Barb Gonzalez

SmartStream
Is Google's Chromecast the Streaming Device for Every Home?
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jul 25, 2013
Google's Chromecast will stream video from your smartphone, tablet, or computer and is affordable enough to become the streaming device for every home. Find out how to order now and get three months of Netflix included.
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Streaming Device Reviews
Roku 3 Media Streamer
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jul 15, 2013  |  Published: Jan 31, 2014

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $100

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Remote control with headphone jack
Global movie title search
Zippy processor for quick navigation and search
Minus
Can only be connected via HDMI

THE VERDICT
Performance improvements and a new interface make streaming easy and keep Roku ahead of the competition.

Where other companies that make media players seem stuck in endless delays in the release of new models, it seems that Roku rolls out a new option every few months. I’m not complaining. Its newest release, the Roku 3, is my favorite so far. I use a Roku box with my bedroom TV because my tech-challenged partner can easily understand how to navigate its menus. Roku 3 has now added a headphone jack in the remote that mutes the TV when you plug into it. No longer do I have to endure listening to explosions, gunshots, and car-chase scenes while I’m trying to fall asleep. Performance improvements plus a new interface and box design continue to keep Roku ahead of its competition.

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SmartStream
Samsung Buys Boxee
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jul 10, 2013
Samsung has acquired the Boxee Box hardware as well as its entire team. What can we expect from the pairing of the two companies?
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SmartStream
Apple TV Adds HBO Go, WatchESPN, More Streaming Videos
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jun 27, 2013
The newest update to Apple TV adds HBO Go for series and movies, and WatchESPN for live sports and recorded highlights. Find out what else is new and how you can view these new channels on Apple TV.
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SmartStream
Minx Air 100 Speaker vs. Sonos
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jun 18, 2013
Cambridge Audio's Minx Air 100 speaker streams music via Bluetooth and AirPlay. See how it compares to a Sonos home music system.
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SmartStream
Apple to Offer Music Streaming with iTunes Radio
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jun 11, 2013
Apple announced their new streaming music service, iTunes Radio. Here's a look at its features compared to Google Play Music and Spotify.
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SmartStream
Will the Xbox One Be the Center of Your Home Theater?
Barb Gonzalez  |  May 29, 2013
The forthcoming Xbox One has added a number of features that Microsoft hopes will make Xbox the only content device you'll want to connect to your home theater. See why you may want an Xbox One even if you don't play video games.
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SmartStream
Google Play Music All Access: Streaming "Radio Without Rules"
Barb Gonzalez  |  May 20, 2013
Google finally gets it right with its Google Play Music All Access unlimited music streaming service. Find out why it may be time to start streaming music, or switch from your current subscription service.
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Streaming Device Reviews
Favi SmartStick Media Streamer
Barb Gonzalez  |  May 02, 2013
Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Price: $40 (wireless pocket keyboard additional $40) At a Glance: Android operating system • HDMI Stick connects directly to TV • Potentially unlimited content • Best keyboard/mouse remote available for any media player

Favi’s SmartStick is not, as many call it, a Google TV. Instead, it is a dongle (stick) that connects to an HDMI input on your TV and runs the Android operating system. Typically, smartphones and tablets have Android, but this is the first streaming Android dongle for your TV. And herein lies the problem. While most Android apps made for tablets can be downloaded to the SmartStick, they are not designed for a TV streaming device, and they don’t work when you try to use them.

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SmartStream
PLAiR Plays Online Videos From the Web on a TV
Barb Gonzalez  |  Apr 24, 2013
The PLAiR is now shipping. Find out how this small device can stream online videos from your computers, smartphone, or tablet.
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