Barb Gonzalez

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.
Continue Reading >
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.
Continue Reading >
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.
Continue Reading >
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.
Continue Reading >
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.
Continue Reading >
SmartStream
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.
Continue Reading >
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.
Continue Reading >
SmartStream
OS Update Will Expand Apple TV’s HDR Capabilities
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jun 08, 2022
While Apple didn't directly discuss updates to its Apple TV streaming device at this week’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), there are new features to look forward to this fall.
Continue Reading >
SmartStream
Roku's OS11 Upgrade Is Here at Last
Barb Gonzalez  |  May 25, 2022
After a two-month rollout, the new Roku OS11 operating system upgrade has finally arrived. It brings new customization features, including new content discovery and recommendations on the home screen, a voice keyboard for login, a slideshow screensaver featuring your photos, and new sound modes. The features may seem subtle, but they change and enhance the Roku experience.  
Continue Reading >
SmartStream
Netflix May Soon Charge for Sharing Passwords
Barb Gonzalez  |  May 11, 2022
Continue Reading >

Pages

X