Boxee Box is getting live TV integration with new update

By Jeff Hughes November 8, 2011

Looks like the Boxee Box is getting an upgrade that will allow users to tune into live television. By using a special USB dongle, users will be able to switch between live HD TV signals and online content with ease.

GigaOm discovered the upcoming feature by obtaining an unreleased build of the Boxee 1.5 update. The live TV icon sits prominently in the left corner of the Boxee home screen; the window promises “your favorite broadcast TV stations”. After clicking the icon, users input country, zip code and then a program guide is downloaded. GigOm couldn’t proceed further from the channel scanning as instead of the official dongle they improvised with an EyeTV One USB tuner.

An interesting part of the Boxee’s live TV integration, found by combing through the settings, is an option to “enhance my experience by sharing my viewership data with friends”. It’s not exactly clear what that may mean as far as social span. but its worthy to note that Boxee currently allows sharing videos among the platform’s users as well as Facebook and Twitter networks.

No more needing to switch inputs. Also, there are signs that point to users being able to access basic unencrypted cable, though that is something best left for an official update. GigaOm believes the integration will be rolled out in the weeks; considering the version they came across was almost in its final form, it may be out by holiday shopping time.

Google TV also offers live broadcasts but you need a box attachment from cable providers to access content. Aside from the live TV, Boxee recently added Spotify to its music offerings. With Online content, television and music Boxee is looking to take over your living room.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

I'm a SF Bay Area-based writer/ninja that loves anything geek, tech, comic, social media or gaming-related.

Audio / Video

Wiim reveals Ultra streamer pricing and unleashes the Amp Pro

Wiim Ultra.

As promised, Wiim has officially taken the wraps off its new network music streamer, the Wiim Ultra -- a slick aluminum device with a color touchscreen, physical volume knob, and a dedicated, front-facing 3.5mm headphone output. We also now know the price: It will be $329 when it hits Amazon sometime between July 1 and September 30.

Wiim also promised that it would reveal another new device, and it turns out to be the Wiim Amp Pro, a beefed-up version of the highly rated Wiim Amp that launched earlier this year. It will sell for $369 when it arrives on Amazon around the same time as the Ultra.
Wiim Ultra

Audio / Video

The 10 most popular streaming services, ranked by subscriber count

The Netflix home screen.

Let's start this with a caveat or two: If you're going to compare streaming services merely by the number of subscribers they have, it's not exactly a fair fight. Not all services are available in the same places. Nor does the number of subscribers really address the "worth" of a streaming service. Or whether it's easy to use, or if the apps are any good. Or, for that matter, if a given streaming service has what you want to watch, which really is the only measure necessary.

Still, it's interesting to keep up with how things are doing from a global perspective, especially when you have relatively young upstarts like Apple TV+ gaining so many accolades in an industry dominated by Netflix.

Audio / Video

Bose, Sony, and more: 131 headphone prices slashed, from $8

Woman wearing Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones.

Best Buy has a huge sale on headphones right now meaning if you’re looking for great headphone deals, this is the retailer you need to check out. Discounts mean that you can buy earbuds from just $8 but there are also deep discounts on high-end options too. Keen to learn more? Of course you are! We’ve picked out some of our favorites but you can also tap the button below to see the sale for yourself. With hundreds of options, you don’t want to miss out.

What to shop for in the Best Buy headphones sale
For some of the best noise-cancelling headphones, check out the which are down to $180 right now. Usually costing $250, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 are exceptional. They offer a custom-built driver for low distortion, crisp and clear high notes, along with deep and rich bass. Adaptive audio dynamically blends Transparency mode with ANC so you get the best listening experience without any disruption. Features like personalized spatial audio and personalized volume further help matters.