TV

Syfy brings its top TV shows to iOS with Syfy Now

Cody Lee ∙ Updated December 4, 2013

Television channel Syfy announced today that it is relaunching its Syfy for iPhone app as 'Syfy Now' and its iPad app as 'Syfy Sync,' in an effort to compartmentalize their respective features. Sync, for example, will now be a dedicated second-screen title.

But as for Syfy Now, it's been completely redesigned with more features like iCloud sync, iPad compatibility, and access to more content. Users can now watch full episodes of their favorite Syfy shows and can find new episodes in the app a day after they air...

Apple TV owners twice as likely to cut the cord than couch potatoes

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 15, 2013

So who's going to cut the cord? Like-minded individuals like yourself - the types who own a Roku, an Apple TV or a similar connected TV device - are twice as likely to ditch the cable compared to broadband users who don’t connect their TV to the Internet.

That's the gist of a new research into the habits of owners of so-called connected boxes. In addition to set-top boxes, game consoles and Blu-ray players, the definition also includes folks who connect their laptop to a TV with a cable. Unfortunately, cutting the cord is easier said than done...

Breaking Bad fans not happy with the way iTunes handles final season

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

AMC's hit TV show Breaking Bad, starring Bryan Cranston, returned last night for the highly anticipated second half of its final season (5). I wasn't able to find specific numbers, but it's believed that the premier could have broken several ratings records.

But while cable viewers turned out in droves, many iTunes users were met with disappointment when they logged in to view the episode. As it turns out, folks who purchased a Season Pass for the first half of the season don't get access to the second half...

Comcast testing new cloud DVR app for iOS devices

Cody Lee ∙ Updated March 19, 2019

Back in June, Comcast announced its new X2 set-top box—a DVR that uses cloud storage instead of a traditional hard drive. It isn't expected to launch until later this year, but the cable provider has just been caught testing a new iOS application that allows subscribers to access their saved programming from the cloud-based recorder.

The folks over at FierceCable spotted the app in iTunes this morning. It's called Comcast Labs DVR, and it's published by Comcast Interactive Media. The software promises a revolutionary new DVR that streams live TV and shares your recordings to tablets, phones, and all of your television sets—as long as you're behind a Comcast modem...

Apple files for patent on fused glass enclosures for use on TV sets and more

Cody Lee ∙ Updated March 18, 2016

Apple filed for an interesting new patent last week on methods for fusing glass pieces together to create various types of glass enclosures. The filing was published by the European Patent Office yesterday, which credits Jony Ive as one of its inventors.

More specifically, the patent application illustrates how the double-sided glass construction design of the iPhone 4/4S could be extended to the iPod, iPad, and various displays. Apple even points to a TV set being encased in glass using its fused process...

Apple posts new ‘FaceTime Every Day’ ad

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

Apple has posted a new TV spot to its YouTube channel and website tonight called 'FaceTime Every Day.' It's the third in a series of advertisements, and like the others—Music Every Day and Photos Every Day—it focuses on a single feature.

More specifically, the ad focuses on Apple's FaceTime video calling feature. And inline with the previous commercials in the series, it shows how a variety of different people from around the globe use the feature in their every day lives. Watch...

Showtime Anytime app, now with Live TV

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 30, 2013

If you watch cable on your iPhone and iPad, you're probably aware of the Showtime Anytime iOS app which gives subscribers on-demand access to every single episode of a dozen exclusive Showtime TV shows, plus championship boxing and 60 Minute Sports.

But Showtime fans have long been yearning for the ability to watch live television programming on their iPhone, iPod and iPad devices and now their prayers have been heard...

Intel’s TV box to include server-side DVR that records everything for at least three days

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated December 22, 2017

We've been hearing for months how Intel's been hard at work developing its own Apple TV contender, which sources claim includes a television service of sorts. Conceivably frustrated enough with “everyone doing a half-assed Google TVs," the world's top chip maker reportedly set on to engineer a set-top box itself "and do it right.”

These rumors may soon prove true: according to a new report, Intel aims to turn the industry upside down by introducing supercharged DVR functionality said to tap a powerful server farm that records and stores every piece of programming for at least three days.

Now, TiVo devices have had a similar patented DVR feature called Trick Play for years. But Trick Play doesn't hold a candle to Intel as it relies on local TiVo storage to record just up to half an hour tops of recently viewed television...

Apple TV vs. Roku vs. Chromecast content options

Cody Lee ∙ Updated February 28, 2017

On Wednesday this week, Google unveiled a handful of new products. There's the second generation Nexus 7 tablet, Android 4.3, and the Chromecast TV dongle. The latter has proved rather popular, selling out in most online stores within the first 72 hours.

The accessory is very similar to the Apple TV, or the Roku box, as it lets you stream Internet content to your television. That content varies, however, depending on which product you go with. So we thought this breakdown of their differences was worth a look...

Google launches Google Cast SDK For iOS, Android and Chrome developers

Cody Lee ∙ July 24, 2013

Alongside a new Nexus 7 tablet, and a new version of Android, Google launched a new TV accessory today called the Chromecast. Not to be confused with the short-lived Nexus Q, it's a tiny HDMI dongle that offers wireless device-to-TV streaming for just $35.

The device uses Google Cast, which like Apple's AirPlay feature, allows users to stream videos and other content from their smartphones and tablets to their television sets. Unlike Apple's offering, though, Google is opening up its Cast tech to multiple platforms...

Apple’s plans for TV growing less ambitious with Time Warner deal

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

As we’ve heard a few times over the past month, Apple and Time Warner Cable appear to be very close to inking a deal that would bring a TWC app to the Apple TV’s Home screen. It would mark the first time that the set-top box would be capable of streaming live TV.

Initial details regarding the service have been scarce, but a new report this morning helps add a bit of color. Citing people familiar with the matter, Bloomberg warns users not to get too excited, as the TWC app will save them little more than a click of the remote...

Apple reportedly in talks with LG over 4K TV panels

Cody Lee ∙ July 18, 2013

With all of the recent chatter regarding the budget iPhone and so-called iWatch, it seems like the rumor mill has forgotten all about Apple's plan to build a television set. Looking back, the last iTV report popped up back in May.

But that doesn't mean the project is dead. In fact, according to this new report from DigiTimes, it's very much alive. The controversial outlet claims that Apple is currently in talks with LG Display over large-sized 4K TV panels...