Barb Gonzalez

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Android TV to Get More Apps, 4K But Can It Keep Up With Roku?
SMARTSTREAM
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jun 17, 2015  |  Published: Jun 04, 2015  |  0 comments
Announcements of new apps and the release of two new Android TV stand-alone boxes fuel hopes that more people will be enticed to try an Android TV.
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Spotify Expands Services to Include Video, More
SMARTSTREAM
Barb Gonzalez  |  May 21, 2015  |  0 comments
Spotify adds video, original content, and an advanced running feature that ties music to a runner's pace.
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YouTube Music Key Brings Music Videos to Google Play Music
SMARTSTREAM
Barb Gonzalez  |  May 06, 2015  |  1 comments
Google's new YouTube Music Key beta adds music videos to Google Play Music. Here's how it works.
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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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Hulu Scores Seinfeld and AMC Exclusive, New Features, Yada Yada
SMARTSTREAM
Barb Gonzalez  |  Apr 29, 2015  |  0 comments
Hulu announced that it has licensed all 180 episodes of Seinfeld in an exclusive Subscription Video On Demand (SVOD) streaming deal. The news was presented at the annual Hulu UpFront event for potential advertisers. Along with the Seinfeld deal, Hulu unveiled its new lineup of original content and another exclusive deal with AMC for future shows.
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Do Online Streaming TV Offerings Make it Easier to Cut Cable?
SMARTSTREAM
Barb Gonzalez  |  Apr 16, 2015  |  1 comments
New online streaming TV offerings makes it tempting to cut the cord and cancel your cable, satellite, or telecom provider. Is it time and will it save you money?
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TCL FS4610r Roku LED/LCD HDTV Review
FLAT PANEL REVIEWS
Barb Gonzalez  |  Apr 17, 2015  |  Published: Apr 16, 2015  |  10 comments

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $500

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Roku home screen accesses source inputs as well as streaming channels
Universal search results finds titles on most channels
Excellent value at under $500
Minus
TV picture can’t compare with high end models
No Ethernet port for wired network connection
Settings for closed captions and many other features require returning to home screen

THE VERDICT
TCL’s Roku TV may be the easiest TV to use for everyone in your family—a great second TV.

Roku is the king of streaming media players. Whether it’s the Roku 3 streaming box or an HDMI streaming dongle, no other streaming system can claim the same variety of channels or simple, intuitive graphic interface. TCL is one of several manufacturers that has integrated Roku into its TVs in some capacity, either with a Roku-friendly remote that can be mated with a Roku stick, or, in this case, a fully-integrated platform in the 48-inch model 48FS4610R ($500 list before discounting). While its picture quality can’t compare with high-end TV models, this is one TV that everyone in the house should be able use.

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Tips for Watching “Game of Thrones” Premiere As HBO Now Launches
SMARTSTREAM
Barb Gonzalez  |  Apr 10, 2015  |  1 comments
HBO Now is available on Apple TV and Sling TV. If you want to see the Game of Thrones premiere or other live events as they air, you may need to find another way to watch.
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Jay Z Relaunches Tidal with a Parade of Celebrity Artists
SMARTSTREAM
Barb Gonzalez  |  Apr 01, 2015  |  1 comments
Jay Z relaunched the newly purchased Tidal hi-fi music streaming service with hopes that it will change the way artists are paid. Check out the details and the star-studded video of the Tidal press conference from March 30.
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Dish Subscribers Get Showtime Anytime and Other Streaming Improvements
SMARTSTREAM
Barb Gonzalez  |  Mar 25, 2015  |  1 comments
At long last Dish subscribers can watch Showtime Anytime on media players and mobile devices. Here are the details.
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