Digital Trends Names Aperion Allaire Best Computer Speakers
Over at Digital Trends, they have once again named the Allaire Bluetooth speakers as their overall top pick for computer speakers! With all the competition out there, we are extremely honored to have been recognized as top of the heap in this category. Here’s a little of what they have to say about it: “The Allaire offers the most complete combination of high-end sound quality, versatility, and connectivity in the genre. However, what really sells us on this set is its outstanding sound quality, which offers rich bass response, pure midrange details, and pristine treble.” Of course we may be a bit biased, but we have to agree with that assessment. But don’t take our word for it, take us up on our 60 day in-home audition and decide for yourself!
LG OLED TV’s Prices Drop
More great news for those looking to buy a new TV in 2018, LG’s Organic Light Emitting Display (OLED) prices will drop down to $2500 for the entry level 55 inch model. That may seem like a lot, and it is, but it’s around $1000 lower than last year and with this price reduction there’s a good chance that more price drops are in store. As for the advantages of an OLED TV, you can read this comparison of LED LCD and OLED sets on CNET. Briefly though, OLED technology offers better black levels, contrast ratio and a wider range of viewing angles. While the price may still be prohibitive for many, there’s a good chance that by year’s end a TV with this cutting edge technology may be in reach for the bulk of folks that have been holding out for more reasonable pricing. Home Theater Review also provided some details on LG LCD Super UHD TVs, these sets feature “Nano Cell technology for expanded color gamut and natural, rich colors from any angle. New for 2018 is the inclusion of a full-array backlight with local dimming (in the SK9000 and SK9500 series), which provides more detailed control of the backlight, improving black levels and local contrast.” And if you still need another reason to jump into a new display, both the OLED and Super UHD LG models feature Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
MoviePass App Tracks Your Location
MoviePass has been making waves since it lowered its subscription last year to $9.95/month for all the in-theater movies you can watch at a pace of one a day. Since then they’ve racked up millions of subscribers and according to Media Play News, should hit 5 million subscribers this year and account for around 20% of all movie theater ticket sales. But the disturbing part of the piece is when CEO Mitch Lowe mentions that they can use the GPS in your phone to track your movements to and from the theater with their app. However, that might be a privacy violation as the terms of use with MoviePass only authorize a one time location request to help recommend nearby theaters and “improve their service”. Over at Engadget, MoviePass has clarified the way they use the data they collect by saying “We will not be selling the data that we gather. Rather, we will use it to better inform how to market potential customer benefits including discounts on transportation, coupons for nearby restaurants, and other similar opportunities.” Hmmm, if they are partnering with other companies to provide coupons and “similar opportunities” we find it hard to believe that all your info will stay with MoviePass. There’s no denying that MoviePass is a great deal, but we have to wonder if there are some hidden costs in terms of privacy that consumers may not want to pay.
Free Apple TV 4K with DirecTV Now Subscription
Finally, in the free stuff departm
ent, if you prepay for three months of the DirecTV streaming service, DirecTV Now, you’ll get a free Apple TV 4K. You’ll get the 32 GB version, which is a $170 value. DirecTV Now’s basic package which runs $35/month will qualify you for the deal and you get around 60 channels including all four major networks, ESPN and ESPN2, FX, AMC and many others. DirecTV Now also offers three additional tiers of programming ranging up to $70/month which includes the premium Starz channels. If you want HBO and Showtime, they can be added on for $5 and $8/month respectively. Like all streaming subscriptions, there’s no commitment, so once the three months are up you are free to cancel at any time. If you don’t need an Apple TV, they’re also running a introductory offer where you can get the basic package for just $10/month for the first three months, which is a pretty sweet deal.