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Trends with Benefits: Smart grills, smarter TVs, and Martian ice igloos


We start off by discussing the Lynx Smart Grill. It’s a massive, top-of-the-line, connected BBQ that Caleb has been testing out. Is it cheating? Maybe a little … but you won’t be complaining when the steak comes off the grill.

From there we move on to Google’s big announcements from this week, starting off with the new phones in the Nexus line. The new, smaller LG-made Nexus 5X and the Huawei-made 6P look to be big improvements over previous versions. But with better cameras and screens also come higher prices.

Google also announced two brand new Chromecast options, one of which is a new device that plugs into speakers with a 3.5mm input, called Chromecast Audio. Caleb is not sold on it’s viability, but it could help out some people looking to upgrade their home audio systems. The updated version of the Chromecast streaming stick looks more appealing. It has a better appearance than the original, upgraded specs and runs noticeably faster.

TiVo continues the streaming media parade with its new Bolt set-top box. It’s a little pricey to get in the door, but we’ll give you some tips on how it can help you save on your cable bill. Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV also have new boxes coming out very soon.

Finally, we discuss Mars. This week NASA announced the existence of flowing, briny water on the surface. It also announced the winner of its 3D Printed Habitat Challenge, which was made by a company called Search Consortium and Clouds AO. Their design would essentially make Martian Igloos for future explorers to live in. Which leads to the question; Would you be willing to go?

Today’s episode features Matt Smith, Brandon Widder, Caleb Denison and host Greg Nibler. We also broadcast the show live on Periscope. Follow @DigitalTrends to be alerted when we go live or send in questions ahead of time to podcast@digitaltrends.com.

Digital Trends Staff
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