Samsung’s new TVs get Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa support

So, Samsung is trying to bring more value to its new TVs. On top of its support for iTunes and AirPlay 2, Samsung is also bringing support for Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. But there’s a caveat to this. The new TVs will respond to voice commands from these two digital assistants through Alexa- and Google Assistant-powered smart speakers. The built-in voice assistant and one you can talk to through the remote will still be Samsung’s Bixby Assistant. The commands it can execute is rudimentary at the moment. Using Google Assistant or Alexa, you’ll be able to turn on the TV, change channels and volume, or switch between inputs. There’s no word yet if richer features are coming, but Samsung should update us if they are bringing more.

Source: Engadget

Targus brings wireless charging to its new backpack

The Verge

Backpacks that charge smartphones aren’t new. But what about ones that can do it wirelessly? Targus has a new Mobile VIP+ backpack which has a built-in replaceable battery and Qi wireless charging cradle in one of the side pockets. It’ll keep the phone charging in said cradle, the pocket can fit a phone sized up to an iPhone XS Max. The cradle itself connects to an internal battery with a standard USB cable so you can swap it out with a battery of choice. It also has a pocket that blocks RFID signals, if that’s something you need or want. It’s going on sale in the US for US$199 in April.

Source: The Verge

Apple is bringing iTunes to Samsung’s 2018 and 2019 TVs

In another display of how Apple is shifting its strategy, the company is partnering with one of its biggest rivals to bring iTunes and Apple AirPlay 2 to Samsung’s current and upcoming line of TVs. This marks the first time Apple is allowing a third-party access its library outside of Windows PCs. Owners of Samsung 2019 and 2018 TVs will be able to play their iTunes movie and TV show library as well as buy and rent content from a dedicated app coming to these TVs. The 2018 models will get the feature via a firmware update. The iTunes Movies and TV Shows app will be coming to 100 countries (no specifics yet on which ones). To protect its users’ privacy, Apple told The Verge Samsung’s smart TV ad-tracking features will not work within the app.

On top of this, Apple is also bringing AirPlay 2 support to Samsung Smart TVs in 190 countries worldwide. This means, you can stream videos, photos, music, podcasts, and the like from your Apple devices directly to Samsung TVs, which include the QLED 4K and 8K TVs, The Frame and Serif lifestyle TVs, as well as other Samsung UHD and HD models.

Source: Samsung

HP brings OLED to the Spectre x360 15

It’s been 13 years since HP brought an OLED display to its Spectre line but this 2019 it’s making a comeback. The company is offering an OLED option for its 15-inch HP Spectre x360, making it one of the few laptops with an OLED display and perhaps finally bringing the fight to the MacBook Pro when it comes to creative work. It comes with HDR support and wide gamut (100 percent DCI-P3 coverage), high-contrast screen technology. There isn’t any info yet on color accuracy but at least the color gamut is comparable to Apple’s laptop. In terms of specs, you can expect it to come with an 8^th-gen Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB PCIe SSD storage. HP isn’t providing estimated battery life yet but the existing Spectre x360 15 models have a run time of up to 16 hours. With an OLED display though, expect this to eat up more battery. The unit is expected to ship in March. No word on pricing yet either.

Source: The Verge + CNET