Russian Company Rolls Out Android STB
Posted by Steve Fravel on Friday, January 6, 2012 · 
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Moscow electronics firm NetUp is reporting that it will begin offering television sets with built in Android-based set-top boxes (STBs). NetUp says the integrated STB will allow for a complete viewing experience, including use of the electronic program guide, VoD trick-play, interactive features along with Web surfing, social networking, gaming, Skype and access to more than a thousand other Android apps.
NetUp is currently only offering the Android integration as part of either a 32-inch or 50-inch TV.
Considering the market place and the need for cable cards and All-Vid devices, it would be interesting to know if NetUp is considering taking this to the next level and creating both outboard STBs, web-video convergence devices and cable cards.
Google TV Take 2
Posted by Steve Fravel on Friday, November 4, 2011 · ·
Google released the long-awaited update to Google TV this week. After nearly a year waiting, with many thinking that Google TV had probably died as a viable long-term product, the Android Honeycomb software appears to be only slightly better in version 2 than the original release.
In an online article published by CNET, lab testers report “playing” with the Sony NSZ-GT1, a Blu Ray player outfitted with the Google TV software and controller. Their verdict is not terrific, but leaves room to speculate that a future version may be better, or that other hardware like the Logitech Revue may offer a slightly different outcome.
What seems clear is that the Google TV experience, while forward thinking, is still very much a work in progress.
VOTW: Amazon to Launch Netflix-Like Book Service?
Posted by Jesse Ward on Monday, September 12, 2011 · ·
And last but not least, our video of the week (VOTW): today’s CNet roundup. HP launches the TopShot LaserJet Pro printer that can scan 3D objects, Netflix finally arrives on most Android phones — stating that 82% of Android users can now watch Netflix movies on their devices — and Amazon.com is rumored to be in talks with major publishers to launch a Netflix-like service for books.
My Lowes
Posted by Josh Seidemann on Friday, September 9, 2011 · ·
Responding to Home Depot’s provision of Motorola handheld devices to employees, Lowes is set to issue 42,000 Apple iPhones to its retail staff. Bloomberg news reports the provision of about 25 iPhones per store will supplement the introduction of “MyLowes,” an online tool that will enable customers to access everything from user’s manuals to paint formulas. According to reports, Lowes also plans to add WiFi to in-store locations in order to enable customers to use their smartphones.
The handheld battles are not limited to home improvement stores: Read more
Apps Seemingly Everywhere for TV
Posted by Steve Fravel on Friday, August 13, 2010 · ·
Many video providers are creating apps for the iPad.
Dish Network is “slinging” content to mobile devices such as the Apple iPad. Time Warner Cable is also developing a prototype application for the iPad. AT&T U-verse is making content available to smartphones. Verizon is developing a video application for devices than run Google’s Android operating system too. It seems like every distributor has or will have a means of making video content available to mobile devices.
Filling the “three screens” with content seems to be well on the way. Consumers will have many different choices for providers that can send content to whatever device is convenient, when it is convenient for the consumer to watch it. Is this a good thing, bad thing or just another part of the digital metamorphosis?
Mobility with the capability of effectively expanding the options for communications and entertainment is efficient.
Good or bad? Time will tell.
For more, see this Wall Street Journal article.
Motorola and Verizon Partner on Tablet for FiOS TV
Posted by Jesse Ward on Thursday, August 5, 2010 · ·
Motorola is collaborating with Verizon on an Android-based digital tablet device that will allow users to watch FiOS television on it, according to a report in the Financial Times that has been widely quoted in other tech media outlets.
The device is said to have a 10-inch screen and is expected to closely tie to Verizon’s FiOS digital pay-TV service. It could launch as early as this fall in the United States. Read more
I Think the Droid X Launched Today
Posted by Kevin McGuire on Thursday, July 15, 2010 · ·
Believe it or not, the Droid X launched today, but the lack of coverage had me wondering if I had my dates confused. You’ll remember that when the iPhone4 reception debacle was first heating up, they took out an ad which fed on those frustrations, stating:
“And most importantly, it comes with a double antenna design. The kind that allows you to hold the phone any way you like and use it just about anywhere to make crystal clear calls.”
Yes, it appeared that Verizon, Google and Motorola were going to monopolize on this infrequent misstep by Apple. But July 15 is here and who’s dominating the media? Why, Apple, of course. A Google search for “Droid X” brings up a paltry 900 or so news articles, while a search for “iPhone4″ yields nearly 5,000. Even CNN.com’s home page has a poll asking users if Apple should recall the iPhone4, and nothing about the Droid. Prominent tech blogs have more coverage on the upcoming press conference than they do on the Droid (Gizmodo has a decent Droid Xreview if you are so inclined).
They say there is no such thing as bad publicity, and while Apple may argue, their issues have overshadowed the launch of a worthy competitor. Perhaps it was by design, and tomorrow they’ll announce free bumpers and a $20 iTunes credit for everyone — knowing that the cost to keep all eyes on them was worth every penny. But just in case, I’m going to stock up on duct tape.