Netflix announces a global expansion of unprecedented proportions at CES 2016, as now 130 countries (bringing the total to 190) are able to access the video streaming service.

In fact, it is easier to list the nations lacking Netflix access-- China, N. Korea, Syria and Crimea.

“With this launch, consumers around the world-- from Singapore to St. Petersburg, from San Francisco to Sao Paulo-- will be able to enjoy TV shows and movies simultaneously-- no more waiting," CEO Reed Hastings. "With the help of the Internet, we are putting power in consumers’ hands to watch whenever, wherever and on whatever device.”

Autonomic launches the KP-6-- a decora-style in-wall keypad providing instant access to the basic features of the Mirage Audio System without need to open a mobile device app.

The KP-6 features fingertip control of power on/off, volume, source and track-skip, as well as 4 user-programmable preset buttons. Users need to first curate content on the Mirage Media Controller app (iOS/Android) before pressing and holding to store the programming as a preset, with presents being anything from Pandora or SiriusXM radio stations to a playlist or favourite album.

Roku adds 4K/UHD streaming capability and an updated OS to its streaming STB lineup through the Roku 4, a flatter and wider STB featuring a large streaming channel lineup and universal voice search.

A quad-core processor powers the STB, with 4K video support at up to 60fps. It also features improved 802.11ac wifi, while connectivity includes HDMI, ethernet, USB and, in a Roku first, optical audio output.

On the software side the new Roku OS 7 allows users to follow movies, TV shows, actors and directors to receive automatic updates on pricing and availability, while a Hotel and Dorm Connect feautre handles quick connectivity in locations requiring log-in credentials for network access. Another new feature is a Remote Finder useful for those prone to losing the  Roku remote.

Reports might suggest Amazon is giving up on hardware, but the online retailer shows this is at least partly not the case as it presents a pair of Fire TV devices.

The Fire TV devices in question are upgrades of the original STB and the Stick HDMI dongle. The new Fire TV feature 4K/UHD resolution and HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) support, as well as more processing power, 802.11ac MIMO wifi and 8GB built-in storage (expandable to 128GB via microSD card slot).

Following its recent divestment from Royal Philips, the Philips Home Control division becomes Omni Remotes, an independent company owned by Morgan Stanley Private Equity Asia (MSPEA).

Omni Remotes still uses "founded by Philips" as a tagline, if to emphisise its having 25 years of experience in the field. It also has a new logo that "visualises the wireless use of the remote control in the home environment and its expanding role."

The September Apple event confirms another rumour with the announcement of the next generation Apple TV, one featuring the same form factor as the first Apple STB but running on a more powerful 64-bit A8 chip and featuring an App Store, new OS and a remote complete with touch surface.

"Our vision for TV is simple and perhaps a little provocative," Apple CEO Tim Cook says. "We believe the future of TV is apps."

As such, the new Apple TV runs on an iOS variant dubbed tvOS, while apps include the predictable likes of Netflix, HBO and Hulu, as well as a variety of games. Control comes through the aforementioned remote. It connects to the Apple TV via Bluteooth 4.0, offers a touch surface, gyroscope and accelerometer, and promises up to 3 months of use on a single charge.