Review: Apple TV (2015)

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Apple TV (2015) finally sees Apple’s set top box transcend its iTunes roots into larger and more expansive apps, entertainment, gaming and much more.

The latest version of the Apple TV is impeccably designed and smartly positioned as Apple’s play for the living room and possibly the central nervous system for HomeKit enabled smart devices.

Apple TV has actually placed itself in the line of fire in one of the most competitive segments in consumer electronics and entertainment. There's already heated competition with established players like Roku, Amazon (Fire) and Google with its insanely popular (and cheap) Chromecast. Apple TV (2015) is also competing against the previous incarnation, which is also cheaper, but far less powerful or versatile.

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Video: Hands on with the Microsoft Surface Book

At first glance, the Microsoft Surface Book looks and feels like a full featured 13-inch notebook. It feels heftier than most ultrabooks because it is mainly a tablet.

The top section which holds the multi-touch display and all the processors and ports connects to a keyboard which also houses a discreet GPU (in some models). This device weighs 3.34 lbs and less when it is in clipboard mode (just the tablet). 

What is impressive is the precise build quality and level of materials used. The 13.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen display (3000 x 2000) resolution is vibrant and easy on the eyes and keyboard lovers will fall hard for the accessory keyboard which looks and feels great. What's not so great, is the $1,949.00 starting price!

American Express customers can now enjoy Apple Pay in Canada

Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president in charge of Apple Pay says that American Express cards are easiest to support at launch. Photo By Gadjo C. Sevilla/ Canadianreviewer.com

Canadians who are American Express customers and who own iPhones and Apple Watches, rejoice! Apple Pay is now available in Canada. Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president in charge of Apple Pay says that American Express cards are easiest to support at launch because AmEx is both the payment network operator and the card issuer, whereas other payment networks like Visa and MasterCard work with financial institutions to issue cards that work on their network.

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Engineered by HP program yields first crop of wearable devices

HP developed the hardware modules, software and user interface, and is providing HP cloud services for all of the brand smartwatches. HP also designed the app that allows users to configure and connect the watch to the cloud.

HP has always done its own thing when it came to wearables and smart watches. Last year, they collaborated with designer Michael Bastien for the Chronowing timepiece, which was more watch that received push notifications, than a full blown smartwatch. The Engineered by HP program now has new model, the Movado Bold Motion smartwatch ($889.99 from HP) features a sleeker take on the notification watch and promises a 7-day battery life. Ideal for fashion forward users who don't want apps on their watch and are happy with a more back-to-basics take on wearable functionality.