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.
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.
Best Buy is offering a 23% discount on the Roku Streambar, a 2-in-1 streaming device and soundbar that enhances home entertainment setups by providing access to popular streaming apps in 4K resolution and improving TV audio output. Priced at $100 for a limited time, the Streambar offers easy setup, robust audio performance, and compatibility with smart home systems, making it a compelling option for those seeking an affordable and space-saving upgrade.
The 4K-ready Chromecast with Google TV is currently available for around $38, matching its Cyber Monday price, offering a budget-friendly streaming device with Dolby Atmos support and a voice-controlled remote. Additionally, the previous-generation Google Pixel 7 Pro is on sale, starting at $439 with 128GB of storage, providing premium features like a triple array camera system. Other deals include the EcoFlow Delta Pro battery, Urbanista Los Angeles solar-powered headphones, and the Blink Mini indoor camera. Target is also offering discounted digital Nintendo eShop and Xbox gift cards.