Barb Gonzalez

Special Features
Festive Favorites: Where to Stream the Best Holiday Movies
Barb Gonzalez  |  Dec 05, 2024
Finding where to stream your favorite Christmas and holiday movies can feel like a treasure hunt. Movies no longer stay with the same service indefinitely as licensing rights frequently expire. Comparing last year’s list of holiday movie locations, many titles have moved to different platforms.

This year, we’ve organized the list by streaming service. If you’re considering trying a new app or even subscribing for the season, you can check which holiday movies are available.

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Streaming Device Reviews
Stream Smarter: Google TV Streamer’s Powerful Upgrade
Barb Gonzalez  |  Nov 29, 2024

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $99

AT A GLANCE
Plus
4K Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
Spot-on content suggestions
Continue watching from the home screen on most apps
Remote control finder

Minus
Push-to-talk remote for voice commands
No dedicated Play button on the remote
Not WiFi 6 capable
The library menu is poorly designed

The Verdict
The Google TV Streamer’s faster processor provides improved sound and video quality, making it a solid performer. But what really sets this streamer apart is its excellent home screen content suggestions, personalized using AI to analyze your Google activity for the perfect recommendations.

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SmartStream
Breaking Free: New FTC Rule Fights the Hidden Costs of Subscription Traps
Barb Gonzalez  |  Nov 10, 2024
It has undoubtedly happened to all of us. We find ourselves subscribed to a service that we have no interest in or didn’t realize we had signed up for in the first place. The new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) "click-to-cancel" rule states that canceling a subscription should be as easy as signing up. While most users would celebrate this decision, many cable and entertainment companies aren't happy about it, and the National Cable and Telecommunications Association (NCTA) is already filing lawsuits to stop it.
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SmartStream
Goodbye Chromecast, Hello Google TV Streamer 4K
Barb Gonzalez  |  Aug 28, 2024
Google is replacing the Chromecast with the Google TV Streamer 4K. It's the end of an era for the value-priced dongle. The new streamer will take advantage of Gemini, Google's A.I.
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SmartStream
Unveil Hidden Features, Secret Menus and Codes for an Enhanced Streaming Experience
Barb Gonzalez  |  Aug 07, 2024
Discover how to elevate your streaming experience with hidden features on your favorite platforms. Netflix's secret codes reveal niche genres, Apple TV tips customize your viewing, and Roku's secret screens offer advanced settings.
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SmartStream
Your Ultimate Guide to Watching the Paris 2024 Olympics: When, Where, and How to Tune In
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jul 24, 2024
With 359 live events streaming and broadcast on many NBC channels and apps, here's how to watch the 2024 Paris Olympics. NBC has stepped up with new features so you won't miss any exciting moments.
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Bluetooth Speaker Reviews
Soundcore Boom 2 Plus Bluetooth Boombox Speaker
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jul 03, 2024

Performance
Build Quality
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE: $250

AT A GLANCE

Plus
No distortion—good sound quality at high volume
Easy to carry
Up to 140-watt output—loud and clear outdoors
Auxiliary-In port
Minus
No microphone for calls or voice assistant
No dustproof rating
Can’t pair more than one phone

THE VERDICT

The Boom 2 Plus performs excellently when used as intended—as a party speaker, either outdoors or indoors.

For any party, the Soundcore Boom 2 Plus Outdoor Bass Bluetooth Speaker is an essential invite. As its name suggests, it's designed to keep the beat with deep bass powered by an impressive 140-watt output, thanks to the BassUp 2.0 bass booster. The passive radiator sides add to the party atmosphere with multi-colored lights that sync with the music.

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SmartStream
Netflix's Biggest Revamp in Ten Years: Easier Path to Your Next Binge
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jun 26, 2024
Netflix has started testing a new home screen with a select number of subscribers. The new home interface is considered the biggest app revamp in 10 years. If you've ever stared blankly at the screen upon opening the Netflix app, this may help you decide what to watch.
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SmartStream
Apple Harnesses AI to Take 2024 Features and Refinements to the Next Level
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jun 12, 2024
Apple previewed a number of compelling new features and capabilities at its annual Worldwide Developer’s Conference (WWDC), including some of the most significant changes we’ve seen in years with Apple’s version of AI figuring prominently into 2024 updates and features. With our usual focus on all things audio and video, here’s a summary of the key announcements.
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Integrated Amp Reviews
WiiM Amp Review: Value-Priced Multi-Room Audio
Barb Gonzalez  |  May 29, 2024

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $299

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri
Equalizer settings for each input
Can input/output Bluetooth and AirPlay
Uses passive speakers you may already own
Minus
No way to see the input or what song is playing
Could be easier to navigate with fewer clicks/taps
No headphone jack
No Bluetooth aptX for streaming hi-res audio

THE VERDICT
The reasonably priced WiiM Amp is the perfect device to leverage a house full of speakers to create a multi-room sound system. You may have Alexa, Google, or Apple HomePods. Or, passive speakers connected to other WiiM devices. This amp makes it easy to control streaming from the most popular music services anywhere in your home.

Many of us use smart speakers throughout our homes. They control everything from lights to microwaves and washing machines. Usually, these are inexpensive devices like the Amazon Echo, which are not optimal for music listening. But they are perfect for controlling more capable smart speakers and amps.

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