Barb Gonzalez

SmartStream
Google TV Adds 800 Free Channels & Category Guides
Barb Gonzalez  |  Apr 26, 2023
To spur interest in its platform, Google TV has added 800 free TV channels to its Live TV tab. New channels and apps have been added, and the guide has been arranged to help you find whatever you are in the mood to watch easily.
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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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Accessory Reviews
Sofabaton X1 Programmable Universal Remote Review
Barb Gonzalez  |  Apr 19, 2023
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $190

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Bluetooth, Infrared (IR), and WiFi control
Easy to find devices with model number
Control up to 50 devices
Works with Sonos
Attractive remote
Minus
Confusing setup
Must create workarounds for input switching
Newest game consoles not in database
Inconsistent and occasionally doesn’t work

Verdict
There was hope that the Sofabaton X1 Hub and Remote could replace the now-discontinued Logitech Harmony Hub. Unfortunately, it doesn't hold a candle to Harmony's ease of use, compatibility, and design.

When Logitech stopped making the Harmony remote controls in 2021, there were few options to take their place. The Sofabaton sounded promising with its vast database of codes for TVs and other devices.

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SmartStream
Sling Freestream: It's Free & Beats Most FAST Services
Barb Gonzalez  |  Apr 12, 2023
Sling TV is offering free content through Freestream, the latest in free-ad-supported TV (FAST) channels. Not your typical FAST service, free streaming extends to video-on-demand (VOD) episodes, and the live channels offer playback control.
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SmartStream
Hands On: Frndly TV, a Family-Friendly TV Option
Barb Gonzalez  |  Mar 22, 2023
Frndly TV has increasingly been appearing in search results over the past few months so I decided to check it out. The service offers live TV for as little as $7 per month.
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SmartStream
Roku OS 12 Update - Live News, Sports and a Revamped Mobile App
Barb Gonzalez  |  Mar 15, 2023
Roku promises an enhanced user experience when it rolls out a new OS 12 update in the coming weeks. In addition to delivering a revamped mobile app, the update will expand access to sports and live TV and use advanced artificial intelligence (AI) to improve personalized viewing recommendations.
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SmartStream
How to Watch the 2023 Oscars and Nominated Movies
Barb Gonzalez  |  Mar 08, 2023
The 95th Academy Awards will be held on Sunday at 5 pm PST / 8 pm EST and broadcast on ABC. It's always more fun to watch if you've seen the nominated movies. While you can't stream Avatar: The Way of Water, most other features are available on scattered services.
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SmartStream
HBO Max, Disney, and Paramount Shift Strategies to Keep Streaming Alive
Barb Gonzalez  |  Mar 01, 2023
This past year has been a wake-up call for streaming studios. As post-pandemic churn set in, these services started to report huge losses. The strategy to offer as many original titles to their users was a losing proposition, resulting in mergers, restructuring, and a reduction in new production.
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SmartStream
Peacock Drops Free Tier Making New Users Pay
Barb Gonzalez  |  Feb 22, 2023
At a time when live-TV streaming services are adding more free channels, Peacock streaming service has discontinued its free tier for new customers offering only Peacock Premium and Peacock Premium Plus subscriptions.
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SmartStream
Amazon Blocks Linking From Plex and Others
Barb Gonzalez  |  Feb 15, 2023
The best discovery apps display titles on a watch list or let you search through all streaming apps and then instantly play regardless of which app is streaming. Amazon Fire TV devices now block apps from launching other apps.
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