Anker Nebula Soundbar Fire TV Edition packs 4K, HDR, and Alexa in a $230 speaker
The first soundbar to include the Amazon Fire TV platform is the $230 Anker Nebula Soundbar -- Fire TV Edition, and it's now available for pre-order with deliveries starting on November 19. The 2.1 channel 100-watt speaker features 4K and Dolby Vision HDR and has Alexa built in for smart home control.
How to score a free Google Home Mini if you’re a Spotify Premium subscriber
Following up on its super-popular Google Home Mini giveaway from 2018, Spotify is back with another freebie, this time giving away free Google Home Minis to all of its U.S.-based Spotify Premium members, while quantities last. Want to know how to get your free smart speaker? We have all the details.
Roku OS 9.2: All the new features
Roku OS version 9.2, rolling out to users in October, powers the company’s streaming devices such as the Roku Streaming Stick and Roku Ultra. It has fun new features including brand-new ways to search for your favorite films.
New Roku Ultra, Express streamers are faster and more customizable
Roku's new streaming devices include a faster and more customizable Roku Ultra, plus a slimmed-down Roku Express. And Roku OS 9.2 has some cool upgrades, like the ability to find movies with just a quoted line of dialogue and an improved user interface.
Older smart TVs and Roku devices won’t play Netflix after December 1
If you're the owner of one of Roku's first-generation devices or an older smart TV, you might be losing access to Netflix content on December 1. That's due to a technical problem that prevents these players from getting the latest version of the Netflix channel. Here's how to know if you're affected.
New Roku Streaming Stick+ adds a mute button, cuts price to just $50
Roku has quietly dropped the price on its popular Streaming Stick+ 4K HDR streaming device to just $50 -- the same price as its biggest competitor, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K. The move comes as Roku revamps its lineup of devices and becomes the first non-Apple streaming platform to get the Apple TV app.
Apple AirPods Pro rumored to arrive at end of October, with a hefty price tag
There have been nonstop leaks and rumors about the next version of Apple's hugely popular AirPods true wireless earbuds, but now we have the first report that suggests the name of the all-new design will be the AirPods Pro, and that we could see them go on sale as early as this fall, for $260.
Google continues to ignore the Chromecast, the best product it ever made
There was no sign of the Google Chromecast at the company's Pixel event. The Chromecast was launched more than six years ago, but remains fundamentally the same. The lack of attention has allowed competitors like Amazon and Roku to prosper. Here's why the Chromecast desperately needs a major upgrade.
You’ll soon be able to stream songs in Sony’s 360 Reality Audio format
The next big thing in music is coming sooner than we thought. Sony has announced that its 360 Reality Audio immersive music format is coming to Tidal, Amazon Music HD, and other services this fall. All you'll need to experience it is a set of headphones and a compatible streaming app for your phone.
Google brings out the new Nest Mini, an upgrade of the Google Home Mini, for $49
Google unveiled its newest smart speaker, the Nest Mini, at its Made by Google 2019 event. The new version of the Google Home Mini looks very similar to its predecessor, but it's got some impressive new features to go along with its new name, as well as an attractive price.
Apple TV app now available on select Roku devices, Apple TV+ coming November 1
The Apple TV app is now available for Roku users to download and add to their media streamers. Though not supported by all of Roku's devices -- some as recent as 2016 will not access Apple TV -- the announcement is nonetheless an important step as it also includes access to Apple TV+, Apple's subscription service.
Google’s new Pixel Buds 2 aimed at challenging Apple’s AirPods
Google has announced the Pixel Buds 2 at its Made by Google event, its first proper attempt to compete with the Apple AirPods for dominance of the true wireless earbuds market. Here's everything you need to know, including how much the Pixel Buds 2 will cost and the release date.
Can Hulu stream movies and TV shows in 4K? Yes, but it’s complicated
Roughly a year after 4K content disappeared from Hulu without an explanation, Ultra HD streams are back -- but there are plenty of catches. You'll need specific hardware, some features are missing, and your options for what to watch are limited to just a handful of TV shows.
Apple reportedly told Apple TV+ showrunners to avoid negative portrayal of China
Apple reportedly told Apple TV+ content creators to avoid negative portrayals of China, as part of the company's efforts to maintain a good relationship with the Asian country. This is just the latest example of tech companies succumbing to the demands of China, a major player in the global economy.
Disney+ might kill Blu-rays forever with streaming bonus features
Disney's upcoming Disney+ streaming service might include the bonus features usually reserved for DVD and Blu-ray releases, and that could be a big deal in the competition for streaming subscribers and what's left of the market for disc-based movie releases.
Amazon Music now has an app for Apple TV. Here’s how to use it
Amazon Music is now available on the Apple TV platform thanks to a new version of the app designed specifically for the media streaming box. It gives users access to all of the same content as on their phones, including the scrolling lyrics function. Could this be a sign that Amazon Music is heading to Apple's HomePod?
Apple’s multimillion-dollar Christmas Carol deal is bad for the future of streaming
Apple's deal to bring Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds' Christmas Carol musical to Apple TV+ is a big one, and it could have even bigger effects on the future of the streaming wars and what that means for streaming service subscribers. It's a game-changer, and subscribers could end up paying for it.
Skullcandy Vert are wireless earbuds designed for a skier’s gloved hands
True wireless earbuds like the Apple AirPods might be the most popular audio accessory right now, but when tucked under a helmet -- with gloved hands -- they are not very convenient. Skullcandy's $80 Vert wireless earbuds solve that problem by putting a large, glove-friendly control where you can reach it.
TCL starts taking pre-orders for its 4K HDR QLED 8-Series Roku TVs
TCL's top-of-the-line 8-Series 4K HDR QLED Roku TVs are finally available for pre-order, as a BestBuy exclusive. The new TVs come in 65- and 75-inch sizes starting at $1,999. In addition to Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, the 8-Series uses a 25,000 mini-LED backlight for much-improved video performance.
This fantastic deal on a 65-inch Samsung 4K TV won’t be around for long
Not all that long ago, a 65-inch 4K TV would have set you back somewhere in the region of $1,500. Fortunately, time has worn down the price of such large, high-resolution televisions. Just look at the Samsung NU6900. It's on sale at Walmart for just $548 — a total discount of $250.
Sonos experiments with monthly rental option in the Netherlands
For those who prefer to rent instead of buying their home theater gear, Sonos now has a rental option for those who live in the Netherlands. Called Flex, the program gives customers the choice of three Sonos configurations starting at 15 euros per month, which can be canceled or modified at any time.
The Spotify-Siri integration that Apple users have been asking for is here
After years of waiting, a new Spotify update adds the ability to use Siri to summon up your favorite artists, album, and tracks. The feature works on mobile devices with iOS 13, including vehicles equipped with CarPlay, and there's also a new Spotify app for Apple TV and Apple TV 4K.
Have a Fire TV? Got kids? Amazon’s child-friendly service is coming to your TV
Amazon FreeTime Unlimited, the kid-friendly subscription service, is now on Fire TV Sticks, offering peace of mind when your kid is in front of the TV. You can set up four child profiles on your Fire TV stick or Fire TV and set age restrictions for what kinds of content kids can watch. There's a parent dashboard for more control, too.
Walmart-exclusive Roku soundbar and sub put price before performance
The new Roku Smart Soundbar and Wireless Subwoofer are great ways to add streaming smarts and better audio quality to any TV setup, but at $180 each, they're still not affordable for everyone. Walmart's exclusive versions of these products fix that, but the performance and features have taken a hit.
Disney bans Netflix, Amazon vanishes from Apple: Welcome to the streaming wars
The war for streaming subscribers is just beginning, but Disney's decision to ban Netflix ads from its networks and the disappearance of the Amazon Prime Video app from Apple's App Store are two of the latest volleys to indicate that things are going to get worse for subscribers before they get better.
LG’s Tone+ Free are true wireless earbuds for germaphobes
Wondering what the next killer feature is for true wireless earbuds? As it turns out, it's a literal killer feature: LG's Tone+ Free earbuds have a UV light inside their charging case that's meant to reduce or eliminate any bugs that might be hiding out. Otherwise, the Tone+ Free have a standard set of features.
From AirPods to Surface Earbuds, why are big tech’s earbuds so ugly?
Distinctive, sure. Pretty? Absolutely not. From Apple's AirPods and Google's Pixel Buds to the brand new Microsoft Surface Earbuds, why does it seem like big tech brands are incapable of creating a pair of true wireless earbuds that are both functional and easy on the eyes?
Marshall updates its Major III wireless headphones with Google Assistant
Improving on a popular product is always risky, but Marshall seems to have gambled and won with its new $169 Major III Voice, an update to its wireless Major II headphones that adds both Google Assistant access and an enormous boost in battery life. Here's what we know about the new cans.
Pandora revamps its mobile apps with more personalization and unique content
Pandora has a new mobile app experience for iOS and Android that puts a heavier emphasis on personalization, discovery, and the company's unique content and features. It leans heavily on its podcasts and SiriusXM shows while giving users new ways to tweak what they hear on the app's Stations.
TiVo debuts the Edge DVR and TiVo+, its own livestreaming service
TiVo is back with the TiVo Edge, a new 4K DVR that also packs Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos technologies. Available in cable and antenna versions, the two models are joined by TiVo+, the company's answer to free streaming content like the Roku Channel and Amazon Channels. The new DVRs start at $350.
You can now buy Klipsch’s new WiSA-certified wireless home theater speakers
First shown off at CES 2019, the new wireless home theater speakers from Klipsch let you create anywhere from a 2.0 to a 7.1 surround sound system without the use of wires, or even an A/V receiver. The WiSA-certified models include bookshelf monitors, a center channel, and a subwoofer.
You can finally watch YouTube TV on Amazon Fire TV devices
Due to a very public spat between Amazon and Google, it was impossible to watch YouTube TV on an Amazon Fire TV device. But after a reconciliation earlier this year, that has now changed, with Amazon announcing full support for Google's live-TV streaming service on all but two of its Fire TV streamers.
Spotify now lets you mix tunes and talk with podcast playlists
Playlists have always been a big part of Spotify, and now they're set to become even bigger with the ability to create podcast-based playlists. It's a mobile-only feature for now, but users can create huge lists of podcast episodes for listening on-the-go, or they can add podcasts to existing playlists.
Amazon takes a shot at Apple and Sonos with $199 Echo Studio, a 3D smart speaker
Amazon has just put companies like Apple and Sonos on notice: It's getting into the high-quality speaker game with its $199 Echo Studio, an immersive, 3D smart speaker that is designed to work with Dolby Atmos and Sony 360 sound formats.