Posted Sun Oct 1, 2017 at 03:30 PM PDT by Steven Cohen
We've compiled the latest gear news, including a new Pioneer receiver, Intel's latest CPUs, and expanded Alexa and Google Assistant voice support.
From product announcements and streaming app updates to general industry news and recent gear trends, keeping up with the latest tech news can be a daunting task. With that in mind, we're here to offer you a roundup of some of the latest gear and consumer electronics news that you may have missed.
For this edition, we're covering the release of Pioneer's latest stereo receiver, the unveiling of Intel's new 8th Gen Core processors, the expansion of Alexa voice control to more Fire TV apps, and the launch of Google Assistant for Android TV.
So, without further ado, here's a rundown of some of the latest gear and tech news:
Pioneer has announced the launch of its latest receiver model. The new SX-10AE is now available for a suggested retail price of $249.
The stereo receiver features a Direct Energy Design and is rated for 100W per channel (6 ohms, 1 kHz, THD 10%, 2ch Driven). In addition, the unit offers four analog audio inputs (CD, Network, Line 1, Line 2), along with Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity for wireless playback with support for A2DP and AVRCP profiles, and SBC and AAC codecs. Likewise, the device includes an AM/FM tuner with 40 pre-sets.
Here's a full rundown of key specs and features per Pioneer:
›› Application Type: Direct Energy
›› Analog Discrete 2ch Amplifier
›› 45 W/ch (8 ohms, 20-20 kHz, THD 0.1 %, 2ch Driven, FTC)
›› 100 W/ch (6 ohms, 1 kHz, THD 10 %, 2ch Driven)
›› Screw Type Speaker Terminals Compatible with Thick Cables
›› Direct Mode for Pure Sound Output as Originally Intended
›› THD: 0.08 %
›› S/N Ratio: LINE In, SP Out 100 dB
›› Tone Controls: Bass (100 Hz)/Treble (10 kHz): ±10 dB
›› Frequency Response: DIRECT 10 Hz-100 kHz, +1 dB/-3 dB
›› Bluetooth® Wireless Technology (Ver. 4.2, Profile: A2DP/AVRCP, Codec:
SBC/AAC)
›› AM/FM Tuner with 40 Station Presets
›› Preset Station Naming (Up to 10 Characters)
›› Speaker A/B Selector
›› FL Display
›› Sleep Timer
›› Auto Standby
Source: Pioneer
Intel has detailed its latest lineup of Core Desktop CPUs. The new 8th Gen Intel Core Processor collection ranges from Intel Core i3 to Intel Core i7 models, offering improved gaming and multimedia performance.
"We are laser-focused on giving the enthusiast community the ultimate desktop experience, from chart-topping performance to a platform that can flex with their needs," said Anand Srivatsa, general manager of the Desktop Platform Group at Intel. "Our 8th Gen Intel Core desktop processors deliver tremendous improvements across the board and – for gamers, in particular– offer an unbeatable experience."
The lineup includes the first-ever 6-core Intel Core i5 desktop processor and first-ever 4-core Intel Core i3 desktop processor, along with the flagship Intel Core i7-8700K which is Intel’s best gaming desktop processor ever. And in addition to improved performance for games, the 8th Gen Intel Core CPUs also offer support for advanced 4K Ultra HD playback.
Here's a rundown of key 4K Ultra HD features per Intel:
• HEVC 10-bit encode/decode, VP9 10-bit decode:
– Delivering smooth streaming of premium 4K UHD entertainment to your PC from leading online providers.
– Providing full-size, screen-immersive viewing experiences with 4K video and 360-degree viewing.
– Enabling incredible 4K video creation and sharing with ease.
• High Dynamic Range (HDR) and Rec. 2020 (Wide Color Gamut):
– For life-like luminesces to provide enhanced image and video viewing experiences.
Intel's new lineup of 8th Gen Core Desktop CPUs will be available starting October 5.
Sources: Intel via Business Wire, Intel
Amazon has announced plans to add Alexa Voice control to more video apps through the Fire TV. Apps set to receive voice support include:
While no firms launch date has been announced for the expanded Alexa support, Hulu has announced a fall release window for the update, which will make the streaming service one of the first 3rd-party entertainment platforms to support Alexa.
With Alexa voice support for Hulu via the Fire TV, customers will be able to use their Alexa voice remotes to find, launch, and control content on Hulu app. Likewise, users will also be able to pair their Fire TV to an Echo device to enable hands-free, far-field voice control for several actions, including pause, rewind, fast-forward.
Amazon's newest Fire TV is now available for pre-order for
Source: Hulu via Engadget, Amazon
Google has announced the launch of its Google Assistant feature for Android TV. The update is now available for the NVIDIA Shield TV and is set to expand to Sony Bravia TVs in the coming months.
With Google Assistant for NVIDIA Shield TV, users can now access content, control playback, check news, order products, control smart home devices, and more all through voice commands with the Shield TV remote. Supported video apps include YouTube, Netflix, and HBO Now, and supported music services include apps like YouTube Music, Google Play Music, Spotify, and Pandora.
The 16GB NVIDIA Shield TV Remote Only Edition is now available for pre-order for $179 with an expected ship date of October 18. Meanwhile, the 16GB Shield TV with remote and gaming controller is available for $200, and the 500GB Shield TV Pro model is available for $300.
Source: Google
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