Tag Archives: MagicRemote

Editorial: TV gets prettier, smarter and dumber

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Editorial TV gets more beautiful prettier, smarter and dumber

Good ideas are hard to predict, both before and after they are introduced as prototypes. The push-button (touch-tone) telephone was conceptually launched to the consumer market at the 1962 Seattle World's Fair, 21 years after the device was invented by Bell Telephone labs. Another 20 years after the Seattle exposition, touch-tone phones finally penetrated 50 percent of American homes. A general lack of tech frenzy, and monopoly pricing control, slowed adoption. But it's also true that the new phones didn't solve a fundamental problem. They sped up dialing, which solved a non-essential but important user-interface problem of rotary dial phones.

Each year at CES, tech enthusiasts get a chance to glimpse prototypical ideas and guess whether they will endure. In doing so, one question should remain central: "What problem is being solved?"

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LG’s 55-inch 3D Google TV eyes-on

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LG's 55inch 3D Google TV eyeson

LG made tentative inroads into the Google TV space last year with only two available sets, but here at CES 2013, the company's announced plans to expand the line to seven additional models. The sets, which range in size from 42 to 60 inches, feature LG's Cinema Screen display at full 1080p resolution with 240Hz refresh rate and are also 3D capable. For input options, consumers will have ports for HDMI (4x) and USB 2.0 (2x) along with wired ethernet (WiFi is also supported). The company's custom Magic Remote has also seen some improvements as the buttons for navigation have all been moved further up, allowing users a more comfortable one-thumb experience. And from the time we spent holding it, it seems that slight change does help enhance overall in-hand comfort. As for new additions to the remote's layout, LG's added in dedicated buttons for voice control and its Prime Time Quick Smart Guide which brings up an overlay of currently airing programs and remaining air time. There's no pricing available at this time, but we do know these sets will hit the market in Q1 of this year.

Gallery: LG 55-inch Google TV (2013)

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LG Magic Remote updated, switch channels by writing numbers

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LG Magic Remote heads to Android, switch channels by writing numbers

You love your LG Magic Remote, but you're sick of pushing buttons to switch channels, right? Well, that's kinda weird, but thankfully LG doesn't agree with us, today detailing a previously revealed update to its Magic Remote that allows you to change the channel by writing numbers. Sure, it probably takes less time to actually push a button to switch a channel, but who're we to judge your channel changing preferences? The Android version of LG's app already has the update, and we expect we'll see it arrive elsewhere very soon.

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LG’s 2013 Google TV sets to come in more sizes, fresher designs

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LG's 2013 Google TV sets to come in more sizes, sleeker looks

LG only experimented with a Google TV lineup in 2012; for 2013, it's committing to the concept in earnest. The 47- and 55-inch sizes we know today should be joined by 42-, 50- and 60-inch models that cater both to frugal viewers and those who like to live large. We should also see the spruced-up designs that come with yearly updates, including newer zero-bezel frames and distinctive stands. We're less surprised by input and software updates -- all of the new screens will ship with voice-enabled Google TV and OnLive support from the get-go, and the company's multi-talented Magic Remote is making its return. LG is remaining coy on further details beyond promising a release sometime in the first half of 2013, although there's a good chance we'll know more in Las Vegas.

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Source: LG (translated)

LG’s latest smart TV Magic Remote can control other devices, understand natural language

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LG's latest smart TV Magic Remote can control other devices, understand natural language

We've seen several iterations of LG's Magic remote since it was first introduced in 2010 with gesture control, as it added a click wheel and a mic for voice control (QWERTY for the Google TV), and LG has announced it's returning with a new model at CES in a few days. The new Magic remote keeps all of those features and adds on with universal remote capabilities that let it control other hardware in your home theater, and improved software with Natural Language support. That means you can just say the name of a program or a channel, and see it automatically pop up on the screen. The design of the hardware itself has also been tweaked, with repositioned buttons and, on the premium version that ships with higher end TVs, a smaller model with backlit keys. We'll surely give it another hand waving, command shouting demo once we're in Las Vegas, until then you can just check out another pic and a press release after the break.

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LG launches ‘upgraded’ SP820 Smart TV Upgrader box in June for about $170 US

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LG launches upgraded SMP820 Smart TV Upgrader box in June for about $170 US

Should you have the impulse to turn your dumb display into a full-fledged Smart TV, LG has revealed the second iteration of its Smart TV Upgrader box is ready to hit the marketplace. The original ST600 box was released last year, and this new SP820 was announced earlier this year at CES. It adds LG's Smart TV experience complete with Magic gesture and voice controlled remote to any HDTV with an HDMI input. There's access to both 2D and 3D streaming content from the internet, DLNA, Wi-Fi Direct and any new apps LG rolls out for its platform. Similar to Apple's TV box and the Roku family, it's a palm sized device intended for easy installations. An even smaller, stripped down SP520 version that supports fewer apps is already on shelves with a $120 MSRP, although sale prices range from $80 to $99. The SP is shipping in June for 199,000 won ($169 US), while there's no word yet on a US release, we'll probably wait to see if LG can add enough apps to compete as a third party before jumping in.

LG launches 'upgraded' SP820 Smart TV Upgrader box in June for about $170 US originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 May 2012 22:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Voice Control for LG Smart TVs to roll out by end of April, Magic Remotes to require spit guards

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If TVs only had a brain -- oh wait, now they kind of do. LG's Smart TV series has already begun to flood the market with its suite of apps, streaming video services, support for Flash and gaming all in tow, save for one promised service -- Voice Control. Announced by the company today, an update enabling that feature should hit flat panels by month's end, giving users with Magic Remotes access to simplified search and navigation. Curious to see how it works? Then check out the awkwardly dubbed and unintentionally hilarious video demo after the break.

Continue reading Voice Control for LG Smart TVs to roll out by end of April, Magic Remotes to require spit guards

Voice Control for LG Smart TVs to roll out by end of April, Magic Remotes to require spit guards originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 12:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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