Set-top showdown: Apple TV vs. Roku 3 vs. Boxee Box vs. WD TV Play vs. Google TV
Trying to figure out which set-top box to buy? Check out our 2013 breakdown of the five most popular streaming set-top box platforms:
Google overhauls YouTube comments, now requires Google+ login
Looking for ways to improve the tools for reading, posting and moderating YouTube comments, Google has redesigned the YouTube commenting system by integrating it with the Google+ social network.
A Chromecast competitor with Android app access has emerged
Potentially useful for anyone that's invested in the Android application marketplace, the PLAiR 2 HDMI dongle will allow users to expand beyond streaming video applications like Netflix and Hulu Plus.
Vybe smart bracelet alerts you of incoming calls, text messages
Potentially ideal for anyone misses lots of phone calls or text messages, the Vybe smart bracelet vibrates to alert users of smartphone activity.
Comcast rolls out HBO broadband bundle targeting cord cutters
Looking for a way to win back cord cutters that have ditched traditional cable service in favor of Netflix, Comcast has created a new Internet bundle that includes HBO programming in the price.
Netflix officially surpasses HBO in total U.S. subscribers
Proving that the investment in original programming was a solid move for Netflix, the company posted a record number of U.S. subscribers for the previous quarter that beats out rival HBO.
BitTorrent site Isohunt loses MPAA fight, forced to somehow pay studios $110 million
Attempting to make it slightly tougher for tech savvy consumers to locate copyrighted material on the Web, the MPAA won a case against Isohunt which will result in the closure of the site within a week.
BitLock brings GPS tracking and keyless entry to your bicycle
Designed to encourage sharing among friends and family members, the BitLock allows cyclists to lend out their bike to others while still being able to keep an eye on the bike's location.
New drone service delivers textbook rentals to college students
Looking for a way to decrease delivery time and reduce costs at the same time, a new type of unmanned drone service delivers textbook rentals to college students quickly and efficiently.
Netflix negotiating with cable providers to offer set-top box app
Potentially useful for anyone that hasn't adopted a media streaming device like the Roku 3 or Apple TV, cable providers are talking with Netflix to bring Netflix Instant to cable set-top boxes.
BeLuvv Guardian is a LoJack-like system for tracking small kids
Designed to provide an additional layer of parental security for small children, the BeLuvv Guardian allows parents to track a child's location using a network of friends and mobile app interactivity.
Report: Amazon preps streaming set-top box for holiday 2013 release
Potentially useful for consumers currently invested in the Amazon ecosystem of content, the retailer is currently prepping a streaming set-top box for release before the end of the year.
Report: Fitbit Force activity tracker offers digital watch, altimeter
Potentially a useful upgrade to consumers that utilize the Fitbit Flex, the Fitbit Force is a new, unannounced fitness tracking wristband that brings over a couple upgrades from the Fitbit One design.
Google brings search by image to Chrome 30, Chrome gestures to Android
Definitely useful when attempting to identify visual elements within a picture, Google has added a search by image feature to Chrome 30 as well as new gesture controls for Chrome for Android.
U.S. consumers are less tolerant of video ads on smartphones, tablets
While television viewers are certainly used to watching commercials on networks, mobile viewers are definitely less excited about watching video ads in exchange for ad-supported content.
Netflix makes 1080p Super HD streams available to all users
Definitely good news for Netflix Instant subscribers with 1080p high definition televisions, Netflix is expanding the availability of Super HD content streams as well as 3D content to all Netflix users.
Apple rolls out Apple TV automatic setup when paired with iOS 7 device
Definitely ideal for avoiding the same setup process over and over with new devices, the Apple TV can now be automatically setup by simply touching an iOS 7 mobile device to the Apple TV hardware.
BluFit smart water bottle keeps tabs on your water drinking habits
Definitely useful for anyone that forgets to drink those crucial eight glasses a day, the BluFit smart water bottle helps you remember the importance of drinking water with visual notifications and data tracking.
New York State busts 19 companies for creating fake online reviews
Looking to curtail the creation of fake online reviews for New York businesses, the NY Attorney General's office used a year-long sting to shed light on the shady practices of online marketing companies.
RIDEYE is a black box recording system for cyclists
Designed to increase the safety of anyone that likes to save on gas costs and bike to work, the RIDEYE is a camera system for cyclists that records constantly in order to capture accidents.
