Hasta La Gadget!

Microsoft’s OneNote for Windows 8.1 has seen a considerable update, adding the ability to “scan” a document or image using a tablet’s camera, apply optical character recognition to search through text, and make better use of digital ink. The new app, available today, takes on Evernote with its new Camera Scan feature, which automatically crops, […]

Cox Communications is one of the largest cable providers in the US. The company has an interesting application that works along with its DVR that features the Contour Guide and the only DVR that can record six shows at the same time. Cox originally launched the Contour app for iPad users. Cox has now rolled […]

If you are a fan of the Google Chromecast streaming appliance, you will love the news that has turned up this week. The HBO Go app has now been updated to support Chromecast streaming. That means you can watch your favorite HBO programs, like Game of Thrones, on your TV using the Chromecast device.

The app has been updated to support Chromecast on Android and iOS platforms. The HBO Go app now gives users a button at the top that will let you choose Chromecast. Once chosen, any video launched will be played on Chromecast not the smart device.

Chromecast is one of the least expensive streaming devices out there, selling for just $35(USD). When the Chromecast device launched it supported YouTube and Netflix. It has now added support for Pandora and Hulu Plus. The playback quality of the video via Chromecast is said to be as good as other streaming sources like Apple TV and Roku devices.

Of course, you’ll still need to be an HBO cable or satellite subscriber in order to use the service.

[via PCMag]

Dish’s Hopper software team is clearly busy; just two months after it brought home-automation support to its DVR, it’s rolling out another update that offers considerably more control. The new “Denver” firmware enables promised HDMI-CEC support, letting the Hopper send and receive commands from compatible HDMI gear. It can automatically switch TV inputs when powered on, for example. Other upgrades introduce universal search, a help app and a shelf-like layout for On Demand videos. As part of the revamp, Dish is also improving its Explorer iPad app; Apple tablet owners can both control every TV on the Hopper platform and find recommended shows. Neither “Denver” nor the Explorer update will necessarily get anyone switching TV providers, but it should make the viewing experience that much sweeter for loyal customers.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Tablets, HD

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Source: Dish, App Store

The world needs more social networks like it needs more politicians. Then again, we’ve got some time for Potluck, if only because the service is financially backed by Ev Williams and Biz Stone — two guys who have form when it comes to spotting a good idea. Potluck’s iOS app, which has just benefited from a major overhaul, throws curated news stories at you one by one. Then it asks you to tap “yay” or “nay” depending on whether you find the topic enticing — a bit like the way Tinder works, but applied to headlines instead of scary faces. If a particular story sparks your imagination and urge to banter, the app connects you with friends who’ve read the same article so that you can right the world’s wrongs together. Or, you know, find even nastier things to say about poor old Miley Cyrus.

Filed under: Cellphones, Internet, Software

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Source: Potluck