Netflix Announces $1 Price Hike

Netflix announces price increase with streaming plans.

From Netflix email:

Hi SLACKER,

In order to continue adding more movies and TV shows, we are increasing our price from $7.99 to $8.99 for new members. As a thank you for being a member of Netflix already, we guarantee that your plan and price will not change for two years.

You can review your membership details at any time by visiting Your Account. As always, if you have questions, we are happy to answer them. Please call us at any time at 1-888-357-1516.

–The Netflix Team

Netflix Price Hike 20140509

Even at $8.99 per month, Netflix is still a bargain.

Considering that Netflix has recently signed peering deals with Comcast and Verizon, the extra $1 should be justified to Netflix.

Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV

Just a few comparison photos of Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV.

Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV side by side

Amazon Fire TV has larger surface area than Apple TV.

Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV height differential

Amazon Fire TV is 0.3 inch shorter than Apple TV.

Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV stacked top view

Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV stacked front view

Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV stacked rear view

Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV both have:

  • HDMI out
  • Optical Audio out
  • Ethernet Port

Unlike Apple TV which has a built-in power supply, Amazon Fire TV requires an external power adapter.

Amazon Fire TV has a USB port that is currently serves no purpose, at least that’s what the User’s Guide says. Apple TV has a micro-USB for firmware update/restore.

Amazon Fire TV Manual USB Port

Amazon Fire TV: Unboxed

After a long day, I finally had a chance to take the Amazon Fire TV out of its packaging.

Amazon Fire TV box

Amazon Fire TV packaging is definitely different than Apple TV’s in many ways.

Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV boxes

Amazon Fire TV comes with a remote, power adapter and 2 AAA batteries.

Amazon Fire TV and Accessories

Available ports on Apple Fire TV:

  • 5.5 mm DC Jack
  • Type A HDMI 1.4b output, w/HDCP
  • Optical Audio (TOSLINK)
  • 10/100 Ethernet
  • USB 2.0 Type A

Amazon Fire TV ports

The first generation of Amazon Fire TV comes with 5.49GB of storage.

About Amazon Fire TV

End of Amazon Fire TV: Unboxed

Amazon Fire TV: The Arrival

Amazon Fire TV I ordered arrived one day earlier than promised, thanks to Amazon and USPS speedy delivery. I also ordered the Fire Game Controller, but it won’t be delivered until sometimes next week. I would have more time later in the evening installing, using and playing with the Amazon Fire TV. Don’t expect any unboxing video from me because there are already tons of other people doing that. I would do something different. Stay tuned!

Amazon Fire TV delivered by USPS

The package was delivered so fast, probably because it was done by Spider-Man himself.

USPS Spider-Man 2014

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 opens in Theaters May 2, 2014.

Amazon Fire TV

Amazon announces Fire TV:

Fire TV is a tiny box that plugs into your HDTV. It’s the easiest way to enjoy Netflix, Prime Instant Video, Hulu Plus, WatchESPN, low-cost video rentals, and more. With instant access to over 200,000 TV episodes and movies, plus all your favorite subscriptions and streaming services, you can watch what you want, when you want. If you’re a Prime member, you get unlimited access to thousands of popular movies and TV shows, including exclusives like Downton Abbey, The Americans, Alpha House, and Under the Dome.

Amazon Fire TV

Amazon Fire TV is shipping on the same day it is announced.

Amazon also announces Amazon Fire Game Controller.

Wireless Bluetooth game controller with up to 55 hours of battery life, instant GameCircle access, and media controls for the best gaming experience on Amazon Fire TV

For limited time, Amazon Fire Game Controller comes with 1,000 Amazon Coins ($10 value) and Sev Zero.

Amazon Fire Game Controller

I have ordered both Fire TV and Fire Game Controller. They should arrive this Friday and next week, respectively.

Amazon Fire TV is Ordered

Let’s see how good this Apple Fire TV is. Stay tuned.

House of Cards, Season 2

As of midnight February 14, 2014 all 13 episodes of House of Cards, Season 2 are available for your binge-viewing pleasure on Netflix. Don’t worry, no spoilers here.

House of Cards Season 2 on Netflix

I love the subtlety of Frank Underwood’s initial, since the first episode.

House of Cards F U

I have watched 2 episodes so far before deciding to get some sleep. A few hours later I’m awake and made this post.