Posted Fri Apr 13, 2018 at 10:00 PM PDT by Steven Cohen
We've compiled the latest gear news, including LG's expanded smart TV app collection, details on Optoma's newest ProAV projector, and more.
From product announcements and streaming app updates to general industry news and recent gear trends, keeping up with the latest tech news can be a daunting task. With that in mind, we're here to offer you a roundup of some of the latest gear and consumer electronics news that you may have missed.
For this edition, we're covering new streaming apps for LG smart TVs, the upcoming debut of LG's new G7 ThinQ smartphone, Optoma's newest ProAV projector model, and Sony's updated Video & TV interface for the PS4.
So, without further ado, here's a rundown of some of the latest gear and tech news:
LG has announced the addition of several new apps to its smart TV lineup. The recent arrivals include Showtime & Showtime Anytime, Starz, and Hulu with Live TV. All three services are now available on select LG webOS Smart TV models, including the company's recently released 2018 OLED and SUPER UHD TVs with AI ThinQ.
The Showtime streaming app offers standalone live and on-demand streaming access to the Showtime service for $10.99 per month. New users can also receive a 7-day free trial. Meanwhile, the Showtime Anytime app allows users who already have an authenticated Showtime pay-TV subscription to access on-demand content through supported LG smart TVs at no extra cost.
Meanwhile, the Starz app offers standalone access to the premium network's streaming catalog of movies and shows for $8.99 per month. New users can also receive a 7-day free trial. Likewise, the app allows customers who already have a Starz pay-TV subscription to sign-in and stream content as well.
Finally, the Hulu with Live TV app allows LG Smart TV customers to access Hulu's Live TV service for $40 per month. The platform includes more than 50 live linear channels, along with playback support for the standard Hulu streaming library with a growing collection of movies and original shows. In addition, the app features an updated UI with new Hulu channel offerings, personalized sports experiences, and the ability to record live TV through the Cloud DVR option.
"As interest in streaming live events continues to rise, we are offering LG smart TV owners a seamless solution that enables them to experience today's pivotal cultural moments as they are happening from the comfort of their own home," said Matthew Durgin, director of smart TV content partnerships at LG Electronics USA.
Source: LG
LG has announced plans to officially unveil its latest premium smartphone model next month. The G7 ThinQ smartphone will make its formal debut on May 2 at the Metropolitan West in New York and on May 3 at I’PARK Mall in Seoul.
"Now is the time when manufacturers have to pay close attention to what customers actually need and want for their smartphones," said Hwang Jeong-hwan, president of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. "With the LG G7ThinQ, LG is continuing to deliver on its promise to enhance core technologies to meet customers’ real life needs by incorporating AI technologies that are more than features, they are part of the user experience."
Full specs and details have not been revealed yet, but the G7 will be LG's first G series smartphone to use artificial intelligence tech under the ThinQ name. The previously announced V30S also carries the ThinQ name and uses the technology to enhance its voice recognition and camera performance. The G7 is set to offer similar features along with improved interconnectivity with LG appliances, TVs, and other devices.
Source: LG
Optoma has revealed its newest ProAV projector model. The new ZH420UST is geared toward professional installation projects and is set to be the industry's first 1080p ultra short throw projector with built-in edge blending and warping adjustments.
"The ZH420UST is the industry's first 1080p ultra short throw projector with built-in edge blending and warping adjustments, combining flexibility, reliability and incredible performance," said Brian Soto, head of product management, Optoma Technology. "By bringing high quality and innovation to the market at industry-leading prices, we continue to demonstrate our dedication to providing unique solutions with maximum flexibility to the ProAV market."
The ZH420UST is a laser light source projector with support for 1080p resolution, 4,000 ANSI lumens, a 100,000:1 contrast ratio, and a 0.25:1 throw ratio. Likewise, the device is capable of projecting 100-inch images from just 13 inches away. In addition, the unit offers several features for added installation flexibility, including built-in warping adjustment and automatic edge blending.
Optoma's ZH420UST will be available in black or white this May through authorized dealers for an estimated street price of $2,799.
Source: Optoma via PR Newswire
Sony has launched an updated User Interface for the TV & Video section on its PS4 console. The upgraded experience now offers improved streaming content discovery and navigation.
The new TV & Video experience offers a centralized hub for streaming videos from a variety of platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, and YouTube, allowing users to browse content, rent or purchase titles, and subscribe to services without having to switch in and out of different apps. A "Featured" section displays the best titles from various video services while a "Spotlight" section highlights popular content based on changing themes like "Superheroes" or "Award Season." Users can also link their YouTube accounts to their PlayStation Network accounts to receive personalized recommendations in the YouTube section, and the PlayStation Vue section now shows popular live channels in your area. Finally, the UI still includes direct access to various streaming apps as well.
Additional features are also planned for future updates.
Source: Sony
Sony has launched an updated User Interface for the TV & Video section on its PS4 console. The upgraded experience now offers improved streaming content discovery and navigation.
The new TV & Video experience offers a centralized hub for streaming videos from a variety of platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, and YouTube, allowing users to browse content, rent or purchase titles, and subscribe to services without having to switch in and out of different apps. A "Featured" section displays the best titles from various video services while a "Spotlight" section highlights popular content based on changing themes like "Superheroes" or "Award Season." Users can also link their YouTube accounts to their PlayStation Network accounts to receive personalized recommendations in the YouTube section, and the PlayStation Vue section now shows popular live channels in your area. Finally, the UI still includes direct access to various streaming apps as well.
Additional features are also planned for future updates.
Source: Sony
The latest news on all things 4K Ultra HD, blu-ray and Gear.
