Barb Gonzalez

SmartStream
New Apple TV Will Have Siri and Apps
Barb Gonzalez  |  Sep 09, 2015
A new Apple TV arrives in October and it's (finally) been upgraded significantly.
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SmartStream
NVIDIA Shield Review - 4K Streaming for Android TV
Barb Gonzalez  |  Aug 19, 2015
The NVIDIA Shield follows the Nexus Player as one of the first stand alone media players with Android TV. A sleek, angled device, the Shield’s focus may be on gaming but it performs as one of the best streaming devices available. Still, it is limited by Android TV’s app selection and interface.
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Streaming Device ReviewsOther Tech
D-Link DIR890L/R Tri-Band Router Review
Barb Gonzalez  |  Aug 07, 2015

Performance
Features
Ergonomics

PRICE $130

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Three bands with automatic switching for greater dedicated bandwidth to individual devices
Fast, reliable streaming throughout home network
Two USB ports make hard drives accessible within home and remotely
Minus
Dashboard makes it hard to customize some settings
Automated band switching and QoS remove options to change settings to suit your needs
No backup or media management software

THE VERDICT
A speedy, reliable router that’s great if you accept its automatic settings.

As I’ve taken to streaming as much 4K video as I can from Netflix and Amazon, it was important to get the fastest router. Perhaps there’s something psychological about the candy-apple red glossy exterior that reminds me of a cross between a drag racer and a spaceship, or perhaps it was its impressive specs, but either way, I was inspired to try out D-Link’s DIR890L/R top-of-the-line tri-band router.

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SmartStream
Chicago to Tax Streaming Movies and Music
Barb Gonzalez  |  Aug 06, 2015
Chicago to extend Amusement tax to streaming services from Apple Music to Netflix.
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Comcast Starts Beta Testing “Stream” Online TV Service
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jul 22, 2015
Comcast has started beta testing the new Stream online TV service to its Internet customers. But is it enough to entice a new generation of TV viewers?
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Smart Speaker ReviewsWireless Multiroom Speaker Reviews
Amazon Echo Review — Your Family’s Personal Assistant
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jul 15, 2015

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $180

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Speaker and remote respond to plain English
Voice control initiates music, weather, traffic, and more
Voice-command access to music by artist, song, or radio station
Shopping list and reminders transfer to companion mobile app
Minus
Best used with Amazon Prime membership
Tendency to push Amazon products

THE VERDICT
The most useful gadget since the invention of the remote control.

When Amazon first made the Echo available to a limited number of Amazon Prime users, it seemed like a novelty device possibly destined to end up in the Land of Forgotten Gadgets. Instead, this voice-controlled Bluetooth speaker has become the device I wouldn’t want to live without.

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SmartStream
Showtime Launches Stand-Alone Streaming Service
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jul 08, 2015
Showtime's new app for Roku and Apple TV streams shows and movies without a cable subscription and Hulu is offering a Showtime add-on.
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SmartStream
Android TV to Get More Apps, 4K But Can It Keep Up With Roku?
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jun 17, 2015  |  Published: Jun 04, 2015
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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SmartStream
Apple Music Is Coming but Is it All it's Cracked Up to Be?
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jun 10, 2015
Apple will finally offer a monthly subscription streaming service and despite the claims, it's not all revolutionary.
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SmartStream
Spotify Expands Services to Include Video, More
Barb Gonzalez  |  May 21, 2015
Spotify adds video, original content, and an advanced running feature that ties music to a runner's pace.
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