10 must-see videos of the week
Amazon's FireTV debuts; the latest iPhone 6 rumors; and look out Siri, Cortana's the new kid in town.
It's been a jam-packed week with some very hot product announcements, and we're bringing you all the highlights on video right here. In fact, it's been such a busy week, we've included an extra video.
Amazon has expanded the ways you can see its video content by unveiling a new streaming-video player called FireTV. While we think it's a great way to watch Amazon Instant movies and TV, does it have the goods to complete with the likes of Roku or Apple TV? We run down all the key specs and features in our First Look below.
At Microsoft's Build Conference earlier this week, the company announced updates to Windows 8.1, with improved performance for mouse and keyboard users and their Windows Phone 8.1 OS, featuring a new virtual assistant called Cortana. We break down what you need to know about the latest updates as well as offer up a First look of the Nokia 930, the first phone to use the new Windows Phone 8.1.
Also this week: Apple Byte dishes on the latest iPhone 6 rumors, our first ever streaming stick Prizefight war, and could the Audi RS7 be our ultimate dream car?
1. Amazon Fire TV: Impressive debut, with room to grow
The Fire TV streaming media box is an impressive living room debut for Amazon, with standout features like voice search, gaming, and superfast video streaming, but its price and favoritism of its own content keep it from being an elite streamer.
2. Apple Byte: iPhone 6 production could start as early as May
Reuters points to May as the birthday month of the new iPhone's display, and a patent for Apple's oleophobic coating on sapphire is revealed.
3. Meet Cortana, your new personal assistant from Microsoft
Windows Phone 8.1 introduces the latest member of the virtual assistant community. CNET's Sarah Mitroff had a chance to talk to her.
4. Prizefight: Roku Streaming Stick vs. Google Chromecast
It's our first ever streaming stick Prizefight Punchout! Roku and Google bring different things to the table, but only one can reign supreme!
5. CNET On Cars: Driving the hottest RS Audi ever sold in the US
Audi's RS7 is perhaps the perfect car if you can afford it; learn the new technology behind power steering; and top 5 car technologies for your parents.
6. Hands-on with Microsoft Windows 8.1 Update
The new update to the Windows 8.1 OS brings improved performance for mouse and keyboard users.
7. Googlicious: Samsung's Galaxy S5 has the "best smartphone display ever"
DisplayMate gives the S5 the highest marks its ever seen. Amazon's set-top box gets an official announcement, and you can be a Pokémon Hunter for Google!
8. XCAR: 2015 Mini Cooper S: Is it better than the Ford Fiesta ST?
The Mk3 Mini is here and we take the Cooper S and Cooper D out for a spin to see if they can hold their own amongst the hot hatch line up.
9. Top 5: Wi-Fi routers under $100
Need to upgrade your home Wi-Fi router? Here are five options that are an exceptional value at less than $100.
10. Chui intelligent doorbell knows who you are
Facial recognition in a wall-mounted box means Chui will greet you, work with automatic door locks, and ping you if someone stops by unexpectedly. An early look at what's coming later this year.
11. Nokia Lumia 930, first WP 8.1 flagship
We go hands-on with Nokia's Lumia 930, one of the first phones to use Windows Phone 8.1's new Cortana voice assistant.
