Hasta La Gadget!

Well, this is quite a blow to basic cable viewers. Up until recently, Comcast has allowed subscribers to access certain channels without adding a set-top box for every TV — instead, you’d simply connect your TV directly via coax (how quaint!). Now, certain customers have received word that their free ride will soon be coming to an end. The media giant will begin is expanding the area where it encrypts basic cable channels, requiring a single STB for each and every television that you plan to use. A Comcast Q&A document only addresses home users, so it’s unclear whether enterprise subscribers would also be affected — though that wouldn’t be out of the question.

We think the move could mean a more complicated (and pricey) installation at hospitals, university dorms and even neighborhood gyms, where TVs installed in cardio equipment often plug directly into wall jacks, not to mention the inconvenience you’ll be facing at home. This latest setback, of course, follows an FCC decision to allow companies to encrypt their basic cable channels — the authorization was reportedly granted to cut back on service theft, among other concerns. Comcast will be issuing up to two adapters to each subscriber at no charge for up to two years, assuming you request your equipment within four months of the date of encryption. That’s the good news, but encrypted content is quite a bummer, nonetheless.

Update: Comcast has already implemented encryption in certain areas — this latest move simply represents a wider rollout. Additionally, Comcast-issued set-top boxes are not required when a CableCard solution is in use. Boxee TV owners can receive a new E-DTA that turns Comcast’s encrypted cable channels into IP streams, as specified in an earlier agreement.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD

Comments

Via: GigaOM

Source: Comcast

There’s no question that the Droid Bionic has had a rough life between long delays, a more popular cousin and slow updates. Both Motorola and Verizon may be making up for lost time, however — starting today, they’re pushing an Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update for the erstwhile flagship. The core updates will be familiar to anyone with a late 2012 Motorola phone, including Google Now and rich notifications. There are a few Droid Bionic-specific tweaks, including better data connectivity as well as removals of the preloaded Sling and (no longer relevant) MOG apps. A software update can’t erase any bitter memories, but it does show that the short-lived leader is getting long-term affection.

[Thanks, Jared]

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Google

Comments

Source: Verizon

Sure, watching YouTube videos in HD is great when you want clarity, but maybe you’ve been yearning for that grainy, tape-recorded look. Marking what’s apparently the 57th anniversary of cassette-based video recording, the YouTube team has snuck a VHS tape-shaped button on select videos. Clicking it will the throw a filter over the content, providing a highly distorted and nostalgic feast for the eyes. There’s no official list of compatible content, but the option seems to be available on most of the videos on YouTube’s native channel. We have a feeling at least one VCR enthusiast will be quite pleased.

Filed under: Internet, Google

Comments

Source: YouTube (Google+)

Look: we know many on Verizon aren’t happy that the carrier has revealed plans to lengthen its upgrade intervals right as smartphone update season is hitting full stride. However, there may be a consolation prize. As of April 21st, “some devices” in its smartphone range, not just the existing tablets, will qualify for a Device Payment Plan that spreads out the full costs over the course of a year, letting those who crave the latest mobile hardware (presumably, you) upgrade without either having to sign a contract or pay everything up front. Sounds like a very UnCarrier thing to do, doesn’t it? Not quite, unfortunately. The carrier tells us that these payments sit on top of existing service plans, not inside them — the base service rate won’t go down in year two. T-Mobile will remain the better bargain for anyone constantly replacing handsets, then, but those on Verizon will at least have a degree of freedom.

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, Verizon

Comments

Via: Droid-Life

Source: Verizon

When it comes to modding consoles there are two names that generally stand above the rest: Mr. Benjamin J. Heckendorn and the man known as Bacteria. The latter has done his fair share of portable machines, but his latest completed project takes console hacking to lofty new heights. Unity crams a stunning 15 different consoles (including classics like the SNES and not-so-classics like the TurboGrafx 16) into a single, admittedly bulky box. The one of a kind entertainment center is the culmination of three years and $700 invested in bringing this dream to life. All of the hardware inside is either from the original consoles (no emulation of clone systems here!) or custom built — such as the 16-position switch. And, it should go without saying, that it took a whole lot to get these gaming machines to share a single power supply, video cable and control pad. Now that the epic project is finally complete Bacteria has provided a rather lengthy walk though of all the various features and the work that went into it, which you can check out after the break.

Filed under: Gaming

Comments

Source: Made-by-Bacteria 1, 2