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Tag: LG

  • Apple TV and Music Come to 200 TV Brands via LG webOS Hub

    Apple TV and Music Come to 200 TV Brands via LG webOS Hub

    LG has expanded the availability of Apple’s entertainment apps, bringing them to some 200 TV brands.

    LG already supports Apple TV and Apple Music on its own smart TVs, but the company is now bringing the apps to its webOS Hub, which is used by 200 other TV brands. This will make Apple’s services available to countless other customers.

    The outlined the expansion in a news release:

    With the Apple TV app, Apple Music, AirPlay and HomeKit all coming to the webOS Hub ecosystem, LG is constantly refining and expanding its webOS smart TV platform while enhancing its accessibility so that more consumers can benefit from the most convenient user experience.

    By offering a greater range of customization options to smart TV manufacturers and giving more convenience and choice of content to customers, 10 times as many brands are now available on webOS Hub than in early 2021, with LG now working with 200 partners in total including Seiki, Eko, Stream System, Konka, Aiwa and Hyundai. Through these efforts, LG is now primely positioned to deliver on its promise of pioneering streamlined content viewing experiences for millions of people around the globe.

    LG says webOS Hub will support the full range of options, including the ability to AirPlay content.

    webOS Hub will also be compatible with AirPlay, so users can stream movies, music, games and photos to their smart TV right from their iPhone, iPad or Mac. What’s more, webOS Hub-powered TVs are also Apple Home-enabled, giving users control of their TV in the Apple Home app and Siri using Apple HomeKit technology.

    The expansion of webOS Hub is good news for LG and Apple both, with the latter likely to benefit from more customers having easy access to its growing catalog of content.

  • Appliance Makers Can’t Understand Why Consumers Don’t Connect Them

    Appliance Makers Can’t Understand Why Consumers Don’t Connect Them

    Appliance makers are befuddled, wondering why consumers are choosing not to connect their appliances to the internet.

    Many mid and high-end appliances come with a host of connectivity options. Appliance makers are, unfortunately, getting on the subscription bandwagon, using the data they collect from smart appliances to sell their customers additional features, subscriptions, and replacement parts — the latter being arguably the only valuable option of the bunch.

    Companies just have one big problem, according to The Wall Street Journal: customers are not embracing the tech. In fact, LG says less than half of its customers have connected their smart appliances. Whirlpool places the number at more than half of their customers, but they don’t provide any specifics.

    “We want to continue to leverage the technology in the product,” said Whirlpool CIO Dani Brown.

    Henry Kim, US director of LG’s ThinQ, was more pointed in his take:

    “We do believe that connectivity will solve a lot of problems that we encounter in terms of really understanding customer insights and consumer behavior,” said Mr. Kim, “And without the connectivity it is going to be very difficult for us to do that.”

    Appliance makers face two major challenges to getting consumers on board. The first challenge involves keeping consumers connected through router changes since the devices have to be reconnected whenever the home network equipment is replaced.

    The bigger challenge, however, may be simply convincing customers their data won’t be misused and abused. Smart TVs and appliances have been around long enough for many consumers to have heard the warnings about how such appliances are glorified surveillance devices and are choosing privacy over convenience.

    Unfortunately, it seems the appliance makers have yet to get the memo.

    “The challenge is that a consumer doesn’t see the true value that manufacturers see in terms of how that data can help them in the long run. So they don’t really care for spending time to just connect it,” added Mr. Kim.

    Perhaps, Mr. Kim, it’s not that consumers don’t see the value to manufacturers. Perhaps, just perhaps, consumers simply value their own privacy more than what manufacturers want.

  • Alphabet Is Blockchain’s Biggest Corporate Investor

    Alphabet Is Blockchain’s Biggest Corporate Investor

    Alphabet is the biggest corporate investor in blockchain and crypto technology among the top 100 public companies over the last ten months.

    The crypto market is currently taking a beating, but that hasn’t stopped companies of all sizes from continuing to invest in crypto and blockchain tech. According to Blockdata, Alphabet is the top investor in blockchain technology among the top 100 public companies.

    Between September 2021 and June 2022, Google invested a staggering $1.5 billion in blockchain technology. Asset manager BlackRock came in second, with $1.17 billion. Morgan Stanley rounded out the top three with $1.11 billion.

    Other top companies included Microsoft, Samsung, Goldman Sachs, PayPal, LG, Wells Fargo, and more.

    Despite the current downturn, the continued support and investment from some of the world’s largest companies will help ensure the technology’s continued growth and adoption.

  • LG: We Know What Users Want — More Ads On Their TVs

    LG: We Know What Users Want — More Ads On Their TVs

    In the latest example of unadulterated greed, LG is planning to serve its users even more ads on TVs they have spent hundred of dollars on.

    As we have pointed out many times in the past, it’s one thing for companies like Google or Facebook to make money selling ads to people. They are, after all, providing their services free-of-charge. When a customer spends hundreds of dollars on a piece of hardware, however, there’s a certain expectation that they will get to enjoy that product ad-free.

    Those days may be over, if LG Ad Solutions has anything to say about. Not content to charge a premium for its TVs, the company is evidently planning on bombarding its users with even more ads. Unlike traditional TV commercials, these ads are in LG’s smart TV interface, meaning there’s no way to easily avoid them when using the built-in features.

    “We’re turning the tables for advertisers, making performance not just something brands aim for, but something that is actually guaranteed,” said chief executive officer Raghu Kodige. “Whether driving sales, conversions, or customer acquisition, advertisers struggle to quantify ROAS for TV spend. We created this extensive program as the starting point in a new paradigm for TV-driven outcomes in which marketers are assured every CTV ad dollar hits the bullseye.”

    Worse yet, the company plans on greatly expanding the metrics it uses to track the effectiveness of ad campaigns.

    The conversion metrics program will begin immediately with app installs and is available globally. More conversion metrics such as tune-in, web visits, physical location visits, and more, will be available in the coming months both in the U.S. and globally. 

    There’s just one thing LG seems to have forgotten: Advertisers aren’t the ones buying their TVs, meaning advertisers should not be the company’s prime concern — its customers should be. 

    Fortunately, users still have a way to opt out, albeit at an added expense. Users who don’t want to see LG’s ads should not give the TV internet access and use a third-party device, such as an Apple TV, instead.

  • GM and LG Working to Fix Bolt Battery Issues

    GM and LG Working to Fix Bolt Battery Issues

    General Motors and LG are working to fix the issues that led to a recall of the Chevy Bolt over fire concerns.

    GM originally recalled some Bolts in late 2020 over reports they could catch on fire while charging. In July, reports surfaced that some vehicles had caught on fire despite being serviced in the recall, leading GM to expand the recall.

    The issue appears to be the result of defective LG batteries, and both companies are pulling out the stops to address the issue.

    “Experts from GM and LG continue to work around the clock on the issues,” GM spokesman Dan Flores said, according to Reuters. “We are determined to do the right thing for our customers and resolve the problem once and for all. Once we are confident LG can provide us with good battery modules, we will begin repairs as quickly as we can.”

    The fix will vary, depending on the specific Bolt model, with older vehicles having the entire battery pack replaced. In contrast, newer vehicles will only have the defective modules replaced.

  • GM Extends Bolt Recall to 73,000 Additional Vehicles

    GM Extends Bolt Recall to 73,000 Additional Vehicles

    GM is voluntarily recalling an additional 73,000 Chevrolet Bolt and Bolt EUVs over a fire risk.

    GM initially issued a recall for the Bolt in November 2020 due to a charging issue that could cause the high-voltage battery pack to catch fire. GM then issued a warning a month ago over reports that at least two Bolts caught on fire despite being fixed in the initial recall.

    The company is now expanding its recall to cover all 2019-2022 Bolts, including the Bolt EUV.

    In rare circumstances, the batteries supplied to GM for these vehicles may have two manufacturing defects – a torn anode tab and folded separator – present in the same battery cell, which increases the risk of fire. Out of an abundance of caution, GM will replace defective battery modules in Chevrolet Bolt EVs and EUVs with new modules, with an expected additional cost of approximately $1 billion.

    The issue appears to be a manufacturing defect in the batteries LG supplied to GM, and the two companies are working together to rectify the problem and replace the batteries.

    The recall impacts 9,335 2019 Bolts (6,989 in the US and 1,212 in Canada) and 63,683 2020-2022 Bolt and Bolt EUVs (52,403 in the US and 9,019 in Canada).

    “Our focus on safety and doing the right thing for our customers guides every decision we make at GM,” said Doug Parks, GM executive vice president, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain. “As leaders in the transition to an all-electric future, we know that building and maintaining trust is critical. GM customers can be confident in our commitment to taking the steps to ensure the safety of these vehicles.”

  • LG Poised to Sell Apple iPhones In Its Stores

    LG Poised to Sell Apple iPhones In Its Stores

    After exiting the smartphone market, LG is burying the hatchet with its one-time rival Apple and will sell iPhone in its stores.

    Once one of the top smartphone makers, LG announced it would exit the business by the end of July. The company’s smartphone division had fallen on hard times, eclipsed by Apple, Samsung, Huawei and others.

    According to reports by Herald Economic Daily, via MacRumors, it appears Apple and LG have reached an agreement for LG to sell iPhones in its 400 stores in South Korea.

    The National Mobile Communication Distribution Association originally was opposed to the deal, but it appears LG exiting the smartphone market may activated a clause that allows the deal to proceed.

  • LG May Produce the Apple Car

    LG May Produce the Apple Car

    Apple is reportedly close to striking a manufacturing deal for the rumored Apple Car — with LG as the likely partner.

    Apple has been rumored to be working on the Apple Car, code-named “Project Titan,” for years. The company was close to a deal with Hyundai earlier this year, but the negotiations ultimately broke down.

    One of the likely issues was Hyundai’s loose lips. The company initially confirmed it was in talks with Apple, before realizing that the first rule of working with Apple is: Don’t talk about working with Apple. The car manufacturer quickly issued subsequent statements walking back its initial confirmation, but apparently not in time.

    It appears Apple has found a willing partner in the form of LG, in combination with its partnership with Canada-based Magna International. The two companies’ joint venture is tentatively expected to be called LG Magna e-Powertrain. According to The Korea Times, the venture is “very near” to signing a deal with Apple.

    The most significant part of The Korea Times story, however, is this line: “LG officials declined to comment on the matter.”

    It appears LG is already off to a better start than Hyundai.

  • Google Play Movies & TV App Ending Roku and Smart TV Support

    Google Play Movies & TV App Ending Roku and Smart TV Support

    Google has announced it is ending support for its Play Movies & TV app on Roku and smart TVs by LG, Samsung and Vizio.

    Google has been moving away from its Play Movies & TV app, with the eventual goal being to replace it with Google TV, which the company unveiled in September 2020. In the meantime, the company is steering users toward its YouTube TV streaming service.

    Starting 6/15/2021, the Google Play Movies & TV app will no longer be available on Roku, Samsung, LG, and Vizio smart TVs. The YouTube app will be your new home for movies and shows. Just log in with your Google account in the YouTube app today, you’ll have access to all of your past purchases, and will be able to browse, purchase, and rent new content.

    Google says past purchases will be available in YouTube, Google Play credits can be used in YouTube and Play Family Library purchases can be viewed on YouTube. Watchlists will not make the transition, however.

    As 9to5Google points out, one disadvantage of of this approach is that YouTube TV doesn’t offer the wide range of 4K support as a dedicated app, like Play Movies & TV app.

  • LG Makes “Three Year Pledge” to Provide Smartphone Android Updates

    LG has committed to providing Android updates to its premium smartphones up to three years, despite plans to exit the business.

    LG announced Monday that it would be exiting the smartphone business, following billions in losses over the last five years. Once a major player in the industry, LG has a number of premium Android phones on the market. Many owners were wondering what would happen to their devices once the company shuts its smartphone business down.

    The company has officially committed to supporting its devices and providing Android updates up to three years past the shutdown date.

    All premium LG smartphones currently in use will receive up to three iterations of Android operating system updates from the year of purchase.

    This promise comes on the heels of the announcement earlier this week that LG will be exiting the mobile business by the end of July. The three OS update guarantee applies to LG premium phones released in 2019 and later (G series, V series, VELVET, Wing) while certain 2020 models such as LG Stylo and K series will receive two OS updates.

    The announcement is good news for LG customers, and will give them plenty of time to transition to another brand.

  • LG to Exit Smartphone Business by July 31

    LG to Exit Smartphone Business by July 31

    LG will become the first major smartphone maker to completely exit the market, following years of losses and failure to find a buyer.

    Once one of the major players in the smartphone market, LG’s smartphone business has lost over $4.5 billion in the last five years. The company signaled that all options were on the table weeks ago, including a sale of the business. Unfortunately, LG was unable to find a buyer, leading it to pull the plug altogether.

    LG’s strategic decision to exit the incredibly competitive mobile phone sector will enable the company to focus resources in growth areas such as electric vehicle components, connected devices, smart homes, robotics, artificial intelligence and business-to-business solutions, as well as platforms and services.

    The company plans on using its expertise in the mobile phone market to aid its other businesses.

    Moving forward, LG will continue to leverage its mobile expertise and develop mobility-related technologies such as 6G to help further strengthen competitiveness in other business areas. Core technologies developed during the two decades of LG’s mobile business operations will also be retained and applied to existing and future products.

    The wind down will be completed by July 31, although there may still be some units left in the inventory channel after that.

  • LG Will License webOS to Other Smart TV Makers

    LG Will License webOS to Other Smart TV Makers

    LG has announced it will license its webOS smart TV platform to other TV makers, specifically brand partners.

    webOS has a long history in the tech industry, originally being released by Palm, Inc. in 2009 to replace the aging Palm OS. Palm was never able to recover its former glory and was acquired, along with webOS, by HP the following year.

    In 2013, HP sold webOS to LG, with the latter using it to power their smart TVs. The platform generally receives positive reviews for its sleek and intuitive interface, fast performance and overall versatility.

    LG has now decided to license webOS to other TV manufacturers, a move that will likely spur widespread adoption of the platform. The company says there is already over 20 TV manufacturers that have committed to the webOS partnership worldwide.

    “The webOS platform is one of the easiest and most convenient way to access millions of hours of movies and TV shows,” said Park Hyoung-sei, president of the LG Home Entertainment Company. “By welcoming other manufacturers to join the webOS TV ecosystem, we are embarking on a new path that allows many new TV owners to experience the same great UX and features that are available on LG TVs. We look forward to bringing these new customers into the incredible world of webOS TV.”

  • LG May Exit Smartphone Business

    LG May Exit Smartphone Business

    LG’s CEO has sent out a memo to employees warning the company could exit the smartphone business after suffering significant losses.

    Once a major player in the smartphone market, LG has been eclipsed by Apple, Samsung, Huawei and others. As a result, the company has lost approximately $4.5 billion over the last five years.

    According to The Korea Herald, CEO Kwon Bong-seok sent a message to staff that big changes are coming, including possibly a full exit from the smartphone business.

    “Since the competition in the global market for mobile devices is getting fiercer, it is about time for LG to make a cold judgment and the best choice,” an LG official explained. “The company is considering all possible measures, including sale, withdrawal and downsizing of the smartphone business.”

    The timing is somewhat odd, as the company just teased a rollable smartphone display at CES, leaving its future in doubt.

  • Apple TV App and Apple TV+ Now Available on 2019 LG TVs

    Apple TV App and Apple TV+ Now Available on 2019 LG TVs

    LG has announced in a press release that the Apple TV app and Apple TV+ are now available on compatible 2019 smart TVs.

    At CES, LG announced its 2020 models would include Apple’s TV offerings, and that the company would also bring them to compatible 2019 and 2018 models. With today’s announcement, owners of 2019 models can enjoy Apple’s programming without needing an Apple TV device.

    According to the press release, the app is “easily accessed from the LG Home Launcher, the Apple TV app gives LG TV owners the ability to subscribe to and watch Apple TV+, Apple’s new video subscription service that features popular Apple Originals such as ‘The Morning Show,’ ‘See,’ ‘Servant’ and ‘Little America.’

    “With the Apple TV app, LG TV owners can also subscribe to Apple TV channels — direct subscriptions to premium video services available both online and offline, ad-free and on demand — and access their iTunes video library and buy or rent over 100,000 movies and TV shows. A quick click of the LG Magic Remote is all it takes to get started.”

    LG’s announcement is a welcome addition to the Apple TV ecosystem. Until now, Samsung was the only major TV manufacturer to natively support Apple’s apps. LG sees Apple support as a way to add value and provide the best possible experience to their customers.

    “LG continues to offer the best home entertainment experience through technological innovations that support the delivery of high quality viewing and user convenience,” said Park Hyoung-sei, president of the LG Home Entertainment Company. “By bringing the Apple TV app and Apple TV+ to even more TV models, we are once again demonstrating our determination to meet consumers’ needs and add value to our products.”

  • CES 2020: LG Intros New Smart TVs, Apple TV Integration

    CES 2020: LG Intros New Smart TVs, Apple TV Integration

    LG has unveiled 14 new OLED TVs at CES 2020, using artificial intelligence to push the envelope in terms of picture quality and features.

    “At the heart of the latest 8K and 4K LG OLED and 8K LG NanoCell TVs are a number of advanced core technologies, most notably the new α (Alpha) 9 Gen 3 AI Processor. This advanced processor leverages upgraded processing power and artificial intelligence deep learning algorithms to improve on LG’s renowned picture quality and enable a host of specialized features for various types of content including movies, games and sports, taking the user experience to new heights.”

    As an added bonus, LG will support the native Apple TV app. Despite Apple’s claim “the Apple TV app is everywhere,” Samsung was the only major manufacturer with native, on-TV support. Other devices and TVs required using AirPlay to broadcast content to the TV.

    “LG’s award-winning webOS smart TV platform will bring 2020 LG OLED and LG NanoCell TVs a plethora of programming from the constantly-growing number of top global content providers through apps and services such as Disney+, Netflix and CBS All Access. New for 2020, the Apple TV app allows customers to subscribe and watch Apple TV+ and Apple TV channels as well as access their iTunes video library and buy or rent more than 100,000 films and TV shows. Customers with 2018 and 2019 LG TV models will also be able to enjoy the Apple TV app this year.”

    LG’s adoption of Apple TV, as well as the other streaming apps, is welcome news as more and more consumers are looking to cut the cord.

  • LG Shakes Up Leadership, Appoints Mobile Head to CEO

    LG Shakes Up Leadership, Appoints Mobile Head to CEO

    LG has announced another shakeup of its leadership, appointing Brian Kwon to the post of CEO.

    Brian Kwon headed LG’s TV division until he was put in charge of the company’s ailing mobile business in 2018, where he succeeded in stemming losses. Thanks to his performance, he has been tapped to run the entire company as CEO.

    “LG Electronics (LG) today announced that Brian Kwon, currently head of LG’s Mobile Communications and Home Entertainment companies, has been named to take the helm as Chief Executive Officer effective December 1. Other changes announced for 2020 include: Park Hyoung-sei as president of the Home Entertainment Company, new Mobile Communications Company president Morris Lee, William Cho in the newly created position of Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Financial Officer Bae Doo-yong.

    “Brian Kwon has played an important role at LG in his more than three decades at the company. Mr. Kwon (56), joined Goldstar in 1987 and has held a variety of positions including business planning at LG Wales and head of the monitor division before being promoted to oversee the Home Entertainment Company in 2014. Mr. Kwon is a native of Busan, receiving his bachelor’s degree from Seoul National University and MBA from Aalto University in Finland.”

    The company made it clear that it will focus on businesses with strong potential.

    “Going forward, LG will expand its focus on future core and common technologies with the establishment of the Future Technology Center to support the existing Artificial Intelligence Lab, Advanced Robotics Lab and Software Business Project Management Office under the CTO division. Future businesses with strong potential, such as smart home, content partnerships and beauty care will be bolstered and broadened. Other organizational changes to speed up decision-making in critical areas will be implemented with some overseas responsibilities for research and development, production, purchasing and design transferred to headquarters.”

  • Qualcomm Chips Central to Wave of 5G Home Internet Devices

    Qualcomm Chips Central to Wave of 5G Home Internet Devices

    While Apple may be looking to end their dependence on Qualcomm, the future is looking bright for the semiconductor company. In a press release issued today, Qualcomm announced that Netgear, LG, Sharp and Samsung are among 30+ companies building plug-and-play home internet gear based on Qualcomm’s 5G chips.

    According to the FCC, some 19 million Americans still lack access to broadband. One of the most anticipated benefits of 5G deployment is the ability to offer broadband-class home internet wirelessly, otherwise known as fixed wireless access.

    5G home broadband holds the promise of gigabit-per-second speeds, far greater than the speed of current 4G technology, as well as many traditional broadband providers. The wireless tech is also a boon for established neighborhoods, since it doesn’t require excavation of roads and yards to lay fiber optic lines.

    “Our comprehensive Snapdragon X55 5G Modem-RF System architecture, which supports virtually any combination of 5G spectrum bands and modes, from sub-6 to extended-range mmWave, will empower global mobile carriers and OEMs to offer best-in-class 5G performance to homes and businesses, including those in previously underserved areas,” said Cristiano Amon, president, Qualcomm Incorporated. “The widespread adoption of our modem-to-antenna solution translates into enhanced fixed broadband services and additional opportunities to utilize 5G network infrastructure for broad coverage in urban, suburban and rural environments. Due to the development ease of our integrated system and industry movement toward self-installed, plug-and-play CPE devices, we expect OEMs will be able to support fixed broadband deployments beginning in 2020.”

  • LG V10 Billed As Multimedia Smartphone For Sharing Ecosystem

    The LG V10 is the latest phone (or phablet if you will) from LG, and it’s quickly garnering a lot of praise. It has dual front-facing 5-megapixel cameras and a 16-megapixel rear camera.

    “The LG V10 was designed from the ground up, primarily as a multimedia smartphone for the sharing ecosystem,” said Juno Cho, president and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications. “We heard from many customers that until the LG G4, they weren’t comfortable going on vacation or outings without a separate camera. With the V10, we hope to do for video what the G4 did for photographs.”

    The front-facing cameras can take 120-degree pictures, and there are numerous manual controls that users can take advantage of when making videos. These are the things that are getting people (including Major League Baseball – see below) excited.

    Here’s a hands-on from Android Authority:

    “With the main display on, the second screen can be set to convert to a dedicated launching area for shortcuts or your favorite apps,” explains LG. “What’s more, when you’re enjoying a movie or game on the V10, the second screen will notify you discreetly without blocking your view when a call or text comes in. Ignoring the notification won’t distract you from your enjoyment or you can pause whatever you’re doing to respond.”

    From the LG Instagram account:

    Did it all for the exposure. #LGV10

    A photo posted by LG USA Mobile (@lgusamobile) on

    Patterns on patterns. #LGV10

    A photo posted by LG USA Mobile (@lgusamobile) on

    All the moves, no editing required ? #SnapVideo #LGV10

    A video posted by LG USA Mobile (@lgusamobile) on

    Fooling around with settings ? #ManualMode+video #LGV10

    A video posted by LG USA Mobile (@lgusamobile) on

    Key specs are as follows:

    Chipset: Qualcomm SnapdragonTM 808 Processor

    Display: Main) 5.7-inch QHD IPS Quantum Display (2560 x 1440 / 513ppi) Secondary) 2.1-inch IPS Quantum Display (160 x 1040 / 513ppi)

    Memory: 4GB LPDDR3 RAM / 64GB eMMC ROM / microSD (up to 2TB)

    Camera: Rear) 16MP with F1.8 Aperture / OIS 2.0 Front) 5MP Dual Lens (80o Standard Angle / 120o Wide Angle)

    Battery: 3,000mAh (removable)

    OS: Android 5.1.1 Lollipop

    Size: 159.6 x 79.3 x 8.6mm

    Weight: 192g

    Network: LTE-A Cat. 6

    Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a, b, g, n, ac / Bluetooth 4.1 / NFC / USB 2.0

    Colors: Space Black / Luxe White / Modern Beige / Ocean Blue / Opal Blue

    CNET has a handy chart comparing the specs of the LG V10 to rivals like the iPhone 6S Plus, Samsung Galaxy Note 5, and Sony Xperia Z5 Premium.

    The LG V10 is the first of LG’s new V series phones. U.S. customers will be able to purchase it soon on AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.

  • Here Are the Best TVs for Netflix, According to Netflix

    Here Are the Best TVs for Netflix, According to Netflix

    At the Consumer Electronics Show in Vegas this past January, Netflix unveiled a new program called Netflix Recommended TV, “to help consumers identify smart TVs that offer better performance, easier menu navigation and new features that improve the experience for Internet TV services.”

    Now, the independent smart TV evaluation program has just produced its first picks.

    Without further ado, these are the TVs on which Netflix is slapping its stamp of approval:

    LG 4K UHD TVs w/ webOS 2.0

    Sony Android Full HDTVs

    Roku TVs from Hisense, Insignia, and TCL

    “We’re particularly excited about the Instant On functionality supported by Roku TVs and the Sony Android Full HDTVs. These TVs wake up quickly, remembering where you left off, similar to how smartphones and tablets behave today. These Sony and Roku TVs are also capable of turning on and launching Netflix with the press of a single button, making getting to Netflix faster than ever before. The LG 4K UHD TVs with webOS 2.0 have made special optimizations to make streaming services like Netflix launch much faster, and all of these devices offer improved user interfaces, allowing you to move seamlessly between live TV and Internet TV services,” says Netflix.

    Shoppers will be able to see which TVs Netflix recommends, as they will sport a special seal of approval.

  • CES: Netflix Reportedly Prepares For HDR 4K Streaming

    CES: Netflix Reportedly Prepares For HDR 4K Streaming

    Last year, all of the talk was about 4K Ultra HD, but now that Netflix offers that, it’s on to the next best thing, which is apparently HDR or high dynamic range 4K streaming. And Netflix will reportedly launch this eventually.

    Steven Tweedie at Business Insider reports from the Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas that he was “ushered into a dark room to see the new way to watch Netflix,” and that “it’s gorgeous.” He got a look at Netflix original Marco Polo this way as well as the movie A Million Ways to Die in the West Tweedie writes:

    Samsung showed off some impressive HDR 4K televisions at CES this week, but LG is arguably further along, with an official partnership with Netflix that will introduce HDR streaming later this year.

    …

    Once Netflix officially launches HDR streaming, Netflix will “talk” to your TV, checking to see whether your TV is equipped for HDR. Your TV will enable the feature and handle all the HDR processing, so you won’t have to worry about Netflix being slower just so you can see some extra color.

    Of course, you’ll need a high-end HDR 4K TV to be able to get the experience.

    Image via Netflix

  • Android Wear Update Lets You Leave The Phone At Home

    Android Wear Update Lets You Leave The Phone At Home

    Google announced a new update for Android Wear, its wearables operating system, as well as a new watch from Sony.

    The update enables Android Wear support of watches with GPS sensors, which means you won’t have to have your phone close by to do things like track your route, distance, and speed or listen to music while you’re running or biking. You can store music on your watch, and listen to it via Bluetooth headphones while your phone is back at home.

    Google names Golfshot and MyTracks as apps that are already taking advantage of the update. Google Play Music is supported too, of course.

    Google also gives us an update on Android Wear device availability:

    Starting today you can pre-order the Sony SmartWatch 3 from Verizon Wireless and it’s coming soon to Google Play. SmartWatch 3 is the first Android Wear watch to include a GPS sensor—perfect for enjoying today’s updates. It has a transflective display that improves battery life and is really easy to read in sunlight, so it’s a great fit for staying, well, fit.

    Of course, Android Wear offers a range of shapes, styles and sensors to help you find the wearable that’s right for you. The LG G Watch, the Samsung Gear Live, and the Moto 360 will all be updated to include the new music functionality over the next few days.

    As Google continues to update Android Wear, and more devices make their way to availability, it’s going to be interesting to see how it competes with Apple Watch, which is on its way next year.

    Image via Google