All articles tagged with #streaming device
Amazon’s latest Fire TV Stick HD is on a limited-time sale for $19.99 (43% off the $34.99 list price), making it an attractive compact streaming option. The device supports 1080p, Wi‑Fi 6, and draws power from the TV’s USB, with an Alexa-enabled remote and preinstalled apps like Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, and more. NBC Select calls it a popular Deal of the Day, noting that thousands have bought one recently.
A technology piece ranking major streaming-device brands for 2026—Amazon Fire TV, Google TV, Walmart Onn, Roku, Apple TV, and Nvidia Shield—based on value, features, and professional reviews. It notes Fire TV Cube’s strong performance offset by ad-heavy Fire OS, Google TV Streamer 4K’s solid capabilities but higher price, Walmart Onn’s standout value with Google TV, Roku’s reliability and simple interface (with the Ultra often praised), Apple TV 4K’s premium performance at a higher cost, and Nvidia Shield TV Pro leading for 4K, gaming, and local-network use. The article relies on Consumer Reports and other reviews, concluding there’s no single best device for everyone.
Amazon’s Fire TV is rolling out a free UI redesign in the US, featuring rounded visuals, faster interactions (claimed 20–30% quicker), and more visible apps (up to 20 pinned on the home screen); it also integrates Alexa+ AI for viewing suggestions and queue management.
Apple TV 4K is still expected to launch before the end of 2024, with several rumored features that could enhance its capabilities, although no official release date has been confirmed yet.
The article provides nine essential tips for buying a Roku Streaming Stick, including compatibility requirements, the need for an HDMI port and power source, understanding that it offers streaming only with limited storage, and the importance of internet speed. It also highlights that not all Roku models are sticks, third-party app support is limited, and privacy concerns are present due to data tracking. Choosing the right model based on your TV's capabilities and internet connection is crucial for an optimal streaming experience.
Apple is set to release a new Apple TV later this year featuring the powerful A17 Pro chip, enhancing its streaming capabilities.
Amazon's Fire TV Stick 4K Max is on sale for $35 during Prime Day, offering 4K support, Dolby Atmos, HDR10+, Wi-Fi 6E, and additional features like Ambient Experience and game streaming, making it a strong upgrade for home entertainment enthusiasts.
Amazon is offering the Fire TV Stick 4K Max for $35 during Prime Day, a significant discount from its regular price of $60, making it a compelling upgrade for home theater enthusiasts with support for 4K, Dolby Atmos, HDR10+, and Wi-Fi 6E, along with added features like Ambient Experience and game streaming capabilities.
Google’s 4K TV Streamer is on sale for around $84, offering a significant upgrade over previous models with enhanced RAM, storage, and smart home capabilities, including Matter and Thread support, making it a versatile device for streaming and smart home control.
The Google TV Streamer 4K is on a rare discount on Amazon, priced at $85, nearly matching its all-time low, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a solid Android TV box with 4K HDR support, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos, despite not being the absolute top in its category.
Spotify has officially discontinued its Car Thing in-car streaming device, with all units now disabled. Launched in February 2022, the device was aimed at cars without built-in infotainment systems but was discontinued due to low demand and supply chain issues. Users have until January 14, 2025, to claim a refund by providing proof of purchase. Spotify advises users to reset the device to factory settings and dispose of it according to local electronic waste guidelines.
Spotify is discontinuing its Car Thing device, rendering it inoperable after December 9, 2024, and leaving users who paid $90 for it furious. The company cited streamlining efforts and offered a month of premium Spotify as compensation, prompting some users to consider switching to other music streaming services.
Walmart is reportedly gearing up to launch a "Pro" Google TV streaming device, as indicated by a listing for an "Onn 4K Pro Streaming Device" with Google TV at the Bluetooth SIG. The new device is expected to offer enhanced capabilities compared to existing models, potentially featuring more RAM, storage, and input ports. While the release date remains uncertain, Walmart's current FHD and 4K Google TV streamers are available for $15 and $20, respectively.
The NVIDIA Shield TV Pro, introduced in 2019, continues to be the best streaming device in 2024, offering powerful hardware, minimal Android TV interface, and continual updates that keep it running smoothly. Despite some minor issues, its performance remains strong, and its exclusive features like GameStream and AI upscaling set it apart. While a newer variant with updated features would be desirable, NVIDIA's current focus on AI business may delay its development.
Google engineers have hacked the Sony PlayStation Portal to run PSP games locally by installing the PPSSPP emulator, allowing games to be played offline without streaming. The hack was done on a software level and does not involve tampering with the hardware, but there are no plans to release the hack to the public. The device, designed for Remote Play, has limited internal storage and is primarily a streaming-only solution, making its usefulness dependent on specific circumstances.