Hasta La Gadget!

Samsung made a lot of noise about its first-party Smart TV initiative yesterday, so we had to stop by and check things out — especially that new WiFi-based RMC30D Smart Touch Remote, which comes bundled with all new 8000-series TVs and above. (It also works with the 7000 series, but you have to buy it separately.) Unfortunately, things weren’t working so well — tons of WiFi interference in the area made control hard to do, and the system itself was a confusing UI nightmare made worse by the remote’s slow resistive touchscreen. Oh, and did we mention that the remote itself is a straight-up iPhone 3G KIRF? Because yeah — it is. Things were slightly improved when we loaded up the soon-to-be-released Android control app on a nearby Fascinate, but that didn’t fix the essential issues with the UI — it’s very much just a picture of a regular remote drawn on the screen, which rarely works well on a touchscreen device. Don’t just take our word for it — check the video after the break.

Continue reading Samung Smart Touch Remote and Smart TV hands-on

Samung Smart Touch Remote and Smart TV hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 18:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Just a couple of years after its initial debut, Yahoo’s Connected TV platform is finally ready to escape the TV, among other things. One surprise shown off tonight during the pre-CES Digital Experience event is a new D-Link box that overlays the widgets on any video signal to any display by way of HDMI passthrough. Also on display are prototype remote apps for Android and iPad, both could act as a remote control, while the tablet app could also search or browse for additional programming and share videos straight to the TV Airplay-style.

On the paying bills end of things however, this year’s big announcement is the ability to tie in with live TV broadcasts, while the company didn’t reveal what information keyed the system, it figure out if a TV program or ad being watched is a compatible one and pop up prompts accordingly. While that could lead to even more annoying ads for consumers, there’s at least a few interesting applications like the one we saw voting on potential winners of a boxing match as it starts on Showtime, one of the initial partners along with CBS, ABC, Showtime, HSN, Ford and Mattel. Check out the press release after the break, we should have a video of the demo up shortly.

Continue reading Yahoo! Connected TV Widgets shows off live TV tie-ins, iPad remote and D-Link add-on

Yahoo! Connected TV Widgets shows off live TV tie-ins, iPad remote and D-Link add-on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 23:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We got a hint of this when Boxee announced one, but it’s clear now that Netflix’s plans are much larger as many of its hardware partners including Panasonic, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, Toshiba, Dynex, Haier, Memorex, Iomega and Roku will also offer one-touch Netflix buttons on remotes for TVs, Blu-ray players and media streamers. It’s pretty obvious, Netflix Watch Instantly is a killer app for any connected TV platform at this point and one of the most used features, making access quicker and easier is a no-brainer.

Continue reading Netflix ‘one click’ remote button coming to nearly every device it streams to

Netflix ‘one click’ remote button coming to nearly every device it streams to originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 09:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple Remote app updated for AirPlay video streaming originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Dec 2010 13:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Well, one thing’s for sure: it ain’t a Harmony. GenosTV, a small subsidiary of the ShambroWest Corporation, is fixing to make somewhat of a splash at CES next year, primarily by showcasing working prototypes of a remote that has been in circulation since June. The monstrosity you’re inevitably peering at above is described as the Cyclops Multifunction Universal Controller, and while we aren’t told if uses IR or Bluetooth (or both), we are expecting to get a little hands-on time with it in a matter of weeks. The company will also be using its time in Vegas to schmooze with connected HDTV makers, presumably in an effort to strike up a bundle deal with the Sonys, Samsungs and Vizios of the world. Needless to say, our interest is decidedly piqued.

Continue reading GenosTV sets a date with CES, plans to demo Cyclops universal remote

GenosTV sets a date with CES, plans to demo Cyclops universal remote originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 02:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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