Smart Home Push Continues, Despite Slow Consumer Adoption

Numerous tech giants, startups and telecoms have recently introduced new smart home products, hubs, sensors and apps, yet consumer adoption has been comparatively slow, as people take their time getting comfortable with the concept. However, that did not slow manufacturers such as Samsung, LG and Whirlpool from demonstrating new connected appliances at CES. And while major players including Google, Lowe’s, Apple and others continue to push various smart home solutions, progress of the digital home has so far been incremental. Continue reading Smart Home Push Continues, Despite Slow Consumer Adoption

Microsoft TV Dongle Could Be Much Needed Boost for Miracast

Microsoft announced its Wireless Display Adapter yesterday, a $60 device that will allow Windows and Android users to wirelessly send content from a variety of screens to any displays that feature an HDMI input. For example, users will have the ability to send what they are watching on a tablet, smartphone or laptop to a TV screen or projector. The dongle could also turn an HDMI-equipped TV into a Miracast receiver, which may spark competition with Google’s Chromecast and Roku’s Streaming Stick. Continue reading Microsoft TV Dongle Could Be Much Needed Boost for Miracast

Belkin Unveils New Wireless Home Theater Solutions for HDTV Streaming

  • Belkin announced three new products this week designed to streamline home theater configurations and deliver HD content wirelessly.
  • The company’s new $250 ScreenCast AV 4 wirelessly connects up to four home theater devices (such as a Blu-ray player) to an HDTV via a transmitter connected to the device’s HDMI connection. The transmitter can locate AV equipment up to 100 feet away.
  • The ScreenCast AV 4 can transmit full-HD 1080p resolution, 3D video, and up to 5.1 channels of surround sound. “The included infrared emitter connects to the ScreenCast AV transmitter and relays the signal from your AV devices’ remote controls, allowing you to use the existing controllers, even when the devices are located in another room,” explains the press release.
  • In addition to its ScreenCast AV 4, Belkin has unveiled two other new products. “The company’s Universal HDTV Adapter and Universal Wireless AV Adapter, meanwhile, offer up wireless for TVs, making it possible to stream content with dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz,” reports Engadget. “The Universal Wireless HDTV Adapter offers up streaming for a single Internet-ready set, while the Universal Wireless AV Adapter works with up to four AV devices. Both are available this month, and will run you $79.99 and $99.99, respectively.”