December 31, 2011
NAV Monthly Round Up: Dec. 2011
So ends another month and another year. We have always preferred even numbered years so here's hoping that 2012 will be the best ever.
3D
Advertising
Apple TV
Application
Audio Devices
Audio Streaming
Freakin' Friday
Game Console Streaming
HDTV
Hands On Review
Holiday Gift Guide
Netflix Streaming
News
Portable Media
Remote Control
Roku Netflix Player
Speaker Systems
Speakers
Steals and Deals
Storage
TV Streaming
Tablets
Video Devices
Video Streaming
Wireless Network
Wireless Speakers
iPad
iPhone Streaming
iPod Streaming
December 30, 2011
Freakin' Friday! Lenovo 5902 Remote
Looking for a Home Theater remote? The Lenovo HTPC 5902 is a step up from its 5901. It is backlit for easier usage, has a handy scroll bar and an optical finger navigator that replaces the trackball. Accessible by USB, the thin 9.3mm controller is easily portable for use as a keyboard for other devices. Compatible with Windows, it has a 10 meter range and a price that fits any budget.
Via Lenovo
December 29, 2011
Pogoclub Series 4 Personal Cloud
Pogoplug's Series 4 is your personal portable cloud. Store and share files, photos, videos and music with no limits via an SD card, portable drive or flash drive. Compatible with Windows, Mac, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, it comes with free mobile apps for iPad, iPhone and Android to make it portable. Plug into your USB port and you are good to go.
Via Pogoplug
December 28, 2011
Swivl Acts as Moving Tripod
The Swivl, formerly known as the Star, is Satarii's idea of a "vloggers dream mobile accessory." Compatible with both iPhones/iPods/iPads and Flip cams, the portable dock can rotate 360º to follow you around as you perform the next big viral video. Add the app and you can remotely trigger recording as it locks focus. Sign up to be one of the first to own it when it arrives early next year.
Via Swivl
December 27, 2011
Netflix Adds HBO, BBC to Queue
Netflix has acquired a deal with HBO Go and users will soon have access to such programs as Boardwalk Empire and The Sopranos. Netflix also formed a partnership with the BBC and more users will soon have access to such programs as "Torchwood" and "Fawlty Towers." Available early in 2012, content is already available to North and Latin America and will soon reach the UK and Latin America, no doubt assisting the company in its quest to regain some of those lost U.S. subscribers.
Via Netflix
December 26, 2011
Avatar Features Supefluous Extras
There has been a trend of late that when you rent a video, you don't get the extras until you buy a copy. John Cameron and Apple are offering so many of them with Avatar that it will overplease everyone. Customers can download 6, count 'em, 6 hours of extras when they purchase the regular version for $14.99 or the iTunes Extra Special Edition for $19.99. Viewers can interact with performance capture and visual effects in 17 scenes. There is also Cameron's original screenplay with over 1,700 images. That should keep you busy until next year's hottest movie.
Via iTunes
December 23, 2011
NAV Holiday Gift Pick - Canon Powershot
For those who believe that cellphones are for talking and cameras are for taking pictures, Canon's Powershot A1200 is perfect those on a budget. The cam has 12.1 megapixels, a 4x wide-angle optical zoom and optical viewfinder. It has 32 preset shooting situations with Smart Auto, movie recording with 720p HD, Discreet Mode and AA battery power for portability.
Via Canon
December 22, 2011
Roku Releases iPhone App
Roku continues to become even more accessible with an iPhone remote app. Users can control the set top box by a swipe or touch, add or remove channels or launch and rate channels. The app is free and the company notes that an Android version is on the way. Last week they also updated the Roku 2 and LT players with MKV playback support, updated game performance, better audio and longer battery life.
Via Roku
December 21, 2011
NAV Holiday Gift Pick - iView LCD/DVD Player
Hammacher Schlemmer always has the most elite of gifts, especially during this time of year. We found the iView Combination LCD/DVD player for those who have their movies and want to watch them now. It is LED backlit, has a 16:9 aspect ratio, hi-def resolution, 3W stereo speakers and a digital ATSC TV tuner. At a size of 13 x 15 ¾ x 5 ¼", it plugs into its AC adapter or can be portable with 2 AAA batteries (not included.) The entire package will set you back $299.95.
Via Hammacher Schlemmer
December 20, 2011
NAV Gift Picks - Kindles Big Holiday Hit
Amazon is a happy camper this holiday season as it claims that it has sold over a million Kindles combined during the past three weeks. Dave Limp, VP of Kindle Business, claims that the demand is increasing as weeks go by. This is no doubt partially do to the lesser prices of the Regular Kindle, Touch, Keyboard and Fire.
There seems to be some rumblings that many of the Fires are being returned because of long load times, touchy off switch and lack of external volume control. Others seem concerned that it is too easy to order with the one-click system. However, new products often have bugs and in all fairness it appears to be a Kindle kind of holiday.
Via Amazon Kindles
December 19, 2011
Get to Audio Heaven Via Audio Hell
While the American Burger King offered Free Fries Friday to get the word out on their new product, the Swedish electronics store Pause showed a lot more creativity. Visit XmasCarolTorture.com before December 21, listen to the endless droning of Jingle Bells and you may just win a Geneva 5 Stereo System. At the very least you get a discount if you can manage to go through several choruses (you have to press a Santa button occasionally to prove you are still listening.)
Via Xmas Carol Torture
December 16, 2011
NAV Holiday Gift Pick - AmazonBasics Portable Stereo
AmazonBasics has gone beyond their inexpensive line of accessories like HDMI cords and disks with such items as the Portable Stereo System for MP3 players. The MS-132 portable speaker is compatible with iPods, PMPs, CD players, game consoles and Mac and PC. At a size of 9.7 x 2.1 x 2.5" and a weight of a mere 1.4 lbs., it operates by 4 AA batteries (not included) or USB connection.
Via AmazonBasics
December 15, 2011
Sonic Notify Invades Your Space
The NY company Densebrain plans on connecting with shoppers who cannot shut off their cellies even when shopping or attending a concert. They have created a high-frequency sound that will trigger a phone or even iPad within 50 ft. While Sonic Notify is not similar to a voluntary app like Shopkick, with this platform large companies seem to like the idea of invading our space no matter where we go. Fortunately for the little guy, you have to download the app to get the service.
Via Sonic Notify
December 14, 2011
NAV Holiday Gift Pick - Apple TV Holiday Priced
'Tis the season. If you planned to invest in Apple TV, now is the time. With streaming of movies and TV shows from iTunes and availability of content from Netflix and various online sources, the box is unassuming at its 4" square size. Control by remote, or by iPhone/iPad/iPod touch with app. At $99.00, this might challenge Roku as the set top box of choice.
Via Apple TV
December 13, 2011
PlayStation Home Increases Socialization
Aside from hundreds of games already offered, Sony's renovated PlayStation Home expands socialization by allowing users to spend time with buds in their virtual universe. Hang out at the "Hub" and go on quests or visit themed Districts. Even better, the group can listen to RadioIO, enjoy Ustream entertainment or view movies and TV shows. It does this via its Crackle network with lots of free content.
Via PlayStation Home
December 12, 2011
Cowon Supersized R7 PMP
Cowon has released the R7, a tablet-sized PMP with an output of 1080p over HDMI. It features a low resolution 800 x 400 screen, Window CE 6.0 OS, up to 64GB memory, a microSD slot, 10 hours of battery life and support for many multimedia type files. Look for prices starting at 299,000 won (~$261.00.)
Via Cowon
December 9, 2011
NAV Holiday Gift Picks - Portable Speakers
Looking for an inexpensive speaker system to go with that new iPod/MP3 player? Here are a couple of suggestions. The AYL Portable System works with PC, tablet, phone, or PMP, is a mere 2.2", has plug and play capability and charges your device while you listen to tunes. Available in black, white or red, you get 10 hours of usage before needing a recharge. The GOgroove Panda Pal is compatible with most audio devices and can be powered by USB or 3 AAA batteries (not included.) It has a wraparound 3.5 mm cable and easy to use controls for young'ns.
IHome has a Mini Speaker that can be paired with any audio device with 3.5 mm headphone jack. The claim is that vacuum bass gives great volume and response and the device will also charge while you listen. It comes with a built-in rechargeable battery and 2-in-1 cable with USB plug for charging. Finally, the iLuv Portable Speaker doubles as a case. Available in black, blue or pink, the universal device is a zipper case with 8.2W of stereo sound, a hanging clip and runs on 2 AA batteries (not included.)
Via Portable Speakers
December 8, 2011
UltraViolet Future of DVD?
We have to admit that when it comes to UltraViolet, we just don't get it. With most of the major studios involved (Disney is the holdout,) the idea is that instead of streaming or renting, a onetime purchase with the logo gives you a Blu-ray and regular DVD with a code that can be used to download on various UltraViolet enabled video devices like tablets, smartphones and PCs. Sign up at the site and up to six individuals get access. Go for a code only and you get to burn your own copy.
While the service only launched in mid-October and is still new with only a few titles available and no major retailers committed to the idea, the company feels that it can do to video what Apple and iTunes did for music. But when it comes right down to it, the fact is that you have to be on the Internet to use the service and burn a copy that many cannot or don't want to do makes it less appealing.
We so prefer renting or streaming to amassing more "stuff" and unless you have kids that can endlessly watch animated movies or you are sci-fi fanatic, we think the concept has a ways to go. Especially since if you look at a purchase for "Horrible Bosses" Blu-ray/DVD combination pack plus UltraViolet digital code that is a whopping $24.99.
Via UltraViolet
December 7, 2011
NAV Holiday Gift Pick - LG 3DTV Freebie
You know this is the time to push the 3D button for consumers, so LG has an offer they believe you can't refuse. Purchase a qualifying 3D TV and you receive a Family Pack of 6 pairs of glasses, a $70 value, free. Smart TV is included in the package with access to everything downloadable. Of course there is up-conversion for 2D movies.
Via LG 3D
December 6, 2011
Buy a Piece of HiddenRadio
It may look like the latest in room fresheners, but the HiddenRadio and Bluetooth speaker is simply a basic device without the glitz. Audio is increased to 80dB when you turn it on and a 3.5mm socket is a convenient plug-in for other audio electronics. A built-in AM/FM radio provides extra listening options and it will go for 30+ hours before needing a charge. A $119.00 donation at Kickstarter will ensure you as one of the first recipients.
Via HiddenRadio
December 5, 2011
Spotify Adds Apps, Improves Service
If you think Spotify is one of the best imports from the UK ever, then you will be pleased to know that there are apps to make the music service even more utile. For now, the left sidebar includes apps like Billboard music charts, lyrics for karaoke night and Rolling Stone reviews.
Spotify has also been busy on its basic service. There are trending play lists and top tracks, predictive searches, a buddy list to see what your pals are listening to and a people list to add new ones.
Via Spotify
December 2, 2011
NAV Holiday Gift Pick - Haier 32 Inch HDTV
Plenty of gifts are out the for the picking without battling the mall hounds. We found this 32" LCD HDTV with a 720p HD resolution, 7-Watt/2 channel speakers and automatic volume leveler. In addition, it has a USB input and 2 HDMI connections for PC. The little known Chinese company Haier puts this HDTV out for a price below $320.00.
Via Haier HDTV
December 1, 2011
Lenovo Minute IdeaCentre Desktop
While most companies are concentrating on notebooks, tablets and laptops these days, Lenovo decided to come out with what they claim is "the world's smallest desktop PC." At a size of 6.1 x 7.56 x 0.86", the IdeaCentre Q180 has a dual-core Intel Atom D2500 processor, 4GB memory, AMD Radeon GPU, 802.11n Wi-Fi, USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports. Prices start at $349.00, less with holiday pricing.
Via Lenovo IdeaCentre
Accell PowerSquid Surge Protector - Plug In Everything with No Fuss
We received the Accell PowerSquid Surge Protector to review over the past several weeks and our verdict. Perfect. There is always this feeling that you can't plug in an adaptor, then an iPod charging cord, then your 3 other devices that need power and make the puzzle work on a power strip. With the Power Squid you simply can plug in everything because each plug works like it's own extension cord end. It also helps eliminate having to do the "power plug no-nos" where you crimp the back of an adaptor plug to make it fit a power strip.
Here's our Power Squid in action.
Plenty of room to plugthings in.
The entry level surge protector equipped model is equipped with 540 Joules of surge protection in addition to its trademark tentacled design. Premium power filters clean up dirty power, and there's even $75,000 Equipment insurance all for $24.95.
Here's what you get:
- 5 Flexible grounded outlets
- 3 Foot power cord
- 15 Amp breaker switch
- ETL Listed
- Lifetime warranty
We highly recommend you check out the Accell PowerSquid Surge Protector. You'll be less frustrated and feel good about plugging things in again. You can buy an Accell Powersquid at Amazon.com.
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