My Streaming Life

Streaming services offer several advantages for families during Halloween: Cost-effective : Streaming services often offer more affordable entertainment options compared to cable. Instead of paying a high monthly fee for a cable package, families can choose a more affordable streaming service that fits their budget. This is especially beneficial for families with multiple children who want to watch different shows or movies at the same time. Variety : A wider selection of movies is available on-demand. Streaming services offer a vast library of Halloween movies, from classic favorites to new releases. This means families can find something to watch for everyone, regardless of age or interest. Convenience : Watch anytime, anywhere, and easily pause/rewind for bathroom breaks or snack refills. Streaming services allow families to watch movies and shows at their own convenience. They can start and stop watching whenever they want, and they can easily pause and rew...

Reports say that Walmart is gearing up to release a new streaming device, the Onn 4K Plus.  Positioned between the existing Onn 4K and Onn 4K Pro, this new model aims to deliver impressive performance at an affordable price. Here's what we know so far: Powerful Performance: Leaked benchmark results indicate the Onn 4K Plus could outperform other devices in its price range, thanks to its Amlogic S905X5M quad-core CPU clocked at 2.51 GHz, ARM Mali-G310 V2 GPU, and 2GB of RAM. Android TV 14: The device is expected to run the latest Android TV 14 operating system, offering a smooth and feature-rich user experience. Competitive Price: Expected to be priced between $30 and $40, the Onn 4K Plus aims to make 4K streaming accessible to everyone. What remains to be seen: Exact release date and availability. Full feature set, including any potential AI upscaling capabilities. Real-world performance and user reviews. The Onn 4K Plus has the potential to shake ...

We're cord cutters, and we have some problems. Good problems, but problems. For example, with so many streaming options, finding the right fit can be tricky. Today, we're diving deep into two popular budget-friendly services: NOW TV and Philo. Both offer a "skinny bundle" of channels at a fraction of the cost of traditional cable, but which one comes out on top? Channel Showdown: What You Get NOW TV (40+ channels): This Xfinity service offers a decent variety, including entertainment, some news (BBC News, The Weather Channel), and sports (limited ESPN, MotorTrend). A key perk is the inclusion of Peacock Premium at no extra cost, giving you next-day access to NBC shows, Peacock Originals, and live sports. You'll also find channels like Hallmark Channel, HGTV, and Magnolia Network, which aren't always available on free services. Philo (70+ channels): Philo boasts a wider selection of channels, heavily focused on entertainment and lifestyle. You'll fi...

Halloween's almost here, and while the kiddos are out getting candy, it's time for us grown-up ghouls to get our scare on. But who needs cable when you've got streaming? Here's your guide to classic horror flicks ready to stream right now, no spooky contracts required: The Undisputed Champs (available on multiple services): Halloween (1978) : Michael Myers. Need I say more? This one's practically required viewing. (Peacock, AMC Plus, Shudder) Psycho (1960) : Hitchcock at his finest. That shower scene? Still chilling after all these years. (Peacock, Paramount Plus) The Exorcist (1973) : Heads will spin. Literally. (Max) Don't Sleep on These: The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) : Low-budget, but HIGH on the creep factor. Leatherface and family await... (Shudder, AMC Plus) Night of the Living Dead (1968) : The zombie movie that started it all. (Max, Criterion Channel) A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) : One, two, Freddy's coming for you... in your ...

Lon Seidman, the knowledgeable tech reviewer behind Lon.TV on YouTube, recently shared a video about why he prefers Apple TV over other streaming devices. Now, I've always been a fan of Roku and Google TV for their simplicity and affordability. But I've also used Apple TV and found it to be a solid device with a great interface and tight integration with the Apple ecosystem. In his video, Lon highlights some of the reasons why he chooses Apple TV, and it got me thinking about the pros and cons of each platform. Let's take a look at what he has to say, and then I'll share my own thoughts. [ YouTube ] Lon makes some great points about the Apple TV's performance, interface, and features. I especially agree with him about the value of the Apple TV's integration with other Apple devices and services. However, I still think Roku and Google TV have their own advantages, such as their wider selection of apps and channels, and their more affordable price points. My ...

Can you believe it's already Week 9 of the 2024 college football season? Nine games of the 9th week have been played already. There were two Tuesday night games, two Wednesday night games (including one big upset), two Thursday night games, and three games last night. Two games alray played involve ranked teams. Today, 48 games are on the schedule , the same number as last Saturday. Between now and next Saturday, there are nine more games. Today, there are 18 Top 25 teams playing today, with five games between ranked teams. This weekend's games will be broadcast over several networks. Here are the channels or networks you'll need to watch all the game this season: ABC ACC Network Big Ten Network CBS CBS Sports Network The CW ESPN ESPN2 ESPN U ESPN+ Fox Fox Sports 1 Fox Sports 2 Max NBC Peacock SEC Network truTV Here's how to get the channels to watch college football this week: ABC Antenna (free) Sli...

Get ready for a historic showdown! The Fall Classic is upon us, and it's a clash of titans: the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers are facing off in the World Series for the 12th time -- the most by far of any pair of teams. As a cord-cutting baseball fan, you won't want to miss a single swing of this epic rivalry. But how can you watch without a cable subscription? Fear not, I've got your streaming game plan ready to go. Your Streaming Options: Over-the-Air Antenna : The most budget-friendly way to catch the World Series is with an over-the-air antenna. Since the games are broadcast on FOX, a good antenna should pick up your local FOX affiliate in crisp HD. It's free, reliable, and a great way to experience the game with that classic broadcast feel. Live TV Streaming Services : If you prefer a more comprehensive streaming experience, these services have you covered: YouTube TV : A top choice for cord-cutters, YouTube TV offers a strong channe...

Are you still shelling out big bucks to your cable company just to watch football? It's 2024, my friend, and there's a better way! Streaming services have rushed the field, offering a winning combination of affordability and convenience. Whether you bleed your team's colors or follow the global gridiron, this guide will help you find the perfect streaming option to catch every touchdown, tackle, and field goal. Your Streaming Playbook: The fact is you can't watch all the games for free. But you can watch many of them, if you have an antenna. The NFL and major college conferences broadcast games every week over the air. That will get you a lot of football for free, but not eveything. You'll need a service from one of the virtual multichannel video programming distributors. You already know them; you just may not know that's what they are called. YouTube TV: The Undisputed Champion If you're serious about football, YouTube TV is your MVP. With the recent ...

Smart TVs seem like a dream, right? All your streaming apps built-in, no extra devices cluttering your entertainment center. But I'm here to tell you why I made the switch to a separate streaming device, and why you might want to consider it too. The Problem with Smart TVs You might think Smart TVs have all the apps you need, but that's not always the case. And even when they do, performance can be a real issue. Here are my main concerns: Limited App Selection: Smart TVs often have a smaller selection of apps compared to dedicated streaming devices. You might find your favorite service missing, or that it gets added much later than on other platforms. Sluggish Performance: Built-in smart TV interfaces can be slow and laggy, leading to frustrating buffering and delays when navigating menus. Privacy Concerns: Smart TVs often collect data about your viewing habits. Some even have microphones and cameras, which can raise privacy concerns. Software ...

Are you tired of those frustratingly high movie prices on Amazon or iTunes?  I've got a secret weapon that'll help you build an epic digital movie collection without emptying your wallet: Movies Anywhere. Imagine snagging the latest blockbuster for $5 instead of $20. With Movies Anywhere, that's not a fantasy, it's a reality! This free service acts like a magical bridge between your digital movie accounts at major retailers like Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play/YouTube, and Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu). Here's the magic part: Buy a movie from one of these connected retailers, and poof – it instantly appears in your libraries on all the others! This means you can hunt for the best deals across the web and still enjoy your movies on your favorite platform. Why Movies Anywhere is a Must-Have for Cord Cutters: Cross-platform freedom: Love your iPhone but find better deals on Amazon? No problem! Buy on Amazon, watch on iTunes. Unlock massive ...

Remember those dark ages, BC (Before Cord-cutting)? Back in 2006, my first TiVo offered a glimpse of streaming, but it wasn't enough to break free from cable's grasp. Then in 2010, I bought a little block box called Roku XDS. It was a revelation! Suddenly, I had full access to a universe of entertainment beyond the tyranny of cable, and Roku was my fearless guide. Fast forward to today, and the streaming landscape has exploded. It's like the Wild West out there, with new devices and services popping up faster than you can say "Netflix and chill." While my current streaming weapon of choice is a Google TV setup (I'm a fan of Chromecast with Google TV and the new Google TV Streamer!), Roku still holds a special place in my cord-cutting heart. And it seems I'm not alone. A recent Cord Cutters News survey confirmed what many of us suspected: Roku is still the king of the streaming hill, used by over 65% of cord-cutters. That's almost twice as man...

Windows 10 is reaching its end-of-life in October 2025. If your computer can't handle the upgrade to Windows 11, you might be wondering what your options are. This video from ExplainingComputers explores some excellent alternatives, especially if you're looking for secure and budget-friendly solutions. Check it out! [ YouTube ] As the video highlighted, Linux and ChromeOS are fantastic options for breathing new life into your older computer. They're secure, lightweight, and easy to use, even if you're not a tech expert. If you're considering making the switch, here are some resources to help you get started: Linux: Distributions: Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Fedora Websites: distrowatch.com, linux.com Communities: r/linux on Reddit ChromeOS Flex: https://chromeos.google/products/chromeos-flex/ FydeOS: https://fydeos.io/ Don't let Windows 10's end-of-life leave you stranded. Explore these alternatives and keep your computer...

Week 8 of the 2024 college football season is underway with 11 games played already. This week began early, with three Tuesday night games, two Wednesday night games, two Thursday night games, and four games last night, including two involving ranked teams. Today, 48 games are on the schedule . Between now and next Saturday, there are nine more games. Today, there are 18 Top 25 teams playing today, with three games between ranked teams, including a top 5 matchup between Georgia and Texas. This weekend's games will be broadcast over several networks. Here are the channels or networks you'll need to watch all the game this season: ABC ACC Network Big Ten Network CBS CBS Sports Network The CW ESPN ESPN2 ESPN U ESPN+ Fox Fox Sports 1 Fox Sports 2 Max NBC Peacock SEC Network truTV Here's how to get the channels to watch college football this week: ABC Antenna (free) Sling TV ( 8 markets only ) ($45/month) Y...

Ready to ditch expensive cable and embrace the freedom of streaming? Cord-cutting can be a fantastic way to save money and enjoy more control over your entertainment, but it can feel overwhelming to know where to begin. That's where the experts at Cord Cutters News come in! They've been guiding cord-cutters for years, and their advice is invaluable for making a smooth transition. Here are five key tips from Cord Cutters News to help you cut the cord with confidence : Top 5 Tips for Cord Cutters New & Old Look for Shows Not Channels: Don't get hung up on replicating your cable channel lineup. Focus on finding your favorite shows, which are often available on-demand or through streaming apps. Get an Antenna: Free over-the-air TV can give you access to major networks and more, saving you money on streaming services. There Is No Rush: Take your time to explore different streaming services and find the best fit for your needs and budget. Try It Firs...

Tired of paying for a dozen streaming services? Your Fire TV might be the solution!  Amazon's popular streaming platform offers a treasure trove of free content, making it easy to ditch those expensive subscriptions and still enjoy hours of entertainment. Fire TV Channels: Your Free Content Hub One of the best things about Fire TV is its built-in free content hub: Fire TV Channels. This dedicated app (and section within the Fire TV interface) gathers free movies, TV shows, and live channels from various providers, all in one convenient place. Here's what you'll find: News: Stay informed with channels like ABC News, CBS News, and Reuters. Sports: Catch the latest highlights and games from Major League Baseball. Lifestyle: Enjoy cooking shows with Martha Stewart and entertainment news from People Magazine and The Hollywood Reporter. Gaming: Get your gaming fix with content from Xbox and IGN. And much more! Fire TV Channels offers a mix of live TV a...

While Roku remains the dominant player in the cord-cutting market, Google TV is gaining momentum. According to a recent survey from Cord Cutters News, among cord-cutters planning to buy a new streaming device this year, Google TV is the second most popular choice, surpassing Amazon Fire TV. This increased interest likely stems from the recent release of the powerful Google TV Streamer 4K and the availability of affordable options like the Onn Pro 4K . When asked if cord cutters planned to buy a new device and, if so, what device, this year Roku was the most popular answer with 12.6% of the market. Google TV came in second place with 4.1%, followed by Fire TV at 2.9%, and Apple TV 1.6%. 77.1% said they did not plan to buy any streaming devices this year. Roku still dominates cord cutting, but Google TV is seeing strong inroads recently. This comes as Google just released a massively powerful Google TV Streamer 4K. Also, Walmart has been pushing affordable but p...

Samsung has just launched a major update to its smart TV platform, and it's generating a lot of buzz.  They're rolling out One UI, a new interface designed to provide a fresh, modern experience. While I'm not a Samsung TV owner myself (I've always preferred Roku, Fire TV, Google TV, or Apple TV), I know many people are excited about this change.  My sister, for example, is a huge Samsung fan, and she'll get it when she buys her next TV. What's New with One UI? One UI brings a cleaner, more streamlined look to Samsung TVs, similar to the interface found on their Galaxy smartphones.  Here are some of the highlights: Modern design: Say goodbye to clutter and hello to a more visually appealing interface. Personalized recommendations: A new "For You" tab offers tailored suggestions based on your viewing habits. Watch Later: Easily save movies and shows to watch later. Improved Game Bar: Enhanced features for gamers, including quick acce...

Cord-cutters rejoice! Well, maybe not quite yet... but soon! We've all been waiting with bated breath for news on the standalone ESPN streaming app, and while it's not here quite yet, the finish line is in sight. As many of you know, I've been relying on Sling TV to get my ESPN fix. It's been a decent option, but let's be honest, it's not ideal. I'm tired of paying for channels I don't watch just to get access to sports. So, when Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed the ESPN streaming app is coming in the fall of 2025, I was thrilled! Finally, a way to get all the sports I want without the extra baggage (and cost) of a bloated cable package or a bundled streaming service. What We Know (and What We Don't) Here's the lowdown: Launch Date: Fall 2025 (yes, it's a bit of a wait, but hopefully worth it!) Content: Expect a comprehensive lineup of live sports, including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college sports, and ESPN+ originals. Fingers cross...

With the ending os Windows 10 support, many are finding their computers won't upgrade. Many of those don't like the idea of having to shell out hundreds of dollars for a new computer if their existing computer is otherwise working fine. So, what is one to do? To extend a computer's life after Windows 10 support ends, the best option is to install a different operating system. I've mentioned a couple of options for this previously: Linux ChromeOS Well, there is another option. I've not used it yet, but only heard about recently: FydeOS. Here is a recent video from Explaining Computers talking about it: [ YouTube ] I like the idea of an easy to use OS that is similar to ChromeOS. I also like the idea of a ChromeOS clone that does not require a Google login, increaseing privacy and security. It's more like Linux in this way, and this could be the perfect blend of the two. I'll be installing FydeOS on an older computer soon, and testing it myself. ...

Week 7 of the 2024 college football season is underway with 9 games already in the book. This week began early, with a Tuesday night game, a Wednesday night game, three Thursday night games, and four games last night. Today, 43 games are on the schedule , same number as last Saturday. Between now and next Saturday, there are nine more games. Today, there are 16 Top 25 teams playing today, with one game between ranked teams. This weekend's games will be broadcast over several networks. Here are the channels or networks you'll need to watch all the game this season: ABC ACC Network Big Ten Network CBS CBS Sports Network The CW ESPN ESPN2 ESPN U ESPN+ Fox Fox Sports 1 Fox Sports 2 Max NBC Peacock SEC Network truTV Here's how to get the channels to watch college football this week: ABC Antenna (free) Sling TV ( 8 markets only ) ($45/month) YouTube TV ($73/month) DirecTV (Entertainment) ($75/month) Hu...

I've been thinking lately about my streaming life and how I rotate services to save money. The idea is to subscribe to only one or two at a time, but I realized it's not always a perfect rotation. Sometimes there are gaps where I don't subscribe to any! Here's the lineup of services I rotate through: Netflix Max Disney Plus Discovery Plus Apple TV Plus Hulu Peacock AMC Plus Starz You might notice I left out Prime Video and Paramount Plus. That's because they're bundled with other subscriptions I have (Amazon Prime and Walmart Plus, respectively). Those two are always available, so they're not part of my rotation strategy. Right now, I'm subscribed to Hulu and Disney Plus, mainly to get ESPN Plus for football season. It was cheaper to bundle all three. Once football is over, I'll likely drop them both. I may pick up another service then, or maybe I'll just enjoy a break from paid subscriptions for a whi...

To maximize my streaming enjoyment while minimizing costs, I rotate through a selection of popular services. This means I subscribe to just one service at a time, binge-watching my desired content, then cancel and move on to the next. Here's the lineup: Netflix ($7/month) Max ($10/month) Disney Plus ($8/month) Paramount Plus ($12/month) Discovery Plus ($5/month) Apple TV Plus ($10/month) Hulu ($10/month) Prime Video ($15/month) Peacock ($14/month) AMC Plus ($7/month) Starz ($11/month) For example, one month it's Max. The next month, it's Paramount Plus.  This strategy lets me explore each service fully without the burden of multiple subscriptions. Occasionally, I'll opt for a bundle deal like Disney Plus and Hulu, or Paramount Plus with Showtime, for extra value. If the total is $10-15 for multiple services, it's a good deal. With this approach, I enjoy a year's worth of diverse content for roughly ...

Back in 2011, I took the plunge and cut the cord. This wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision; I'd spent two years meticulously analyzing my TV viewing habits and comparing the costs of cable versus streaming.  In 2009, the numbers didn't quite add up, but by 2010, it was clear that streaming was the more economical choice. So, I embraced the world of on-demand content, antennas, and nascent streaming services. Fast forward to today, and the streaming landscape has transformed. While I initially focused on the financial benefits of cord cutting, my decade-long streaming journey has revealed something unexpected: the true value lies in control. The Power of On-Demand Before cutting the cord, my trusty TiVo gave me a taste of TV freedom. I could record shows, skip commercials, and watch at my own pace. This shift to on-demand viewing fundamentally changed how I consumed content.  Live TV became almost irrelevant, with the exception of sports, par...

In the last two weeks, I had the pleasure of experiencing Hurricane Helene. I lost power and Internet for a few days, but sustained no serious damage. And now there's another that will be south of here, and have at least some impact on us. You may not be in the path of Hurricane Milton, but you may be interested in the weather. There are tons of great free weather apps for your streaming device. Here are a few of my favorites for Roku, Fire TV, Google TV, and Apple TV: 1. WeatherNation: Available on : Roku, Fire TV, Google TV, Apple TV Why it's awesome : This app is like having your own personal weather channel! It offers a 24/7 live stream with national weather updates, plus local forecasts, radar, and severe weather alerts. Perfect for keeping an eye on those big storms brewing. 2. AccuWeather: Available on : Roku, Fire TV, Google TV, Apple TV Why it's awesome : AccuWeather is your go-to for hyperlocal forecasts. Their MinuteCast feature tells you exactly w...

The streaming world of 2011 was a different beast. Forget about live TV options like Sling TV or YouTube TV -- they didn't exist! Netflix was around, of course, and so was Hulu, though not as we know it today. No live channels then, just two distinct Hulu experiences: the browser-based version and Hulu Plus with its separate subscription and content. And then there were the on-demand apps like Crackle. Crackle landed on my Roku shortly after I ditched cable, becoming an early favorite. I can't recall if it had original content back then (I don't think so), but it offered shows and movies you simply couldn't find, or at least easily find, anywhere else. I remember getting hooked on some short-form series with 10-20 minute episodes—though the names escape me now. The point is, I loved Crackle. It was unique and showed me early on that streaming wasn't just about watching familiar things; it was a portal to content cable couldn't offer. It's been a wh...

AI is a thing. You can't escape it on Windows, Mac, or ChromeOS. You can't escape it on Facebook. You can't escape it on your iOS or Android device. You can't escape it. So what does that mean? Internet Privacy Guy Rob Braxman shares his thoughts: [ YouTube ] My Streaming Life can't fully escape AI. I just want to watch TV and not have some Big Tech company watching it with me.

Week 6 of the 2024 college football season has begun. There have been six games so far, with two on Thursday and four last night, with two ranked teams having played already. And there has already been a Top 25 upset (last night's overtime game). Today, 43 games are on the schedule . Between now and next Saturday, there are nine more games. Today, there are 16 Top 25 teams playing today, with one game between ranked teams. This weekend's games will be broadcast over several networks. Here are the channels or networks you'll need to watch all the game this season: ABC ACC Network Big Ten Network CBS CBS Sports Network The CW ESPN ESPN2 ESPN U ESPN+ Fox Fox Sports 1 Fox Sports 2 Max NBC Peacock SEC Network truTV Here's how to get the channels to watch college football this week: ABC Antenna (free) Sling TV ( 8 markets only ) ($45/month) YouTube TV ($73/month) DirecTV (Entertainment) ($75/month) ...

Last week, I talked about receiving the new Google TV Streamer. The plan was to use it and let you know what I thought. Then the hurricane hit. Plus, some things at work took up some time. I've used the device a little bit, after power came back. Overall, I've streamed very little over the past week. Lon Seidmann to the rescue. Over on YouTube, Lon.TV has a review of this little streaming deviceL [ YouTube ] I can't disagree with anything he said. He has used it, or tried to use it, with more features than I have. Where we've both used some features, I think he's on target in his criticisms and in his praise. I don't always agree with everything Lon Seidman says, but on this one, as far as I've been able to use the device, I agree with him. My Streaming Life focuses on streaming, mostly typical user streaming, and not high end enthusiast or gaming device usage. The Google TV Streamer is a good device, but a little expenseive, as Lon Seidman says. I'...

Ready to ditch expensive cable and embrace the freedom of streaming? You're not alone! With a plethora of options available, finding the perfect streaming service can be overwhelming. Luckily, Tom's Guide recently released their "best of" list for 2024 , and I'm here to break it down, adding my own insights from years of cord-cutting experience. 1. Max: The Best Overall Tom's Guide dubs Max the "home box office," and it's hard to argue with that assessment. Boasting a vast library of Warner Bros. films, HBO originals like "House of the Dragon," and classic TV shows, Max truly offers something for everyone. While Max is a strong contender for the top spot, especially for movie buffs and fans of prestige TV, the recent price increase and removal of some content might give you pause. My choice would be a toss-up between Paramount Plus and Max. 2. Peacock: The Best Value Peacock's fantastic free tier with l...