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Xiaomi Releases 4K Mi Box with HDR Support for $69[teaser]The new Android TV set-top box is now available in the US. [/teaser] Xiaomi has announced the launch of its 4K Mi Box. The Ultra HD streaming media player is powered by Google's Android TV platform and includes HDR support. "We are thrilled to bring Mi Box to our fans in the U.S. in collaboration with Google. This is a significant milestone for Xiaomi, as it is our first opportunity to demonstrate to consumers here in America the power of what makes Xiaomi extraordinary: our promise of innovation for everyone. We believe everyone is entitled to benefit from technological breakthroughs, and Mi Box is a reflection of that belief: an incredible entertainment experience at an unprecedented price of $69, less than the cost of a single night out for two," said Hugo Barra, Vice President, Xiaomi Global. The Mi Box is an Android TV streaming media player with access to thousands of movies and shows from many popular apps like Netflix, HBO, Showtime, and VUDU. Likewise, the device also provides gaming options through Google Play and live TV streaming through Sling TV. Under the hood, the player is powered by a quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 CPU, Mali 450 GPU, 2GB DDR3 RAM, and 8GB eMMC flash. In addition, the Mi Box supports 4K Ultra HD playback at 60 frames per second and the latest HDR10 standard (to be enabled from Android N onwards). Finally, a Bluetooth remote control with voice search is also included, and the device offers built-in Google Cast technology. "The Android TV team is excited to partner with Xiaomi to deliver the Mi Box to the U.S. With features like voice search and HDR support, the Mi Box takes advantage of the latest Android TV platform innovations," said Sascha Prueter, Google's head of Android TV. Xiaomi's Mi Box is now available at Mi.com for $69. In addition, the player will be available in Walmart stores and through Walmart.com in early October. Source: Xiaomi via PR NewswirePosted Wed Oct 5, 2016 at 04:30 PM PDT by: -
Apple Pulls the Plug on Third-Generation Apple TV[teaser]The older Apple TV model has been discontinued. [/teaser] According to reports from MacRumors and 9to5Mac, Apple has officially discontinued the third-generation Apple TV. The device has been succeeded by the current fourth-generation model. The third-generation Apple TV was first released back in 2012. For the time being, Apple is still selling refurbished units of the device for $59, but has pulled new units from its website. Likewise, the company sent out an email to employees and education partners confirming the model's discontinued status. With that said, some retail stores might still have some stock available. It's unclear whether the device will receive any future software updates. With the third-generation model phased out, Apple will now be focusing fully on the current fourth-generation Apple TV model. 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. 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. In addition, Apple announced an Apple TV update with several new Siri features back in June, including the ability to search across more apps, YouTube search, topic search, and the option to tune into more live channels. Likewise, this fall users will also gain access to a single sign-on option, allowing customers to authenticate all the video channels from their pay-TV providers by signing in just once. In addition, updates for Apple Music, Photos, the Apple TV Remote App, and more are also part of the new upgrade. The fourth-generation Apple TV is available in 32GB ($149) and 64GB ($199) models. Sources: MacRumors, 9to5Mac, EngadgetPosted Wed Oct 5, 2016 at 03:15 PM PDT by: -
Paul Schrader's 'Dog Eat Dog' Blu-ray Dated[teaser]The crime thriller starring Nicolas Cage, Willem Dafoe, and Christopher Matthew Cook is planned for Blu-ray this December. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Image Entertainment is working on 'Dog Eat Dog' for Blu-ray on December 27. The story of three men who are all out of prison and now have the task of adapting themselves to civilian life. The California three strikes law looms over them, but what the hell, they're going to do it, and they're going to do it their way. Troy, an aloof mastermind, seeks an uncomplicated, clean life but cannot get away from his hatred for the system. Diesel is on the mob's payroll and his interest in his suburban home and his nagging wife is waning. The loose cannon of the trio, Mad Dog, is possessed by true demons within, which lead him from one situation to the next. One more hit, one more jackpot, and they'll all be satisfied. Specs and supplements have yet to be revealed, but suggested list price for the release is $29.97. You can find the latest specs for 'Dog Eat Dog' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under December 27. Order the Blu-rayPosted Wed Oct 5, 2016 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
Netflix Announces March 17 Premiere Date for Marvel's 'Iron Fist'[teaser]The Marvel superhero will hit Netflix in March 2017. [/teaser] Netflix has announced a premiere date for its latest original series. Marvel's 'Iron Fist' will start streaming exclusively through Netflix on March 17. Fifteen years after being presumed dead in a plane crash, Danny Rand (Finn Jones) mysteriously returns to New York City determined to reclaim his birthright and family company. However, when a long-destined enemy rises in New York, this living weapon is forced to choose between his family’s legacy and his duties as the Iron Fist. Check out the date announcement teaser below! 'Iron Fist' will now join Netflix's growing collection of Marvel shows, including 'Daredevil,' 'Jessica Jones,' and 'Luke Cage.' In addition, Marvel and Netflix are also prepping 'The Defenders' for a 2017 debut. 'The Defenders' will feature a crossover team-up between Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist as they face their biggest threat yet. The series will star Charlie Cox, Krysten Ritter, Mike Colter, and Finn Jones, all reprising their roles from their individual shows. Douglas Petrie, Marco Ramirez, Drew Goddard ('The Martian,' 'Lost,' 'Alias'), and Jeph Loeb will all serve as Executive Producers for the mini-series. The show is being produced by Marvel Television in association with ABC Studios for Netflix. Finally, Netflix will release a series based on 'The Punisher' starring Jon Bernthal next year as well. Other upcoming Netflix premieres include 'The Ranch' on October 7, 'Justin Timberlake + The Tennessee Kids' on October 12, 'Black Mirror' on October 21, 'The Crown' on November 4, 'Lovesick' on November 17, and 'Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life' on November 25. A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: NetflixPosted Wed Oct 5, 2016 at 09:30 AM PDT by: -
Jocelyn Moorhouse's 'The Dressmaker' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]The 2015 comedy starring Kate Winslet, Hugo Weaving, and Liam Hemsworth is planned for Blu-ray in December. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Broad Green Pictures is working on 'The Dressmaker' for Blu-ray on December 27. Jocelyn Moorhouse directs this Australian revenge comedy starring Kate Winslet as Myrtle Dunnage, a woman who returns to her hometown to take care of her ailing mother Molly (Judy Davis). Myrtle's return sparks much debate between the residents of the town as she was accused of murdering someone many years ago. Now an expert dressmaker, Myrtle goes about transforming the local fashion while exacting her revenge upon those who have wronged her in the past... The supporting cast includes Liam Hemsworth and Hugo Weaving. No other details have been revealed at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'The Dressmaker' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under December 27. Order the Blu-rayPosted Wed Oct 5, 2016 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Andrea Bianchi's 'Burial Ground: The Nights of Terror' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The 1981 cult horror flick will be available on Blu-ray just in time for Halloween. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Severin is preparing 'Burial Ground: The Nights of Terror' for Blu-ray on October 25. For his only foray into the zombie genre, sleaze maestro Andrea Bianchi (MALABIMBA: THE MALICIOUS WHORE) unleashes enough flesh-ripping, gut-chomping and depraved mayhem to set insane new standards in Italian horror: Mariangela Giordano (of SATAN'S BABY DOLL and MALABIMBA fame) stars in the splatter classic about a cursed country estate besieged by houseguests, undead Etruscans and the relationship between a mother (Giordano) and her mega-creepy young son (disturbingly portrayed by diminutive actor Peter Bark). Severin Films is improbably proud to present the definitive version of this gorehound favorite, now packed with all-new Extras and featuring a 2k scan and restoration from an immaculate 35mm print recently discovered beneath the floorboards of a Trastevere church rectory. The Blu-ray will feature a newly restored 2K scan with full shot by shot color correction and supplements include: Villa Parisi - Legacy of Terror: Featurette on the historic house location; Peter Still Lives: Festival Q&A with actor Peter Bark; Just for the Money: Interview with actor Simone Mattioli; The Smell Of Death: Interviews with Producer Gabriele Crisanti and Actress Mariangela Giordano; Deleted/Extended Scenes/ Shots; and the Theatrical Trailer. Severin will also have a limited edition release with an exclusive cover by Wes Benscoter and copies purchased through Severin's site will come with a free 12×18 poster or a Special Bundle Package with Poster, enamel pin, 'Smells Of Death' t-shirt and a 'Smells of Death Shot Glass'. You can find the latest specs for 'Burial Ground: The Nights of Terror' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under October 25. Order the Blu-rayPosted Wed Oct 5, 2016 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
'The Magnificent Seven (2016)' Blu-ray & Ultra HD Blu-ray Pre-Orders Live![teaser]Antoine Fuqua's western is riding toward Blu-ray and Ultra Blu-ray.[/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Sony is preparing 'The Magnificent Seven (2016)' for Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-ray. In addition, a Best Buy Exclusive Steelbook Ultra HD Blu-ray is also available for pre-order. Director Antoine Fuqua brings his modern vision to a classic story in 'The Magnificent Seven.' With the town of Rose Creek under the deadly control of industrialist Bartholomew Bogue, the desperate townspeople employ protection from seven outlaws, bounty hunters, gamblers and hired guns. As they prepare the town for the violent showdown that they know is coming, these seven mercenaries find themselves fighting for more than money. Specs and supplements have not been detailed yet. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $34.99. Suggested list price for the Ultra HD Blu-ray is 45.99. Suggested list price for the Best Buy Exclusive Steelbook Ultra HD Blu-ray is $29.99. You can find the latest specs for 'The Magnificent Seven (2016)' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule and our Ultra HD Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under PENDING. Order the Ultra HD Blu-ray Order the Blu-rayPosted Tue Oct 4, 2016 at 01:00 PM PDT by: -
Google Home Voice-Activated Speaker Launches in November for $129[teaser]The company's smart speaker with Google Assistant is now available for pre-order. [/teaser] Google has announced pricing and availability for Google Home. The voice-activated smart speaker allows users to play music, ask questions, and control various devices around their home. Google Home 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 (with additional platforms like iHeartRadio coming soon). 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. Finally, Google Home also allows users to control various home devices, including speakers and TVs with Chromecast built-in. At launch, voice-support will include streaming videos from YouTube, and control for more services like Netflix and Google Photos will be added in the near future. Likewise, Google Home can control lights, thermostats, and switches with popular home automation systems like Philips Hue, Nest, Samsung SmartThings, and IFTTT. Google Home is now available for pre-order for $129 from the Google Store, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart. Shipments are expected to begin in November. 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: GooglePosted Tue Oct 4, 2016 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
PBS Announces 'Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You' for Blu-ray[teaser]Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady's documentary will arrive on Blu-ray later this month.[/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, PBS is preparing 'Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You' for Blu-ray on October 25. With unprecedented access to Lear, his work and his massive personal archives, 'NORMAN LEAR: JUST ANOTHER VERSION OF YOU' combines stories from his turbulent childhood and early career with his groundbreaking TV success (All in the Family, The Jeffersons, Good Times, Maude) and social activism. The documentary also features colorful stories from Lear’s family, friends and collaborators, including John Amos, George Clooney, Alan Horn, Bill Moyers, Rob Reiner, Phil Rosenthal and Russell Simmons, as well as cinéma vérité moments with Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, Jon Stewart, Amy Poehler and Lena Dunham. Specs have not been detailed yet, but supplements will include: What do a 92 year old Jew and the world of hip hop have in #Common?; Mary Hartman Breakdown; Mary Hartman Casting; Not Dead Yet; Bill Moyers on Norman Lear; and The Shrink and Syndication. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under October 25. Order the Blu-rayPosted Tue Oct 4, 2016 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Google Unveils Chromecast Ultra with 4K, HDR, and Dolby Vision Support for $69[teaser]A new Ultra HD Chromecast model has been announced. [/teaser] Google has detailed its latest Chromecast streaming device. The new Chromecast Ultra offers improved performance over previous models along with support for 4K and HDR content. Chromecast Ultra can load videos 1.8 times faster than other Chromecast models, includes major Wi-Fi improvements for streaming, and offers integrated Ethernet support for wired connections. Like previous models, the compact streaming device plugs into a display's HDMI port, allowing users to cast all of their favorite content from thousands of apps using a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Customers can also mirror any content from an Android device or a Chrome browser tab on a laptop to their TV screen. In addition, the Chromecast Ultra adds new support for 4K, HDR (high dynamic range) and Dolby Vision content, offering playback support for videos with higher resolution, expanded colors, and enhanced contrast. Initial Ultra HD support will include streaming content from Netflix, YouTube and Vudu. Google is also working to offer expanded support for more 4K and HDR services. Likewise, Google Play Movies & TV will be rolling out 4K content with Chromecast support in November. And even if your TV isn't 4K-ready, Chromecast Ultra will automatically optimize your display's picture. Finally, the Chromecast Ultra will also include Google Home support, allowing users to control their Chromecast from their voice-activated speakers. Google's Chromecast Ultra is set to launch in November for $69 from retailers like Best Buy, Google Store, Target, and Walmart in the US, along with international availability in 15 more countries. Beyond the Chromecast Ultra, Google also recently announced its Pixel smartphone, Daydream View VR headset, and Google Home speaker. Source: GooglePosted Tue Oct 4, 2016 at 11:30 AM PDT by:
