Podcast #878: CES 2019

CES (Consumer Electronics Show) is the world's gathering place for all those who thrive on the business of consumer technologies. It has served as the proving ground for innovators and breakthrough technologies for 50 years - the global stage where next-generation innovations are introduced to the marketplace. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), it attracts the world's business leaders and pioneering thinkers.

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Today's Show:

News:

• Charter’s new Spectrum app for Apple TV users doesn’t require logins
• Samsung Smart TVs to Launch iTunes Movies & TV Shows and Support AirPlay 2 Beginning Spring 2019
• Ikea’s smart blinds system launching next month with HomeKit, prices start at ~$110 

Other:

• Amazon is going to start delivering packages inside your garage so they don't get stolen
• Link to many of the Tivo commands on IFTTT

CES 2019 (some highlights)

CES (Consumer Electronics Show) is the world's gathering place for all those who thrive on the business of consumer technologies. It has served as the proving ground for innovators and breakthrough technologies for 50 years - the global stage where next-generation innovations are introduced to the marketplace. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), it attracts the world's business leaders and pioneering thinkers.

LG Debuts TV Of Tomorrow With World's First Rollable OLED TV
LG Electronics (LG) is defining the next generation of television at CES® 2019 with the introduction of the world's first rollable OLED TV. The LG SIGNATURE OLED TV R (model 65R9) reimagines the everyday TV with a revolutionary form factor only made possible by the company's industry-leading OLED technology, boasting picture and sound quality that is second to none. The never-before-seen user experience gives home TV viewers infinite possibilities in designing their perfect viewing space.

Line View allows the LG SIGNATURE OLED TV R to be partially unrolled, allowing for management of specific tasks that do not require the full TV screen. In Line View, users can choose from features such as Clock mode to check the time and weather, Frame mode to enjoy family photos shared from a smartphone, Mood mode to create a more relaxing atmosphere as well as others including Music and Home Dashboard.

When in Zero View, all 65 inches of the LG SIGNATURE OLED TV R are hidden from view and tucked away in the base. Even in Zero View, users can enjoy music and other audio content which resonate from the 4.2-channel, 100W front-firing Dolby Atmos audio system. The premium bloodline is clearly evident in the entire unit, from the brushed aluminum casing to the quality wool speaker cover designed by Kvadrat of Denmark.

No pricing or availability

Samsung Unveils 75 inch Modular Micro LED Technology
Samsung introduced its latest innovations in modular MicroLED display technology during its annual First Look CES event at the Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. The revolutionary new Micro LED technology designs featured at the event included: a new 75” display, a 219” The Wall as well as other various groundbreaking sizes, shapes and configurations for a next-generation modular Micro LED display – a 2019 CES Best of Innovation Award winner.

Due to the technical advancements in the ultra-fine pitch semiconductor packaging process that narrow the gap between the microscopic LED chips, Samsung has been able to create a stunning 4K Micro LED display in a smaller, more home-friendly 75” form factor.

No pricing or availability

Samsung announces 98in version of its 8K QLED TV

The QE98Q900R is  a 98in version of the TV that's already available in 65in, 75in, 82in (US-only) and 85in variants.

Aside from being a bigger model, the new model in the Q900R range shares the same specs as its siblings, which means it's an 8K display with a full array direct LED backlight that can hit a peak brightness of 4000 nits. It uses the same Quantum Processor 8K, which combines with central server-based machine-learning to upscale all non-8K content in the best quality possible.

No pricing or availability but the 85 inch is currently $15K

VIZIO Reveals SmartCast™ 3.0 at CES 2019, Adding Support for Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit

VIZIO, Inc. announced the latest iteration of its easy-to-use smart TV experience, VIZIO SmartCast 3.0, which will offer unparalleled value to consumers through new seamless integrations, features and content offerings. With support for Apple AirPlay 2, millions of VIZIO SmartCast users can effortlessly play videos, music, photos and more directly from their iPhone, iPad and Mac to SmartCast TVs. HomeKit, Apple's secure smart home platform, will also be supported, enabling customers to easily control their SmartCast TVs using the Home app or by asking Siri. Support for AirPlay 2 and HomeKit on VIZIO SmartCast TVs will be available for registered beta members across the U.S. and Canada to experience in Q1 2019. Following the beta, VIZIO SmartCast 3.0 will roll out via free cloud-based updates to new and existing SmartCast TVs and displays in Q2 20191.

Panasonic's GZ2000: World's Most Cinematic TV

Panasonic today announced the launch of the GZ2000, featuring a custom-made Professional Edition 4K OLED panel which incorporates custom hardware improvements by Panasonic. Optimized by a leading Hollywood colorist, the new panel highlights unparalleled color accuracy and significantly better than average brightness levels.

The GZ2000 is the world's first* OLED TV to support both HDR10+ and Dolby Vision HDR as well as HLG Photo, the new still image format which brings still photography into the HDR world.

Furthermore, the GZ2000 is the world's first TV with built-in upward-firing speakers capable of delivering Dolby Atmos® immersive audio with total ease and convenience. The total audio system has also been tuned by Technics engineers. Also, with support for voice assistants, the GZ2000 can integrate seamlessly with a smart home setup.

The GZ2000 also works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, allowing users to operate some key TV functions, just using their voice.

No pricing or availability

Sony Electronics Adds Super-large Sized 8K TVs and OLED 4K TVs to the MASTER Series Lineup

Sony Electronics Inc. today announced the new MASTER Series Z9G 8K LCD and A9G 4K OLED televisions. Sony's MASTER Series TVs represent the pinnacle of picture quality available to home viewers, capable of displaying images that faithfully convey the creators' intent. The MASTER Series is the name given to only the very best Sony TVs and provides premium picture quality, color, contrast and clarity approaching that of a professional-grade monitor. The MASTER Series TVs also feature Netflix Calibrated Mode and IMAX Enhanced to further ensure that content is delivered as intended.

Both new models feature the latest generation Picture Processor X1™ Ultimate for accurate detail and contrast. Introduced last fall with the inaugural MASTER Series models, this processor plays a vital role in delivering the high-quality picture in the MASTER Series. The Picture Processor X1 Ultimate has a unique algorithm specially developed for 8K that can intelligently detect and analyze each object in the picture, resulting in exceptional detail and contrast for a more realistic picture that represents the creators' intent. Premium quality sound is a key part of the viewing experience as well, and both the A9G and Z9G models have the new Sound-from-Picture Reality feature, which faithfully reproduces the position of the sound on the screen so when actors are speaking, the sound appears to be coming directly from their mouths and not from a speaker off to the bottom.

Pricing and retail availability will be announced in spring 2019. The MASTER Series televisions will be on sale at BestBuy and other authorized dealers nationwide.

Sony launching another new OLED TV - the AG8

Sony has just announced details of its more affordable 2019 OLED offering, the AG8.

Available in 55in and 65in variants, the AG8 does without the X1 Ultimate processor of the AG9 OLED, instead sticking with the X1 Extreme chip seen on its predecessor, the AF8.

Sony hasn't yet announced a release date or price for the AG8

Roku and TCL Announce Plan to Make 8K TCL Roku TVs and Built-in Voice Controls

Roku, Inc. and TCL® announced that the two companies are working together to make 8K TCL Roku TVs expected to be available to consumers in late 2019. TCL will leverage its latest Gen 11 LCD panel factory and Roku® is developing an 8K hardware reference design that TCL will be the first to license. Additionally, Roku is expanding its 4K and HDR hardware reference design to include far-field microphones for voice search and control. Today, TCL also announced they will be the first to deliver these TV models in 2019.

No pricing or availability

Airplay2 Enabled TVs

• LG OLED (2019)Announced

• LG NanoCell SM9X series (2019)Announced

• LG NanoCell SM8X series (2019)Announced

• LG UHD UM7X series (2019)Announced

• Samsung QLED Series (2019 and 2018)Announced

• Samsung 8 Series (2019 and 2018)Announced

• Samsung 7 Series (2019 and 2018)Announced

• Samsung 6 Series (2019 and 2018)Announced

• Samsung 5 Series (2019 and 2018)Announced

• Samsung 4 Series (2019 and 2018)Announced

• Sony Z9G Series (2019)Announced

• Sony A9G Series (2019)Announced

• Sony X950G Series (2019)Announced

• Sony X850G Series (2019 85", 75", 65" and 55" models)Announced

• Vizio P-Series Quantum (2019 and 2018)Announced

• Vizio P-Series (2019, 2018 and 2017)Announced

• Vizio M-Series (2019, 2018 and 2017)Announced

• Vizio E-Series (2019, 2018 and 2017)Announced

• Vizio D-series (2019, 2018 and 2017)Announced

Panasonic's 2019 4K Blu-ray players offer HDR10+ and Dolby Vision

Panasonic has launched two new Blu-ray players at CES 2019, the DP-UB150 and the DP-UB450, offering upgraded specs and promises of better performance.

Both new 4K Blu-ray players support the latest version of HDR (high dynamic range) picture technology, HDR10+. The more expensive UB450 player also supports Dolby Vision, another version of HDR, ensuring you can get the very best out of Dolby Vision content. Both the UB150 and UB450 can also passthrough Dolby Atmos. No Pricing or availability given

HARMAN’s Mark Levinson Showcases New 5000 Series Integrated Amplifiers

HARMAN’s Mark Levinson is showcasing the first two models from the new 5000 series, the № 5805 and № 5802 integrated amplifiers at CES 2019. The Mark Levinson 5000 series amplifiers deliver renowned Mark Levinson luxury and fidelity at an exceptional value.

“The Nº5805 and Nº5802 were created to deliver all of the performance and quality expected from Mark Levinson while implementing state of the art features and efficiencies gained from decades of superlative audio engineering and technological advancements,” said Jim Garrett, Senior Director, Product Strategy & Planning, HARMAN Luxury Audio. "Proudly designed, engineered and precision crafted in the USA, the 5000 series looks great, sounds amazing, and is re-defining performance expectations."

Both amplifiers feature fully discrete, direct-coupled, class AB amplifier channels powered from an oversized (500+ VA) toroidal transformer with individual secondary windings for the left and right channels. The voltage gain stage employs a topology directly descended from the acclaimed Nº 534 amplifier, which is mated to an output stage comprising two high-speed driver transistors operating in class A and six 260V, 15A output transistors. Two Thermal-Trak devices in a unique configuration guarantee stable output bias regardless of load or temperature. Four 10,000-microfarad capacitors per channel, located directly on the output stage circuit board, easily provide enough current for a conservative 125W/channel at 8 ohms, 250W/channel at 4 ohms, and stable operation down to 2 ohms.

The Nº5805 and Nº5802 will be available in first quarter 2019 at MSRPs of $8,500 and $7,000 respectively.

ELAC NAVIS Powered Speakers

ELAC’s new Navis Series answers every minimalist audiophile’s dream of a no-compromise powered speaker driven by best-inclass amplifiers that are truly deserving of the name “high end.” While most powered speakers rely on Class D digital designs, ELAC engineers build in 300 watts of pure analog amplification—for maximum power and exceptional sound. Add the Discovery Connect wireless transmitter to your system, and Navis becomes a wireless speaker that lets you enjoy streaming content without a cable in sight. $2,000 a pair for the book shelf model $2,000 each for floor standing.

Sony LSPX-S1 Glass Sound Speaker

The LSPX-S2 Glass Sound Speaker looks more like a little lamp than a speaker, and in actual fact it's both. At the centre of a glass tube is a little LED light with 32 steps of brightness that can also be set to candlelight mode, which introduces candle-like flickering. But just below the LED light, hidden from view, are three actuators, spaced equally around the inside of the glass. These actuators vibrate the glass to create sound, in much the same way that the actuators on the back of the company's OLED TVs produce sound by vibrating the panel. At the bottom of the unit, also hidden, is a woofer to add bass and lower mid-range, filling out the higher frequencies produced by the actuators. $799

Ring Door View Cam

The Ring Door View Cam is a smaller piece of kit that can sit over your door's existing viewer/spy hole. Sandwiched between the button and the camera lens is a piece of glass that'll let you peer through the hole at your visitors, old-school style.

Door View Cam comes with all of the usual features you'd expect from a Ring product, including HD video, privac y zones and smart alerts. In addition, however, it packs an impact sensor to alert you when a moron knocks on your door instead of, you know, pushing the clearly obvious bell. It's worth adding that existing Ring products will let you watch what's going on at the door with its Live View feature.

Because this is designed to sit over door peepholes, the product is installed without drilling or permanent modifications. That should mean that folks in rental properties and apartment blocks will be up for trying the device, so long as you can pop out the existing peephole. And Ring will, as usual, guarantee to replace your equipment if it's stolen, although it should be pretty hard to steal.

Arlo to Add Apple Homekit Support for Arlo Ultra and Pro 2 Wire-free Camera Systems

Arlo Technologies, Inc. announced today that HomeKit, Apple’s secure smart home platform, will be supported by the Arlo Ultra 4K HDR Wire-Free and Arlo Pro 2 Security Camera Systems. While Arlo users can already control their Ultra or Pro 2 cameras via the Arlo app, HomeKit provides added convenience for iPhone and iPad users to access certain functions of their Arlo cameras using the Apple Home app or Siri voice commands. Support for HomeKit will be available as an automatic firmware update for Arlo Ultra and Pro 2 camera systems later this quarter.

The new Arlo Ultra 4K HDR Wire-Free Security Camera System is available now, with pricing starting at $399.99 for the 1-camera system which includes a one-year subscription to Arlo Smart Premier, Arlo’s AI and computer vision powered service that delivers sophisticated detection of people, vehicles, packages and more3. The Arlo Pro 2 Smart Security System with 1080p HD picture quality starts at $299.99 for the 1-camera system.

Capstone Connected Home Launches Google-Enabled Smart Mirror

Capstone Connected Home’s Google-enabled Smart Mirror will be available in varying sizes, the first to market being 19x22. Available for purchase and shipping to customers the beginning of Q1 2019.

Brilliant smart home hub now supports Apple HomeKit

Brilliant, a smart home hub that plugs into existing light-switch ports, already works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Nest, Philips Hue, August smart locks and a whole bunch of other home accessories. Now, it's adding Apple HomeKit-enabled devices to the things you can control using its touchscreen panel. The integration also allows you to control lights connected to the hub by voice using Siri on iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, HomePods and Macs. You can also control those lights using the Apple Home app.

HomeKit support will roll out to all existing Brilliant customers through an over-the-air firmware update -- at no additional cost -- sometime this spring.

Belkin WEMO

New Wemo Light Switches for 2019

• Native HomeKit compatibility; leverages Apple's software authentication for HomeKit compatibility without the use of other hardware. Joins Wemo Mini Smart Plug and Wemo Dimmer for full HomeKit compatibility across Wemo’s leading family of devices

• Updated design, singlepole and 3-way options

• Control your home lighting from the wall, your phone or by using your voice via Siri

• MSRP of $99 (single-pole) and $49.99 (3-way)

• Available Spring/Summer on Wemo.com

Kholer Amazon Alexa-enabled Verdera Voice mirror

The Amazon Alexa-enabled Verdera Voice mirror brings optimally bright, shadowless light and full stereo sound to your bathroom with convenient voice command. All you have to do is Ask Alexa, and your Verdera Voice mirror allows you a hands-free bathroom routine. Using Alexa is as simple as asking a question. Just ask to adjust the lights to the ideal brightness for any grooming activity, play music, get the weather, tell a joke, and more - Alexa will respond instantly. You can even make middle-of-the-night bathroom trips less disruptive with a motion-sensing night-light.

Soma Announces Smart Bra

Soma®, is reshaping the bra fit experience with the launch of SOMAINNOFIT™. Through a proprietary app supported by patented measurement technology from Like A Glove, the SOMAINNOFIT bra offers an easy, no guess solution that helps women find a best-fit bra without the need of a measuring tape or fit quiz.

When a woman puts the SOMAINNOFIT bra on and connects it via Bluetooth to the SOMAINNOFIT app, it quickly captures four key body measurements and recommends a personally curated selection of Soma bras in the styles and size that will deliver her best fit. Once the process is completed, customers can utilize their individual measurements to purchase the recommended bras directly through the app, on Soma's website, Soma.com, or in Soma boutiques nationwide. Multiple women can use the same SOMAINNOFIT bra by downloading the app and entering their unique bra identifier.

The SOMAINNOFIT bra will be available January 8th on Soma.com for an introductory price of $25 (regularly $59)*. In addition, customers who purchase SOMAINNOFIT will receive $25 off a new Soma bra. It will be available for purchase in-store starting on January 23rd and used as part of the certified, five-star bra fit service. The SOMAINNOFIT app is available for free download on the Apple and Google app stores.

Download Episode #878

Comments

[mattack]

Tivos *do* combine streaming services & OTA/cable. They have done this for years.

Your OnePass (a superset of what used to be called Season Passes) can do 'recordings and streaming episodes', or just one or the other.

So e.g. when new episodes show up on Hulu, essentially links to them show up in your Now Playing list just like recordings, and trying to play them goes to Hulu in this example. Netflix and various other services are also supported.