Amazon Prime Video Comes to Apple TV

Amazon Prime Video Comes to Apple TV

Exciting news: Amazon Prime Video is now finally available on Apple TV 4K and Apple TV!

Today, customers can access the Amazon Prime Video app on Apple TV in order to stream award-winning and critically acclaimed titles including Prime Original Series and Movies.

Owners of an iPhone, iPad and Apple TV are not only able to discover and start watching the best shows and movies, but can also keep track of their favorite teams and games in real time by utilizing live sports which includes ESPN and the NBA. Imagine popping a cold one and turning on the Apple TV app and watching some Thursday Night Football!

Live sports in the Apple TV app means fans in the US can now follow their favorite teams to ensure those live games show up first in their Up Next queue. Fans can also receive on-screen notifications when a game is about to start, and when their favorite teams are in a close game, so they can easily switch to catch the most exciting sports moments live. Additionally, through a new dedicated Sports tab in the Apple TV app, fans can see the teams, leagues and sporting events currently playing or coming up soon, along with the time remaining and current scores.

Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services, stated “Amazon Prime Video is one of the most eagerly anticipated apps to come to Apple TV, so we’re excited to bring all of that great content to customers. The Sports tab in the Apple TV app makes it even easier for fans in the US to track the teams, games and moments that are important to them. With these exciting updates, plus our growing collection of 4K HDR movies on iTunes, we continue to deliver an unparalleled entertainment experience to Apple customers.”

Amazon Prime videos. Photo by Apple.com

Prime Original Series and movies such as “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “The Big Sick,” are available for Prime members, with additional titles coming to the service every month. Your kids won’t be left out either! They can enjoy numerous kid safe content, including “Tumble Leaf,” “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” as well as “The Snowy Day.” Prime Video will also further expands the library of TV shows and movies that are available in 4K HDR on Apple TV 4K. Because it is integrated into Apple TV so seamlessly, users can use their Siri Remote to search for over 1.3 million TV episodes as well as movies on their Apple TV, iPads and iPhones.

Customers with 4K TVs can now access hundreds of 4K HDR titles as well. The library of shows filmed in 4K is quickly expanding, giving users not only an extraordinary amount of shows to choose from, but beautifully pictured scenes as well. Because iTunes offers hundreds of 4K HDR titles at the same price as HD titles, they have offered the ability to upgrade currently owned HD titles to 4K HDR for no additional charge. Recent additions to the 4K HDR iTunes library include all eight “Harry Potter” films and all the “Transformers” movies, and holiday films like “Home Alone,” “The Holiday,” “Jingle All the Way” and “Die Hard”, as well as “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” in 4K HDR. With this impressive 4K HDR collection on iTunes, plus Siri, the Apple TV App Store, integration with Apple Music, HomeKit, Photos and more, Apple TV 4K is the perfect addition to any household.

The tvOS 11.2 software update will even allow customers to choose between having video converted to the best format for their TV, or if desired, can output the video in its original frame rate and dynamic range as well.

Apple TV 4K is available now on apple.com and in Apple retail stores, as well as through select Apple Authorized Resellers and carriers. Live sports in the Apple TV app is available as a free software update for Apple TV 4K and Apple TV (4th generation), iPhone and iPad customers in the US.

Museums of Iceland

Museums of Iceland

Reykjavík City Museum

One museum in five unique places engaging journeys through culture, heritage and history: www.reykjavikcitymuseum.is

Experience the history of Reykjavík in a lively and engaging way at the Reykjavík City Museum. Comprising five individual sites, the museum was founded to preserve Reykjavík’s culture and heritage, which dates back to the arrival of the first settlers in the late 9th century.

Hafnarborg / Hafnarfjörður Centre of Cultural and fine Art

Strandgata 34 / Vesturgata 8

Hafnarfjörður Culture and Fine Arts Institute features leading artists from Iceland and abroad. The museum has two exhibitions, one traces the town’s history from the settlement around 900 AD to the present day and the other is a toy exhibition aimed specifically at children.

Admission to the museum is free.

Gerðarsafn – Kópavogur Art Museum & Salurinn Concert Hall

Hamraborg 4-6, tel. 570 0440 & 570 0400

Gerðarsafn is located in the heart of Kópavogur and places emphasis on modern and contemporary art. The museum has three exhibition halls and holds numerous exhibitions annually, displaying all kinds of artists both from Iceland and overseas. Salurinn, was the first specially designed concert hall in Iceland and holds a variety of concerts, featuring music from the renaissance period to modern day music.

Reykjavík City down-town. Photo by Olga

National Gallery of Iceland

Fríkirkjuvegur 7

The National Gallery puts emphasis on 19th and 20th century Icelandic art, although international art is also shown in the museum. The museum holds regular exhibitions of its collection, as well as by individual artists. The National Gallery has a gallery shop and café.

National Museum of Iceland

Hringbraut 41

The National Museum gives a comprehensive picture of Iceland´s history. It holds permanent exhibitions, such as, Making of a Nation – Heritage and History in Iceland, as well as a variety of temporary exhibitions. The museum is situated close to the University of Iceland and has a café and a museum store on the ground floor.The country’s largest museum of cultural history featuring a permanent exhibition on Iceland’s history from settlement to present day as well as temporary exhibitions e.g. on photography.

The Culture House

Hverfisgata 15. 101 Reykjavík

The exhibition, shop and café. The Culture House is part of the National Museum of Iceland. A journey – visual world of Iceland through the Illuminated manuscripts, textiles, carvings, photographs, paintings and contemporary Icelandic art.

The Nordic House

Sturlugata 5, tel. 551 7030

The Nordic house, designed by architectural and design legend Alvar Aalto in 1968, is a cultural institution that organizes a diverse program of cultur-al events and exhibitions. The Nordic house also has a shop for Nordic design and food products, exhibition space, auditoriums and a restaurant.

The Icelandic Phallological Museum (Islandic Penis Museum)

Laugarvegur 116

Situated near Hlemmur bus station. The museum contains a collection of 285 penises and penile parts belonging to almost all the land and sea mammals that can be found in Iceland, including those of Homo sapiens. No pornography or offensive material in the museum.

Reykjavík Museum of Photography

Tryggvagata 15 (top floor)

The museum focuses on the Reykjavík´s rich history and contemporary culture through a collection of six million photographs and various exhibitions that are held each year.

Saga Museum

Grandagarður 2

The Saga Museum recreates key moments of Icelandic history and brings the sagas to life whilst guiding visitors through the museum with an audio guide.

Reykjavík Maritime Museum

Grandagarður 8

The Maritime Museum is located by the old harbour in Reykjavík and has various exhibitions that display the Icelandic maritime history, such as the development of the Icelandic fish industry from early settlement to the late 20th century.

The Settlement Exhibition

60 Aðalstræti 16

The exhibition gives an insight into the life and work of Iceland´s first settlers. The focus of the exhibition is around the newly discovered remains of the oldest relics of human habitation in Reykjavik.

Located next door to Hotel Reykjavik Centrum.

Sigurjón Ólafsson Museum

Laugarnestangi 70

Exhibition on sculptures, sketches and drawings by Sigurjón Ólafsson.

Whales of Iceland

Fiskislóð 23-25

The largest whale exhibition in Europe, located at Grandi District, about a 15-minute walk from the town centre. The exhibition displays 23 man-made, life size models of the whales that are found around Iceland. The museum also houses the Whale Café and the Whale Souvenir shop.

Viðey Island

Viðey Island is situated just off the coast of Reykjavík and is set in beautiful natural surroundings. The Island has a rich historical background and is home to the Imagine Peace Tower, an outdoor work of art by Yoko Ono, created in memory of John Lennon. For information on the ferry schedule see www.reykjavikcitymuseum.is

Gljúfrasteinn

Gljúfrasteinn was the home of author Halldór Laxness, winner of 1955 Nobel Prize for literature. Audio tours of the house are available in Icelandic, English, German, Swedish and Danish. An illustrated guide in French is also available. Concerts every Sunday during the summer. The house is situated in the beautiful Mosfellsdalur valley, a short distance from Reykjavík and only 20 minutes way to Þingvellir (Thingvellir National Park ) and the Golden circle.

Iceland: Cultural Venues

Iceland: Cultural Venues

Iceland is rich in cultural heritage and traditions, and offers a variety of art & cultural events throughout the year. The various museums and galleries exhibit an exciting mixture of ancient heritage and modern trends, set to embrace Icelandic culture from the Viking era, up to the 21st century. Festivals and cultural venues are of great importance for most Icelanders, and are celebrated in the Greater Reykjavík Area and in the countryside. Popular festivals include Iceland´s Independence Day and Secret Solstice in June, Culture Night and Reykjavík Pride in August, and the popular Airwaves Music Festival held in November each year. Other festivals include Reykjavík International Film Festival and Reykjavík Arts Festival that is held every other year. Many of the cultural venues are family friendly, so everyone should find something of interest during their stay in Iceland.

The Culture House 1

Hverfisgata 15

The Culture House offers the exhibition, Points of View, which takes guests on a journey through the Icelandic visual world of past and present. Artefacts and works of art from the varied collections of six institutions, provide a reflection of Iceland’s visual art history and cultural heritage. The ground floor houses the Café Julia & Julia and a museum shop.

A troll walking down the street in Reykjavík. Photo by Elena

The Design Museum of Iceland 17 & Garðabær

Garðatorgi 1

The Design Museum is located in the centre of Garðabær and collects and preserves items in connection to Icelandic design history, from the beginning of the 20th century to present day. The museum building also houses Kraum Shop, which sells a varied collectionvof Icelandic design products.

Einar Jónsson Sculpture Museum 2

Eiriksgata, opposite Hallgrimskirkja church

Sculpture museum and garden dedicated to the works of Einar Jónsson, one of Iceland’s most beloved sculptors.

At Árbær Open Air Museum

Harpa Concert Hall and three Conference Centre

Austurbakki 2. Ticket office tel. 528 5050

Harpa is Reykjavík´s newest and most distinguished landmarks. It is a cultural and social centre in the heart of the city and is home to Icelandic Symphony Orchestra, Icelandic Opera, the Reykjavik Big Band and Maximús Músíkús. Harpa is open daily from 8:00 – 24:00 and has various facilities such as Smurstöðin or Kolabrautin restaurants, Epal design store, Upplifun gift store and bus and tourist information. Harpa also offers daily guided tours and exhibitions. For a full events calendar, please visit www.harpa.is

The Icelandic Symphony Orchestra 4

Harpa, tel. 545 2500

The Icelandic Symphony Orchestra enjoys the prestigious status of a major orchestra, due to excellent reviews on the orchestra’s recordings in recent years and its wonderful interpretation of many of the great classical works.

Icelandic Opera 5

Harpa, tel. 511 6400

The Icelandic Opera produces a versatile program each season with the participation of Icelandic artists. The repertoire ranges from classical operas to new pieces by Icelandic composers, and also includes regular lunchtime concerts and other events.

Kolabrautin Ristorante: For a special evening, with a view like no other. A dinner at the elevated fourth floor of Harpa concert Hall is a destination in itself. Relax and enjoy the best Icelandic produce complemented with a spectacular panoramic view of the city and the surrounding horizon.

Driving in Iceland

Driving in Iceland

Road conditions in Iceland are very different to those in other countries, so it‘s very important to be well prepared and aware. The roads are narrower with very little shoulder space, so find a side road or wider space to pull out if you want to stop safely.

Remember you are not alone on the road, even if it feels like that sometimes. There are also gravel roads in Iceland and it is common that accidents happen when the road changes from tarmac to gravel. Reduce your speed when approaching a gravel road and slow down for oncoming vehicles. This helps to prevent stones flying into windscreens and skidding.

The speed limit on paved roads outside urban areas is 90 km/h. Seat belt use for driver and passengers is required by law – your life may depend upon it, even in the back seat!

Drivers can be easily distracted by the beautiful landscapes and animal life along the way. Please remember to keep your attention on the road while driving at all times. Pulling over on the side of the main road is strongly forbidden and causes accidents.

Cars in Iceland. Photo by Olga

Conditions on mountain roads can be very different to those in the lowlands, even along the paved Ring road. You will come across single-lane bridges, tunnels and roads on your travels around Iceland. The general rule is that the first vehicle to arrive has the right-of-way, so slow down and assess the situation. Blind rises and corners can be found in many places and should be approached with caution as lanes are not always separated.

You can expect livestock to be alongside the road or even on it – reduce speed immediately and use your horn.

Be aware of lambs separated from mothers. Sheep are known to cross the road in front of oncoming cars sometimes. Highland driving sometimes requires crossing rivers with a 4×4 – there is no insurance cover for damage that can be linked to crossing rivers. The risk is yours!

Weather can be hazardous and unpredictable, so make sure you check alerts regarding weather on www.safetravel.is and www.road.is for road conditions/closures.

Good preparation is the key for a successful travel. Keep the below points in mind:

• Always leave your travel plan with someone who can react if needed and on safetravel.is
• Check the weather forecast. In Iceland the weather can change very fast
• Remember to bring the right equipment for the kind of travel you are planning
• Map, compass and GPS should always be used when traveling outside urban areas
• Your first destination should always be www.safetravel.is

Apps for Iceland

Apps for Iceland

Modern technology makes information easily obtainable and traveling much easier. Below is a list of useful apps for the smart traveler, helping you to be up to date with all the current and important information about Iceland.

112 Iceland: The number one safety app in Iceland. This app allows you to do two things: regular check-ins that document your current location, and if needed, send an SMS to the Icelandic emergency service with your phone´s GPS location.

Appening Today: Sometimes it can be difficult to keep up with all the events and venues available, especially when visiting a new country. Appening Today shows you every single event that is on in the Greater Reykjavik Area for each day of the year, making sure you won´t miss a thing during your stay.

Pusha, the great cat, is thinking about traveling to Iceland. Photo by Elena

Appy hour: Ideal for the beer-tasting enthusiasts and party animals. The Reykjavik Appy Hour app delivers every happy hour in Reykjavík in the palm of your hand.

Aurora Alerts Northern Lights: Seeing the Northern Lights is an unforgettable experience and many tourists come to Iceland with this in mind. The Aurora Alerts app increases the likelihood of sightings, as it tells you where and when you are likely to see the beautiful Northern Lights.

Craving: Hungry but not sure where to eat out? This useful app recommends restaurants in Reykjavik based on your own preferences.

Hreyfill: With this taxi app you can quickly and conveniently book a taxi, skipping queues and unnecessary phone calls.

Icelandic Phrasebook: Most Icelanders speak good English, so you should not have any communication difficulties during your stay. Nevertheless, it is always fun to try out the local language. The Icelandic Phrasebook helps you to learn the local language and contains Icelandic sentences for various occasions.

Iceland Road Guide: A really useful app when traveling around Iceland. The Iceland Road Guide is your key to Iceland´s most important places, with information on geography, culture and history.

Use the App voucher offer in the front of this book.

Strætó: The Strætó App is a must for people on the go. It displays timetables and routes at the touch of a button, as well as the convenient option of purchasing electronic tickets.

Thingvellir: Explore the beautiful Thingvellir with a virtual guide at hand. This app offers audio-guided tours and offline maps, making sure you get the most out of your visit to Thingvellir UNESCO Heritage Site.

Vegagerðin: This app displays various road data, such as information about the weather and road conditions, essential for those driving around Iceland.

Veður: The weather in Iceland can be unpredictable and change with little notice. This handy weather app is a valuable addition for any traveller, bringing you up to date forecast, such as temperature, precipitation, wind direction and wind speed.