What do Ann Coulter and iPad Mini have in common for your home network

What do Ann Coulter and iPad Mini have in common for your home network? Ann Coulter has been in the media over the past few days for her comments which have created a firestorm reaction. For those who may not know what the fuss is about check out the video below.

The iPad Mini has done pretty much the same thing after the keynote earlier this week. You'll find the iPad mini keynote video below.

According to Samantha Murphy -

A new study by Toluna QuickSurveys — which was conducted among 2,000 consumers — revealed iPad owners are upset about how soon the company launched its next-generation tablet and, consequently, made the iPad 3 obsolete. The news came as a surprise to many fans when it was revealed on Tuesday at its iPad mini press event.

Half (50%) of iPad 3 owners say they were disgruntled about the launch of the iPad 4, followed by iPad 2 owners (45%) and first-generation iPad owners (40%).

The survey also found that consumers are ready and willing to purchase the 7.85-inch iPad mini, Apple’s smallest tablet so far. About 15% say they will definitely buy the smaller tablet, while 32% say they would “probably buy it.” Meanwhile, about 21% say they would purchase the iPad mini as a gift for the holidays.

When asked which device they would prefer among the iPad Mini, Kindle Fire and Nexus 7 Tablet, the Kindle came out on top with 46%, followed by the iPad Mini (40%) and Nexus (14%).

The findings also indicate that iPad owners are more likely to purchase the iPad Mini with 71% saying they would “definitely” or “probably” purchase the tablet. Respondents are most impressed by the size of the small, lightweight device (26%), followed by “speed and performance” (23%) and enhanced battery life (22%).

(Image credit: Apple)

So what do Ann Coulter and iPad Mini have in common for your home network? In one word controversy.

The iPad Mini may have peeved people with its timing but the fact that it doesn't really provide too many advantages over the Kindle Fire and Nexus 7 may be the biggest factor at play. Here are some examples (Source: The Inquirer)-

The Apple Ipad Mini features a 7.9in LED backlit multi-touch display with IPS technology, and the 1024x768 resolution screen offers 163ppi pixel density. However, it has stopped short of bringing its gorgeous Retina display with 3.1 million pixels at 316ppi to the smaller version.

The Kindle Fire HD and Google Nexus 7 top this with identical 7in HD screens with 1280x800 resolution and an impressive 216 ppi. Google also uses IPS for its Nexus 7, while Amazon said it has added a polarising filter and anti-glare technology to its Kindle for even better viewing angles.

The Ipad Mini has a dual-core A5X processor, the same as on the Ipad 2 and we can confirm that it's powerful enough for nippy browsing and a smooth gaming or media playback experience on the full sized device, so it should translate to the Ipad Mini too. Apple didn't reveal the memory size of the Ipad Mini.
The Nexus 7 has a quad-core Tegra 3 processor and 1GB of RAM, and we've been impressed with the performance of the Nexus 7 for any task thrown at it. The Kindle Fire HD offers a 1.2Ghz dual-core processor, with unspecified memory.

For a more detailed breakdown and comparison between the iPad Mini, Nexus 7, Kindle Fire and Galaxy Tab 7.7 and what it means for your home network, check out this table.

Simply put we don't see too many iPad Mini's in home networks and that your home networks are unlikely to change significantly because of it. If you are likely to buy the iPad Mini let us know in the comments. And let us know what do Ann Coulter and iPad Mini have in common for your home network or not.

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What the Ultra High-Definition change means to home theaters

The consumer Electronics Association or CEA has announced that 4K is now Ultra High-Definition. But the question on most peoples minds is - what the Ultra High-Definition change means to home theaters? (Image credit: Flickr)

Other than the fact that 4K will officially be known as Ultra High-Definition, or Ultra HD for short, there are marketing implications for TV manufacturers. UHDTV was already an International standard, fact in August, the International Telecommunication Union approved the use of the name Ultra High Definition for both 4K (3840 x 2160) and 8K (7680 x 4320) resolutions.

What the Ultra High-Definition change means to home theaters is that companies can only use the Ultra HD label when their products have at least one input capable of transmitting native 4K video at 3840 x 2160 resolution without upconverting. Another implication is that Screens will have to have eight million active pixels, with at least 3,840 horizontal pixels and 2,160 vertical pixels at minimum.

If the CEA's announcement was meant to prevent any confusion Sony is not actually helping. the company while lauding the CEA says it will continue to use 4K for its current products and will label future products as 4K Ultra High Definition (4K UHD).

Here is their statement -

Just a quick note to let you know that as a leader at the forefront of new display technology such as HD, 3D and beyond, Sony lauds the CEA’s efforts to come up with a common language to describe the next generation high-definition technology. However, to ensure clarity for consumers and delineate between today’s and tomorrow’s technology, Sony will continue to use the 4K moniker for its products and will market its future products as 4K ultra high-definition (4K UHD).

While pixel enthusiasts are probably rejoicing with the implications of what the Ultra High-Definition change means to home theaters. Some if not most will hold out on an upgrade for the NHK 8K Super Hi-Vision. So what the Ultra High-Definition change means to home theaters is really just an enormous amount of detail in your viewing. Let us know your thoughts on what the Ultra High-Definition change means to home theaters and the Sony announcement.

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Delta Six controller for home gaming systems

The Delta Six controller for home gaming systems has been launched on Kickstarter. The device is a gun controller that promises to make first person shooter games a lot more real. The Delta Six controller for home gaming systems is compatible with current gaming systems including the Ouya. (Image credits: Kickstarter)

David Kotkin and his team are building on the success of their Avenger product with the release of the Delta Six. Here is some of the reasoning behind the project.

When I designed Delta SiX, I wanted to create a product that combines motion control gaming with a hardcore First Person Shooter methodology. It has been my goal for years to design a product that will take gaming—online and off to the next level.

People shell out money on big 3D HD TV and digital surround sound (or expensive top of the line headsets) to feel the intensity and urgency of a game in the way the developer intended. However, this is lost when you shoot and you are still only holding a controller, not something that feels like a gun. Delta SiX will change this without sacrificing performance or control. It will enhance both.

For as little as $89 you can snag your own Delta Six controller. However the models shipped out will be all white with an orange tip in order for it not to be mistaken for a real firearm. The company will also now provide models in black if requested closer to the launch date.

Check out the introductory video below -

The Delta Six controller for home gaming systems has complex parts in it. Moving and aiming is controlled by gyroscopes in the controller. The system is able to replicate small, quick motions which provide fine grain control over aim.

According to Nathaniel Wattenmaker -

Face buttons are on the grip of the controller, each one finding its respective place under the natural position of one's fingers. There is a pressure sensor near the scope, and when you look down the sights, the game will transition accordingly, causing your digital self to do the same. The controller is quite obviously designed to replicate using an actual weapon. As fine as dual analog control has become, the Delta Six stands a chance of making the experience of playing the game deeper.

While we expect that the immersion factor will be high with the Delta Six gun controller, responsiveness and accuracy is yet to be determined and make the difference in capturing the imagination of first person shooter game players while playing. Let us know what you think of the Delta Six controller for home gaming systems in the comments below.

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Microsoft Surface in home network - maybe just not yet

A recent release by Microsoft has people speculating on Microsoft Surface in home network - maybe just not yet. The company has been mum on the price, that is until now. (Image credit: Microsoft store)

The prices released on the online store state that the 32 GB model without the cool Touch cover will be $499, the 32 GB model with Touch Cover will be $599, and the 64 GB model will be $699. The Touch Cover is about $119.99, and the Type cover will be $129.

To encourage sales of Microsoft Surface in home networks, marketing for the Surface has already begun in certain cities with street art and official invitations a Surface launch event set to take place on October 25. From the price one would guess that Microsoft is wanting to compete head-to-head with the leading iPad, which starts at $499.

Microsoft has released a new commercial showing off the features of the new Surface, Windows 8-powered tablet, which you can see in the video below.

It looks as though the keyboard is going to make quite a difference. These prices are on the high end and not exactly designed to compete with the Kindle Fire as we originally thought might be the case. It looks like the tablet wars between the iPad and Surface will not be price based. Microsoft Surface in home network - maybe just not yet, tell us what you think in the comments below.

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Beats Pill portable wireless speaker

Taking aim at the Jawbone Jambox the company Beats has released the Beats Pill portable wireless speaker. The device is a small bluetooth enabled speaker priced at $199 and a special focus on sound quality. (Image credit: PR Newswire)

According to the press release -

At Beats, sound is king. From the placement of the drivers to the materials of the grill, the Beats Pill is specifically designed to optimize sound quality and maximize volume. The Beats Pill is the first product to be fully integrated with the company's patented Beats Audio algorithm and also features exclusive speaker modules to provide the highest quality portable listening experience.

The Beats Pill is also the first wireless speaker to hit store shelves with tap-to-pair NFC and apt-X technology for easy and instant Bluetooth audio. More features include:

• All call functions - including speakerphone when paired with your smartphone


• Four speaker system with Beats unique sound profile


• Rechargeable lithium ion battery provides 7 hours of continuous play


• AC Power adapter with USB receptacle for charging


• Auto shut-off after 30 minutes of no signal detection in order to conserve battery life


• 3.5mm line out for connection to an external speaker system


• Built-in mic for hands free conferencing


• Echo cancellation for call clarity and feedback control


• 8 Bluetooth profiles

The Beats Pill will be available in the Beats by Dr. Dre signature colors black, white and red with additional color options coming soon.

Check out the product video below -

We are hearing that it sounds better than the Jambox and the extra features do make it an attractive option even if a bit pricier than the Jambox which is now available for $179. We believe it could make for a very nice portable house party sound system solution. The Beats Pill portable wireless speaker should ship at the end of October.

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Bose Solo TV Sound System for Home Theaters

The problem with soundbars is that they are expensive and don't do too much for over all aesthetics when they need to sit in front of your flat panel TV. The Bose Solo TV sound system for home theaters is an all-in-one home theater audio system that fits in a single box. The sound system has a stronger cabinet than most soundbars and so can be used as a stand for medium-sized TVs (up to 37-42″ max.) Or to be more precise, it’ll hold any TV with a stand no larger than 20″(W) x 10.25″(D), and no heavier than 40 pounds. It can also sit nicely on a console table underneath your larger, wall-mounted flat-screen. (Image credit: Bose)

According to the press release on the Bose Solo TV sound system for home theaters -

It delivers detailed, wide, even sound using proprietary Bose digital signal processing and Bose speaker array technology. Owners will hear program audio clearly and naturally, even at lower volumes. And regardless of what’s being watched, it can now be heard with the intended impact –- the whispered conversation between two actors, the powerful vocals of a talent show, the music supporting a drama, or the crack-of-a-bat for a game-winning home run.

Set-up and use is simple. The Bose Solo TV system connects to a television with just one cable and one plug to the wall. No additional equipment, wiring or adjustments is required. A remote control is included, and the system can also be operated by most universal remotes.

“People will enjoy the Bose Solo TV system every day,” said Lankford. “It’s not a product reserved for special occasions, or movie night -- and that’s what makes it so exciting. Every time you watch TV, the Bose Solo system improves the experience.”

Check out the promo video below for more of an idea as what this system can do.

Reviews seem to indicate that the device does a great job for reasonably sized rooms and clear dialogue, The Bose Solo TV comes with multiple full range drivers and a dual ported bass enclosure. This isn't as good as having a dedicated subwoofer but does take up less space.

You'll need to bear in mind that the Bose Solo TV Sound System for home theaters is an audio only device offering only digital optical, coax and analog RCA connections. The Bose Solo TV sound system refers to your TV as the switching device, and leverages the audio output found on most modern HDTVs. Also this device doesn't provide surround sound. The Bose Solo TV Sound System for home theaters does however give you better sound than you would find on your TV. So for clean living room home theater system on a low budget you can get the Bose Solo TV Sound System for home theaters for $399 on Amazon.

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Boxee TV a home theater cord cutting solution

The Verge is reporting on leaked photos of the Boxee TV. The Boxee TV a home theater cord cutting solution could be the new reality. The device it is said aims to combine over-the-air live TV broadcasts, DVR functionality, and web apps into a single home theater solution. (Image credit: Wikipedia)

According to Chris Welch -

The new hardware (also manufactured by D-Link) sheds Boxee Box's angled black cube in favor of a form factor that resembles competing products from Apple, Roku, and others. But what Boxee's latest gadget loses in character, it stands to gain in functionality. Whereas the current Boxee Box requires a separately-sold dongle to watch live television, the new box carries a TV tuner (complete with coax input) right inside its matte black casing — an external antenna is also said to be included. It's here that Boxee seems to be launching a full-scale assault against the traditional cable model, imploring users to "watch more free tv" and "stop spending money on stuff you don't watch" on the device's packaging.

The report also says that DVR capabilities have been thrown in as well which would allow one to watch content across multiple devices most likely via the Boxee app. Network streaming abilities will also allow you to play 1080p video as well.

Another change in the Boxee TV is said to be the remote. The Boxee TV a home theater cord cutting solution will mean a simpler non QWERTY remote with buttons for play/pause, home, back, menu, and a four-way directional controller. According to their source there is a lot of work to be done before the Boxee TV a home theater cord cutting solution becomes a reality.

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Wireless Smartphone Photo Printer for Home Networks

A wireless smartphone photo printer for home networks seems almost like a logical product given that we can take and edit photos on our smartphones and tablets. Well someone has finally brought out just such a device to the market. (Image credit: Hammacher Schlemmer)

The wireless smartphone photo printer for home networks is available via Hammacher Schlemmer. The printer receives the pictures on your mobile device wirelessly via Wi-Fi or if you have an iOS device via the dock connector on top of the device. Having said that it works well with Android devices as well and both iOS and Androids have apps suited for the purpose. What is bit of a highlight with the wireless smartphone photo printer for home networks is that it does not require ink cartridges. Instead it uses special photo paper that has yellow, magenta and cyan dye crystals embedded.

The biggest obstacle though may well be the price. It is priced at $219.95 and 12 prints would set you back $24.95. It is a new and novel way of printing photos though and hopefully as more wireless smartphone photo printer for home networks appear on the market the price will drop making it a must have in home networks.

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Kinyo Phyre PA-550 2.0 multimedia home network speakers

The Kinyo Phyre PA-550 2.0 multimedia home network speakers are speakers designed to provide full sound to anything with a 3.5 mm headphone jack. The Kinyo Phyre PA-550 2.0 speakers are small and sleek in design and are able to produce a pretty good sound at 20 watts. While its not a big sound it does sound pretty good when hooked up to a smartphone, laptop or PC. (Image credit: Kinyo)

The device has been engineered to provide improved sound performance compared to most conventional computer speakers. The Kinyo Phyre PA-550 2.0 multimedia home network speakers also has Bass-Renu™ technology incorporated that produces a deeper bass and power. It also has conveniently placed volume/power controls right on the speakers and a headphone jack for going down that option. Pricing from what we have seen is around the $60 mark but it is best to shop around.

Let us know if you prefer to use external speakers like the Kinyo Phyre PA-550 2.0 multimedia home network speakers for your smartphone in the comments below and do share this with your friends on Facebook.

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3M streaming projector for home theaters

3M has launched a new miniature projector but this one is different. The 3M streaming projector for home theaters relies upon the new Roku streaming stick to beam content via Wi-Fi. As a result the new projector can provide access to hundreds of channels. (Image credits: 3M)

The partnership between 3M and Roku has resulted in a unique product for home theater viewing that they say is the first in the world. The 3M streaming projector for home theaters can be used to share favorite videos or stream movies online providing a big screen experience as long as there is a decent Wi-Fi connection available.

The device is small enough to fit in your hand but can project an image upto 120 inches across diagonally. The downside is that max battery life is only 2 hours and 45 mins. So without plugging into a power outlet long movies or movie marathons are not really an option.

The 3M streaming projector for home theaters is available for pre-order over at Amazon.com for $299. While home parties and sleep overs could greatly benefit from this affordably priced device. check out the promo video below for a better idea of the device.

While picture quality is better than other pico projectors in the market and is acceptable, brightness is improved with room lights turned off and for audiophiles sound quality may be an issue with the inbuilt speakers so you may need to consider hooking up to a home audio system. Despite this we feel the 3M streaming projector for home theaters is worth looking into.

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Swissvoice ePure iPhone 5 dock for home networks

The Swissvoice ePure iPhone 5 dock for home networks is the latest in the accessories for the new iPhone 5. The Swissvoice ePure iPhone 5 dock has bit of a retro look in that it is shaped to look like a telephone from the past. Check out the introductory video below. (Image credit: Swissvoice)

The Swissvoice ePure comes in 2 forms, one compatible with an iPhone 5 and the other with a USB. The first is priced at $150 while the latter is $140. The dock allows the iPhone to be charged and while that is happening the handset can be used via Bluetooth, much like a normal telephone. The Bluetooth wireless handset also allows you to stream music directly from the iPhone, tablet or PC. The handset is equipped with stereo speakers.

The Swissvoice ePure iPhone 5 dock for home networks would make a great addition to a home network simply because of its good looks and audio quality.

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Nook video service for home network theaters

Barnes & Noble have announced a Nook video service for home network theaters. The Nook video service can be used for streaming and downloading video. The company has confirmed deals with companies like HBO, Starz, Viacom, Warner Bros., Disney, and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, with other partners to be announced later. (Image credit: Flickr)

According to the company's press release -

Beginning this fall in the US and coming this holiday season to the UK, NOOK Video will offer customers the opportunity to shop an extensive and diverse digital collection of standard and high-definition movies and TV shows available for streaming and download. Through deals with these and other major studios, the NOOK Video catalog will offer something for everyone in the family to enjoy, including Disney-Pixar’s Brave and Toy Story 3, Marvel’s The Avengers, 21 Jump Street, Awkward, The Artist, Breaking Bad, Dora the Explorer, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Spartacus, Magic City, The Walking Dead, True Blood®, Game of Thrones®, Harry Potter movies, The Dark Knight, The Hangover and many more.

Videos that are streamed and downloaded from the NOOK Store will be stored safely and securely in the NOOK Cloud™, so NOOK Video content can be enjoyed on NOOKs and other devices via soon-to-launch free NOOK Video apps. As with the NOOK Reading apps, NOOK Video apps will seamlessly work together so customers can pick up watching right where they left off on any of their connected devices.

NOOK Video will also integrate a customer’s compatible physical DVD and Blu-ray Disc purchases and digital video collection across their devices through UltraViolet™. Customers will soon be able to easily link their UltraViolet accounts to the NOOK Cloud allowing them to view their previously and newly purchased UltraViolet-enabled movies and TV shows across NOOK devices and NOOK Video apps, as well as through third party applications. In addition to purchasing a digital version via NOOK Video, customers can shop for DVDs and Blu-ray discs with the UltraViolet logo in Barnes & Noble and other retail stores, add them to their digital collection, and instantly watch compatible titles from the NOOK Cloud to enjoy wherever they go and however they choose.

The revamped Nook video service for home network theaters is larger move into the multi-media market. In fact the company is also giving customers who buy a DVD or Blu-ray access to a digital copy on the Nook app. However given that UltraViolet hasn't made much progress even with Amazon on board it remains to be seen how successful the venture will be.

Do you own a Nook tablet? Would you use the Nook video service for home network theaters, let us know in the comments below.

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