Exciting Updates: New Nvidia Shield TV Firmware, HDHomerun News, and More!
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Review of the Amazon Fire 7 Tablet
- Overview of the Chromecast
- New Features on the WD My Cloud
- Event Recap: Pep Calm in New York City
- Introducing the TiVo Bolt
- Review of the AeroGarden
- The Knicks Play: The Perfect Photo Frame
- Update on the NVIDIA Shield Firmware
- Progress of the HDHomeRun DVR
- Upcoming Reviews: Amazon Fire TV, Surrey Vaux Live Wedge, Kensington Dock, WD My Cloud OS Features
💡 Highlights:
- The Amazon Fire 7 Tablet offers great value for its price, running an Amazon version of Android.
- The Chromecast is a cool streaming device that has improved over time, offering AC wireless and various apps.
- The WD My Cloud now features automatic backup for photos and a user-friendly web interface.
- Pep Calm's event in New York City showcased the latest brands and products.
- The TiVo Bolt integrates set-top box features and includes a commercial skip button.
- The AeroGarden is an automated indoor garden that grows plants hydroponically.
- The Knicks Play is an innovative photo frame with a cloud service and easy sharing capabilities.
- The NVIDIA Shield firmware update now supports 24p playback and higher-end audio formats.
- The HDHomeRun DVR is slightly delayed but still anticipated to be a high-quality product.
- Upcoming reviews include the Amazon Fire TV, Surrey Vaux Live Wedge, Kensington Dock, and WD My Cloud OS features.
📝 Article:
Introduction
Hey everybody, it's Lon Simon here with your weekly wrap-up. It has been a busy week on the Channel, and it will continue to be as the holiday season approaches. I've been reviewing a lot of cool products that are making their way into the market, and I'm excited to share my thoughts with you. Let's dive into the latest updates and reviews!
Review of the Amazon Fire 7 Tablet
Let's start with the Amazon Fire 7 Tablet. Priced at only $50, this tablet offers incredible value for money. With its nicely constructed design and Amazon's version of Android, it's a great option for those looking for an affordable tablet. However, keep in mind that it doesn't support Google Play without significant effort. Overall, if you're in the market for a cheap tablet, this is undoubtedly one of the best options available.
Overview of the Chromecast
Next up, let's talk about the Chromecast. This nifty little device has come a long way since its initial release. The new version offers improved wireless speed with AC wireless and a variety of optimized apps. While not much has changed from the previous model, it remains a solid choice for streaming content to your TV. Check out my review for more details on this cool little gadget.
New Features on the WD My Cloud
Moving on, let's discuss the WD My Cloud. The latest feature worth mentioning is the automatic backup for photos from your phone. Whether you use an iPhone or an Android device, you can effortlessly store your photos on your personal cloud. Additionally, the new operating system of the My Cloud includes a Dropbox-like feature that enhances the web interface, making it easier to share files and access your cloud storage without having to provide login credentials to others. These updates further solidify the My Cloud as a reliable storage solution.
Event Recap: Pep Calm in New York City
Last week, I had the pleasure of attending an event sponsored by Pep Calm in New York City. The event brought together numerous brands in one room, giving me the opportunity to engage with them and learn about their latest products. I had three hours to explore and talk to as many brands as possible. It was like a shopping spree, but instead of buying products, I gathered valuable insights to share with you. In an attempt to condense the information, I've put together a narrative of my experience. I believe this format offers a more efficient way to deliver the most intriguing highlights from the event. I would love to hear your feedback on this approach.
Introducing the TiVo Bolt
One of the most exciting announcements at the event was the TiVo Bolt. This new version of TiVo combines set-top box features with additional streaming capabilities. With the Bolt, you can now access services like Netflix and enjoy a commercial skip button, allowing you to breeze through those pesky ads. It's a great option for cord-cutters, unless you want to support channels like mine by watching the ads.
Review of the AeroGarden
Next on our list is the AeroGarden. If you're interested in growing your own herbs and vegetables without the need for a traditional garden, this automated indoor garden is worth considering. The plants come in convenient little pods, similar to coffee pods. Simply follow the instructions on the device, and it will guide you on when to add water, feed the plants, and adjust the lighting. It's virtually foolproof, and the results are impressive. Check out my review for more information.
The Knicks Play: The Perfect Photo Frame
Are you searching for the perfect photo frame for your less tech-savvy family members? Look no further than the Knicks Play. This photo frame offers a cloud service where you can easily upload and share photos. You can even email photos directly to the frame, and they will automatically appear on Grandma's frame. It's a beautifully designed product that will make a fantastic gift, especially during the holiday season. Check out my interview at the event for more insights into this innovative photo frame.
Update on the NVIDIA Shield Firmware
Many of you have been eagerly awaiting an update on the NVIDIA Shield firmware. I'm pleased to announce that the latest firmware update now includes support for 24p and 23.976 frames per Second playback. This is excellent news for home theater enthusiasts who want a smooth viewing experience without any jitter. However, please note that there are still a few glitches to be resolved before a comprehensive review can be provided. Additionally, the firmware update adds support for higher-end audio formats like DTS HD and Dolby True HD. Unfortunately, there aren't any apps currently available that fully utilize these audio formats. We are eagerly awaiting updates from Kodi or other platforms to demonstrate the compatibility. Stay tuned for further developments on this front.
Progress of the HDHomeRun DVR
Many of you have reached out to Inquire about the progress of the HDHomeRun DVR. The team behind this highly anticipated product recently sent out a communication to their Kickstarter backers. The email provides an update on the software development process and addresses the slight delay in the timeline. Building a robust DVR application from scratch for multiple platforms is no easy feat, and it's not uncommon for unexpected challenges to arise. However, rest assured that the team is actively working on refining the product. Backers who initially pledged $30 and didn't opt for the $60 early access can now contribute an additional $30 to gain access to the alpha version. Alternatively, all backers will receive the final version of the product one month ahead of the regular release. I have personally interacted with the team for years and have great confidence in their abilities. Quality takes time, and I'd rather they deliver a polished product that lives up to expectations. If you wish to stay informed and participate in discussions, the HDHomeRun forums are the best place to engage with both the team and fellow users.
Upcoming Reviews: Amazon Fire TV, Surrey Vaux Live Wedge, Kensington Dock, WD My Cloud OS Features
Looking ahead, we have a plethora of exciting reviews lined up. The Amazon Fire TV will be among the first products I examine. While it may not have lived up to my expectations, I will provide a detailed review to give you a rounded perspective. Additionally, we'll explore the Surrey Vaux Live Wedge, a streaming box that enables direct streaming to platforms like YouTube. Priced at $299, this device offers a more budget-friendly option for streaming media, particularly at 720p. I'll thoroughly test it to ensure it lives up to its claims. Furthermore, we'll take a closer look at the Kensington Dock, which faced some competition from other captivating products. Although it may not have made it to the top of the priority list, we'll evaluate its performance and functionality. Lastly, we'll conclude the sponsored WD My Cloud series with two videos on the new features of the WD My Cloud OS. The Dropbox-like feature and enhanced web interface are significant improvements that warrant exploration. Stay tuned for these upcoming reviews!
Thank you for joining me on this week's wrap-up. As always, if you find the channel valuable, you can support it by contributing through Patreon or YouTube fan funding. I appreciate all the support I receive from the community. Feel free to reach out to me via email, join the Lon TV Facebook page, or participate in the forums. There's always something happening on the channel, and I look forward to sharing more content with you soon.
🔍 FAQ
Q: Can the Amazon Fire 7 Tablet run Google Play apps?
A: No, the tablet runs Amazon's version of Android and does not natively support Google Play. However, it is possible to sideload apps with extra effort.
Q: Is the TiVo Bolt compatible with all streaming services?
A: Yes, the TiVo Bolt offers Netflix and several other video streaming services. However, it is important to note that availability can vary based on region and subscription.
Q: Can the AeroGarden be controlled remotely?
A: No, the AeroGarden does not have remote control capabilities. However, it features an intuitive system that guides users on when to water the plants, add nutrients, and adjust the lighting.
Q: What audio formats does the NVIDIA Shield firmware now support?
A: The new firmware update for the NVIDIA Shield adds support for higher-end audio formats like DTS HD and Dolby True HD. However, as of now, there are no apps compatible with these formats.
Q: When will the HDHomeRun DVR be released to the public?
A: The HDHomeRun DVR has experienced a slight delay in software development, but the final version is expected to be available one month ahead of the regular release schedule.
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