Hasta La Gadget!

Looking for one box to rule them all? If so, you must have glossed right over Monsoon’s Vulkano launch, but lucky for you, there’s a reminder coming in the form of a ‘now shipping’ proclamation. Just weeks after the $379 mega-box — which aims to replace all of those other STBs under your television — went up for pre-order, the earliest of adopters have started to receive their devices. We’re still waiting on a proper critique, but if you’re yearning to have a glance at what the future of media looks like, give those links below a look. Just kidding about that last part, by the way.

[Thanks, Dan]

Monsoon Vulkano do-it-all media box starts shipping, gets unboxed originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 12:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monsoon — after taking advantage of a few delays since our initial hands-on by adjusting the name and pricing — is finally ready to show off the followup to its HAVA line of placeshifting media streamers, the Vulkano. Integrating a video processor and local storage into its slim frame, the Vulkano accepts HD video over its analog inputs for recording and live streaming to other devices (PC, Mac, iPhone/iPad, Blackberry and Android players will be available at launch, with a Symbian version on the way) or it can convert recordings locally for them to be downloaded over WiFi or 3G and stored on those devices for offline viewing. Remote scheduling and channel changing functionality (controlling connected set-top boxes via IR blaster) isn’t a shocking new feature, but this goes a step further by bringing internet videos to your TV (YouTube, local UPnP devices) Boxee and Popbox style, and other big names like Hulu, Netflix, Google TV, Amazon Yahoo! Widgets and a full HTML browser are promised to show up in firmware updates soon. Believers can hit the site to preorder now, with units ranging from the $279 Vulkano with 8GB of SD card storage, up to a $379 Vulkano Pro with 1TB eSATA HDD included and other sizes planned in between. Check after the break for a press release with more details, and our hands on video from CES.

Continue reading Monsoon Vulkano all-in-one DVR/placeshifting/media streaming box ready for preorder, ships August 10

Monsoon Vulkano all-in-one DVR/placeshifting/media streaming box ready for preorder, ships August 10 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 10:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Looks like YouTube‘s having quite the day. The site has officially rolled out Leanback, its television-friendly interface first espied during Google TV’s big unveiling. The interface works via keyboard arrow keys — sorry, no option to use the mouse — letting you scroll through your feeds / recommendations, categories, playback options, and search bar. Videos encompass the entire browser menu and will crank up the HD when available. So far, we’re seeing snappy response with navigation, and some utter embarrassment at the (unfortunately accurate) suggestions YouTube is throwing our way.

Meanwhile on the handheld front, YouTube’s also pushed live a new mobile site. New touted features include a more touch-friendly UI, further incorporation of the main site’s elements such as favorites and ratings, and a generally speedier existence. YouTube also promises to work at bringing update parity across its desktop and portable kin, “unlike native apps which are not updated as frequently” (come on, tell us how you really feel, guys). Since the TV season is in a bit of a lull anyway, might as well grab your iPhone, Android device, HTPC remote, laptop, or whatever other screen you have and play catchup with your viral videos. Promotional footage after the break.

Continue reading YouTube launches Leanback, mobile site gets HTML5 revamp (video)

YouTube launches Leanback, mobile site gets HTML5 revamp (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 20:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Well, lookie here — Logitech’s Revue is official, and it’s coming this Fall to make your HDTV even smarter. We knew from day one that Logi had been tapped to produce one of the first Google TV set-top boxes ever, and details on the little guy have been trickling out ever since. Described as a “Google TV companion box,” the device is expected to “combine everything on the web, cable and satellite [with] apps, video calling and more.” We’re told to be patient for specs and further deets, so we suppose we’ll do just that. While pouting.

[Thanks, Tom]

Logitech Revue gets official: Google TV companion box coming this Fall originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google’s reveal of Google TV wasn’t exactly flawless. After technical issues wreaked havoc with the live launch demonstration, many of us found it nearly impossible to focus just as soon as we heard mention of IR blaster control. Fear not, Google has returned with a two and half minute video that breaks it down like we were kindergartners. So grab your blanky and Mr. Tickle, the embedded video is available after the break.

Continue reading What is Google TV? (video)

What is Google TV? (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 01:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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