Google TV goes international, Sony NSZ-GS7 set-top box up for preorder in the US and UK

Google TV from Sony Arrives in Store July 2012 25 June 2012
The Internet Player that lets any TV become a Google TV

Sony Europe today announced the availability and pricing of the NSZ-GS7, Internet Player with Google TV, originally introduced in January at CES. Powered by the Google TV platform, the Internet Player will be available to buy in store from July, priced at £200/€200. Pre-orders begin in July online at www.sony-europe.com.

In 2010, Sony pioneered the internet-TV convergence as one of the first manufacturers to launch products powered by Google TV. With the new Internet Player with Google TV, Sony will also be the first manufacturer to launch Google TV products outside of the United States, initially starting with the United Kingdom in July, followed later by Canada, Australia, France, Germany and Netherlands, Brazil and Mexico. The NSZ-GP9 Blu-ray Disc player with Google TV will be available in October initially in the United States, followed by Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Netherlands.

In addition to the NSZ-GS7 Internet Player, Sony's newest Internet Blu-ray Disc™ player with Google TV, the NSZ-GP9, will be available in October priced at £280/€300.

"Expanding the reach and interoperability of the powerful Android platform with Sony's smartphones, tablets and renowned Audio & Video products, we are proud to continue our relationship with Google through the introduction of the new Google TV Internet Player," said Gildas Pelliet, European Head of Marketing. "Entertainment content is available through so many channels and sites, and Google TV helps consumers easily find what they want to watch, listen or play with the freedom of the internet and using the familiar Chrome browser"

TV and Internet, together as one
Sony and Google have come together to offer the freedom of the web on the big screen. You can search for anything you can imagine with fast speed Google Chrome browsing. Enjoy easy access to your favourite websites, YouTube and more at the touch of a button. Your home entertainment will never be the same.

Total control at a touch
The dual-sided remote has a touch pad for cursor control on one side and on the other a full keyboard for searching, emails and social media updates. You can also use the voice search to find whatever you're after with the Blu-ray Disc™ Player with Google TV. It's a universal remote that controls your entire entertainment system and it has a motion sensor for playing games. You can even turn your smartphone or tablet into a remote with the free Media Remote app.

Fun at your fingertips with Google Play
With the addition of Google Play, viewers have access a wide variety of apps such as YouTube or Twitter™, plus new apps optimized for TV added all the time.

View the original article here

Belkin's WeMo home automation gear up for pre-order, iOS current control for under $100

Belkin Announces Availability of WeMo

WeMo Controls Household Electronics from Anywhere through Wi-Fi® and Mobile App

PLAYA VISTA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Belkin today launched WeMo, a line of modular, Wi-Fi-based products that turn an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch into a remote control for household devices. Consisting of two initial products, the WeMo Switch and the WeMo Motion, WeMo works with the free WeMo app to create a scalable, customizable home control system designed to provide added safety, convenience, and peace of mind.

"With these two simple devices and the free WeMo app, you can create a variety of tasks or recipes, and integration with IFTTT is just one more way to make WeMo yours"

"WeMo uses familiar technology to create a plug-and-play solution for controlling gadgets and appliances remotely," said Jamie Elgie, senior director of product management for Belkin. "Designed to address simple automation needs without the hassle or expense of whole home automation, WeMo is an easy and fun way to put your home at your fingertips."

The WeMo Switch is a small device that plugs directly into any electrical outlet and serves as the main building block for WeMo. Once the Switch is connected to the home Wi-Fi network, any device plugged into it can then be turned on or off from anywhere, whether at home or on the go with the WeMo app. The app also enables users to put devices on a timed schedule, so devices will turn on or off at pre-set times.

The WeMo Switch + Motion adds a sensor that reads motion within 10 feet and will turn on or off anything plugged into the switch based on motion. The WeMo app tells any device plugged into the corresponding WeMo Switch what to do when motion is sensed. The app also allows users to create rules or schedules based on customized intervals. For example, turning off a lamp if no motion is sensed in the room after 10 minutes.

WeMo also features integration with IFTTT, an online service that allows you to create tasks combining different Internet-based services from one platform. Through the WeMo channel on IFTTT, you can use a WeMo Switch or Motion to trigger a variety of services, including email, weather, phone calls, Twitter, Facebook, etc. For example, you can set up a motion sensor by your front door and use IFTTT to create a rule that will send a text message to your phone anytime motion is sensed.

"With these two simple devices and the free WeMo app, you can create a variety of tasks or recipes, and integration with IFTTT is just one more way to make WeMo yours," said Elgie. "With WeMo, your home is at your fingertips and there are endless possibilities of what you can create. We are looking forward to seeing what people come up with once WeMo hits the market."

WeMo Switch (F7C027fcAPL) – $49.99

A plug that becomes a programmable on and off switch for any household device
Operates over Wi-Fi and mobile Internet, at home and away
Creates schedules for devices to turn on or off
Can work in tandem with WeMo Motion, or as a stand-alone product
Requires free WeMo app
Works with an existing Wi-Fi network and any iOS devices (v5.0 or higher)
WeMo app is iOS only, not Android compatible
Modular system makes it easy to add additional WeMo devices

WeMo Switch + Motion (F5Z0340fcAPL) – $99.99

Detects movement, and devices plugged into the WeMo Motion can be programmed to react to motion
6-foot power cord and 10-foot, 120° motion sensitivity range allow for optimal placement of sensor
Operates over Wi-Fi and mobile Internet, at home and away
Requires free WeMo app
Works with an existing Wi-Fi network and any iOS devices (v5.0 or higher)
WeMo app is iOS only, not Android compatible
Modular system makes it easy to add additional WeMo devices
Motion sensor sold bundled with WeMo Switch, not available separately

Availability

The WeMo Switch and WeMo Switch + Motion will be available for pre-order starting today at Amazon.com and Belkin.com, at the Apple store on June 26th, and at Verizon Stores and other select retailers in the U.S. in the weeks to come. The free WeMo app is available now for download from the Apple App Store.

View the original article here