Barb Gonzalez

SmartStream
Hands-On: Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ and Roku Wireless 5.1 Surround
Barb Gonzalez  |  Nov 03, 2021  |  1 comments
The newest Roku Streaming Stick 4K model may not make you abandon your current Roku player, but it does provide a step-up in performance, and is priced at a low $50. It's powered by a new Roku OS 10.5 update that ups the surround sound capabilities of Roku soundbars from 3.1 to a full 5.1 wireless setup. The combined updates deliver excellent video quality and decent surround sound at a reasonable price.
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SmartStream
Apple Introduces New Music Plan, AirPods, and HomePod Mini
Barb Gonzalez  |  Oct 20, 2021  |  0 comments
In a special event this week, Apple announced a new generation of AirPods and HomePod mini options to go with the soon-to-be-released Apple Music Voice Plan. The reduced-price plan can only be accessed and controlled using Siri voice commands through the headphones, speaker, or other Apple devices.
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CES 2021
Hands On: Apple TVOS 15 Spatial Audio and Sharing
Barb Gonzalez  |  Oct 06, 2021  |  0 comments
Apple TV has updated to the Apple tvOS 15. As with iOS 15 on other mobile devices, it comes with some tweaks and new features. Watching shared movies and shows, sharing your Apple TV, audio features like Spatial Audio, and Home Kit enhancements are all included in the newest update. As I have it set to automatically update, I was notified of the new changes and decided to check them out.
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SmartStream
Roku Announces Streaming Stick 4K and Roku OS 10.5
Barb Gonzalez  |  Sep 22, 2021  |  1 comments
Roku is upgrading its operating system and has announced plans to release a new Roku Streaming Stick 4K and Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ in October. The new Roku OS 10.5 promises to speed up content retrieval and improve Roku Voice commands in addition to adding wireless surround sound and streamlined audio adjustments.
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SmartStream
Clearing Up the Confusion Around DirecTV Stream
Barb Gonzalez  |  Sep 08, 2021  |  1 comments
DirecTV Stream launched recently as the newest DIRECTV incarnation. There are a few changes, but for those who subscribe to AT&T TV, the only difference will be the onscreen logo and mobile app name. There has been much confusion about DirecTV Stream, from the name change, to how to stream it and the differences between it and the DIRECTV satellite service.
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SmartStream
How to Use Netflix Secret Codes to Discover Movies and TV Shows
Barb Gonzalez  |  Aug 25, 2021  |  0 comments
There are over six thousand movies, and TV shows on Netflix in the U.S. Chances are you only see what comes up on your home screen or in suggestions of “more like this” when you choose a title. But if you are looking for a specific movie genre, there are ways to see all the movies and TV shows that might suit your mood.
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SmartStream
Hands On With YouTubeTV's New 4K Plus Bundle
Barb Gonzalez  |  Aug 11, 2021  |  2 comments
YouTubeTV has added a 4K tier to its live TV subscription service. The 4K Plus bundle includes other benefits like downloading recordings and unlimited concurrent streams. While it may be desirable to stream live 4K HDR TV shows, there are limitations, and it may be best to wait before committing to this add-on subscription fee.
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SmartStream
How to Customize Your Olympics Viewing Experience
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jul 28, 2021  |  0 comments
Roku and Comcast/NBCUniversal have created the best Olympics streaming experience so far. Curated and aggregated videos of highlights, live events, background stories, and every sports competition can be accessed through a single screen on Roku TVs and players and Comcast Xfinity X1.
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SmartStream
Hands-On: Apple Music Lossless and High-Res Lossless
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jul 14, 2021  |  10 comments
Apple Music Lossless streaming is now live with an ever-growing library of songs available in Lossless and some in High-Resolution Lossless audio formats. While Lossless is available at no extra charge to Apple Music subscribers, there are a few things you need to know before experiencing these premium-quality offerings.
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Hands on: Apple Spatial Audio and AirPods Max
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jun 23, 2021  |  2 comments
Apple has boosted the music quality of Apple Music with Spatial Audio. This immersive audio format was released on the service around the same time as the AirPods Max, Apple’s new over-ear headphones. The combination is impressive, and I spent some time testing the headphones with Spatial Audio.
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