Netflix’s price hikes will take effect shortly for most subscribers
We've known for a while that Netflix intends to hike its prices across all three levels of its subscription streaming service, but now we know when that will happen for most customers: May 2019. With increases that range from $1 to $2 per month, it's the first time Netflix has raised all of its prices simultaneously.
Tivo software update will bring automatic ad-skipping later this year
Tivo users already enjoy SkipMode, a feature that lets them jump entire commercial breaks on recorded programs with just a press of a button. But soon, you literally won't have to lift a finger -- the company will be updating its DVRs with software this spring that includes an option to automatically skip ads.
House of Marley’s Exodus earth-friendly headphones are available for $200
After debuting them at CES 2019, House of Marley has released its Exodus over-the-ear wireless Bluetooth headphones, which sport a 30-hour battery life and rapid charging. At $200, the headphones feature more environmentally conscious materials and voice assistant compatibility.
Truly wireless earbud innovator Bragi calls it quits, sells hardware unit
After a four-year run producing some of the most innovative truly wireless earbud products on the market, German startup Bragi is exiting the hardware space, having sold its earbud products unit to an unnamed buyer. The company will remain in the software and research space, and intends to license its IP.
Newly discovered code hints at future Apple Music Chromecast support
A few new lines of code found in the latest release of Apple Music for Android has some speculating that Chromecast (and Google Home) compatibility may be in the not-so-distant future for Apple's streaming music service. It's a move that would be consistent with many of its other recent announcements.
Get a free Apple TV 4K when you commit to four months of DirecTV Now
DirecTV Now had a bad fourth quarter in 2018, losing 250,000 subscribers, but the company is back in the fight with a new offer: It will give you a free Apple TV 4K if you sign up and pay for a minimum of four months of service.
Amazon will reportedly launch its own free live news app on Fire TV devices
Not to be outdone by Roku's free Roku Channel, Amazon is reportedly working on its own free news offering for Fire TV, according to a report by The Information. Little is known about the plan, other than a launch window for later this year.
Discovery partners with BBC on nonfiction streaming service
In the latest subscription streaming announcement, Discovery has unveiled its plan to launch a nonfiction on-demand service with the BBC, giving exclusive rights to stream such monster hits as Planet Earth and Blue Planet, along with Discovery titles. It's expected to launch in 2020 for around $5 per month.
THX takes on IMAX with new large-format cinema projection standard
In what is heating up to be a battle for the big screen, THX announced a new IMAX competitor for commercial cinemas: A laser projection and immersive sound system it calls THX Ultimate Cinema. The first theater to use the technology will open its doors later this year.
MGM’s Epix Now service is now available on Roku and Amazon Fire TV
MGM's Epix Now, a streaming platform that combines all four of its live TV channels, and a huge catalog of thousands of on-demand movies and TV shows, is now available on Amazon Fire TV and Roku, making it easier than ever to stream your favorite films and TV shows from the studio.
FuboTV hikes price by $10 per month as streaming market matures
In what has become a trend in recent months among live TV streaming providers, FuboTV is raising its monthly rate to $55 per month, from $45 per month for all new subscribers. Though existing customers are as yet unaffected by the move, they could see increases later this year.
Infinity and Atom are the latest players in the movie ticket subscription game
As if the movie ticket subscription market wasn't already a tough place to make a buck, with incumbent player MoviePass seemingly teetering on the edge of collapse, now two new players are look for a slice: Atom Tickets and Infinity both have plans to launch services in 2019, but with very different approaches.
SiliconDust’s HDHomeRun swings and misses, abandons live TV streaming service
After only a few months of operation, SiliconDust, maker of the popular HDHomeRun line of OTA receivers, is shutting down its HDHomeRun Premium TV live TV streaming service, likely due to the legal woes of its partner, Omniverse. The cancellation does not affect the regular operation of HDHomeRun devices.
BBC clarifies decision to pull its podcasts from Google platforms
In what is beginning to look like a power play over the control of content, the BBC has pulled all of its podcasts from Google platforms like Google Podcasts and Google Home, leaving fans of the content in search of alternatives ways to access their favorite podcast shows.
Vizio’s 3.1-channel soundbar system is now 35 percent off
Nothing improves the sound of your TV like an external speaker, and there is no easier or more affordable way to add one than a soundbar. So scoring 35 percent off on a Vizio 3.2 channel soundbar system is a great way to get better sound on the cheap without sacrificing qualities or features.
Spotify tests out Duo, a premium subscription level that’s just for couples
Spotify appears to be testing out a new premium membership level that's aimed directly at couples who want to save on the cost of two individual memberships, without resorting to a family plan. Those who join must live at the same address, and the new plan comes with a custom joint playlist called Duo Mix.
One day only: $80 off Nuraphone personalized wireless headphones
Discounts on the Nuraphone -- a set of wireless headphones that can be customized to your specific hearing profile automatically -- are rare, and they don't last long when they show up. That's the case with today's one-day, 20 percent discount on these unique Bluetooth, noise-canceling cans.
Spotify now personalizing its curated playlists to help improve music discovery
In an attempt to improve the selection of songs that listeners hear when tuning into Spotify's mood-based playlists, the streaming music company has started to use personalization to alter which tracks are part of the mix. The move could have a material effect on artists, who depend on their tracks being heard.
Huawei’s FreeBuds are an unapologetic ripoff of Apple’s AirPods
If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then Apple should be pretty darned flattered by Huawei's highly AirPod-esque FreeBuds. The new fully wireless earbuds look almost identical to Apple's version, but apart from water resistance, they are no match for the AirPods.
Spotify adds mystery and crime to its podcast arsenal with Parcast acquisition
Spotify continues to add to its growing collection of podcasting assets, this time with the acquisition of Parcast, an L.A.-based podcast studio known for its lurid, true-crime and mystery titles, that have garnered a significant audience since the company began in 2017.
Samsung’s new soundbars adjust settings to onscreen content in real time
Home theater soundbars may be a dime a dozen these days, but that doesn't mean they can't add something new to the experience. Samsung's HW-Q70R and Q60R can automatically change their EQ and other settings to better match what's happening onscreen, and are more affordable than the company's top-end line of soundbars.
IKEA reveals new photos of its Symfonisk Sonos speakers
Ahead of the official launch scheduled for April 9, IKEA has released two new photos of its upcoming Symfonisk line of wireless home speakers built in cooperation with Sonos. The new photos don't reveal any new details, but they confirm that early photos were accurate representations of what we'll see later this year.
As Apple takes on Netflix, is YouTube ditching its original content strategy?
As Apple's new video subscription service and original content launches, Google is denying a report that YouTube is reportedly stepping away from its own original content ambitions. However some shows have been shelved, and YouTube's revenue model appears in flux.
TCL drops the price of its 75-inch 6-Series 4K Roku TV to $1,500
March is a great time for TV deals and we've got a whopper: TCL has taken $300 off the price of its superb 75-inch 6-Series 4K HDR Roku TV, making it $1,500. It's a limited-time deal on the lowest price for this model, and only available while supplies last, so don't delay.
How to connect a Roku to your hotel room’s TV
Staying at a hotel, but can't bear to be parted from your favorite streaming shows and movies? Take them with you with our complete guide to using your Roku on the road when staying at a hotel. Find out how to get around tricky Wi-Fi networks, get connected, and start watching.
March Madness deal alert: Get a 43-inch LG 4K HDR TV for just $270
March is a great time to find a deal on a new TV, and this one is worth every penny: Walmart is selling LG's 43-inch 43UK6300PUE, a very capable 4K HDR Smart TV, for almost 50 percent off the regular price at $270. This would be a great price for any 43-inch 4K TV, but for an LG model this well-equipped, it's a steal.
Kanopy privacy breach reveals which movies members have been streaming
Free video streaming site, Kanopy, has been inadvertently publishing millions of lines of web log data for days, according to a new security report. The data is sufficient for someone to guess at a person's identity, and see what they've been watching, even though names and passwords weren't among the data.
Here’s how to watch Apple’s March 25 product reveal event live
It's almost here: Apple's much anticipated March 25 event, where it is widely expected to announce several streaming services, including on-demand and live TV with original programming. Wondering how to watch the action from your desk, or couch? We've got all the details on how to do it.
Tipping point? Streaming subscribers outnumbered cable in 2018 for first time
2018 was a very good year for the entertainment business as a whole, but it was especially good for streaming companies like Netflix and Amazon. Their total subscriptions eclipsed those of cable companies for the first time, on a global basis, according to a new MPAA report.
Cheer for your favorite NCAA team and Xfinity will respond with matching lights
Screaming at your favorite team just became a lot more rewarding thanks to Comcast's Xfinity voice remote and some special NCAA commands that set your smart lightbulbs to your favorite team's colors. The players may not hear you, but that doesn't mean you'll be ignored.
Dish TV customers can access up to 13 NCAA March Madness games in 4K
If you're a basketball fan looking to get your fix of NCAA Championship action in 4K, you have a few options available. One of those is courtesy of Dish TV, which will be airing up to 13 of the tournament games in the ultra high-def format, starting on Tuesday.
Apple’s new AirPods bring only minor updates to the much-loved originals
Apple has announced its new AirPods, the company's much anticipated follow-up to the wildly popular AirPods. The new fully wireless earbuds preserve all of the features of the originals, and adds hands-free Siri, a new H1 chip, and wireless charging. Here's what you need to know about these new earbuds.
You can get a peek at Ikea’s Symfonisk Sonos speakers next month
Ikea's new Symfonisk speaker collaboration with Sonos will be in stores as soon as August, but we still haven't seen what it will look like. We'll get our first look at an event in Milan on April 9. The price? According to Ikea, it will be within reach of "many people."
Bark commands at Alexa and your Roku will respond, unless you want Netflix
Current-generation Roku streaming devices and Roku TVs can now be controlled by Amazon's Alexa, if you have a compatible Alexa device, like the Echo or Dot. Google Assistant was added to the platform in 2018. Unfortunately for Netflix fans, neither A.I. can directly access Netflix content on a Roku.