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

Video: Apple promotes inclusion inspiring innovation in moving Pride video

Apple's released a video of their first ever Pride parade appearance as a company. As described, "On June 29, thousands of Apple employees and their families marched in the San Francisco Pride Parade. They came from around the world — from cities as far as Munich, Paris, and Hong Kong — to celebrate Apple's unwavering commitment to equality and diversity. Because we believe that inclusion inspires innovation." Participants wore a colour-free Apple logo on their shirts as well as distributed iTunes Cards to participants in the parade.

Apple reportedly hires TAG-Heuer's sales director for....you know

The cauldron of iWatch-related intrigue continues to bubble with reports that Apple's just hired away TAG-Heuer's sales director.

Jean Claude Biver, president of LVMH's watch division (comprised of Luis Vuitton, Hublot, Zenith, TAG-Heuer) said as much during a taped interview with CNBC (see below). He also makes a straight faced reference to the iWatch, an as of yet unnanounced yet widely speculated on future product.

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Lomotif ushers in a new format of music videos for iPhone videographers

Spike Jonze wannabes rejoice! Lomotif just introduced an updated version of its Lomotif iOS app that allows users to instantly create punchy, hyper-short music videos for sharing on platforms like Instagram, YouTube and WhatsApp. Lomotif users can use any song preview from iTunes to create their under-30-second music video from clips on their camera roll.

The app gives the best output based on the tempo of the song and the number of clips selected. Lomotif's new update allows users to add filters to enhance their videos, as well as features user interface improvements. Hit jump for full details. 

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