Barb Gonzalez

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A No-Go for M-Go Video Rental Service
SMARTSTREAM
Barb Gonzalez  |  Apr 16, 2013  |  1 comments
M-Go promised to have the technology for better search and recommendations of movies. When it launched it didn't make good on its promises. Find out which streaming services and devices do a better job.
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A Word About Video File Types
OTHER TECH, SMARTSTREAM
Barb Gonzalez  |  Nov 12, 2012  |  0 comments
Ever try to stream a video from your library only to find that it won't play it—or find that certain files don’t appear on your media player when you browse the folders where they are saved? The problem could be that your media player doesn’t recognize those file formats.
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Access All Your Media, Search 400,000 Titles With Technicolor's M-Go
CES 2012
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jan 15, 2012  |  0 comments

Technicolor showed off M-Go, the robust new media app for TVs, tablets, smart phones and computers that makes it possible to access anything you want to watch on the device or thrown to your TV. Through a simple menu on your mobile device or computer you can get to your desired movie or TV show without the need to navigate to each service, comb through the TV program guide or scroll through your DVR to find it.

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AirTV Adds Local Channels to Sling TV
CES 2017
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jan 07, 2017  |  0 comments
Dish and Sling TV showed off the AirTV, the newest device that will make it easier to cut the cord on cable or satellite. AirTV streams from Sling TV, as well as over the air local channels, and from other streaming services and can stream in 4K.
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Alexa Finds More Ways to Say 'Your Wish Is My Command'
SMARTSTREAM
Barb Gonzalez  |  Feb 23, 2017  |  0 comments
Voice control is getting smarter and smarter every day and Alexa is leading the way.
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Alexa Now Controls Fire TV
SMARTSTREAM
Barb Gonzalez  |  Aug 10, 2017  |  0 comments
Alexa can now search and control playback on Fire TV players, sticks, and Fire TV Edition Smart TVs.
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Alexa to Control Dish Hopper 3
CES 2017
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jan 06, 2017  |  0 comments
In the next six months, Dish users will be able to control their Hopper 3 using Amazon’s Alexa voice control. Tuning into a specific channel, search and showing the program guide will be the first commands available on the Amazon Echo, Tap, or Dot.
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Amazon Adds Spotify Control & More to Echo, the Talking Speaker
SMARTSTREAM
Barb Gonzalez  |  Feb 04, 2015  |  0 comments
Amazon updates its Echo intelligent speaker with Bluetooth music controls, a much-needed iOS app, and a few fun features.
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Amazon Echo Review — Your Family’s Personal Assistant
WIRELESS SPEAKER REVIEWS
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jul 15, 2015  |  3 comments

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $180

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Speaker and remote respond to plain English
Voice control initiates music, weather, traffic, and more
Voice-command access to music by artist, song, or radio station
Shopping list and reminders transfer to companion mobile app
Minus
Best used with Amazon Prime membership
Tendency to push Amazon products

THE VERDICT
The most useful gadget since the invention of the remote control.

When Amazon first made the Echo available to a limited number of Amazon Prime users, it seemed like a novelty device possibly destined to end up in the Land of Forgotten Gadgets. Instead, this voice-controlled Bluetooth speaker has become the device I wouldn’t want to live without.

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Amazon Fire TV Stick Review
STREAMING MEDIA PLAYER REVIEWS
Barb Gonzalez  |  May 01, 2015  |  0 comments

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $39

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Easy installation in any HDMI port
Straightforward, simple menus
ASAP technology loads full resolution videos instantly
Plenty of free content for Amazon Prime members
Minus
Missing some major apps including Vudu and M-Go
Global search favors Amazon results
Remote app is inconsistent and voice search may not work

THE VERDICT
A great streaming choice for Amazon Prime members, particularly those who travel.

In case the 3-inch-square Fire TV was too big for you, Amazon has released its follow-up to that high-performing streaming media player. Along with reducing size to fit on an HDMI dongle, Amazon has also reduced the price—to $39, versus $99 for the full-size Fire TV. While the Stick comes without the original’s built-in remote control microphone for voice search (a mic remote is an option) and uses a dual-core processor rather than a quad-core processor, the differences are hardly noticeable in use. Both Fire TVs make it easy for Amazon Prime members to stream over 40,000 free movies and millions of songs as well as access an unlimited number of personal photos stored in the Amazon Cloud. And the Stick’s small size and weight should make it perfect for tossing in your luggage for streaming in hotel rooms while traveling (assuming, of course, suitable Wi-Fi access).

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