O'Grady's PowerPage

Tag: TVs

  • Netflix app begins undergoing major user interface changes

    Netflix app begins undergoing major user interface changes

    Netflix’s user interface is about to get a bit different on your set top box.

    On Thursday, the streaming company announced that a major redesign is coming for the Netflix app across TV devices like the Apple TV 4K, Chromecast, and smart TVs. Select users will start seeing it in their Netflix app soon.

    Per The Verge’s Emma Roth:

    “Netflix is testing a big homepage redesign on its TV app. The new look replaces the static tiles containing the shows and movies you want to watch with boxes that extend as soon as your remote lands on them.

    That’s not the only thing Netflix is changing about its look. The refresh gets rid of the menu that pops out from the left side of Netflix’s homepage and replaces it with a more streamlined selection of options at the top of your screen: search, home, shows, movies, and My Netflix.”

    It’s thought that Netflix will take some time to roll out these changes, especially considering its large subscriber base. For now, the homepage changes are only a test, and the company will test the redesign with a select group of users, but has stated that ultimately hopes to roll it out more broadly before long.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via 9to5Mac and The Verge

  • Verizon offers upgrades to its Home Device Protect plan, which now covers almost all devices and second residence items

    Verizon offers upgrades to its Home Device Protect plan, which now covers almost all devices and second residence items

    It never hurts to have insurance for all your devices and Verizon may have just upped its game in this department.

    The wireless carrier announced an update for its Home Device Protect plan that repairs or replaces an unlimited number of devices from computers, game consoles, smart home devices, TVs, and now robot vacuums, healthcare devices, and more. The service also now covers a 2nd residence, 24/7 tech support, in-home expert visits, and more.

    The company launched the latest version of the plan on Thursday, the updated policy running for $25/month and offering protection for the following devices:

    • Desktops and notebooks
    • Smartwatches and fitness trackers
    • Game systems
    • Printers
    • Audio headsets
    • Smart security cameras
    • Smart speakers
    • Smart thermostats
    • Streaming devices
    • Tablets
    • TVs
    • Healthcare devices
    • Pet devices
    • Smart floor care devices

    Verizon also noted that the upgrade also covers second residences as well.

    Verizon is using Asurion as the underwriter and depending on the device, a $49 or $99 deductible/service fee may be applied to claims.

    The new Verizon Home Device Protect is available for any Verizon customer with a broadband Fios or high-speed internet plan, or with most of its mobile plans.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via 9to5Mac and Verizon

  • IHG announces that more than 60 U.S. properties will feature AirPlay-compatible TVs in the rooms

    IHG announces that more than 60 U.S. properties will feature AirPlay-compatible TVs in the rooms

    If you’re looking for hotels with AirPlay-compatible TVs in the room, IHG is starting to cover the bases on this.

    IHG Hotels and Resorts announced on Thursday that more than 60 of its properties in North America will allow guests to connect their iPhone or iPad to the in-room TV. This will allow guests to stream videos, listen to music, play Apple Arcade games, use Apple Fitness+, and more.

    Guests will be able to connect to a compatible TV via a QR code on the screen. When a guest checks out, the connection to the TV is erased. This guarantees that future guests and hotel staff can’t access the user’s activity.

    The IHG chain includes brains such as Holiday Inn, Hotel Indigo, Candlewood Suites, and InterContinental Hotels & Resorts.

    In February, LG confirmed that customers would see AirPlay-compatible TVs in select hotels this spring. The feature is available on LG TV models such as the LG Pro: Centric Smart Hotel TV.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via 9to5Mac and ihg.com

  • Netflix to add spatial audio to more than 700 titles for Premium account holders

    Netflix to add spatial audio to more than 700 titles for Premium account holders

    Netflix has added spatial audio to more than 700 titles for Premium account subscribers.

    The feature, which isn’t to be confused with Apple’s spatial audio feature, boosts audio for users listening on devices with only two speakers, like TVs, laptops, and headphones. This doesn’t apply to users with advanced home theater setups that support Dolby 5.1 or Dolby Atmos. It also creates a wider soundstage on stereo speaker setups to emulate surround sound.

    Netflix worked with Sennheiser to convert surround sound mixes into spatial audio files that can be played through stereo speakers or headphones, which should be more immersive than standard stereo files. It initially rolled out the feature in July 2022 for Stranger Things, but is now making it available to more titles.

    Apple’s feature, by contrast, actively processes incoming audio to create a 3D environment regardless of the number of speakers in use. The feature uses information from Dolby Atmos, Dolby Surround, or stereo tracks to place audio around the user to the best of its ability. Atmos files provide the most data for this emulation and create the most fidelity. The technology also takes advantage of things like gyroscopes to let the user move through the audio.

    Apple’s Spatial Audio feature will be able to take advantage of Netflix’s new spatial audio files, however, if a more advanced audio file is available in the Netflix title, like Atmos, it will default to that instead.

    In order to access Netflix’s spatial audio feature, users must subscribe to the service’s $20/month Premium plan.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via AppleInsider and Netflix

  • Blockbuster releases On Demand app for iOS devices

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    Maybe there’s some life in the ol’ girl we call “Blockbuster” after all…

    Per AppleInsider, Dish Network released Blockbuster On Demand for iOS, an Apple device-ready version of the app that has been available on Android, PC, Mac, TVs and set-top boxes since January.

    After filing for bankruptcy in 2010 and being acquired by Dish in 2011, Blockbuster launched a streaming on demand service in 2012, but until today had not offered an app for Apple’s iOS device lineup.

    Working in much the same way as the company’s services on other platforms, Blockbuster On Demand streams “thousands” of movies in HD and full surround sound to the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Users can watch selections instantly, or save them to a Watchlist for later viewing. There is also an option to filter movies based on Rotten Tomatoes ratings

    Unlike competitors like Netflix, which require monthly subscriptions, Blockbuster’s service is based on a per-view model pricing model with no late fees.

    Blockbuster On Demand is free to download, with movie rental prices pegged at US$2.99 and US$4.99. The app is available for free and requires iOS 4.3 or later to install and run.

    If you’ve tried the Blockbuster On Demand app or service and have any feedback to offer, let us know in the comments.