Barb Gonzalez

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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SmartStream
Comcast Now Offers Netflix, Apple TV+ and Peacock Bundle
Barb Gonzalez  |  May 29, 2024
Comcast is offering a discounted streaming bundle to Xfinity internet and TV subscribers in an attempt to win back some of the millions of users who have cut the cord in the past six months. What are the details of the deal and why are these competitors are now becoming partners?
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SmartStream
Apple Announces iPad Pros with OLED Screens and an Improved iPad Air
Barb Gonzalez  |  May 08, 2024
Apple announced a new poweful line of iPads on Tuesday that makes it seem as though the iPad is poised to replace the MacBook. Pair one of the new models with a Magic Keyboard and it's more like a laptop than a tablet. And the updated iPad Pro with its state-of-the-art OLED screen and quad speakers may be the best way to watch movies on the go. 
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SmartStream
Mastering the Maze of Streaming: A Guide to the Marathon TV App
Barb Gonzalez  |  Apr 24, 2024
In the labyrinthine world of streaming, where TV shows sprawl across many apps, it can be daunting to keep track of what you are watching and want to watch next. The Marathon TV social app replaces posting on Facebook for recommendations or scrolling through Rotten Tomatoes and IMDB ratings.
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Smart Speaker ReviewsStreaming Device Reviews
Bluesound Pulse M: Packed with Sound and Features
Barb Gonzalez  |  Apr 17, 2024
Ever since Sonos came out with a multiroom audio solution nearly two decades ago, companies like Bose, Denon (HEOS), and others have followed suit. In 2012, Canada-based Lenbrook Group—which manufactures NAD, PSB Speakers, and Bluesound—first launched its BluOS platform for speakers and devices. It has morphed and developed into BluOS 4, the most uncomplicated controller and aggregator app for wireless speakers.
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SmartStream
Roku Unveils New Pro Series TVs & Announces Updates
Barb Gonzalez  |  Apr 10, 2024
It must be springtime as Roku today introduced its 2024 Pro Series of mini-LED 4K TVs and announced new features for its forthcoming OS 13 update.
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SmartStream
Hulu Cracks Down on Account Sharing
Barb Gonzalez  |  Mar 20, 2024
Hulu and Disney + have altered their service terms to prohibit password and account sharing outside the original subscriber's household. Here's the details and how to access your account when away from home.
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SmartStream
You Can Stream Dozens of Classics on Apple TV+ for a Limited Time
Barb Gonzalez  |  Mar 06, 2024
Apple TV+ is known for its quality original movies and TV series, which why it was so surprising to learn that the streaming service has begun serving up a heap of classic movies…but only for a limited time. Here are the details and how non-subscribers can watch for free.
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SmartStream
Where to Stream Oscar-Nominated Movies
Barb Gonzalez  |  Feb 29, 2024
Have you seen any or all of the 10 films nominated for Best Picture? Or any of the films nominated in one of the other six categories? The 96th Academy Awards ceremony commences on Sunday, March 10 so there’s still time to catch any (or all) of the flicks you haven’t seen. To save you time, we put together a list of movies in the major nominating categories with details on where you can watch them.
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SmartStream
ESPN, Fox & Warner Bros. Discover to Launch Sports Super App this Fall
Barb Gonzalez  |  Feb 14, 2024
Once sports moves to streaming, will anyone still subscribe to cable and satellite? It's likely the idea that prompted ESPN, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery to partner in a new sports streaming service slated to launch this fall.
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