Zatz Not Funny

25/08/2024

Having purchased nearly every style of Kindle over the years, I can confidently say most are best served by simply going with the "Kids" version when Amazon offers discounted pricing... as they are now. Kindle Kids versions feature the same exact Kindle (Basic) and Kindle Paperwhite hardware. They do run a few bucks more, but they're ad-free and come augmented with fun, funky covers and an extra year of warranty coverage....

Having purchased nearly every style of Kindle over the years, I can confidently say most are best served by simply going with the “Kids” version when Amazon offers discounted pricing… as they are now. Kindle Kids versions feature the same exact Kindle (Basic) and Kindle Paperwhite hardware. Th...

24/08/2024

Not only will the upcoming Wyze Cam Duo feature two cameras, it's possible Wyze's next doorbell may too... in addition to potentially arriving first this fall. In reviewing this newly discovered Wyze Video Doorbell with fellow smart home enthusiasts Jimmy Hawkins and Adam Miarka, we collectively suspect the curious items at the bottom of the doorbell render (above) are analogous to the package camera and IR lights of the…...

Not only will the upcoming Wyze Cam Duo feature two cameras, it’s possible Wyze’s next doorbell may too… in addition to potentially arriving first this fall. In reviewing this newly discovered Wyze Video Doorbell with fellow smart home enthusiasts Jimmy Hawkins and Adam Miarka, we collectively...

22/08/2024

Taking pages from both the stackable Wyze OG Cams and the Wyze Cam Pan v3, the upcoming Wyze Cam Duo features dual, independently adjustable cameras to broadly cover multiple angles and situations. While we don't yet know if the top camera's positioning arm is motorized, the bottom camera appears to recycle one of Wyze's typical adjustable bases... augmented by a new mounting bracket....

Taking pages from both the stackable Wyze OG Cams and the Wyze Cam Pan v3, the upcoming Wyze Cam Duo features dual, independently adjustable cameras to broadly cover multiple angles and situations. While we don’t yet know if the top camera’s positioning arm is motorized, the bottom camera appear...

04/08/2024

Years ago, I was a SimpliSafe proponent. However, as the smart home landscape has evolved, the SimpliSafe security system has remained mired in the past -- both in business practices and technologically, without even the most basic of ecosystem interoperability. Which led me to Ring Alarm... and broad Alexa capabilities, such as my contact sensor routine that triggers…...

Years ago, I was a SimpliSafe proponent. However, as the smart home landscape has evolved, the SimpliSafe security system has remained mired in the past — both in business practices and technologically, without even the most basic of ecosystem interoperability. Which led me to Ring Alarm… and br...

03/08/2024

I can say in all honestly that I've waited literally decades for this moment. For the first time ever, US Olympics coverage finally makes sense. No need to juggle a dozen channels and time zone differences whilst awaiting broadcasters holding back content for prime time. I ended up a Peacock subscriber as my wife and daughter are Swifties. That annual plan investment is paying dividends this month with NBC's stellar Peacock presentation of the Olympics....

I can say in all honestly that I’ve waited literally decades for this moment. For the first time ever, US Olympics coverage finally makes sense. No need to juggle a dozen channels and time zone differences whilst awaiting broadcasters holding back content for prime time. I ended up a Peacock subsc...

01/08/2024

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31/07/2024

Nearly two years ago, streaming TV pioneer Roku expanded into the smart home ... with a questionable partner in Wyze. Now, by way of the FCC, we see Roku potentially reducing their smart home dependence and risk by engaging Leedarson for new indoor and outdoor camera hardware vs once again leaning on Wyze's typical manufacturing partners. For context, Leedarson…...

Nearly two years ago, streaming TV pioneer Roku expanded into the smart home … with a questionable partner in Wyze. Now, by way of the FCC, we see Roku potentially reducing their smart home dependence and risk by engaging Leedarson for new indoor and outdoor camera hardware vs once again leaning o...

26/07/2024

The Amazon Echo Dot Clock is no more. As reported by The Verge, “once inventory of this generation Echo Dot with Clock is sold through it will not be restocked.” I can say with certainty that the primary reason my family has not yet abandoned Alexa, amidst ongoing privacy concerns and features moving behind paywalls, is the simple, converged elegance of Echo Dot Clock....

The Amazon Echo Dot Clock is no more. As reported by The Verge, “once inventory of this generation Echo Dot with Clock is sold through it will not be restocked.” I can say with certainty that the primary reason my family has not yet abandoned Alexa, amidst ongoing privacy concerns and features m...

28/01/2024

Jawbone is returning from the dead (again). Prior ownership, Aliph, is most notable for expanding relatively staid Bluetooth accessories into new markets with some panache and technological advancements under Jawbone and Jambox branding. But the company is also memorable for its rapid unscheduled disassembly, to borrow an aeronautical term, due to overinflated valuation alongside an inability to move…...

Jawbone is returning from the dead (again). Prior ownership, Aliph, is most notable for expanding relatively staid Bluetooth accessories into new markets with some panache and technological advancements under Jawbone and Jambox branding. But the company is also memorable for its rapid unscheduled di...

15/11/2023

On the topic of homegrown streaming platforms, TiVo-powered television sets have finally begun shipping overseas. From Xperi's quarterly call: Within Media Platform, we're pleased to share that Vestel has begun shipping smart TVs powered by TiVo onto the JVC brand to retailers initially in the Czech Republic. Production is now underway for additional brands with expected shipments to multiple European countries in the coming weeks, consistent with the rollout we've been expecting....

On the topic of homegrown streaming platforms, TiVo-powered television sets have finally begun shipping overseas. From Xperi’s quarterly call: Within Media Platform, we’re pleased to share that Vestel has begun shipping smart TVs powered by TiVo onto the JVC brand to retailers initially in the C...

14/11/2023

Earlier this month, Janko Roettgers reported that Amazon has been preparing to transition much of its hardware lineup from Android to a home grown, web-centric Linux variant that goes by the name Vega OS. However, the future is NOW... as Vega OS has been hiding in plain sight on the 3rd gen Echo Show 5. The clearest indication of the cutover is Amazon resetting its software versioning back to 1, as you can see above from…...

Earlier this month, Janko Roettgers reported that Amazon has been preparing to transition much of its hardware lineup from Android to a home grown, web-centric Linux variant that goes by the name Vega OS. However, the future is NOW… as Vega OS has been hiding in plain sight on the 3rd gen Echo Sho...

30/09/2023

LG just dropped a bombshell on the FCC, as they pull ATSC 3.0 support due to patent licensing challenges. While this country has thrived on fruitful public+private technological partnerships that have served the greater good, ATSC 3.0 is not that. And hopefully the FCC backs off this nonsense (including facilitating deployment of an incomplete standard, without full hardware support and certification)....

LG just dropped a bombshell on the FCC, as they pull ATSC 3.0 support due to patent licensing challenges. While this country has thrived on fruitful public+private technological partnerships that have served the greater good, ATSC 3.0 is not that. And hopefully the FCC backs off this nonsense (inclu...

28/09/2023

Hot on the heels of the new Wyze Battery Cam Pro, the company is prepared to increment the Wyze Cam v3 -- which is possibly their best selling and most highly regarded WiFi camera. The upcoming Wyze Cam v4 quite clearly picks up a spotlight, as shown above and sourced from the publicly available Android app. While the Wyze Cam v3…...

Hot on the heels of the new Wyze Battery Cam Pro, the company is prepared to increment the Wyze Cam v3 — which is possibly their best selling and most highly regarded WiFi camera. The upcoming Wyze Cam v4 quite clearly picks up a spotlight, as shown above and sourced from the publicly available An...

02/09/2023

Based on a variety of reddit threads, Roku has been testing a number of interface updates these last few months... potentially culminating in a big fall reveal, to include an overdue Roku Ultra refresh. The most notable home screen change appears to be expanding the long standing 3x3 icon grid to a 4x4 display of streaming channels (aka apps) for potentially greater efficiency, as shown above and mentioned…...

Based on a variety of reddit threads, Roku has been testing a number of interface updates these last few months… potentially culminating in a big fall reveal, to include an overdue Roku Ultra refresh. The most notable home screen change appears to be expanding the long standing 3×3 icon grid to a...

16/08/2023

Wyze is launching a small beta test to put the second of two possible Trade-In programs through its paces. While many of us treat (previously) inexpensive Wyze hardware as disposable, by offering Wyze store credits and product discounts, the company intends to reduce e-waste by simultaneously building customer loyalty and replenishing their stock of refurbished hardware -- for warranty replacement and resale....

Wyze is launching a small beta test to put the second of two possible Trade-In programs through its paces. While many of us treat (previously) inexpensive Wyze hardware as disposable, by offering Wyze store credits and product discounts, the company intends to reduce e-waste by simultaneously buildi...

17/07/2023

While the Wyze Battery Cam Pro has yet to be announced, I've been covering its gestation since January ... and have just gone eyes on with some actual hardware at my local Micro Center. The Wyze Battery Cam Pro features a number of improvements over the Wyze Outdoor Cam 2 (that I wasn't so fond of). For example, Wyze is going with a removable battery for more practical recharging and potential hot swapping....

While the Wyze Battery Cam Pro has yet to be announced, I’ve been covering its gestation since January … and have just gone eyes on with some actual hardware at my local Micro Center. The Wyze Battery Cam Pro features a number of improvements over the Wyze Outdoor Cam 2 (that I wasn’t so fond ...

05/07/2023

It turns out Netflix isn't solely interested in recouping lost revenue due to password sharing as both our Roku and Fire TV streaming devices spammed prompted us to upgrade the Ultra HD tier earlier today. Upon selecting the account holder's profile, the above interstitial appeared, before my daughter could pull up Captain Underpants. The horror! For my family, the upgrade math isn't at all compelling as our legacy T-Mobile plan entitles us to Netflix Standard at $4.50/month....

It turns out Netflix isn’t solely interested in recouping lost revenue due to password sharing as both our Roku and Fire TV streaming devices spammed prompted us to upgrade the Ultra HD tier earlier today. Upon selecting the account holder’s profile, the above interstitial appeared, before my da...

02/07/2023

If you were unfortunate enough to purchase or factory reset a TiVo Stream 4K this weekend, your online video plans are on hold. Potentially until July 5th. You see, TiVo, in their infinite wisdom has taken their entire customer website down for several days... to include TiVo Stream activation, which redirects to this maintenance page, leaving one with an unusable device....

If you were unfortunate enough to purchase or factory reset a TiVo Stream 4K this weekend, your online video plans are on hold. Potentially until July 5th. You see, TiVo, in their infinite wisdom has taken their entire customer website down for several days… to include TiVo Stream activation, whic...