Podcast #1104: New Apple Music Features - Bestjoy Super Remote - Cable TV Turns 75

This week we take a look at six new features that Apple Music is getting and we give you our take on the BestJoy Super Remote. Unfortunately we're still looking for a Harmony Replacement. Did you know Cable TV is 75 years old this month? We look back at where cable started and where it is now. We also read your emails and take a look at the week's news.

News:

• United is putting 4K displays and Bluetooth on its planes
• You can finally buy a Matter smart lock
• Netflix Password Crackdown Drives U.S. Sign-Ups to Highest Levels in at Least Four Years: Researcher
• Netflix Reportedly Wants to Get Into Live Sports Streaming
• Your Android TV Could Be Getting A Big Upgrade – Here's What's Coming

Other:

• AVScience.com
• Does VR Motion Sickness Go Away? 10 Tips On How To Stop VR Motion Sickness - World Of Geek Stuff
• Spectrum's Cable TV Hidden Fees Are Up Again & Can Now Cost More Than The Advertised TV Package Price | Cord Cutters News
• WHY IS EVERYONE WATCHING TV WITH THE SUBTITLES ON? (Paywall)

Apple Music is getting 6 new features

Apple Music subscribers are set to see several new free features when they update to iOS 17 later this year. Full Article Here…

1. Collaborative Playlists
2. Take over your car's radio with SharePlay
3. Apple Music Sing gets a camera
4. Go backstage with Song Credits
5. Access all Apple Music radio shows
6. Apple Music's new look and other small updates

The Bestjoy Super Remote

The Bestjoy Super Remote SR001 ($160) is a super remote control that combines audio and video control and can control a series of home devices such as air conditioners, lights and curtains, providing a simpler configuration process and a more powerful functional experience.

I had the following issues:

• There were no Volume Up or down buttons for my Yamaha receiver. I did have the remote learn their commands and they worked fine.
• I found selecting activities to be a bit confusing likewise I felt switching between devices was cumbersome.
• For the price that this remote costs I would expect that an activity with a TV, streamer, and receiver would automatically select the appropriate buttons on the remote.
• Programming the remote is too cumbersome and non-intuitive

Cable Turns 75 this Month

The beginning of cable TV goes back to June of 1948 when John Walson set up an antenna on top of a mountain near the city of Mahanoy City, PA. From there he strung a cable down the mountain to a point in the city that allowed TV signals to be received by homes that connected to it. That essentially was the first cable service in the United States. Believe it or not, that "cable" company is still running today.

1948 - FCC freezes new broadcasting licenses and cable grows considerably.

1962 - FCC prevents cable companies from importing signals from far away, halting the industry in its tracks.

1972 - HBO is launched as the nation's first pay-TV network. Cable is back in business!

1976 - WTBS is launched. broadcasting from Atlanta and using satellites to become the nation's first superstation. The Atlanta Braves gain fans from all over the country.

1984 - Congress passes the Cable Communications Policy Act, loosing restrictions and appropriating funds for continued growth. Cable grew so rapidly that by 1990, there were more than 50 million subscribers across the country and at least 79 networks, an increase from just 28 at the beginning of the decade. Some of the networks that launched during this time included: Showtime Nickelodeon, USA Network, ESPN, CNN, MTV, The Disney Channel, AMC, FX

1990 - Cable subscribers reach 50 million and there are at least 79 networks available to consumers.

1992 - Congress passes the Cable Television Consumer Protection Act that freezes prices and requires cable companies to carry local channels for free.

2000 - 2007 - The average cable subscriber has access to more than 50 channels. To fuel growth, things such as high-definition broadcasting, DVR service, on-demand programming, premium channels, interactive guides, and much more became new features and eventually standards. Cable companies begin to add high-speed internet which may have hastened the cable company's demise as a TV provider. It also may be what saves them as a viable company.

2007 - Netflix launches its streaming platform, setting the stage for the current upheaval and uncertainty in the industry.