SmartStream

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Barb Gonzalez  |  Jan 19, 2022  | 
Apple users can now screen share, watch videos, or listen to music when on a FaceTime call. Learn how easy it is to use SharePlay and start sharing.
Barb Gonzalez  |  Dec 22, 2021  | 
A streaming service subscription makes a great last-minute gift or the perfect addition to go with the gift of a Roku or Amazon stick. Some services offer gift cards, others have restrictions. Find out how to gift popular streaming services.
Barb Gonzalez  |  Dec 08, 2021  | 
Spotify's recent partnership with Netflix brings official playlists, albums, and podcasts from some of the streaming app's most popular video series. Now the soundtrack to your life can be one from your favorite show.
Barb Gonzalez  |  Nov 24, 2021  | 
Black Friday deals on streaming subscriptions may be the best way to try out new apps. Many channels and apps have dollar deals that give you enough time to watch those titles that you didn't want to spend full price to see. This is a push by the streaming services to get more subscribers (that equates to more advertising dollars for ad-supported services). And they are hoping that once you subscribe, you'll stay with the service. Between Thanksgiving day and midnight on Cyber Monday is the best time to sign up for deals on Hulu, AMC+, and many add-on channels, as well as streaming player/streaming software bundles.
Barb Gonzalez  |  Nov 03, 2021  | 
The newest Roku Streaming Stick 4K model may not make you abandon your current Roku player, but it does provide a step-up in performance, and is priced at a low $50. It's powered by a new Roku OS 10.5 update that ups the surround sound capabilities of Roku soundbars from 3.1 to a full 5.1 wireless setup. The combined updates deliver excellent video quality and decent surround sound at a reasonable price.
Barb Gonzalez  |  Oct 20, 2021  | 
In a special event this week, Apple announced a new generation of AirPods and HomePod mini options to go with the soon-to-be-released Apple Music Voice Plan. The reduced-price plan can only be accessed and controlled using Siri voice commands through the headphones, speaker, or other Apple devices.
Barb Gonzalez  |  Sep 22, 2021  | 
Roku is upgrading its operating system and has announced plans to release a new Roku Streaming Stick 4K and Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ in October. The new Roku OS 10.5 promises to speed up content retrieval and improve Roku Voice commands in addition to adding wireless surround sound and streamlined audio adjustments.
Barb Gonzalez  |  Sep 08, 2021  | 
DirecTV Stream launched recently as the newest DIRECTV incarnation. There are a few changes, but for those who subscribe to AT&T TV, the only difference will be the onscreen logo and mobile app name. There has been much confusion about DirecTV Stream, from the name change, to how to stream it and the differences between it and the DIRECTV satellite service.
Barb Gonzalez  |  Aug 25, 2021  | 
There are over six thousand movies, and TV shows on Netflix in the U.S. Chances are you only see what comes up on your home screen or in suggestions of “more like this” when you choose a title. But if you are looking for a specific movie genre, there are ways to see all the movies and TV shows that might suit your mood.
Barb Gonzalez  |  Aug 11, 2021  | 
YouTubeTV has added a 4K tier to its live TV subscription service. The 4K Plus bundle includes other benefits like downloading recordings and unlimited concurrent streams. While it may be desirable to stream live 4K HDR TV shows, there are limitations, and it may be best to wait before committing to this add-on subscription fee.
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jul 28, 2021  | 
Roku and Comcast/NBCUniversal have created the best Olympics streaming experience so far. Curated and aggregated videos of highlights, live events, background stories, and every sports competition can be accessed through a single screen on Roku TVs and players and Comcast Xfinity X1.
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jul 14, 2021  | 
Apple Music Lossless streaming is now live with an ever-growing library of songs available in Lossless and some in High-Resolution Lossless audio formats. While Lossless is available at no extra charge to Apple Music subscribers, there are a few things you need to know before experiencing these premium-quality offerings.
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jun 23, 2021  | 
Apple has boosted the music quality of Apple Music with Spatial Audio. This immersive audio format was released on the service around the same time as the AirPods Max, Apple’s new over-ear headphones. The combination is impressive, and I spent some time testing the headphones with Spatial Audio.
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jun 09, 2021  | 
Roku released two new products mid-May. The Roku Express 4K+ is a value priced streamer that performs at a level much higher than its price tag suggests. We tested both the Express 4K+ and the Roku Voice Remote Pro, a new, hands-free voice remote. Both may have a place in your Roku streaming arsenal.
Barb Gonzalez  |  May 25, 2021  | 
The second-generation Apple TV 4K has arrived. Except for a faster processor and new remote, not much has changed and it remains one of the best-performing streaming players available. Still, depending on your current setup, you may not need to upgrade.

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