My Streaming Life

The entertainment industry is cracking down on illegal IPTV services, and it's not just the providers who are at risk. Recent lawsuits highlight the legal and personal dangers of accessing copyrighted content without paying for it. This post will explore the risks of using illegal IPTV services and why "free" TV can end up costing you dearly. We'll delve into the legal ramifications for both operators and customers, expose the hidden dangers lurking behind these services, and offer safer, legal alternatives, including legitimate free options like Tubi, Pluto TV, Xumo Play, Sling Freestream, Roku TV, Google TV Freeplay, and Fire TV Live. Recent Legal Crackdowns The Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE) has filed several lawsuits in the U.S. against operators of illegal IPTV services. These services, which offer unauthorized access to copyrighted movies, TV shows, and live channels, are now facing serious legal consequences. Major Hollywood studios have als...

Keeping kids entertained without breaking the bank can be a challenge, especially in today's world of streaming services and subscription fatigue. But don't worry, there are plenty of ways to keep your little ones engaged and learning without spending a dime! This post will explore the best free, and mostly ad-free, options for streaming kids' content. We'll focus on services with content released within the last year, as well as some options with a vast library of older shows and movies. Commercial-Free (or Minimal-Ad) Options PBS Kids : PBS Kids is a godsend for parents seeking educational and entertaining content without commercial interruptions. Thanks to public funding, PBS Kids offers a wealth of shows, from classics like Sesame Street to newer favorites like Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood. You can access PBS Kids through their website, apps, and most streaming devices. They also consistently release new seasons of existing shows and launch new series, ens...

Let me get this out of the way: I’m still a huge fan of Movies Anywhere. If you’re like me, someone who loves collecting digital movies and wants easy access across all your devices, then you probably share my enthusiasm. This post is an updated look at why I find Movies Anywhere so valuable, years after I first started using it. My journey with this service began when it was known as Disney Movies Anywhere. In October 2017, it underwent a significant expansion, transforming into Movies Anywhere. This rebrand brought in major studios like Sony Pictures Entertainment, Universal Pictures, Warner Bros. Entertainment, and of course, The Walt Disney Studios, creating a much more comprehensive digital movie hub. While the lineup is impressive, it’s worth noting that some major studios, like Paramount, are not currently participating. The core benefit of Movies Anywhere is its cross-platform compatibility. It integrates with major platforms such as iTunes, Amazon Prime Video, Fandango at H...

The way we consume news has undergone a radical transformation, especially for cord-cutters. Back in 2011, when I first cut the cord, the streaming news landscape was barren compared to today. There were no live TV streaming services. Now, in 2025, we're navigating a dynamic environment with a plethora of options, from robust vMVPDs to an ever-expanding universe of FAST channels, and deeply integrated platform news experiences. The Evolving Landscape of Streaming News The proliferation of Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) channels and virtual Multichannel Video Programming Distributors (vMVPDs) has democratized news consumption. The quality and variety of news content available through streaming have significantly increased. However, the speed of change in this area is also a factor to consider. vMVPDs: Live News and Beyond For those seeking a comprehensive live news experience, vMVPDs like YouTube TV, Hulu+Live TV, Sling TV, and Fubo remain strong contenders. Thes...

Remember the Chromecast with Google TV? It was a great little device for streaming, offering a fantastic Google TV experience at an affordable price. Sadly, it's been discontinued, leaving a gap in the market, especially for budget-conscious users. But don't worry, there are still some good options out there. In this post, we'll explore the Onn Google TV devices as a potential solution. The Onn Google TV Devices: A Closer Look Onn Google TV 4K Streaming Device This compact device offers 4K resolution, HDR support, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos, delivering a great picture and sound. It's powered by the Google TV platform, giving you personalized recommendations and easy access to your favorite apps. Plus, it comes with a handy remote for easy navigation. You can find it at Walmart for only $19.88 . One unique feature of the Onn Streaming Device is that it includes double-sided tape so it can be mounted to the back of a TV, giving it similar behind-the-set functional...

In my previous post, "7 Essential Tips for Cord-Cutters," I emphasized the importance of research before diving headfirst into the world of streaming. But what does that actually entail? How can you ensure you're making informed decisions and setting yourself up for a successful cord-cutting experience? This deep dive will explore the "Do Your Research" tip in detail, providing a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the streaming landscape and create a personalized entertainment setup that perfectly fits your needs and preferences. Step 1: Assess Your Viewing Needs Before you even start exploring streaming services or devices, it's crucial to take a step back and assess your current TV viewing habits. What do you watch, when do you watch it, and how important are certain channels or shows to you? The research process has evolved alongside the streaming landscape. In the early days of cord-cutting, I meticulously tracked every show I watched on cable ...