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Google Updates Home Speaker with Netflix & Google Photos Voice Control Support[teaser]The smart speaker now offers Netflix voice controls.[/teaser] Google has announced several new features for its Home smart speaker. As part of the update, the device now lets customers control Netflix playback and access Google Photos with voice commands. In order to enable voice controls for Netflix and Google Photos, Home owners will need to pair the speaker with a Chromecast. Once the Netflix app is linked to the Google Assistant (instructions here), users can simply say things like "Ok Google, play Stranger Things from Netflix on my TV" or "Ok Google, play Love Actually on Netflix on my TV" to access shows and movies. Likewise, customers can also control playback with commands like "Pause this episode" without having to use a remote. In addition to Netflix, Home can control Google Photos on Chromecast-connected TVs as well, allowing users to say commands like "Ok Google, show my photos of Lake Tahoe on my TV" or "Ok Google, show my photos of selfies at Christmas on my TV" to access specific albums and search for images. Finally, Google has added a few holiday themed features as well, allowing users to play festive songs from various music apps by simply saying "Ok Google, play Hanukkah music" or "Ok Google, play Christmas music." Likewise, customers can also track Santa via Google maps by saying "Ok Google, where’s Santa right now?" The Google Home smart speaker features a high-excursion driver with a dual passive radiator design, offering clean highs and deep lows for Hi-Fi streaming audio. The device also includes hidden LED lights and a capacitive touch surface on its top face, and buyers can customize the base with different colors and finishes. Using the new Google Assistant experience, Google Home lets customers ask questions, enjoy entertainment, stream music, and manage everyday tasks through conversational speech commands. Music support includes playback from services like Google Play Music, Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn, and YouTube Music. Likewise, users can also stream audio directly from a smartphone to their Google Home by casting tracks from 100+ Chromecast-enabled apps on Android or iOS devices. In addition, customers can get real-time answers to various questions through their Google Home using integrated Google Search, offering easy access to weather forecasts, stock market info, traffic updates, sports news, and more. Google Home is now available for $129 from the Google Store, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart. And as an added bonus, buyers who purchase a unit before the end of the year will also receive 6 free months of YouTube Red. Source: Google via EngadgetPosted Thu Dec 15, 2016 at 09:00 PM PST by: -
Hulu Snags Streaming Rights to Louis C.K.'s 'Horace and Pete'[teaser]The Emmy nominated series is now available on Hulu.[/teaser] Hulu has announced the addition of 'Horace and Pete' to its exclusive streaming lineup. The show comes from creator Louis C.K. and was initially only available for digital purchase from the comedian's website. The series revolves around an Irish bar, Horace and Pete's, and the people who work in and frequent it. C.K., who wrote and directed the series, stars as Horace, the man who runs the bar a year after the death of his father. The series co-stars Steve Buscemi (Boardwalk Empire), Edie Falco (Nurse Jackie, The Sopranos), six-time Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner Alan Alda, Academy Award-winner Jessica Lange, Aidy Bryant (Saturday Night Live) and Laurie Metcalf in a role that earned an Emmy Nomination for Best Guest Actress. M. Blair Breard, Dave Becky, Vernon Chatman, and Dino Stamatopoulos serve as the show's executive producers. All ten episodes of the series are now available to Hulu subscribers. Other upcoming Hulu series include a reimagining of 'Foxy Brown' starring Meagan Good, 'The Handmaid's Tale' based on the novel of the same name by Margaret Atwood, and 'Future Man' from executive producers Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Matt Tolmach, and James Weaver. In addition, the streaming platform recently launched support for user profiles and Ultra HD streaming. With the new profile feature, each Hulu account can now add up to six specific profiles, offering a personalized experience for different members of the household. Meanwhile, Hulu's initial lineup of 4K streaming titles includes original series like 'Shut Eye,' 'Chance,' 'The Path,' and '11.22.63,' along with more than 20 James Bond movies, including 'Spectre,' 'Die Another Day,' and 'Golden Eye.' Hulu 4K streaming is currently supported through the PS4 Pro and the Xbox One S. More Ultra HD content and support for more devices will be added throughout 2017. A current Hulu subscription starts at $8 per month with commercials or $12 per month for ad-free playback. A Hulu live streaming platform is also planned to launch in early 2017 with content expected from Turner Networks, Fox, ABC, ESPN, FX, and the Disney Channel. Source: HuluPosted Thu Dec 15, 2016 at 08:30 PM PST by: -
Amazon Brings Prime Video to More Countries Around the World[teaser]The streaming video platform is now available in even more countries.[/teaser] Amazon has announced the launch of Prime Video in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. The service is viewable through the Amazon Prime Video app on Android and iOS phones and tablets, Fire Tablets, LG and Samsung Smart TVs, or online at PrimeVideo.com. "We are excited to announce that starting today, fans around the world have access to Prime Video," said Tim Leslie, Vice President, International, Prime Video. "The Grand Tour and other critically acclaimed Amazon Original Series like Transparent, Mozart in the Jungle, and The Man in the High Castle, along with hundreds of popular Hollywood movies and TV shows, are now available at the introductory price of only 2.99 a month. And what's really exciting is that we are just getting started." Prime Video offers access to a growing collection of Amazon original shows and many popular movies and TV series from top networks and Hollywood studios. Content is available in English, with French, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish subtitled and dubbed versions also playable for many titles. In addition to traditional streaming, subscribers can download all movies and TV shows for mobile offline viewing as well. Customers around the world can now sign up for Amazon Prime Video at PrimeVideo.com. Users in Belgium, Canada, France, India, Italy, and Spain can start watching today at no additional cost to their existing Prime memberships. Meanwhile, customers in the other new Prime Video territories can sign up for the service at an introductory price of $2.99 (or €2.99) per month for the first six months, along with a 7-day free trial. For a full list of supported countries and territories, click here. A current US Amazon Prime subscription costs $99 per year or $11 per month. Likewise, Prime Video is available as a standalone service for $9 per month. Source: AmazonPosted Thu Dec 15, 2016 at 02:00 PM PST by: -
Spotify App Adds Direct Sonos Speaker Control with Spotify Connect[teaser]Customers can now control their Sonos speakers directly from the Spotify app.[/teaser] Spotify has announced the addition of Sonos integration into their music streaming app. As part of the update, Spotify Premium users can now control their Sonos multi-room speakers straight from the Spotify app. With Sonos integration for the Spotify app, users can now combine all the curation, discovery, and sharing features of Spotify with the ability to control Sonos speakers and multi-room Sonos home sound systems -- all from within the same app. Users simply need to select music, hit play, and then select a Sonos speaker/room. Likewise, the app can control the speaker's volume, change tracks, and even group and ungroup different speakers/rooms together with one-tap access, spreading audio all around the house. In addition, users can also transition directly from listening on mobile headphones to their Sonos speakers without having to stop their music. And thanks to the new integration, the Spotify and Sonos apps work together, allowing customers to start a playlist in one app and access it on the other. Sonos currently offers a variety of wireless music systems and speakers, including the Play:1 ($199), Play:3 ($299), and Play:5 ($499). The Play:5 features six synchronized, custom-designed drivers with three mid-woofers and three tweeters. The Play:5 can also work with other Sonos speaker models and can even be used as rear speakers for a surround sound system with the Sonos Sub ($699) and Playbar ($699). Outside of Sonos control, Spotify also recently announced integration into the STARZ streaming platform. With the mingling of both services, STARZ customers can now play music tracks from select series and films directly within the STARZ app. Source: SpotifyPosted Thu Dec 15, 2016 at 01:45 PM PST by: -
'The Edge of Seventeen' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]The coming-of-age film will hit Blu-ray in February. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal says 'The Edge of Seventeen' will be available on Blu-ray on February 14. The Edge of Seventeen follows awkward teenager Nadine (Hailee Steinfeld) as she navigates her way into adulthood with her best friend Krista (Hayley Lu Richardson) and her brother Darian (Blake Jenner). The film also stars Woody Harrelson as Mr. Bruner, Nadine's reluctant mentor, and Kyra Sedgewick as her well-meaning but distracted mother. The combo pack will feature 1080p video, lossless 5.1 audio, and supplements include: Actor & Filmmaker Roundtable and a Gag Reel. You can find the latest specs for 'The Edge of Seventeen' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under February 14. Order the Blu-rayPosted Thu Dec 15, 2016 at 12:30 PM PST by: -
Ewan McGregor's 'American Pastoral' Blu-ray Bound[teaser]The film starring Ewan McGregor, Jennifer Connelly, and Dakota Fanning will be available on Blu-ray in February. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Lionsgate is preparing 'American Pastoral' for Blu-ray on February 7. Ewan McGregor directs and stars alongside Jennifer Connelly and Dakota Fanning in this acclaimed film adapted from Philip Roth's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Seymour "Swede" Levov (McGregor), a once-legendary high school athlete, is a successful businessman married to a former beauty queen, Dawn (Connelly). When Swede and Dawn's daughter (Fanning) disappears after being accused of a violent crime, Swede's perfect life is broken forever and he is left to make sense out of the chaos. The release will feature 1080p video, a lossless 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include: Audio Commentary by Ewan McGregor; "American Pastoral: Adapting an American Classic" Featurette; and "Making the American Dream" Featurette. You can find the latest specs for 'American Pastoral' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under February 7. Order the Blu-rayPosted Thu Dec 15, 2016 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
'Priceless' Blu-ray Dated and Detailed[teaser]The drama is set to arrive on Blu-ray in February. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal is working on 'Priceless' for Blu-ray on February 14. Desperate and at a crossroads, James (Joel Smallbone) agrees to drive a box truck on a shady, one-time trip cross country for cash – no questions asked. But when he discovers what he is delivering is actually a who, James is compelled to help two frightened sisters who are unaware of the danger that awaits them in this inspiring tale of love, strength, and redemption. The release will feature 1080p video, a lossless 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include: Exclusive Performance by for KING & COUNTRY; The Making of Priceless; The Heart Behind the Film; The Official Trailer; and We Can Start Again - Ballad Trailer. You can find the latest specs for 'Priceless' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under February 14. Order the Blu-rayPosted Thu Dec 15, 2016 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
'Nerdland' Headed for Blu-ray[teaser]The animated film featuring the voices of Paul Rudd, Patton Oswalt, and Mike Judge will be getting the Blu-ray treatment in February. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Sony says 'Nerdland' will be available on Blu-ray on February 7. Nerdland is the story of two best friends, aspiring screenwriter ELLIOT and aspiring actor JOHN, whose dreams of super-stardom have fizzled. With their 30th birthdays looming and their desperation growing, John and Elliot decide that in this 24/7, celebrity-obsessed world of over-shared navel-gazing, there are more ways to become famous -- or infamous -- then ever before. No other details have been revealed at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'Nerdland' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under February 7. Order the Blu-rayPosted Thu Dec 15, 2016 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
Apple Expands Universal Search Feature for Apple TV with Support for More Apps[teaser]Users can now search for content across even more apps at the same time.[/teaser] Apple has announced an update for its Universal Search feature on the Apple TV (4th generation). With Universal Search, customers can search for movies and TV shows across multiple apps simultaneously, and now the feature supports results from even more video services. Likewise, Apple Music members can also get results for songs and albums. Universal Search is accessible by using Siri or the Search app on the Apple TV. And when using Siri, users can look for content by title, genre, actor, and more, and even refine their search as they go. Here's a rundown of content providers and apps currently supported through Universal Search in the US: Movies and TV shows in iTunes A&EABCAMCAnimal Planet GOApple MusicBravoCBSComedy CentralCooking ChannelCrunchyrollCuriosityStreamCW SeedDiscovery GODisney ChannelDisney JrDisney XDDIYE!Food NetworkFOXNOWFXNOWFYIHallmark ChannelHBO GOHBO NOWHGTVHistoryHuluInvestigation Discovery GOLifetimeMTVMUBINat Geo TVNBCNetflixPBSPBS KidsScience Channel GOSHOWTIMESHOWTIME AnytimeStarzSyfyTBSTelemundoThe CWTLC GOTNTTravel ChannelTribeca Shortlist USAVH1 In addition, customers can also search for YouTube content through Siri by including the word "YouTube" in their search (the Search app doesn't search YouTube). Beyond the expanded Universal Search feature, Apple also recently added a single sign-on option for pay-TV providers on the Apple TV. With the new single sign-on feature, subscribers to supported pay-TV providers and platforms can now sign-in just once on their Apple device to enjoy immediate access to numerous apps that are part of their overarching pay-TV subscription. Source: Apple via EngadgetPosted Wed Dec 14, 2016 at 06:30 PM PST by: -
Hulu Readies 'Foxy Brown' Streaming Series Starring Meagan Good[teaser]The 1970s cult flick is getting a streaming reboot.[/teaser] According to a report from Deadline, Hulu is developing a new streaming series based on the 1974 film 'Foxy Brown.' The new show comes from MGM and executive producers DeVon Franklin and Tony Krantz. Though full plot details have not been announced yet, the show will be a modern reimagining of the original movie, which followed the title character as she attempted to get revenge on the criminals who murdered her boyfriend. The series is being written by Malcolm Spellman ('Empire) and Ben Watkins ('Hand of God'). Meagan Good ('Think Like a Man,' 'Brick,' 'Saw V') is set to star as Foxy Brown, taking over the role that Pam Grier originated in the 1974 film. Likewise, Good will also serve as one of the show's producers. Outside of 'Foxy Brown,' other upcoming Hulu series include 'The Handmaid's Tale' based on the novel of the same name by Margaret Atwood, and 'Future Man' from executive producers Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Matt Tolmach, and James Weaver. In addition, the streaming platform recently launched support for user profiles and Ultra HD streaming. With the new profile feature, each Hulu account can now add up to six specific profiles, offering a personalized experience for different members of the household. Meanwhile, Hulu's initial lineup of 4K streaming titles includes original series like 'Shut Eye,' 'Chance,' 'The Path,' and '11.22.63,' along with more than 20 James Bond movies, including 'Spectre,' 'Die Another Day,' and 'Golden Eye.' Hulu 4K streaming is currently supported through the PS4 Pro and the Xbox One S. More Ultra HD content and support for more devices will be added throughout 2017. A current Hulu subscription starts at $8 per month with commercials or $12 per month for ad-free playback. A Hulu live streaming platform is also planned to launch in early 2017 with content expected from Turner Networks, Fox, ABC, ESPN, FX, and the Disney Channel. Source: DeadlinePosted Wed Dec 14, 2016 at 01:45 PM PST by:
