Smart Home News

Digital TVs competing with PCs as media hubs
Though more computers have been landing in living rooms, digital TVs are adding new features to help them hang onto their role as the family's entertainment center.

Consumers and Communications to Lead Tech Recovery
Analysts see a recovery in worldwide spending on information technology in 2010, after a 5.2 percent decline this year, the worst global falloff ever.

Microsoft to add social networks, video streams to Xbox Live

Microsoft in November will begin offering social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and Last.fm on its Xbox Live online service.

Disney readies technology for multiplatform access

Walt Disney Co. next month will introduce a technology that enables people to buy lifelong, on-demand access to movies and TV shows so that they can be played back on a variety of platforms, including TVs, PCs and mobile devices.

Study finds size matters for those purchasing a new TV

Among those who are in the market for a new set, 77% said that the size of the screen would be the biggest factor in their decision, while 71% said high resolution would be the key product attribute

Worldwide sales of digital STBs a mixed bag

After a record-breaking year in 2008, global sales of digital set-top boxes are trending downward this year, particularly in Europe and US just as Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe are showing emerging demand for the devices.

Social sites lessen depression among seniors

Depressed seniors can ease their woes by socializing online, according to a report by the Phoenix Center.

Apple's Touching New Mouse
Apple rolls out new products, including a mouse that borrows technology from the iPhone.

HDI develops prototype of 100-inch, laser-powered 3-D TV

Startup TV maker HDI has developed a prototype of a 100-inch, rear-projection, laser-powered stereoscopic 3-D television set that they say could be in production soon

Samsung debuts 3-D TV prototype

Samsung recently showed off a prototype 3D HDTV sized at 55 inches

Robopets could help in elderly care
Talking walking frames, robopets and interactive coffee tables are some of the technologies that could help cut down on care home bills and keep older people living at home for longer, research has revealed.

Mitsubishi teams up with MRM on recycling initiative

Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America said that it would begin offering free recycling as part of the Electronic Manufacturers Recycling Management's recycling initiative.

Wi-Fi Direct will turn devices into hot spots

The Wi-Fi Alliance has plans for Wi-Fi Direct, a spec that could change wireless networking by allowing consumer-electronics devices to link with one another without the need of routers.