I've been amassing a huge collection of DVDs and blu-rays, over the years, both of movies and my favorite TV shows, but I'm looking to go digital, moving forward in the future. The problem is, I can't decide which "ecosystem" I want to commit to, and I was hoping to have people give some input.
I'm mainly an Android user, so I have no interest in going with Apple. That said, I have a Roku 3, and a couple Chromecasts in my home, and I'm also an Amazon Prime subscriber. So, that seems to leave my choice between Google Play and Amazon. Google Play seems to have a higher level of compatibility with my devices; obviously, it works with the Chromecast, along with my phone and tablet, and I *think* I can cast to the Roku as well (but I'm not sure about that one?), while Amazon only works on the Roku.
At the same time, though, I'm also very interested in getting stuff on sale (more so full TV seasons, than movies). I know when I was buying physical DVD sets for TV seasons, if I waited for the holiday season, Amazon would do some good deals on them, like $20 and under. But I wonder, do either Amazon or Google Play ever put full TV seasons on sale, digitally? Sometimes, I feel like Amazon is more inclined to have sales, but I haven't really paid enough attention to know that for sure.
So, any input?
mrw1215 said:
I've been amassing a huge collection of DVDs and blu-rays, over the years, both of movies and my favorite TV shows, but I'm looking to go digital, moving forward in the future. The problem is, I can't decide which "ecosystem" I want to commit to, and I was hoping to have people give some input.
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Click to collapse
It sounds like you've pretty much gotten the two best choices out there for you.
I'm in the same boat with slightly different criteria. I don't mind Apple. Also I mostly watch my digital goods at home through the consoles and Google isn't really present in those places. In my house that gives Amazon a pretty huge edge. I can watch my Amazon library and Prime on the XBox One, PS4, PS3 and iPad. Plus Prime has a lot of real world benefit (streaming and free shipping). Amazon seems to have merged better with other services and devices, so even though I don't own any Amazon devices I'm still able to use my digital stuff. Since you have a lot of Google devices maybe that's a better fit, I'd just worry about 5-10 years down the road when perhaps Google isn't making the same devices you love today. The Play service so far hasn't played well with others and seems a lot more dependent on you using their devices to some extent.
Personally I'm waiting for one of the huge mega corps to win out and establish themselves everywhere. So far Amazon is winning in my home, though they have a ways to go yet. The problem I've had is that just when a single service seems poised to take over my digital future, a lot of content becomes unavailable or moves to other services. In the meantime I'm paying a little more attention to physical discs that come with codes to let you add them to your digital library. Lately a lot of Disney Blu-Rays have included options to add those titles to Amazon, iTunes and to their own new streaming service as well. Also most of the Blu-Rays I've been picking up lately have included codes for UltraViolet so I've been amassing a large digital library there as well, but it still isn't available everywhere I want it to be. And once again Amazon has a big benefit with audio, buying most CDs there will automatically add those songs into your Amazon mp3 account. Also it's worth noting that while I am amassing a lot of digital content in a lot of places, none of those digital codes worked with Google Play.
There's still a long way to go before any service really comes out as a one size fits all solution. I'd recommend holding out as long as you can and enjoy the benefits of the competition. Let those corporations fight it out for a while, reap the benefits and in the end when the right solution comes along you'll know. At least that's how it's been working for me.
Related
With so many tablets coming out over the next few months, it seems to be a task just to find out which is the best value. We have some dual-cores, which are about 2X as much as the Archos 101 tablet; Google employees stating that Android's current state is not meant for the tablet form-factor; Android 3.0 (Gingerbread) on the horizon, which should be optimized for tablet-use.
The ones that I know about (and I'm sure I'm missing some)
Samsung Galaxy Tab
Archos 101
Archos 71
eLocity
Folio
So with all that said, for those of you planning on buying an Android tablet, which are you going to get? Are you going to be looking for one thing in particular (i.e. dual-core, or the first Gingerbread tablet), or are you just going to get the first one out?
I'm a little torn right now. With Google TV coming out soon (expected within one month), I honestly don't know if I can find the money for all of these gadgets, including getting the first dual-core 3.0 phone. I'm in need of other peoples' opinions.
Yesterday I was 100% certain I was going to get a Galaxy Tab. I woke up this morning and my RSS feeds are telling me it won't have voice capabilities, so now there is a 0% chance I will be picking one up. Even with the 4 carrier blitz, I suspect the Galaxy Tab will be a flop, but who knows..
I'll probably just get a Windows Phone 7 phone and wait for HTC's Q1 2011 tablet. Hopefully there will be native VOIP in Android by that time and I can get a Wi-Fi only tab off-contract for less than $300. I think the 7" form factor is the way to go too.
A part of me hopes WP7 flops just so I'm not tempted to get one. We'll find out soon.
I'm also with you that 7" seems to be the way to go. I'd still like to do a side-by-side comparison with a 10" though.
Tired of waiting.
When I heard Google saying that Froyo wasn't for tablets I realized I'd be waiting a while for an Android based tablet. Or I'd be looking at a Chrome OS tablet and I said screw it and bought an iPad.
Ipad is a little too large, and Tab is a little too small. I want something 9x6, just like a steno pad. I also wouldn't mind Chrome instead of Android as the operating system.
PS: Video chat and VOIP over wifi only? WTF is Samsung thinking? Why would Android owners buy a 3G model when our phones are freakin' hotspots?
Notionink Adam
Since the launch of iPad, sometimes I stop and think - why the hell would anyone need a tablet, and what exactly is this oversized phone good for?
Its functionality is lacking severely when compared to any normal laptop, but these things still require a bag to carry them around, because of their size. And if I want some productivity and have to carry a bag anyway - I'll most definitely be taking my laptop with me. For anything else, I have my phone that doesn't require a bag. So what's good in them? What can you do with one? Surf the web and watch videos? That's all?
Jack_R1 said:
Since the launch of iPad, sometimes I stop and think - why the hell would anyone need a tablet, and what exactly is this oversized phone good for?
Its functionality is lacking severely when compared to any normal laptop, but these things still require a bag to carry them around, because of their size. And if I want some productivity and have to carry a bag anyway - I'll most definitely be taking my laptop with me. For anything else, I have my phone that doesn't require a bag. So what's good in them? What can you do with one? Surf the web and watch videos? That's all?
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With my Nexus, I would say I use it 5% of the time as a phone (SMS, calls), the other 95% of the time is spent surfing the web, playing games, and watching videos. I feel like I am an ideal candidate for a person who would find a tablet extremely useful. It's not about productivity for me, and when it is I go straight to my laptop. For me it's about the leisure time, killing time, comfortably -- and not having to squint when reading webpages.
I think a tablet would be simply my home go-to device. If I'm the type of person who would rather surf the web on my phone vs. my 17", 5 lb laptop (due to size, weight, convenience), then I'm definitely the type of person who would prefer a 7-10" tablet over my 3.7" phone.
bigmout said:
Ipad is a little too large, and Tab is a little too small. I want something 9x6, just like a steno pad. I also wouldn't mind Chrome instead of Android as the operating system.
PS: Video chat and VOIP over wifi only? WTF is Samsung thinking? Why would Android owners buy a 3G model when our phones are freakin' hotspots?
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I bought a wifi iPad because of my N1! I agree 9x6 would be nice. But, games on a bigger screen and books is what did it for me.
I think Google should pick ONE manufacture and create devices like they did with the n1. Android is getting to be a little to all over the place, especially now that tablets are becoming something the general public wants. If Google wants Android or Chrome on tabs, they need to figure it out now.
I love Google products but I also would rather spend my money on something I know will work great and look great. I would like to see my Android apps on a bigger screen, but not if they look like crap.
I'm looking at the Archos 101, as long as I can fenagle the Android market onto it.
Jack_R1 said:
Since the launch of iPad, sometimes I stop and think - why the hell would anyone need a tablet, and what exactly is this oversized phone good for?
Its functionality is lacking severely when compared to any normal laptop, but these things still require a bag to carry them around, because of their size. And if I want some productivity and have to carry a bag anyway - I'll most definitely be taking my laptop with me. For anything else, I have my phone that doesn't require a bag. So what's good in them? What can you do with one? Surf the web and watch videos? That's all?
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I'll have it on a dock in my living room....it will serve as a toy for my 3-year-old daughter (she loves my n1...even more than my mom's iphone! xD), laptop "replacement", as well as my universal remote once I get my Google TV set-top box.
Bought the Chromecast on a whim. For the price, its a cool doodad that seems like it might have promise.
So i set it up and to be honest, im disappointed. My Roku has a ton more support, and was still not expensive. So it got me thinking, are there any cool hacks for this thing? Can it run android? Can i unlock it in some manner that would let me stream to it from plex?
Not much
gangrif said:
Bought the Chromecast on a whim. For the price, its a cool doodad that seems like it might have promise.
So i set it up and to be honest, im disappointed. My Roku has a ton more support, and was still not expensive. So it got me thinking, are there any cool hacks for this thing? Can it run android? Can i unlock it in some manner that would let me stream to it from plex?
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Click to collapse
There isn't really much available for Chromecast. Google has plugged up root options and hacks with pushed updates (without an easy way to avoid the updates). If you're device has not recieved an update yet, there are ways to root it. Look elsewhere on this forum for more details. But custom development seems stalled since Google has made it almost impossible for anyone to use anything other than the meager selection of approved apps it officially supports. There were some earlier efforts to get around the app whitelist and there was an app (unauthorized) that allowed for streaming of local media (like Plex) but it was squashed by an update.
There has been some press about a possible Plex app and Google has indicated it will expand functionality. The even indicated they want to support streaming local media files but without details it's not clear what that means. Google has stated that when the SDK is finalized there will be more options. No timeline that I know of.
There has also been other press about how it may be important for Google to emphasis the big name subscription services and not alienate those companies by offering much else. We will have to see what happens, but I agree the Roku is, right now, about a million times more desirable in terms of features and functionality. I do have Chromecast to thank for helping me discover just how powerful my Roku is. I had no idea about the Roku's great Plex integration until I started trying to get the Chromecast to do more.
I've bought 4 of them and I'm truly sorry.
The Roku seems to provide the only true alternative for streaming whatever you wish at a fraction of AppleTV.
Chromecast got:
- Root disabled (truly Appleish way)
- Whitelist only apps
YouTube/Netflix/Google's Own Cloud/*Limited Chrome Browser to Chromecast (in terms of quality and functionality).
ttg said:
I've bought 4 of them and I'm truly sorry.
The Roku seems to provide the only true alternative for streaming whatever you wish at a fraction of AppleTV.
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slightly off topic but i have a wd live tv which i use for streaming all media and supports every file type i have thrown at it. never tried a roku but my wd is the best thing (to me) since sliced bread. especially when paired with my My Book Live
Htpc ftw
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
screwyluie said:
Htpc ftw
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
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FTW, yes..but at a price! I still believe a modern Android TV stick and wireless key/trackpad gives the best bang for the buck.
But when you're paying over 100 for these devices, a second hand computer off craigslist for about the same price will do much more.
Ideally you're right but in practice they just don't measure up and any price difference to get an htpc is well worth it for the added features.
I say htpc is the best bang for your buck, it's just not the cheapest
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
I think we are comparing two different genres of device. Moreover, the SDK is still in development and once that is complete, I am sure this will be the most sought after and out of stock gadget. It is better to stock it right now.
Also, the biggest advantage I am seeing is the freedom of using it from any of our already existing device rather than going and spending additionally on a wireless keyboard or an air mouse.
I am sure there will be lot more activity in store in the coming days given Google's approach in the past.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4
Wireless keyboard and air mouse? That's what your phone is for.
It's neat and it's cheap and I use mine once in a while when I travel, but that's it. At home it's useless compared to an htpc.
I think it's biggest use will be in traveling but there are some issues right now, like not being able to log into hotel Wi-Fi because they all use a web based login which isn't supported.
Some day though...we'll see
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
I didn't say wireless keyboard and air mouse is a replacement for my phone. You are saved from investing in these if you expect to use your htpc to perform you the internet tasks.
I alao suppose htpc's don't have RAM in those.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4
it's a piece of poop. is one thing for a free service like gmail to remain in beta for a decade and quite another thing for something that actually costs the consumer money to be ”beta ” at time of sale.
dcmbullet said:
slightly off topic but i have a wd live tv which i use for streaming all media and supports every file type i have thrown at it. never tried a roku but my wd is the best thing (to me) since sliced bread. especially when paired with my My Book Live
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The wdtv is great for streaming stuff from a NAS or attached drive, but not as good as a roku for streaming from the web.
I'm a bit disappointed with my chromecast - using a tablet to browse Netflix is neat, but it seems like a one trick pony right now.
I think you guys are being a bit picky and unrealistic....... you're comparing it to 100 dollar devices! This thing only costs 30 bucks. Honestly for the money it costs it works extremely well, it does Hulu Netflx and Youtube all in HD and quite seamlessly and very smooth as well. On top of that it just works right out of the box pretty much. Sure I wish it could be hacked more? But will I say it's a piece of crap because it can't be? No....it's a 35 dollar streaming device that works amazingly well and is incredibly simple to use.
dcmbullet said:
slightly off topic but i have a wd live tv which i use for streaming all media and supports every file type i have thrown at it. never tried a roku but my wd is the best thing (to me) since sliced bread. especially when paired with my My Book Live
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The best think about the MyBook series is they use Twonky which is probably the best DLNA server as far as Transcoding for many devices is concerned.
Hdale85 said:
I think you guys are being a bit picky and unrealistic....... you're comparing it to 100 dollar devices!
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I would love to see them carry their $100 device through Airport security or carry it around to do a presentation from their Tablet!
Anyone suggesting an HTPC is better is missing the point of Chromecast. Same can be said of those saying get an Android stick.
The Idea is to have a device that you can control from your Tablet or phone and send content to any HDMI TV or Projector without having to carry a bag of Wireless control devices other than what your already going to carry around like your Phone or Tablet!
HTPC are great but not all that Portable, They are meant to be connected to a TV and stay connected. Not moved from TV to TV.
Android sticks are meant to REPLACE your phone or Tablet but requires wireless controller which usually are range restricted. If the Projector is in some projection booth 100 yards away from a stage the Android stick won't work! because the controllers will not work!
Chromecast is something that you can stick in your pocket, plug into a TV connect to the WiFi, and send content to that you can pause and control from a Tablet or Phone using WiFi.
And while it is true it doesn't do much of what it could do yet thats just because it is still brand new!
Screen Mirroring is possible!
It can use just about any app that you might want to use it with provided the App Developer adds support.
And yes it is restricted now but that won't last for long.
Is it like paying to play with Beta? Yeah you can probably say that!
But it does do things that the other devices people keep suggesting can't!
When they can do it and for the low cost of $35 let me know!
Asphyx said:
Anyone suggesting an HTPC is better is missing the point of Chromecast. Same can be said of those saying get an Android stick.
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Exactly. Different target audiences. HTPCs and Android sticks - those are for the geeky (granted, we are in a geeky forum here) who know computer-type stuff.
Chromecast is targeted at people who know how to use their phone/tablet, but don't necessarily know how to root, telnet, SSH, ADB, DLNA, etc.
Of course that appeals to the geeky folks here, because if it's good enough and cheap enough for the average person to use, then we simply must hack it!
bhiga said:
Exactly. Different target audiences. HTPCs and Android sticks - those are for the geeky (granted, we are in a geeky forum here) who know computer-type stuff.
Chromecast is targeted at people who know how to use their phone/tablet, but don't necessarily know how to root, telnet, SSH, ADB, DLNA, etc.
Of course that appeals to the geeky folks here, because if it's good enough and cheap enough for the average person to use, then we simply must hack it!
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Click to collapse
XDA has always been about POTENTIAL...And Making devices do things they don't do out of the Box!
Complaining about what Chromecast doesn't do now is kind of like complaining that your Google Phone doesn't do everything CM does right out of the box!
Thats what XDA is all about!
Awesome for Practically Nothing
I got my Chromecast on day one. With the free 3 months of Netflix, the total cost was something like $6.
For the cost of a sandwich, this thing ****ing rulez.
For me there are two big problems with the Chromecast:
1. The way that Google has locked it down (using an app whitelist, using Google DNS, and moving quickly to block the only rooting method) has greatly restricted its usefulness. Plus it's annoying - there are no cool hacks!
2. The only open-ended way to use it is tab-casting from Chrome, and the "beta" code turns out to do that job so badly that it's not really usable. I don't want to watch stuttering computer video - what is this, 1999?
It may have cost only $11 net for users who got it the first day, before they cancelled the Netflix offer, but that wasn't most of us. It may cost as little as $30 now, but I have 3 other more useful media players that I got on sale for prices ranging from $15 to $40, so that's not necessarily an outstanding price either. If it doesn't do what I want, it's $30 wasted that could have been spent on something else.
Mine was sitting unused in a drawer until last month. I would have given it away for Christmas except I didn't want to dump it on any family or friends and then have to explain why it wasn't very useful.
But it has gotten more useful to me in the last month, since it now works with Plex and I've figured out how to get around some of the limitations. I still wouldn't recommend it to anyone, but I don't consider it money wasted any more. It's just that it's nowhere near as useful as my other media players.
Guess I'm lucky on tab casting... my video doesn't stutter, it just makes my CPU fans run faster.
Maybe this device will be the "Next Big Thing"
AirTame, an indiegogo project now. This is what Chromecast should have been out of the box but DRM always seems to get in the way....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3fqcP3RoNE
Here's the indiegogo info.
Hi everyone. With the current trend of smart and 4k TVs it looks like the price of your older school 1080p "dumb" (non smart) tvs are coming down nicely. However, if you walk into any electronics store you'll find dumb tvs harder and harder to come by. However, when you do find them they cost much less than their smart counterparts.
I'm in the market for my first TV. I want a dumb tv that's 1080p that's 50"+. My laptop can easily supply the "brains" and 4k doesn't provide a noticeable improvement unless I sit really closely. In Canada they're easily under 1000. My question to you, my fellow gadget lovers, is now a good time to buy or will the prices drop even lower forseeably? Or will dumb tvs go extinct and this is as good as it gets for price?
You're thoughts??
Content wise, it's gonna be used almost exclusively for anime.
I have been toying with the idea for a few months now.
Am just wondering how you guys have been using it.
Have you enjoyed your experience, Any changes you would make?
What is the clarify of the screen like, being so close to the device.
(I used TV Glasses some years ago, and one thing that annoyed me, was it was like putting your face to the TV and seeing the Colors / Pixels)
Whats the experience watching videos, strained eyes or anything like that?
does the device feel heavy on the head after a long period.
What about app compatibility, is it one of these manufactured devices that are locked down to OEM software only?
How have you been navigating through the menus when wearing the device, is the controller provided easy to use and responsive.
(Easy to use in the fact you cannot see the control Obviously)
And last but not least, what about Games?
I still get the feeling / impression its still a bit gimmicky and don't know if to hold off on the device till someone like Sony make the PS4 VR.
I would appreciate your words and feedback.
I know the value of the device is a steal is comparison to others
My Device is the S7 Edge.
Two words : Ultra Porn
Buy a used one from craigslist, don't like it, put it back up for sale. You could probably get one for $50 if you really look, dont pay more than $70.
I'm glad I bought one (used), but I have a note 5. Theres another thread detailing the lower quality picture while using the S7.
I played around with my buddies oculus and that's what motivated me to get the gear.
The 3d doesn't need to be high resolution to feel immersed. If you are focusing on the pixels or imperfections in your screen protector, you've either got it setup wrong or you' re going out of your way to focus on them.
I dont feel that it's cumbersome to wear, I will probably get a different foam piece like from motorcycle or ski goggles.
Theres any and everything as far as media. People are making their own games, applications and 360* videos left and right. You can make your own 360 picture with your phone, basically taking like 40 pictures or whatever it is, ala panorama style.
There's also Google cardboard, where you can download plans and make one from cardboard, or buy one complete. You can also use the Google Cardboard application with the gear VR, you just wont have the smoother head tracking when using it.
I really enjoy using my Playstation 3 controller and the sixxaxis app hooked to my phone to play games. Theres a go kart racing game, which is "okay" but the proof of concept is great. You can look around when you need to and it's 3d.
The downside is that on Marshmallow there seems to be a lot of problems, I first did everything on Lollipop and didn't really have any issues. I just did a custom MM rom and I've had all kinds of issues and searching reveals others have too.
MAybe wait a little bit until issues are sorted and prices are even cheaper? I like it, you can't beat it's functionality for the price I think.
Basically the title question.
Our use case:
My mother is elderly, and my daughter is a toddler who hardly ever gets to see her. It sucks. I was looking to purchase a pair of tablets for video calling. The Amazon devices seem like a nice affordable fit to help them connect. But I can't find much information about their ability to make/receive video calls. What I can find seems like it may or may not be misleading, so i wanted to ask here.
My mom can't move quickly due to being wheelchair bound, she has extremely shaky hands, and is kind of a techno-phobe. UI scaling would be a big deal for her. Alexa for handsfree would be fantastic since my mom's hand shake so bad, she could just say "call msarro's daughter" and boom, connected to my kiddo for some face-to-face-over-screen time.
I know that the Amazon show and other alexa "video" devices support video calling. But if we were to buy her an Amazon Show, it's very likely she couldn't get to it in time for a video call since it is a stationary device, and she'd have to get to her wheelchair, get into the wheelchair, and then navigate through her house. So, that brings us back to the fire tablets as an option.
Some articles I've found seem to indicate that you can now send/receive video calls from fire tablets, other articles indicate that it only works when one device is a device like the Show. Amazon only seems to indicate video calling is supported when you have the devices on the special "Show dock". I haven't found anything about whether or not a fire 7/8/10 could video call another fire 7/8/10 outside of being docked. Is it supported? If so, is the quality decent? Decent enough for someone who has "bad" eyes?
I know I can install google services and then duo/hangouts, but that kinda defeats the point of simplifying things for my technophobic mom. I want to keep "in-ecosystem".
If I were to pick up 2 fire tablets, one for my daughter and one for my mom, would they be able to call one another with relative ease using alexa? I know an iPad would work with facetime, but at several times the price PLUS the hard vendor lock in with apple's ecosystem, I'm hesitant to go that direction.
Nope - at least not w/o extensive tweaking that would undermine usability and likeky not yield a reliable solution. Add to that general usability issues with most Fire tablets and you have the recipe for a disappointing experience for your Mom. Sorry for the bad news.
I swear I've used video calling on this before. I know I have.
Your question was framed from an ease-of-use perspective vs technical feasibility. Can it be done? Yes. It it easy/friendly to use? Me thinks not.