Barb Gonzalez

Streaming Device Reviews
Apple TV 4K 3rd Generation Review: Smaller, Faster, Cheaper
Barb Gonzalez  |  Nov 03, 2022

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $129 (64GB) / $149 (128GB)

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Lower price than any recent Apple TVs
Excellent sound and picture quality
Now supports HDR10+
Agnostic "Watch Next" suggestions
Supports Dolby Atmos for movies and music
Minus
Scrub fast-forward and rewind can be squirrelly
Limited Siri Commands
Netflix integration remains minimal

THE VERDICT
The Apple TV 4K 3rd generation is a must-have for anyone with an iPhone or other Apple device. It still has great sound and picture quality, but the processor is faster and it supports HDR 10+. If you are invested in the Apple ecosystem, the Apple TV 4K should be the streamer you use. Also, if you have a Samsung TV that supports HDR10+, you might want to think about getting the new model.

The latest Apple TV 4K is the company's most compelling and feature-rich streaming box yet. It performs better and has more features than its predecessors while costing less...

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SmartStream
Improved Gen 3 Apple TV 4K Coming Soon
Barb Gonzalez  |  Oct 19, 2022
On November 4th, Apple will release the third generation Apple TV 4K. The updated streaming player costs less than its predecessor and offers several improvements, including the new, more powerful A15 Bionic processor and an updated tvOS 16 operating system.
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SmartStream
SongCatcher Names the Tune Stuck in Your Head—And Then Plays It
Barb Gonzalez  |  Oct 12, 2022
Can’t remember the name of that catchy song stuck in your head? No worries, Deezer’s updated SongCatcher feature will not only find it for you but it will play the song, too — a first in the app world.
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SmartStream
Google’s New HD Chromecast Streamer Costs $30
Barb Gonzalez  |  Sep 28, 2022
Affordable streamers are what's new this fall. Following the announcement of the Roku Express value-priced player, Google has released an HD version of its Chromecast with Google TV streamer.
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SmartStream
Roku Announces OS11.5 Upgrade & New Products for Fall
Barb Gonzalez  |  Sep 14, 2022
Roku just announced the Roku OS11.5 update to its operating system. This update includes improved discovery features for users to find and stream what they want to watch from the home screen. The fall virtual press conference also brought news of a lower-priced Roku Express player and wireless subwoofer.
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SmartStream
Google TV Updates Improve Performance
Barb Gonzalez  |  Aug 24, 2022
Google TV has rolled out updates to improve the Chromecast and TV’s operating system. The changes shorten boot time and make switching between tabs and launch apps faster. While some avid users have complained about Google TV’s performance, the improvements will likely be only subtly noticeable for most.
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SmartStream
Will Free Ad-Based Streaming Replace Broadcast TV?
Barb Gonzalez  |  Aug 10, 2022
Free Ad-Supported TV (FAST) has become the focus of streaming services and studios. More channels are being added to free linear “live TV” services like Pluto, Tubi, Xumo, PLEX, Roku Channel, and others. Established stream-on-demand services like Netflix, Disney+, and Warner Bros. Discovery are exploring lower-priced ad-supported tiers. Streaming is beginning to look more and more like traditional broadcast TV.
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SmartStream
Netflix Will Offer an Ad-Supported Subscription Tier
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jul 27, 2022
Commercials are coming to Netflix, one of the last of the major streaming services to offer a low-priced ad-supported tier. Now that Netflix has partnered with Microsoft's Xandr digital video advertising arm, it's clear that the streaming giant is preparing to include advertising.
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Amazon Aims to Improve Streaming Experience with Fire TV Stick 4K Max
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jul 06, 2022
Amazon has released a new “Max” version of its 4K Fire TV Stick that promises improved performance over previous generations. See how it differs.
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SmartStream
Sling TV: Get Premium Channels Free on Weekends
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jun 22, 2022
Sling TV is offering free weekends for premium channels and deals to attract new subscribers. Each weekend from Friday, June 24th through the end of August 2022, will be "Freeview Weekends" where all Sling TV subscribers can watch premium channels without signing up or paying for them.
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