Samsung Smart TV 2.0 Has Motion and Voice Control
During CES 2012 keynote, Samsung unveiled a connected TV with voice and gesture recognition. The Smart TV 2.0 has WiFi-enabled cameras and integrated microphone. You can change channels using your voice or hand gestures.
Samsung, LG, Sony Showing Off Google TV
Three giant TV makers, Samsung, LG and Sony are working on Google TV. Google powered TV will be shown at the consumer electronics show (CES) next week at Las Vegas.
LG will come with passive Cinema 3D capability and 2D to 3D conversion on the fly.
Google TV allows users to access the Internet on TVs, using its popular Chrome browser. In addition, it allows users to search a pay-TV provider’s listings and offers about 150 apps to shuttle people to digital media.
Sony Selling 50% Of LCD Venture To Samsung For $940 Million
Sony, the maker of PS3 and Bravia TV, has agreed to sell 50% stake in an LCD joint venture to Samsung Electronics for $940 million. Sony was negotiating an exit, aiming to switch to cheaper outsourcing for flat screens for its TVs while Samsung pushes ahead with next-gen TV displays.
Toshiba Shows Off Glasses-less 3D TVs
The Toshiba REGZA G1 3D TV will not need to be viewed with a pair of 3D eyewear. The 12-inch ($1,443 USD) and 20-inch ($2,885 USD) model will only be on sale in Japan by the end of 2010. No news when this tv will appear outside of Japan.
The 3D effect is available within a 40-degree area in front of the set and viewers must also sit two feet from the 12-inch LCD and three feet from the 20-inch LCD to view 3D content.
Toshiba To Release Glasses Free 3D TV
Toshiba is working on a glasses-free 3D TVset. This will give users the freedom to watch without wearing those glasses. Toshiba is planing to release 3 models by end of this year.
How are they doing this? Toshiba has created a new system that emits a number of rays of light with various angles from the screen so that viewers can see stereoscopic images without glasses
Apple TV Will Stream 99 Cents TV Shows
There are rumours that Apple TV will offer 99 cent TV episodes that can be streamed, not downloaded. Currently Apple TV charges $1.99 per TV episodes for download. The new streaming price will compete on par with Hulu+, Netflix and Amazon’s Video On Demand.
Apple Patents 3D Glasses – iSpecs
Apple has filed a patent for high definition 3D glasses, iSpecs. The 3D glasses was meant for iPhone and iPad. The device comes with an external camera and infrared sensor. Currently it is only a patent, time will tell if Apple is going to do anything with this.
Samsung, Sony Launching 3D TV Soon
Samsung will release their extensive 3D TV line this March and starting price is $1,700 for the 46-inch 240Hz CCFL backlit LN46C750. The 55-inch 240Hz LED backlit UN55C9000 will cost $6,999.
Sony plans to launch their new 3D television sets in Japan from 10 June. A 46-inch 3D Sony 3D TV will cost around $3,898. Sony’s TDG-BR100 and TDG-BR50 active shutter glasses will cost about $133
TiVo Premiere: Blockbuster, Netflix, Amazon and YouTube
TiVo has announced its next-generation Series 4 Premiere boxes which features an HD interface and includes integration with YouTube, Netflix, Amazon, and Blockbuster services. The Premiere with a 320 GB hard drive for $300, and the $500 Premiere XL with 1 TB, THX-certification and a backlit remote. But no Wi-Fi included in the two versions.
Panasonic, LG To Release Skype Ready HDTV
Skype is partnering with LG and Panasonic to release high-definition TV that is capable videoconferencing for home users by June. FaceVision and In Store Solutions SL will provide the high-definition Web camera for the service.
Skype on the Panasonic VIERA CAST-enabled HDTV delivers many familiar Skype features including:
- Free Skype-to-Skype voice and video calls
- Calls to landline or mobile phone at Skype’s low rates
- The option to receive inbound calls via a user’s online Skype number
- Skype voicemail, if you have it set up
- Being invited to participate in voice conference calls with up to 24 other parties
Source: Skype and Panasonic Announce Collaboration to Add Skype Software to Viera HDTVs
