Roku adoption moves past Apple TV in the US

Roku has finally surpassed Apple TV in terms of popularity in the US. "The Evolving Market For Streaming Media Devices," by market research firm Parks Associates revealed that "44 percent of households that own at least one streaming device use a Roku," while Apple's avowed hobby, the Apple TV, accounts for "26 per cent of both sales and usage." Both the latest Roku and Apple TV sell for about the same price although there are various Roku models featuring lower prices and limited features.

While not acatually in the same league, Google's Chromecast has been making waves. Being a much cheaper (and functionally limited device) may have added to its popularity. Google and Roku sold an estimated 3.8 million streaming media devices last year, with Apple selling just over 2 million Apple TVs. 

While Apple has pushed modest updates to Apple TV in the US (more limited in Canada) and includes various new services, Roku's business model is to offer as much free content as possible as well as integrate the ability to play casual games with their wireless controller. Many believe that Apple TV is up for a redesign and a feature upgrade, perhaps in tandem with the upcoming iOS 8 release in the fall which could change the game in streaming media device market.

Source: Appleinsider

Roam Mobility launches new 4G LTE network for Canadians travelling to the US

Canada may be slowing down for summer holidays, but today Roam Mobility announces its new 4G LTE Network for Canadian travellers to the USA. Starting July 7, Roam Mobility customers can experience blazing-fast 4G LTE data speeds, with improved coverage across the USA. Hurrah!

Roam Mobility’s 4G LTE Network launches in the most popular destinations in the USA and across the nation, including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, Dallas, Seattle, Atlanta, Miami, and many others.

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It's official, Apple buys Beats for $3 billion, Iovine and Dr. Dre to join Apple

So, the premature celebration a few weeks ago was sort of merited. Apple has bought the Beats Music streaming service as well as Beats Electronics, which makes those insanely popular headphones. The deal cost Apple US $3 billion but aside from the established Beats brand and cache of hipness, they also get two of the most powerful players in the entertainment industry. Rap mogul and pioneer Dr. Dre as well as industry impresario Jimmy Iovine. 

“Music is such an important part of all of our lives and holds a special place within our hearts at Apple,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “That’s why we have kept investing in music and are bringing together these extraordinary teams so we can continue to create the most innovative music products and services in the world.” It will be interesting to see if the Beats brand will continue or if it will be turned into an Apple product. Hit jump for the full details of this blockbuster acquisition.

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Apple's 'Better' video kicks off company-wide commitment to the environment

As we approach Earth Day, Apple has put out information of how they are leading the charge towards caring for the evironment in the Environmental Responsibility section of their website. Starting off with a video above, narrated by CEO Tim Cook, Apple has revealed the various company-wide steps they have successfully taken to reduce their impact on the environment. Some examples of this are reducing the amount of packaging that goes into their products, having a new manufacturing facility that runs 100% on renewable energy, data centers that are powered by the sun and wind, and updated recycling program at Apple Retail Stores as well as eliminating toxins from products and processes.

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