReflex tech for Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers. HDMI connections with HDCP 2.2 for Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma), BT.2020, and 4K/60p/4:4:4/24-bit video pass-through are integrated as well. Additional connectivity options include Bluetooth, AirPlay, Chromecast built-in, DTS Play-Fi, and 5 GHz/2.4 GHz Wi-Fi with support for services like Pandora, TIDAL, Spotify, TuneIn, and Deezer from within the Onkyo Controller app for iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, and Android devices. The receivers also provide Hi-Res Audio playback in Direct DSD 11.2 MHz, DSD 5.6 MHz, Dolby TrueHD, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, and ALAC to 192 kHz/24-bit resolution. Finally, each model has been designed with home integration in mind as well, offering a 12 V trigger output, IP control and setup over LAN, RS-232 terminal, IR input, and optional rack-mount kit. Onkyo's TX-RZ820 (MSRP $1,399), TX-RZ720 (MSRP $1,099), and TX-RZ620 (MSRP $899) will be available this June. And beyond the company's new receiver lineup, Onkyo also recently launched Chromecast built-in support for several of its existing home audio devices. Source: OnkyoPosted Tue May 9, 2017 at 04:40 PM PDT by: -
Amazon Unveils Echo Show with Touchscreen and Alexa Voice Control for $230[teaser]The latest Alexa-powered device has been revealed.[/teaser] Amazon has announced its newest Echo branded product. The upcoming Echo Show offers Alexa voice control features along with a new touchscreen display with video playback. The Echo Show enhances the Alexa experience with a touchscreen optimized for visibility from across the room. Users can call or message family and friends that also have an Echo or the Alexa App, get the news with a video flash briefing, see their Prime Photos, shop with their voice, see lyrics with Amazon Music, and more -- all through simple voice commands. The device features eight microphones with Far-Field voice recognition, beam-forming technology, and noise cancellation, allowing the Echo Show to hear speech from across the room even if music is playing. In addition, the system can be used to control compatible smart home devices like cameras, lights, fans, thermostats, garages, sprinklers, and more. Likewise, the unit also doubles as a speaker with Dolby powered audio. And like other Echo products, customers simply need to say the wake word "Alexa" when they want to use the device. Here's a full rundown of tech specs from Amazon: Size 7.4” x 7.4” x 3.5” (187 mm x 187 mm x 90 mm) Weight 41.0 oz. (1170 grams) Actual size and weight may vary by manufacturing process Display 7" touchscreen Camera 5MP Wi-Fi Connectivity Dual-band Wi-Fi supports 802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4 and 5 GHz) networks. Does not support connecting to ad-hoc (or peer-to-peer) Wi-Fi networks. Bluetooth Connectivity Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) support for audio streaming from your mobile device to Echo Show or from Echo Show to your Bluetooth speaker. Audio/Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) for voice control of connected mobile devices. Hands-free voice control is not supported for Mac OS X devices. Bluetooth speakers requiring PIN codes are not supported. Audio Dual 2 inch stereo speakers Alexa App The Alexa App is compatible with Fire OS, Android, and iOS devices. Processor Intel Atom x5-Z8350 processor for advanced technology and processing capabilities Warranty and Service 1-year limited warranty and service included. Optional 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year extended warranty available for U.S. customers sold separately. Use of Echo Show is subject to the terms found here. Included in the Box Echo Show, power adapter/cable (6 ft.), Things to Try card, and quick start guide. The Echo Show is now available for pre-order for $230. In addition, buyers can also receive $100 off when they buy two or more Echo Show units together with the promo code SHOW2PACK. Shipments are expected to go out by June 28. Source: AmazonPosted Tue May 9, 2017 at 08:55 AM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deals: Up to 46% off Receivers with Dolby Atmos & DTS:X[teaser]Amazon is offering big discounts on select AV receivers![/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing deals, Amazon is running a sale on AV receivers with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support from Onkyo, Yamaha, Pioneer, and Denon! Onkyo TX-RZ810 7.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver - Currently $699 (46% off). Yamaha RX-V581 7.2-Ch x 80 Watts Networking A/V Receiver - Currently $350 (36% off). Pioneer VSXLX101 7.2 Channel Networked AV Receiver - Currently $348 (30% off). Denon AVRX4200W 7.2 Channel Full 4K Ultra HD AV Receiver - Currently $1,129 (25% off). Pioneer VSX-1131 7.2-Channel AV Receiver - Currently $500 (14% off). Yamaha RX-V681BL 7.2-Channel MusicCast AV Receiver - Currently $600 (8% off). These deals will only be active for a limited time while supplies last. Make sure to stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more sales and special promotions!Posted Mon May 8, 2017 at 04:22 PM PDT by: -
Disney Preps 'Star Wars' Themed Hotel[teaser]Guests will soon be able to vacation in a galaxy far, far away.[/teaser] According to a report from The Telegraph, Disney is developing a new Star Wars themed hotel. The luxury resort is being planned for Disney's upcoming Star Wars Land theme park set to open in 2019 at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Though full details on the potential hotel have not been revealed, rumors indicate that the resort is being designed to resemble the Millennium Falcon starship. Likewise, reports suggest that guests will be able to engage in special Star Wars story experiences, including interacting with characters from the films, dueling with lightsabers, and piloting spacecrafts. In addition, the experience might also include secret missions that will be assigned to guests to carry out both in the hotel and outside in the Star Wars theme park itself. Traditional amenities are also set to include a pool area, water park, and fitness center, along with a few appropriately Star Wars inspired locations and features, like a cantina for meals and droid butlers to serve food and drinks. Bookings will be available for two-night stays with meals and access to the theme park included for an expected $900 to $1,000 per person. An exact opening date has not been announced for Star Wars Land yet, but the theme park will cover 14 acres at Disney World and is set to be completed sometime in 2019. A similar Star Wars theme park is also set to open at Disneyland in California, and both locations are rumored to include a life-size Millennium Falcon. In addition to the new theme park and resort, Disney is gearing up to release Star Wars: The Last Jedi from writer/direct Rian Johnson on December 15. The film stars Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, and Mark Hamill. Source: The TelegraphPosted Mon May 8, 2017 at 03:55 PM PDT by: -
Amazon Prime Video App Reportedly Heading to Apple TV[teaser]Amazon's streaming service may finally arrive on Apple's media player this summer.[/teaser] According to a report from Recode, Apple and Amazon are close to a deal that will finally bring an Amazon Prime Video app to the Apple TV. Currently, the only way for Amazon users to access Prime Video on the Apple TV is through an AirPlay connection to a separate iOS device with the app, like an iPhone or iPad. The lack of an official Amazon Prime Video app on the Apple TV has likely been the result of Amazon and Apple's competing interests in the media player and streaming services market. In fact, Amazon went as far as to remove the Apple TV from its online store in 2015 because of its lack of Prime Video support. Thankfully, these new reports indicate that an agreement between both parties is close to a reality, with rumors suggesting that a Prime Video app could arrive on the Apple TV in the third quarter of the year. It's also possible that such a move will involve Amazon relisting the Apple TV for purchase on its website, but full details on the deal have not been revealed. The fourth-generation Apple TV uses the company's new tvOS designed specifically for the living room with access to a wide array of apps and games. Under the hood, the player is powered by a 64-bit A8 chip with Bluetooth 4.0 and Wi-Fi. Likewise, the set-top box is capable of full HD playback at 60 frames per second, but sadly does not include 4K Ultra HD support. The device also comes with an advanced remote with Bluetooth 4.0, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a glass touch surface for intuitive navigation, and a Siri voice search feature for comprehensive voice search results. The Apple TV is available now in 32GB ($149) and 64GB ($199) models. Meanwhile, an Amazon Prime subscription costs $99 per year or $11 per month. Likewise, Prime Instant Video is available as a standalone service for $9 per month. In addition, Amazon sells its own Fire TV ($90) and Fire TV Stick ($40) streaming media devices. Source: RecodePosted Mon May 8, 2017 at 01:25 PM PDT by: -
Warner Bros. Reveals Trailer for Denis Villeneuve's 'Blade Runner 2049'[teaser]"I've seen things you people wouldn't believe."[/teaser] Following an initial teaser, Warner Bros. has released the official trailer for Denis Villeneuve's Blade Runner 2049. The upcoming film serves as a sequel to Ridley Scott's 1982 sci-fi classic Blade Runner. Thirty years after the events of the first film, a new blade runner, LAPD Officer K (Ryan Gosling), unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what’s left of society into chaos. K’s discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), a former LAPD blade runner who has been missing for 30 years. Check out the trailer below! Blade Runner 2049 will hit theaters on October 6. The movie comes from executive producer Ridley Scott (Blade Runner, Alien, Alien Covenant) and director Denis Villeneuve (Arrival, Prisoners, Sicario). Blade Runner 2049 stars Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Ana De Armas, MacKenzie Davis, Sylvia Hoeks, Lennie James, Carla Juri, Robin Wright, Dave Bautista and Jared Leto. The original Blade Runner was first released in theaters back in 1982. A Director's Cut was produced in 1991 and a more recent Final Cut was released on Blu-ray in 2007. Based on the novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick, the first film follows a 21st-century detective, Rick Deckard, (Harrison Ford). In a future of high-tech possibility soured by urban and social decay, Deckard hunts for fugitive, murderous replicants - and is drawn to a mystery woman whose secrets may undermine his soul. The movie also stars Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, Edward James Olmos, Daryl Hannah, Joanna Cassidy, William Sanderson, M. Emmet Walsh, Joe Turkel, and James Hong. Other recently released trailers include The Dark Tower, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Transformers: The Last Knight, Thor: Ragnarok, Spider-Man: Homecoming, and It. Source: Warner Bros.Posted Mon May 8, 2017 at 10:00 AM PDT by:
