Amazon’s FireTV yet another set top box with compromises

By Simon Cohen

Amazon takes the proprietary route with its Fire TV set top box and gives consumers one more choice that won’t serve all of their needs.

I’ve always admired Amazon for their customer-centric view of the world. Their online shopping experience is second to none. Their customer service is superb. Their dedication to creating devices and services to meet the needs of their customers has always impressed me – especially given that the hardware space is so competitive (and littered with failures).

So I was really keen to find out what Amazon’s latest toy, the $99 Fire TV set-top box had to offer. Even though it isn't available to Canadians currently, the U.S. version is likely a very strong indicator of what we’ll get when it arrives.

Sadly, what we’ll get is a series of compromises.

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Google Chromecast Vs. Apple TV: Which is better and for what type of users?

By Simon Cohen

Now that Google’s diminutive WiFi media player is available in Canada, how does it stack up to Apple’s set-top box and which should you buy?

It’s been several months since Google unleashed the Chromecast, a tiny dongle-like device that turns any HDTV into a Wi-Fi enabled display. Initially only available in the U.S., the $35 gadget was very well received and our own Gadjo Sevilla found it to be an easy and reliable way to stream content to a TV.

But if you wanted a Chromecast back in 2013, you needed to order one via the U.S. and frankly that was a hassle. Now that it’s being sold in Canada for $39, the time is right to take a look at this new player and see how it compares to one of the most popular devices in this space: Apple TV.

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Join us live for tomorrow's Apple Event

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

I'm on the ground in foggy San Francisco for tomorrow's Apple Event at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. The venue is all dressed up and ready to go and the excitement is mounting for the upcoming announcements. Apple's invitation said "we still have a lot more to cover."

Speculation is on refreshed iPads and iPad minis, possible creative new Smart Covers,announcements for OS X Mavericks, update on the new Mac Pro as well as possible Intel Haswell updates to some of the MacBook Pro models and possibly some AppleTV news. I'll be reporting starting from 1PM ET/ 10 AM PT. Roaming data coverage for this event is generally provided by Roam Mobility.

Apple updates AppleTV OS, now supports Bluetooth keyboards

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

A busy Monday for Cupertino as right after releasing the iOS 6.1 software update, Apple updated the AppleTV's software. The new software enables the use of Bluetooth keyboards and more streaming music features for tracks bought in iTunes and shared via iCloud as well as a "Up Next" feature that shows users what's on cue. So is Apple's famous "hobby" getting to be a bit more serious (they sold 2 million AppleTVs in the holiday quarter, a surprising 60 per cent increase from a year ago quarter!).

Interesting to note that while iPods and Macs are seeing less sales, the AppleTV is still in demand. Being able to use a Bluetooth keyboard is a long awaited feature and something that might hint at a real Apple TV device in the near future.