SmartStream

Disney+ is raising its streaming subscription rates tomorrow (December 8), ending a year of price hikes that started with Netflix, Hulu, and many niche streaming services. If you act fast, you can still get some deals before the higher prices go into effect. After that, you’ll need to get creative, so your monthly subscription budget doesn’t look like your old cable bill.

The Netflix ads tier has launched. After years of being considered the antithesis of commercial broadcast TV, Netflix has succumbed and now offers a less expensive option with ads. But is Netflix’s new ads tier a good choice?

Can’t remember the name of that catchy song stuck in your head? No worries, Deezer’s updated SongCatcher feature will not only find it for you but it will play the song, too — a first in the app world.

Roku just announced the Roku OS11.5 update to its operating system. This update includes improved discovery features for users to find and stream what they want to watch from the home screen. The fall virtual press conference also brought news of a lower-priced Roku Express player and wireless subwoofer.

Free Ad-Supported TV (FAST) has become the focus of streaming services and studios. More channels are being added to free linear “live TV” services like Pluto, Tubi, Xumo, PLEX, Roku Channel, and others. Established stream-on-demand services like Netflix, Disney+, and Warner Bros. Discovery are exploring lower-priced ad-supported tiers. Streaming is beginning to look more and more like traditional broadcast TV.

Amazon has released a new “Max” version of its 4K Fire TV Stick that promises improved performance over previous generations. See how it differs.

While Apple didn't directly discuss updates to its Apple TV streaming device at this week’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), there are new features to look forward to this fall.