My Streaming Life

Phishing is the biggest threat to your mobile phone's security. It's a cyber attack where scammers trick you into giving up sensitive information like passwords or credit card numbers by pretending to be trustworthy sources like banks or companies you do business with. They often do this through emails, text messages, or fake websites. Why is your phone a prime target? Because it's always connected, has a smaller screen that makes it harder to spot fake links, and we tend to trust our phones more, making us more likely to click without thinking. Phishing on mobile devices even has different names depending on how it's done: Smishing : Phishing through text messages. Vishing : Phishing through voice calls. Phishing emails : The classic phishing email, but designed for mobile users. These attacks can lead to identity theft, financial loss, or malware infections on your phone. Protect yourself: Be skeptical of unexpected messages : Don't click on an...

Hi everyone, You may have noticed a lot of ads lately on my blog, and I want to be upfront about why that is. Like many bloggers, I put a lot of time and effort into creating content that I hope you find valuable and entertaining. But that content doesn't create itself – it takes time, research, and resources. The Reality of Running a Blog Running a blog isn't free. There are costs associated with website hosting, design, and even the software I use to create and publish posts. On top of that, I invest in resources to improve the quality of my content, like books, courses, and attending conferences. And of course, there's the time I dedicate to writing, editing, and promoting each post. How Ads Help While I wish I could offer all this content for free, the reality is that I need to find ways to support myself and keep the blog running. That's where ads come in. By displaying ads on my blog, I can earn a small amount of revenue each time someone clicks on an ad or ...

Tired of pricey streaming or cable bills? Rediscover the joy of free entertainment with over-the-air (OTA) TV! Here's how I cut the cord and maximized my TV experience without sacrificing quality or choice. First, invest in a good antenna. Living far from the TV towers, I opted for a large outdoor antenna, which has been a game-changer. If you're in a city, an indoor antenna placed high and near a window should do the trick. Remember, the right antenna ensures optimal signal strength and access to more channels. Next, regularly rescan for channels. Signal fluctuations due to weather, construction, or tree growth can affect reception. Rescanning every few months helps you discover new channels or improve existing ones. I found that a DVR adds immense flexibility. I personally use Tablo, but any DVR will do. With a DVR, you can record live TV, pause, rewind, and even fast-forward through commercials. It's a lifesaver for busy schedules. Streaming capabilities are a must-...

My streaming journey started with Roku, but I've explored various devices over the years. Recently, I've settled on Google TV as my go-to platform, primarily using Chromecast with Google TV and Walmart's Onn Streaming Box. Both are excellent, but the "better" option depends on your needs. Walmart Onn 4K Streaming Box The Walmart Onn Streaming Box is $20 and is available at your local Walmart, or it can be shipped if they are temporarily sold out.  Pros: Budget-friendly price Physical remote with voice control and dedicated buttons Ethernet connectivity for stable streaming Built-in remote finder Same software experience as Chromecast with Google TV Cons: Bulkier design Limited storage (8GB) Google Chromecast with Google TV This device can be found at Best Buy, Walmart, and other retailers, as well as being available online. It's $50 for the 4K version. Pros: Sleek and compact design Seamless integration with Google sma...

Roku consistently tops the charts as the most popular streaming device, despite the lack of clear-cut statistics and occasional conflicting reports. Several indicators point to Roku's dominance: Massive User Base: Boasting 70 million active accounts as of late 2022, Roku has a substantial user base. Significant Viewership: Roku channels claimed 1.1% of total streaming hours in July 2023, showcasing a considerable audience share. Market Leadership: Parks Associates, a reputable market research firm, confirmed Roku's dominance in the U.S. streaming media player market in Q1 2023. A recent Cord Cutters News survey further solidifies Roku's position, with 60% of respondents naming it their favorite streaming device. Respondents primarily cited Roku's user-friendly interface and affordable pricing as key factors : According to our readers the #1 reason Roku is so popular is its ease of use. A simple user interface and an easy to use remote make it stand out. The se...

Yesterday, I wrote about AI and my writing . That was my original draft. Here is the AI rewrite of that, exactly as AI wrote it, along with an image it created. You decide if it did a good job: A few months ago, I compared ChatGPT and Google Gemini by asking them about cord-cutting. Their responses were interesting , but I never got around to doing more comparisons. Recently, I attended a conference where Google showcased Gemini, and I decided to explore it further. One standout feature is the "editor" function in Google Gemini Advanced. As someone who's not a natural writer, this could be a game-changer, especially since I've been a successful cord-cutter for over a decade and want to share my experiences. However, there's a catch: relying too heavily on AI can be dangerous. If we let robots dictate our writing, then whoever controls the robots ultimately controls us. That's why I'm taking a different approach: using AI as a proofreader, not a writer...

Several months back, I experimented with comparing ChatGPT and Google Gemini by asking the question: "Why should I consider cutting the cord?" They gave some interesting responses, and I posted the results . I considered comparing other streaming or cord cutting related questions and posting the results, but I never did. Recently, I did something a little different. After attending a conference where Google presented a session on Gemini, I decided to look a little closer at Google Gemini. Some of what I saw was interesting. And one thing in particular was really interesting. Google Gemini Advanced (the version they were hyping at the conference) can fill the function of an editor. That's both interesting and a little scary. It's interesting because that is an easy way to get help with my writing. I'm not a great writer, but I have some good ideas. I mean, I've been a successful cord cutter for over a decade and have save a lot of money in the process. I...

Ever feel like someone's peering over your shoulder while you're texting or checking your bank balance? You're not alone. Our phones are windows into our personal lives, and it's time to put up some blinds. Naomi Brockwell recently looked at privacy screens - those thin, protective films that keep your screen's contents hidden from prying eyes: [ YouTube ] My Streaming Life and my everyday life take privacy seriously. You should too.

Pub-D-Hub is a streaming treasure trove for fans of classic movies, TV shows, cartoons, and other public domain gems. Having used it on my Roku for years, I can attest to its wide variety of vintage entertainment, from films and shows dating back to the 1900s, to classic cartoons, educational films, and even old-time radio shows. The base service is free from ads, but "Gold" and "Gold Plus" subscriptions unlock even more content. Though not directly available on Apple TV or Google TV, you can easily "cast" from a mobile device or browser. If you're looking to explore the rich history of cinema and television, Pub-D-Hub is a fantastic resource, available on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. Dive in and discover the joy of classic entertainment! My Streaming Life has included Pub-D-Hub for years, and will for years to come.

Feeling overwhelmed by streaming services? You're not alone! A recent study shows that streamers want more content, but also want to cut costs . Here at My Streaming Life, I've been a cord-cutting champion for years, and there's a way to have both! The Challenge: Many streamers solve this by canceling services. This works, but you might miss out on shows you love. There's a better way! Stream Smarter, Not More: I subscribe to several streaming services with fantastic content, but here's the secret: I don't keep them all year-round. This method lets you access all your favorite shows while saving serious cash. How it Works: Step 1: Choose Your Weapons (But Not All at Once): Here's a list of popular streaming services and their prices (monthly, all subject to change):  Netflix:  $7 Standard with Ads $16 Standard $23 Premium Hulu $8 (Standard) $18 (No ads) Prime Video $15 (Standard) $18 (No ads) Disney Plus $8 (Standard) $14 (No ads) Max $10 (Standard) ...

Nielsen's May 2024 report reveals that free ad-supported TV (FAST) is experiencing significant growth, with Tubi TV matching Disney Plus in streaming share and The Roku Channel following closely behind, and Pluto TV just outside the top ten. This trend reflects a larger shift in TV consumption, with streaming now accounting for 38.8% of viewership, surpassing both cable and broadcast. When combined with antenna use for broadcast TV, streaming makes up over 60% of total viewing, highlighting the growing popularity of free and alternative options. This resonates with my personal experience of cord-cutting in 2011, where FAST services were prevalent. My Streaming Life prioritizes cost-effectiveness, and I have always favored free TV options and continue to rely primarily on them. It seems I'm not alone, as the increasing prominence of FAST indicates a broader audience seeking affordable entertainment choices.

While Roku is a popular streaming device, it can have app issues just like any platform. However, there's a simple yet often overlooked fix: rebooting your Roku after removing the problematic app. Here's why the order matters: Removing the App : This takes the app off your Roku, but any lingering data (like a "spill") might remain. Rebooting : This "wipes up" the leftover data, ensuring a clean slate. Reinstalling the App : Now with a fresh start, the app can reinstall properly. Skipping the reboot can trap the corrupt data, similar to replacing a spilled-on item without cleaning the spill first. The Fix in Three Steps : Remove the App. Reboot Your Roku Device. Reinstall the App. Remember: The order is crucial! This reboot in the middle makes a big difference in resolving Roku app problems. So next time you encounter an issue, try this three-step approach for a smoother streaming experience...

Looking for family-friendly entertainment without breaking the bank? Frndly TV might be the hidden gem you've been searching for! Here's a breakdown to help you decide if it's the right fit: Family-First Focus: Frndly TV shines with a focus on wholesome content. Boasting three Hallmark channels, UPtv, MeTV, and more, it's a haven for families. Starting at just $7 per month, it's a budget-friendly option compared to other live streaming services. Local Channel Caveat: Important note: Frndly TV doesn't include local channels in any plan. If local news and sports are important to you, you'll need an antenna or another service. However, if you already have an antenna, Frndly TV can be a great complement. Content for Every Taste (Sort Of): While Frndly TV excels in family-friendly content, it has a smaller channel lineup (currently 38 channels) compared to other services. If you prioritize variety, it might not be your best choice. But, as a secondary serv...

I recently revisited a Philo review I wrote and decided to give the service another try. They offered a free week trial, even though I'd subscribed before. Figured I'd check it out and cancel, but life got busy! Between a hectic first weekend and travel, I barely used the free trial. Since I wasn't using another service that month, I decided to keep Philo and see how it went. Here's the thing: most of the shows I'd watch are already on Frndly TV, and other offerings like "My 600-Lb. Life" aren't really my style. Don't get me wrong, Philo's a great service at a good price, especially for those who skip news and sports. But for me, it doesn't offer much beyond what I already have with Frndly TV, especially considering the price difference. That said, Philo has a lot to offer for its price point, with a variety of channels many viewers will enjoy. It just wasn't the right fit for my streaming needs. My Streaming Life won't include ...

As some of you know, I'm passionate about online safety. While no platform is perfect, I prioritize security and privacy whenever possible in my streaming recommendations. Today, security expert Rob Braxman ("The Internet Privacy Guy") shared valuable insights in a recent YouTube video. It's a reminder that staying informed is crucial. [ YouTube ] My Streaming Life is built on the foundation of responsible online practice. While I may not always have every security flaw covered, I do make an honest effort.

A recent Cord Cutters News article caught my eye. It claimed Comcast/Xfinity charges San Francisco customers over $300 a year in hidden fees on top of their TV package. Yikes! But is this just a local issue, or are cable fees outrageous everywhere? Intrigued, I dug deeper. Turns out, the article was based on San Francisco's rate card. I wondered if it was just an excuse to criticize Comcast, or if similar fees were lurking in other areas. Living on the opposite coast from San Francisco, I decided to investigate my own cable rates. Guess what? They weren't much better. For instance, San Francisco customers pay a whopping $26.70 a month in broadcast fees, just for local channels! Here in southeast Georgia, it's not much lower at $25.70. That adds up to over $300 in fees annually, on top of the base channel package price! Speaking of which, the local channels package itself costs $20 a month, bringing the total cost to a staggering $45.70 a month. Want more than local ch...

June 14th holds double the honor! We celebrate both Flag Day and the birthday of the U.S. Army. Now, let's hear the Star-Spangled Banner performed by the U.S. Army Field Band. [ YouTube ] My Streaming Life is important to me. But my admiration and respect for the Flag and the Army are greater. I'm proud of my military service. I'm proud to be a citizen of the United States of America.

The wait is over, the College World Series kicks off tomorrow! This year's a conference showdown: the ACC and SEC each send four teams to battle it out for the championship. ACC : Keep an eye on North Carolina, Virginia, Florida State, and North Carolina State. SEC : Don't miss Tennessee, Kentucky, Texas A&M, and Florida. Ready to Stream? Here's Your Game Plan: Catch all the action with a variety of streaming options, some more budget-friendly than others: ESPN Sling TV (Orange) ($40/month) YouTube TV ($73/month) Hulu+Live TV ($77/month) DirecTV (Entertainment) ($80/month) Fubo (Pro) ($80/month) ESPN+ ESPN+ (standalone) ($11/month) Disney Bundle ($15/month) The excitement continues all week with games most days, except for a possible break on Thursday (depending on how the double-elimination tournament unfolds). The College World Series wraps up next week: Saturday, June 22nd: Best-of-three championship series kicks off (Game 1) Sunday, June 23rd: Championship series (...

A surprising fact was overlooked in a Variety's year end TV viewership report : 6 out of the 10 most popular networks are free over-the-air channels (like the ones you get with an antenna). This means you don't necessarily need cable, satellite, or even streaming services to watch these top networks. So, can you ditch cable and watch for free? It depends on your location and reception. Websites like Antenna Web can help you check if an antenna will work for you. Need help setting up an antenna? There are two options: Do it yourself: Use Antenna Web to find out what kind of antenna you need for your area. Get help from an expert: A professional like Tyler the Antenna Man  can assess your situation and recommend the right antenna. Beware of exaggerated claims: Some antenna sellers make unrealistic promises about their products. Tyler can help you sort through the hype and find a quality antenna. The bottom line: With an antenna, you might be able to watch your favorite channels ...

I was talking with someone the other day about the number of apps I have on my streaming devices. That's when it really hit me that I have over 50 on my Roku, but less than half that on my Chromecast device. Why is that? Well, I started my streaming with Roku back in 2010. I was excited by the apps that were available, and added apps to find content to watch. Keep in mind that there were not nearly as many apps available then as there are now. Everything was new. Everything was different. I added a lot of apps, which is something that many new streamers did, and do. Anyway, I added a lot of apps, and when I upgraded Roku devices, the apps on the account were added to the devices. I would go through my Roku apps from time to time in order to cull those I never watched. I always left more than I should have. I still have over 50 on my Roku devices. Lately, I've used Google TV devices -- Chromecast, Walmart Onn, and so forth -- more than Roku. They were bare to begin, and only inc...

Last week, we linked to an article on Tom's Guide about the best pay streaming services. I said we'd get to the free services later. That's today. Similar to the pay services list, these aren't really a top ten, but rather the top in certain categories top in certain categories . Freevee: The best free streaming service overall. I disagree with this. Freevee is good, sure, but the best? I don't know about that. Roku Channel: The best free streaming service originals. No real disagreement here. A good choice. Pluto TV: The best free streaming service for live channels. This is my choice for best overall. Tubi: The best free streaming service for discovery. I'm not sure what "for discovery" means. Finding things you didn't expect? That's all of them. Tubi doesn't stand out to me. Good service though. Crackle: A free streaming service packed with originals. So the same category as Roku Channel, but not Roku Channel. I have used Crackle for yea...

Your photos can reveal a lot about you. Okay, "duh" you say. But there's more to it than that. Naomi Brockwell has some thoughts on how much your photos actually reveal. [ YouTube ] My Streaming Life is private. Or at least that's my goal. My regular life should be too.

The Stanley Cup finals begin this weekend. Game one is tonight. The best-of-seven series opens tonight in Miami with the Florida Panthers, last year's runner up seeking their first title, hosting the Edmonton Oilers, who are seeking their first title since 1990. If you are a fan of the NHL, you can watch the Stanley Cup without cable. TNT is broadcasting the series, and you can watch TNT streaming by a few methods. ABC Antenna (free) Sling TV ( 8 markets only ) ($45/month) YouTube TV ($73/month) Hulu+Live TV ($77/month) Fubo (Pro) ($80/month) DirecTV (Entertainment) ($85/month) ESPN+ ESPN+ (standalone) ($11/month) Disney Bundle ($15/month) The cheapest way is to use an antenna. That's free, if you have one. Next is ESPN Plus at $11/month, then the Disney Bundle at $15/month. Sling TV, either the Orange or the Blue package, has it if you live in one of 8 markets that carry ABC. Otherwise, YouTube TV at $73/month is the cheapest service that ca...

Tom's Guide has a list called "The best streaming services in 2024 The best streaming services in 2024 ." They are all pay services. Also, there is a separate list for free streaming services that I'll cover later, so I'm calling this their list of the best pay streaming services. It's a reasonable list. And, if you've not seen their lists before, it's not a top ten or similar type of list. It's a list of what it calls the best in certain categories. This means that of the top ten services, it could be that 2-9 aren't on the list, because they aren't the best of any particular category, just good overall, and better than some on this list. Or, maybe these are the best overall. I don't think so, and I'll go into that shortly. For now, there are the categories: Best overall Best value Best for live TV Best new TV Best variety Best for families Highest quality originals Best for sports Best add-on Here are some of the services they lis...

80 years ago, June 6, 1944, was the day of the Normandy Invasion, where the Allied Forces carried out Operation Overlord. The commander of the invasion force, Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, issued the order for the invasion: Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force! You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hope and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on other Fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world. Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely. But this is the year 1944! Much has happened since the Nazi triumphs of 1940-41. The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great ...

Good news everyone! Max is raising the price again! Word came out last month that Max might raise prices Max might raise prices . Turns out the rumors were right. Max has upped the monthly cost by $1 to $17/month. The ad supported tier didn't change. That is still $10/month. Does that mean the ad revenue is good, and to keep pace, they charge more to make up the shortfall from ads? I dunno. I'm jyst glad the ad supported tier didn't go up. It remains t $10/month for three years now. My Streaming Life uses the ad supported as part of a rotation. I won't be switching to the ad free version any time soon.

I've used Tablo for a while. It's how I watch over the air television at home. Recently, Tablo rolled out a new generation of devices that offer a lot of new features, but omit one of my favorites: Tablo Connect, where you can watch your TV channels at another location. If you have the older devices, you still have the functionality. I have that. But, the new devices don't support that. I don't have a new device. Having only older devices means I'm not getting the newer features. One of the features is streaming channels. Recently, Tablo posted an article outlining the streaming channels you get with Tablo . No matter your preferences — be it cooking, current events, travel or outdoor adventure — Tablo provides over 70 free live-streaming channels for you, offering the added benefit of recording your favorite shows to watch at your convenience! Here is the full list (in alphabetical order) of all the FAST Channels you gain access to for free with a Tablo device. ...

I saw an article on the Plex Website recently that was called " A Beginner’s Guide to Plex ." When I got Plex it was for my media server. I never really thought about other features of Plex. One reason is that it didn't have a lot of other features when I got Plex. Now, it is more than a media server. You can use the app for more than that. I still don't use the Plex app for much more than watching from my media server. But, if I wanted to know more, Plex has it covered : Once you set up your free account with Plex, you’re ready to experience what is truly the go-to entertainment platform for fans (like yourself) to discover movies, shows, fellow fans, and the joy of streaming, daily. First, like anyone arriving at a new destination for the first time, you’ll want to take a look around. Let us give you a tour. Welcome Home Home is where your next favorite thing to watch is (or could be). Here is where you’ll see what’s on Live TV now, what’s most popular now, plus a t...

Over the years, Microsoft has been collecting and monetizing more and more of your data. With recent changes, such as Recall , more people are getting fed up with Microsoft. But what can you do about it? One option is to switch to Linux. Britec looked at that possibility recently: [ YouTube ] My Streaming Life still uses Windows for my local Plex server, but I'll be moving to Linux soon. I'm so tired of Microsoft's nonsense.

Fubo has had its share of issues lately. Growth has been slower than expected, but in the last few weeks, some analysts are looking more favorably at Fubo . Still, some are worried. For the average consumer who is a streamer that just wants to watch TV, that doesn't really enter into the day to day thinking. They're wanting to know if they can watch what they want as a reasonable price. The answer is, of course, what is reasonable? Well, it's whatever you're willing to pay. My son, for instance, recently switched to Fubo. It's $7/month more than YouTube TV, but to him, it was worth it. Fubo has more content he wants. Along that line, Cord Cutters News had an article this week comparing Fubo and YouTube TV. At the time I write this, the article has some errors. Maybe they're now fixed, but as I link to the article, the errors are there. However, the errors don't impact the conclusion impact the conclusion : No one but you can decide what is the right ...