Latest news on smart home automation, home server, Ubuntu/Linux, home theater, and operating system updates, releases, and upgrades.
Some might fondly remember their first home theatre PC (HTPC) application as Xbox Media Center, or XBMC. Truly, this was the first HTPC application for the masses. XBMC was available on the original Xbox. The developers opted to port it to several other devices. This was because of the incredible … read more
Plex ranks as one of our favorite media server software options here at htpcBeginner. It’s intuitive to set up while boasting a bevy of features for home theatre buffs. Now, Plex furthers its foray into the media center space with its Winamp-esque music player. With Plexamp released, there’s a Plex … read more
With its forthcoming Disney streaming service, as well as ESPN-branded sports streaming offering, Disney continues to dominate. Now, the hugely popular company further changes the entertainment industry. In a massive deal worth over $52 billion in stock, a Disney Fox merger lets Disney buy 21st Century Fox. [Read: 5 Best … read more
The Nvidia Shield TV is an excellent device. It’s arguably the top Plex client device and Kodi box available. It’s a capable game streaming gadget, and retro gaming arcade. Plus, with its smart home components, the Shield TV may act as a smart home hub. Until recently, the Shield TV … read more
Amazon’s Fire TV devices rank among the best available streaming units. However, until recently, it was limited to the United States. But a Nov. 2017 announcement revealed the Fire TV Basic Edition. This forthcoming Fire TV device benefits from a worldwide release. But there it’s different from the U.S. Fire … read more
There are loads of smart speaker options, as well as smart artificial intelligence (AI) assistants. Now, UE graces its line of speakers with Alexa integration. The UE Blast and Megablast gain Alexa functionality in a major update. Because of this, the Megablast and Blast offer an affordable, stylish means of … read more
Don’t panic. Yet. But a major security flaw, KRACK, compromised Wi-Fi routers worldwide. As CNET reports, KRACK could cripple smart home Wi-Fi networks, slamming them the most. [Read: Security flaws found in Insteon and Wink smart home systems: What this means and what you can do] Wi-Fi exploit makes network … read more
WeTek, the awesome set-top box manufacturer, has revealed its plans to offer a gamepad. This is a large step for the Android streamer company. With a WeTek gamepad announced, gaming on both Android and Windows is poised to improve. [Read: 10 Best legal Kodi streaming boxes – Best Kodi box … read more
Plex, one of our favorite media server software options here at htpcBeginner, keeps improving. In a major update, Plex Live TV for Roku is now available. This is a massive move, and further helps Plex users to cut the cord. [Read: How to use Plex VR in Daydream: Watch Plex … read more