Barb Gonzalez

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Smart Speaker ReviewsWireless Multiroom Speaker Reviews
Amazon Echo Review — Your Family’s Personal Assistant
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jul 15, 2015

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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SmartStream
Amazon Expands Its Fire TV and Echo Device Offerings
Barb Gonzalez  |  Oct 02, 2019
Amazon has announced a slew of new hardware and Alexa features. The list includes a next-generation Fire TV cube, a soundbar with Fire TV built-in, and several new Echo speakers. Also, Alexa is getting emotions.
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Streaming Device Reviews
Amazon Fire TV Cube 3 Review
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jan 22, 2023

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $140

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Super Resolution Upscaling to 4K improves HD and SD content
Hands-free control of the Fire TV Cube and Smart Home Devices
Fast navigation and loading of content
Connect thumb drive or external drive to view/listen to media
Connect webcam for video calling
Minus
Sponsored apps, ads, and Amazon’s FreeVee monopolize home screen and search
Set-top box integration didn’t work with DISH Hopper

THE VERDICT
If you have Amazon Prime, cable or satellite, and smart home devices, definitely consider upgrading to the Fire TV Cube 3rd generation.

The 3rd generation Fire TV Cube has several new features that may make it worth upgrading from your current Fire TV. One of these features is HDMI pass-through, which allows for easy integration with set-top boxes. Additionally, the cube has a more powerful processor that improves picture quality. As the top-of-the-line Fire TV model, the cube combines the functionality of a smart Echo speaker and a streaming Amazon Fire TV.

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Streaming Device Reviews
Amazon Fire TV Stick Review
Barb Gonzalez  |  May 01, 2015

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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Streaming Device Reviews
Amazon Fire TV Streaming Media Player
Barb Gonzalez  |  Apr 08, 2014

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $99

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Effective voice search function
Powerful quad-core processor
ASAP feature loads movies for instant playback
HDMI CEC functionality
Minus
Voice search and watchlists not functional for all services
Limited on-demand video apps

THE VERDICT
Fire TV is a solid performer, but it needs more content and services, and a global search option, to make it a hit.

Amazon surprised the world last week by announcing the details of its new standalone media player, the Amazon Fire TV, on the very same day it was released for sale. Priced at $99, Fire TV is positioned to compete with the top-selling Apple TV and Roku 3 box.

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SmartStream
Amazon Instant Video's X-Ray Nails the Second-Screen Experience
Barb Gonzalez  |  May 07, 2014
Many Amazon streaming movies and TV shows include the X-ray feature that dynamically lists actors and other information on the Amazon's Kindle Fire. It's a must for any IMDB addict.
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SmartStream
Amazon Prime to Offer Unlimited Streaming of Many HBO Shows
Barb Gonzalez  |  May 02, 2014
Many HBO shows will be available for unlimited streaming on Amazon Prime Instant Video, but not all shows will be included in the May 21st launch. While this breakthrough licensing agreement grants exclusivity to Amazon for free streaming, shows will still be available on other streaming services.
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SmartStream
Amazon Taking Pre-orders on Fire TV Stick
Barb Gonzalez  |  Oct 31, 2014
Amazon to release Fire TV Stick. Here is what we know about the new dongle and whether you'll be able to get one soon.
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SmartStream
Amazon to Add 400 Free Fire TV Channels
Barb Gonzalez  |  May 04, 2023
The FAST (free ad-supported TV) trend in streaming shows no signs of letting up. On the heels of Google TV’s recent addition of 800 free channels, Amazon has announced plans to add 400 free Fire TV Channels.
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SmartStream
Amazon Uses AI to Boost Dialogue On Some Prime Video Originals
Barb Gonzalez  |  Apr 19, 2023
If you've found yourself cranking up the volume while streaming movies and TV series or turning on the closed captions to understand everything that's being said, you're not alone. Amazon is addressing the issue by using artificial intelligence to boost the dialogue on some of its Amazon Originals.
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