Tech : Video - Triple-display Flip phone powers our dreams with Android

This one's only a concept so don't get your hopes up, but we're loving the design here, called the Flip from designer Kristian Ulrich Larsen. It's a triple-display handset running stock Android that pops out like a tent, collapses into a standard (if curved) slate, and even folds out like a little book. Each screen is said to be Super AMOLED hiding behind Gorilla Glass, with steel mesh acting as hinges -- and there's a full QWERTY keyboard somewhere in there too. Is it magic? No, it's just a render, but we're hoping that something like this becomes rather more physical in the not too distant future. Until then, enjoy the dreamy video after the break.

Flip concept phone

What is being creative? from Kristian Larsen on Vimeo.

Tech : Apple on iPad competition: Windows is 'big and heavy,' Android is 'just a scaled-up smartphone'

Apple's COO (and current Steve Jobs stand-in) Tim Cook thinks "there's not much" competition to the company's iPad tablet. When queried about Apple's view on what the rest of the market offers, Cook was brutally candid in describing Windows-driven machines as generally being big, heavy and expensive, while current generations of Android-based slates are in his opinion merely "scaled-up smartphones." While we agree that Windows 7 isn't a terribly touch-friendly affair, we don't know that Cook's comments on Android are quite so pertinent now that Google's tablet-savvy Honeycomb iteration has been unveiled. Then again, he has something to say about the next generation of Android tablets as well, noting that the ones announced at CES lack pricing and release schedules, leading him to conclude that "today they're vapor." Ouch. See his comments in full after the break.

5:32PM Q: How do you view the iPad's competitors?

5:34PM A: Tim -- if you look at what's out there today, there's not much. There's the ones that use Windows, they're generally big and heavy and expensive. They have weak battery life, they require a keyboard or a stylus as an input device, customers are frankly just not interested in them. Then you have Android tablets, and the varieties that are out shipping today, their operating system wasn't designed for tablets. Google has said this, this isn't just Apple saying this. That means you have the size of a tablet that just isn't reasonable for what we call a 'real tablet experience.' That's just a scaled-up smartphone, which is a bizarre product category. If you do a side-by-side with an iPad, you'll pick an iPad.

Tech : The future of the iPad 2, iPhone 5, and Apple TV, and why Apple is shifting its mobile line to Qualcomm chipsets

We've been hearing a ton of rumors about what direction Apple's next set of products will take and when they'll be available -- but now we've got some concrete information from reliable sources which should make the path a little clearer. And that includes info on the next iPad, the iPhone 5, the second iteration of the new Apple TV, and a big change coming for all of the company's mobile products. Want to know the scoop? Read along after the break to get the goods.

Right now, everyone is obviously buzzing about the Verizon iPhone 4. What people aren't talking about (yet) is the fact the device will be using a Qualcomm chipset for its CDMA radio (with no GSM capabilities) as opposed to the Infineon versions seen in the GSM iPhone 4. This isn't much of a surprise by itself, but it paves the way for a major shift from Apple. But first, a little bit of a timeline.

Just before the Verizon iPhone 4 launch, we'd heard from multiple sources -- sources like the ones which gave us all that extremely accurate Apple TV info last time around -- that the iPad 2 isn't nearly as close to launch as some have speculated. Apparently, those case and hardware mockups we've seen are rather early versions, which means we're still months out from a proper introduction. It seems likely that the device will land around April (perfectly timed with the 12-month product cycle Apple enjoys). And what about that device? From what we've been told, the thinner, sleeker tablet will sport a new screen technology that is akin to (though not the same as) the iPhone 4's Retina Display and will be "super high resolution" (unlike reports to the contrary). The device will remain at 10 inches but will now feature both front and rear cameras (not a huge surprise), and... there's an SD slot. That's right -- our sources say with near certainty that the device will have a dedicated SD slot built in (with no traditional USB slot). In fact, see that weird notch in the photo below? That's where the SD part will be located. What's most interesting, however, is what's happening under the hood.

The new iPad will feature a dual GSM / CDMA chipset produced by Qualcomm and will mark Apple's shift away from Infineon as its chipset maker to Qualcomm for all of its mobile devices. It's not clear if the chipset being used will be based on the company's EV-DO / HSPA Gobi variety or an entirely new design. Presumably, the strength of the new dual-mode chipset is that it will allow both Verizon and AT&T to offer the iPad simultaneously.

But all of these moves are leading up to the iPhone 5 -- a completely redesigned handset -- which our sources say is on track for a summer launch. Right now, the device is being tested discreetly by senior staff at Apple (strictly on campus only). We don't have much info on the phone at this point, but our understanding is that the new device will be a total rethink from a design standpoint and will be running atop Apple's new A5 CPU (a Cortex A9-based, multi-core chip). This device, like the iPad 2, will feature a Qualcomm chipset that does triple duty as the CDMA / GSM / UMTS baseband processor -- from what we hear there's no LTE in the mix at this point.

One other interesting tidbit: Apple is at work on the second generation of its redesigned Apple TV, which will include that new A5 processor. The CPU is said to be blazingly fast, cranking out 1080p video "like running water." It's likely that the A5 will make it into the iPad 2 as well, but we have yet to confirm that.

So what does this all mean? Besides the surprise of an SD slot on the iPad, it all sounds fairly routine. It's the complete move away from Infineon to Qualcomm that's truly notable -- marking one of the biggest shifts in suppliers and technology since the advent of the original iPhone.

Tech : RIM shows off PlayBook's browser chops, SDK in latest round of teaser vids

It looks like RIM's really sticking to this "you don't need an app for the web" mantra for its hotly anticipated PlayBook -- at least according to the latest crop of videos the company has outed. In what is no doubt an attempt to drum up some buzz before a swarm of other tablets descends on CES, the company has chosen to highlight its latest browser improvements to prove just how "real" the web is on the PlayBook. HTML5 video playback looks super smooth, as does Flash video in the desktop YouTube site. Impressively, the entire Facebook experience works exactly like it does on the desktop -- even supporting Facebook chat, which the iPad's browser can't handle. They demonstrate Flash games working without a hitch, so you can breathe a sigh of relief, Farmville-addicts. The second video explores the SDK -- no doubt in an attempt to reiterate the ease of programming for the PlayBook -- and while there's a good bit of technical jargon, we have to say that the Fantasy Football app shown off looks pretty sweet. Why RIM can't somehow manage to bring these improvements to its already-shipping BlackBerry line, we still can't quite comprehend, but we'll be visiting the RIM booth as soon as the show opens to see the latest improvements for ourselves. In the meantime, peep the videos after the break.

5 reasons to get the BlackBerry Wireless Headset HS-300

For a little while now, I’ve been using the BlackBerry HS-300 Wireless Headset. I’m very fond of it at the moment now, more than my other headsets for many reasons. I’m pretty much wrapped up with the review and will be posting it up here in the next few days, but I thought I’d give you some key reasons why the BlackBerry HS-300 is the headset to choose. Usually I throw in the price factor, where I didn’t this time since you all know by now that the HS-300 retails for only $49.99. I saved the 5 reasons for other valuable ones instead .

It’s small and compact

The HS-700 is a really nice headset but my biggest issue with it is that it’s way too big. I’m a fan of the Jawbone ICON which is small and compact. When the HS-300 launched, I couldn’t believe its size so it definitely attracted my attention. Some of you may favor it being big, but I think smaller headsets are more “in this season.”

It charges fully in 30 minutes!

Chargining for 15 minutes gives you 2 hours talk time, and 30 minutes gives you 4 hours respectively. The HS-300 makes it real convenient for a short time charge, making it more possible to have it around with you all day.

Talk time up to 4 hours

Most headsets get this any way so it sounds like no big deal. But this statistic factors in with the whole 30 minute full charge so it definitely is a plus.

Audible voice prompts

It may not be your cup of tea, but having voice commands through your headset is awesome. You can perform actions such as checking the battery life where you’ll be told right through the headset how much talk time is left with you current battery charge.

Easy ON/OFF switch

If there’s anything that pisses me off, it’s headsets where you have to hold down a single button for a few seconds to turn it on and off. The BlackBerry HS-300 gives you a dedicated power key that’s very straight forward: flick one way for on and the other for off.

Gadgets, Apps and Tech That Made Our 2010

2010 has been a pretty packed year for tech. Streaming video came into its own with radically improved content choices and affordable living room hardware devices, Android and Apple's iOS dominated the cell phone market, the mobile app markets show no sign of slowing down and the iPad revealed a huge demand for tablets. We here at Switched have taken a look back over the past 12 months and each picked our favorite new device, app or technology. Share your can't-live-without tech from 2010 in the comments.

Simplenote

While I developed an unhealthy addiction to 'Solipskier' and ignored friends and family to watch all four seasons of 'Battlestar Galatica' in an embarrassingly short amount of time, a bare-bones service is my top find of the year. Simplenote does one thing -- text syncing -- exceedingly well. I've jumped from Office and Google Docs to Evernote and Yojimbo and countless other apps over the years for organizing my work and personal writing, ideas and lists, but most require at least one too many steps to keep things synced. For years, e-mailing myself notes and ideas was usually the best option. While making coffee, I can use the iPhone app to enter a thought to one of several long-running lists that will be synced automatically to the cloud. When I sit down to work, it'll already be synced and accessible on my computer (via the website or Notational Velocity app). Everything can be tagged and is fully searchable, and it's been a huge relief to finally have most of my important text documents reachable from any device without the need to plug, sync, download or upload anything.

Music Experimentation

Kanye West launched G.O.O.D Friday, Robyn released 'Body Talk' on the go, and even Gorillaz created an album on the iPad before unleashing it on world for free. Three or four years ago, the music industry was atrophying and anemic, getting walloped by piracy and Pandora both. But now artists (along with creative, interactive marketing plans) are breathing new life into an industry that was forced, violently, to reinvent itself. People are beginning to pay money for experiences, but are also (rightfully) expecting something free. RCRD LBL encourages album hype by letting listeners download singles without pay. Call me idealistic, but it seems like musicians realized that they are artists and were lucky to be commanding the attention of the world, which led to experimentation (like Robyn producing an album on tour, or Girl Talk crashing his own servers by offering a free record). G.O.O.D Friday, which was West's way of releasing a set of songs each Friday to his devoted Twitter followers, stirred the hype of his blockbuster 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.' Is the music industry perfect? Hell no. But visionaries are finding ways to make money and garner acclaim -- and consumers are glad to pay, as long as they are paying for something worthwhile.

iPad

Fine, I'll say it: the iPad is the best tech of 2010. Listen, the Internet is going to kill the printed page no matter what -- as we said exactly one year ago, the death knell for physical books has already been rung. And yes, Kindles and NOOKs and Sony e-readers will help to keep people literate, but the iPad has that multi-functional appeal without which our newly digital-ADD-addled brains can't live. And, when the robots start their attacks a little over a year from now, we'll be able to light our way through the safety of the darkened sewers by the glow of our tablets, frozen on a digitized page of T.S. Eliot or 'Twilight,' towards a new home.

Streaming Video

Technically, I suppose, it all started in 2009. In November of last year, I gave up on cable. I moved into a new apartment and left the shackles of subscription-based television behind -- and I couldn't have picked a better year. In 2010, streaming media finally went mainstream. Hulu and Netflix were offering premium, Web-based, HD streaming services; Apple brought streaming TV show rentals to iTunes; Google finally got into the set-top box game. While some of the software and hardware like the Boxee Box, Apple TV, Google TV and Roku have some maturing to do, the content is there. With just a few exceptions, most popular shows on network TV and basic cable are available online, often for free and in HD. 2010 wasn't the year that the Internet killed cable, but it's certainly proved subscription TV is purely optional, even for frequent viewers.

Downloadable Games

The "downloadable games revolution" that has for so long been promised finally arrived for real in 2010. The absolute flood of quality titles ran across all platforms: From gems like 'Solipskier' on iPhone and Android, to the spectacular 'LIMBO' on Xbox Live Arcade, to PC games big ('Mass Effect 2') and small ('Super Meat Boy') on the Steam download service, there's been simply more instantly-accessible gaming available in 2010 than could be played by a single pair of hands. The wild success of games like 'Angry Birds' has served to drive the point home: Even big publishers like EA and Activision have redoubled their investments in the downloadable games space, and such high-profile titles as 'Rage' and 'Infinity Blade' (from top PC developers iD and Epic) have upped the ante on mobiles. Expect big things in 2011.

Rise of Apps

Among the magical buzzwords that regularly pollute our conversations and sully communications, "app" is certainly at the top of the list. And yet, to my mind, that hype is only going to increase in the coming years -- and rightly so, as others fully discover (like I did this year) that there really is an app for everything. My morning ritual of checking e-mail, calendar appointments, industry news, general news, gossip sites, whatever -- it's all quickly, cleanly and neatly done via apps. Sure, they've been around a few years already (and many years in the form of desktop widgets), but the App Revolution is for real. Along with touch-based interfaces, it represents one of the most exciting user interface paradigm switches (buzzzz!) for computing since the introduction of the mouse. Finally, the Web works the way I want it to, and I'm not looking back.

Android

I was really buying into those Verizon iPhone rumors around March when I decided to hold out on renewing with Verizon, in hopes I could snatch a new iPhone when I re-upped with the carrier. With no iPhone in sight, though, I skipped waiting, stayed on Verizon and chose Android instead. With my trusty Droid Incredible in hand, I was ready to do everything that a person bestowed with an iPhone could do -- buy apps, launch angry birds, check e-mail and tweet. But I had one huge advantage: the operating system running on my phone was open source. In 2010, it is this reason alone that Android phones have grown to hold 25-percent of the worldwide market share of smartphones. The flexibility of Android opened up a huge market for hardware manufacturers, such as HTC, allowing them to build a solid fleet of phones that individually have worked better for certain groups of people. If 2010 was a growth year for Android, expect 2011 to only be more full of little green robots and sweet-inspired (Gingerbread, anyone?) OS updates.

Just got an iPhone? The best apps, accessories, and tips

Someone must really like you -- otherwise, how did you end up with an iPhone this holiday season? Yeah, we know, iPads don't really fit into stockings. Besides, your parent or significant other got you an arguably better gift in the cheaper (with two-year contract, of course), more compact, and more recently updated iPhone 4. We've given you some app suggestions before when the device first launched, but that was six months ago, and in technology time, that's like seven years. Want a run-down of the best apps, our favorite accessories, and the essential tips and tricks? Just follow along after the break!

Hey Android friends, we got you covered, too! Did you get an iPad? Check out our guide here!

Best iPhone apps

Dropbox (free for basic 2GB account). In case you hadn't noticed, getting files to and from your iPhone isn't exactly a walk in the park -- and that's what makes an app like Dropbox so damned valuable. Not only does using Dropbox on your desktop or laptop mean that you've got some simple, integrated cloud storage, but it makes it super easy to ping files back and forth to all of your devices (iPad too). A quick and easy fix for when you need to get content to and from platforms, and a great way to ensure that your files don't get lost in the shuffle. The Dropbox app lets you upload pictures and video, create links to share with others, and enjoy what's already on the server (including text and PDF files). And don't worry about backing out mid-transfer -- the app will keep uploading in the background.

Wikipanion (free; $4.99 for Plus edition). Just think, there was a time in our lives where we'd be at a bar or restaurant arguing over some stupid piece of trivial knowledge and no one could look up the right answer. Man, we'd go on for hours just berating the other person, never as confident in our side as we let on. Times have changed, and if you need a connection to the database of information that is Wikipedia, you can't go wrong with Wikipanion. It bests the official app, in fact, with features like remembering where you last left off in an entry

Kindle (free) and Nook (free). There's no shortage of e-reader apps for iOS, and nothing to stop you from download every single one, but for our money we like to stick with Kindle and Nook. The user interface for both is simple and intuitive and the library of books (backed by Amazon and Barnes & Noble, respectively) is expansive. The best part? Your virtual library syncs to the cloud so you can continue from the page you left off at regardless of which device -- iPhone, iPad, Android, PC, Mac, Blackberry, or of course Kindle / Nook -- you pick up next.

WorldMate (free; $0.99 for Gold edition). Here's hoping you didn't blow all of your savings on a new iPhone -- after all, you'll be needing a vacation after stuffing your face with holiday grub for a solid week. You'll also need $0.99, which you'll promptly spend on the 'Gold' version of WorldMate for iOS. Yeah, there's a free version if you're looking to test the waters, but a mere buck nabs you automatic flight delay notifications, real-time flight stats and loads more information that you never appreciate until you're hurrying through security. This app beautifully lays out your upcoming trips, ingests pretty much every confirmation email ever, and easily manages multiple people on the same flight who got there via different confirmation numbers. If you're looking to get your travel life organized, look no further.

Pandora (free). Still the reigning champ in the music department, next to the iPod app itself. If you're not familiar with the desktop version, Pandora's raison d'être is streaming music stations created based on an artist, song, or genre you pick, and pruned via thumbs up / down ratings you can apply to each song. Better still it works in the background -- with controls available at any time -- so you can keep the beat alive while bouncing around other apps.

iMovie ($4.99). We keep forgetting this is a premium app for download, but Apple's own video editing software is a pretty robust package, letting you take the HD home movie clips you've recorded and turning them into a moderately impressive presentation with transitions, music, even special templates if you so choose. Your family and friends will thank you.

Photoshop Express (free) and Instagram (free). Not every 5 megapixel picture (or VGA self-portrait) you take is gonna be a winner from the get-go. Adobe's Photoshop app provides nowhere near the options you get from the desktop version, but it's good for quick touch-up work and you've got a lot of different options for tweaking, including cropping, rotating, exposure, saturation, tint, and a number of filter effects / borders. Instagram, on the other hand, only gives you about a dozen preset (read: not customizable) filter options to choose from, each designed to give the shot a more vintage look. It's a bit hard to explain, but trust us, people really seem to dig it.

Convert ($1.99) and iHandy Level (free). Think of the iPhone like a toolbox. You've got to have some decent tools in there, and Convert and iHandy Level are two of the simplest and best. The former does just what it says -- converts just about any measurement to any other measurement (including foreign currency) and looks good while doing. The latter is also pretty straightforward -- it's a working level in your pocket for when just eyeballing something doesn't cut the mustard.

Mobile Mouse Pro ($1.99). Have a Mac connected to your TV? Then you need this app. Basically, it's a keyboard, trackpad, and universal remote for almost all of the applications on your computer. Using a simple component installed on your target box, Mobile Mouse Pro connects quickly and easily from anywhere on your wireless network, allowing you to zoom through VLC, iTunes, Safari, or just about anything else you can throw at it. If you're a control freak with a slightly complicated HD setup, this is lifesaver.

Skype (free). C'mon people -- get with the times. Skype is kind of a must have if you're into this new-fangled internacular communicatin' -- and let's be honest, you is. But seriously, Skype is probably the next best thing to an actual phone (and since you've got an iPhone, it may very well be better than your actual phone). If you've got an account already, this will make a lot of sense, and since Apple's added its brand of multitasking, you can not only receive calls when you're in other apps, but keep them going in the background while getting work done.

Angry Birds ($0.99, lite version is free). We're lucky the Angry Birds Seasons (also $0.99) holiday calendar is done, else we'd probably be wasting our morning trying to earn three-stars on the latest available level. It's a simple premise: fling ill-tempered birds of various abilities towards equally-petulant pigs with the express intent on destroying them. Both editions (the original and Seasons) add up to over 250 levels. There's a reason the game's surpassed 50 million downloads in just over a year... and we'd give you that reason, but we just thought of a new strategy for level 11-10.

iDracula ($0.99, lite version is free). Sure, it's a bit long in the tooth now, but iDracula is still one of the most exciting, addictive iPhone games we've played. Think Smash TV with monsters, and you've pretty much got it. From the graphics to the controls and even the audio, iDracula is 100 percent class. We dare you to not get totally wrapped up in this game. Now come on, guys -- isn't it time for the sequel?

Canabalt ($0.99). Just get it. You'll never work again.

The Incident ($1.99). Another work-destroyer. Awesome retro graphics and audio, amazing gameplay. Perfectly suited to those doctor office waits and long subway rides.

Call of Duty Zombies ($4.99). It's Call of Duty. There are zombies. Do we really need to explain further? Amazing graphics and terrific gameplay make for a quality, console-like experience that will have your non-iPhone-owning friends in a deep state of envy.

Infinity Blade ($5.99). While both this and Id Games' Rage HD ($1.99) have raised the bar for 3D gaming on smartphones, we find ourselves going back to Infinity Blade more often. There's something about leveling up our character and mastering a wide variety of weaponry that's become downright addicting. The fights can be repetitive, but the rising difficulty keeps you on your toes for all but the earliest of battles. Did we mention it's freaking gorgeous?

Find My iPhone (free). We really hate to admit how many iPhones we've lost, even when we've had the Mobile Me account and just forgot to set this app up until after the fact (note: it doesn't work that way). Now you can have the location-tracking comfort free of charge without paying for Apple's annual service. The extra Home Screen icon is worth it here.

Shazam (free). "Hey, what the heck is that catchy / addicting / obnoxious / nausea-inducing song playing right now?" Here's your answer. Not good enough for you? Try Soundhound.

There's additionally a number of free apps well worth your time likely go without saying -- if you like the service, you'll likely be just as glued to these apps:

Facebook Twitter Foursquare Tumblr Flickr Netflix

ESPN NPR The New York Times Yelp Fandango

iPhone cases and accessories

As you probably know, there are a million and one accessories on the market for iPhones right now. We're just going to cherry pick a few we're really fond of (and think you guys might like), but make no mistake -- this is a massive market.

Apple's bumper case ($29). We suggest you put something around that iPhone 4, as they're prone to totally shattering if they hit the ground without protective coverings. There are a lot of options for cases, but Apple's homespun version keeps a relatively low profile. When the official solution first hit the scene, all we could find at the time was black. Now there's an assortment of color options to choose from -- may we suggest Engadget-esque blue?

Pantone case (coming soon). Are you the creative type? You'll probably love these Pantone-colored cases from Case Scenario.

Roberu leather case (about $72). Want to go high end? How about this hand-made leather case from Japanese factory Roberu. It'll look great with your Aldens.

Gelaskins ($14.95). Don't want to go the case route, but feel like personalizing your device? Gelaskins has a huge selection of form-fitting skins. We're partial to the eBoy selections, but you can also create your own.

Mophie juice pack ($79.95). We loved this extended battery in our review, and besides giving your new phone a lot more juice when you're out and about, it keeps a low profile (and comes in colors) -- so you can still feel a sense of superiority about your device. We'd also suggest checking out the Exolife Exogear case ($89.95), which is a terrific alternative, though a slight bit pricier.

You've got to have some decent headphones to go with your new smartphone, and Apple's included pair just don't hack it at all. We'd recommend the reasonably priced Klipsch S4i ($99) or Sleek Audio's SA1 ($79.99). If you really want to drop some cash, check into Klipsch's higher end X10i buds ($349.99), or Ultimate Ears' TripleFi 10vi ($334.99 at Amazon, though you can get the TripleFi 10 buds themselves for $184.99 and a separate mic cable for $19.99).

iPhone tips and tricks

• Transferring from an old iPhone using a new computer? Connect the retiring device to whatever machine is going to act as a mediator, right click on its name in iTunes and select "Transfer purchases" followed by "Back up." You'll need your iTunes account login.
• There's bound to be some bundled apps that you'll rarely (if ever) use but can't delete (e.g., Contacts, Stocks, Game Center), so why not clean up the home screen and throw them all into one easily ignorable folder by pressing down on the banished app until it wiggles and dragging it over another useless square until a folder is made
• Want a search alternative to Google? Under the Settings > Safari menu, you can opt for Yahoo or Bing instead
• Use the accessibility settings to activate triple click on the home button -- you'll be able to toggle the screen into white on black mode (really just reversed colors), which can make some reading situations easier
• Web apps can be your friend, particularly if you're a Google user; use the + button in Mobile Safari to make quick, usable shortcuts to Gmail, Google Voice, and a handful of other HTML5-heavy mobile sites by adding them to the Home Screen.
• Customize search in settings under General > Spotlight Search. You can get at nearly every file on the phone this way, or just limit it to more basic searches
• iOS 4 gives the iPhone an orientation lock, too -- find it by double tapping the home button and sliding to the left. It's next to your music controls.
• English isn't your only keyboard option, you know. Check out Settings > General > International to add an array of input formats for a number of languages, including handwriting options for those who'd prefer to sketch out simple / traditional Chinese.

The above list of apps, accessories, and tricks represents just a handful of what's out there for the iPhone.

Pioneer's 3D Blu-ray compatible, Netflix streaming player triumvirate now shipping

After debuting quietly at CEDIA Pioneer's 2010 line of Blu-ray players is finally available for purchase, including the low end BDP-430 and its two Elite cousins, the BDP-41FD and BDP-43FD. Other than the obvious addition of Blu-ray 3D compatibility, key upgrades from 2009 include WiFi readiness with optional dongle, streaming from YouTube (after a firmware update), Netflix and Pandora, an expanded continue mode to make sure you start The Twilight Saga: Eclipse right where you left it and the return of Pioneer's iControlAV remote app for iOS devices. Starting price? $299 for the BDP-430, $399 for the BDP-41FD and its home automation-friendly RS-232 port, while $499 is required to bring home the "armored chassis" of the BDP-43FD