Roku adoption moves past Apple TV in the US

Roku has finally surpassed Apple TV in terms of popularity in the US. "The Evolving Market For Streaming Media Devices," by market research firm Parks Associates revealed that "44 percent of households that own at least one streaming device use a Roku," while Apple's avowed hobby, the Apple TV, accounts for "26 per cent of both sales and usage." Both the latest Roku and Apple TV sell for about the same price although there are various Roku models featuring lower prices and limited features.

While not acatually in the same league, Google's Chromecast has been making waves. Being a much cheaper (and functionally limited device) may have added to its popularity. Google and Roku sold an estimated 3.8 million streaming media devices last year, with Apple selling just over 2 million Apple TVs. 

While Apple has pushed modest updates to Apple TV in the US (more limited in Canada) and includes various new services, Roku's business model is to offer as much free content as possible as well as integrate the ability to play casual games with their wireless controller. Many believe that Apple TV is up for a redesign and a feature upgrade, perhaps in tandem with the upcoming iOS 8 release in the fall which could change the game in streaming media device market.

Source: Appleinsider

The friendship bracelet gets an update with Facebook

Lollapalooza isn’t the only one bringing tech into its music festival. Belgium’s Tomorrowland festival is turning its festival wristband into a modern day equivalent to a Facebook friendship bracelet. Festival goers will receive the wristband in the mail and will be invited to register online and link their Facebook accounts. This will let them make connections with people they meet at Tomorrowland. They can make connections by simply pressing a heart button on the wristband at the same time. Those connections will be included in an email that will let them pick who they want to add or not.

Source: The Verge

LG starts G Pad 10.1 rollout in the U.S. this July

LG has begun the global rollout of its G Pad 10.1 tablet with its U.S. release this July. The G Pad was launched in May and it offers users a 10.1-inch device with a 1280x800 pixel resolution screen that runs on a 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. Other features include 1GB RAM, 16GB storage, Android 4.4.2 operating system, 5-megapixel rear camera and 1.3-megapixel front camera, as well as a large 8000mAh battery. It has a lot of the software features available on the G3 such as Dual Window and Smart Keyboard.

The G Pad 10.1 will be available in other markets after the U.S. release. Price of the device has not yet been divulged.

Source: Mashable

Xbox One update gives players snap mode for achievements

Microsoft stays true to their word and releases a July update for the console. This update brings the ability to double tap the Xbox button to snap an app. Players will also be able to check out the new snap mode for achievements. This specific update has been part of Microsoft’s Xbox One preview program and will be rolled out internationally in the coming days. According to Ubergizmo, there will be select regions that will even get additional voice control features.