Unlock Movie Magic: How to Score Cheap Digital Movies with Movies Anywhere

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 savings: Retailers are always having sales. Movies Anywhere helps you capitalize on every single one.
• One central movie hub: All your digital movies, easily accessible in one place.

Getting Started:

1. Create a free Movies Anywhere account: It takes just a few minutes.
2. Connect your digital retailer accounts: Link up Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, Fandango at Home, etc.
3. Start bargain hunting!

Become a Master Deal Hunter:

• Browse the Movies Anywhere website: They highlight movies with active sales.
• Use deal websites and apps: Slickdeals, DealNews, and Decider are your new best friends.
• Set up price tracking alerts: Don't miss a single price drop on those must-have movies.
• Pounce on holiday sales: Black Friday and Christmas bring incredible movie deals.

Maximize Your Savings with These Tips:

• Buy early and often: New releases often have the best sales early on.
• Bundle up: Sometimes buying movies in bundles offers extra savings.
• Price match like a pro: Some services will match competitor prices if you ask.

Important Note:

While Movies Anywhere works with many studios like Disney, Sony, Universal, and Warner Bros., not all studios are on board. Movies from Paramount, Lionsgate, and MGM might not be eligible for cross-platform magic.

My Movies Anywhere Success Story:

Movies Anywhere has completely changed how I collect movies. I've saved a small fortune and can access my movies anywhere, anytime. Just recently, I added a couple of classic films for $5 each, one on Amazon and one on iTunes. Both were $20-30 elsewhere!

My Streaming Life involves nearly 1,800 movies of my own. Most of these I bought for a good price. Are you ready to build your dream movie collection without overspending?  Head over to the Movies Anywhere website, connect your accounts, and unlock a world of savings!

Roku: Still Top Dog in the Streaming Wars (But the Pack is Closing In!)

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 many as its closest competitor, Amazon Fire TV! Take that, Bezos!

Why Roku Still Rocks My World

Simplicity: Even my grandma could navigate Roku's interface. It's that easy.

Device Galore: From pocket-friendly sticks to super-powered boxes, there's a Roku for every budget and streaming style.

App-solutely Everything: Roku has a ridiculous number of streaming channels. Seriously, if you can't find something to watch, you're probably not trying hard enough.

Neutral Territory: While Roku does play favorites with its own content -- all the platform do to some degree -- it's a more fair and balanced streaming playground than the others.

The Rise of the Smart TV Overlords

But hold on! The survey also revealed a fascinating twist: Smart TVs are staging a coup, becoming the second most popular streaming method and dethroning Fire TV. Makes sense, I guess. Who needs another gadget when your TV can do it all?

Can Roku Hold the Throne?

This begs the question: can Roku maintain its reign in a world increasingly ruled by smart TVs? I say yes. Roku has cleverly become the brains behind many smart TVs, making it the leading smart TV OS in the US. So, even as people upgrade their TVs, they might unknowingly be joining the Roku empire. Sneaky, sneaky.

Of course, the competition is fierce. Google TV is a worthy adversary, with its personalized recommendations and seamless integration with Google's universe. Amazon is also a force to be reckoned with, wielding its Fire TV platform and ever-expanding content arsenal. And let's not forget Apple TV, with its sleek design and loyal fanbase of Apple devotees.

My Take: A Streaming Love Story

My Streaming Life mainly involves Google TV. But let's be real, I wouldn't be here without my first love, Roku. It showed me the path to cord-cutting freedom and opened my eyes to a world beyond cable's clutches. And for those who value simplicity and a vast app universe, it's still the top dog.

What's your go-to streaming device, and why does it make your heart sing? Let's chat in the comments!

Less than a year to Windows 10 end of life

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 running smoothly and securely for years to come!

Watching College Football: 2024 Week 8

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)
• YouTube TV ($73/month)
• DirecTV (Entertainment) ($75/month)
• Hulu+Live TV ($77/month)
• Fubo (Pro) ($80/month)

ACC Network

• Sling TV (Orange + Sports Extra) ($51/month)
• YouTube TV ($73/month)
• Hulu+Live TV ($77/month)
• Fubo (Pro) ($80/month)
• DirecTV (Choice) ($106/month)

Big Ten Network

• Sling TV (Orange + Sports Extra) ($51/month)
• YouTube TV ($73/month)
• Hulu+Live TV ($77/month)
• Fubo (Pro) ($80/month)
• DirecTV (Choice) ($106/month)

CBS

• Antenna (free)
• Paramount Plus (Premium) $12/month
• YouTube TV ($73/month)
• DirecTV (Entertainment) ($75/month)
• Hulu+Live TV ($77/month)
• Fubo (Pro) ($80/month)

CBS Sports Network

• YouTube TV ($73/month)
• Hulu+Live TV ($77/month)
• Fubo (Pro) ($80/month)
• DirecTV (Ultimate) ($136/month)

The CW

• Antenna (free)
• Not available streaming.

ESPN, ESPN2

• Sling TV (Orange) ($40/month)
• YouTube TV ($73/month)
• Hulu+Live TV ($77/month)
• DirecTV (Entertainment) ($80/month)
• Fubo (Pro) ($80/month)

ESPNU

• Sling TV (Orange + Sports Extra) ($51/month)
• Vidgo (Plus) ($70/month)
• YouTube TV ($73/month)
• Hulu+Live TV ($77/month)
• Fubo (Elite with Sports Plus) ($100/month)
• DirecTV (Choice) ($106/month)

ESPN+

• ESPN+ (standalone) ($11/month)
• Disney Bundle Trio Basic ($15/month)

Fox

• Antenna (free)
• Sling TV (19 markets only) ($45/month)
• YouTube TV ($73/month)
• Hulu+Live TV ($77/month)
• DirecTV (Entertainment) ($80/month)
• Fubo (Pro) ($80/month)

Fox Sports 1/Fox Sports 2

• Sling TV (Blue + Sports Extra) ($51/month)
• YouTube TV ($73/month)
• Hulu+Live TV ($77/month)
• DirecTV (Entertainment) ($80/month)
• Fubo (Pro) ($80/month)

Max

• Max (with Bleacher Report Sports Add-on) ($22/month)

NBC

• Antenna (free)
• Peacock (Plus) ($12/month)
• Sling TV (11 markets only) ($45/month)
• YouTube TV ($73/month)
• Hulu+Live TV ($77/month)
• DirecTV (Entertainment) ($80/month)
• Fubo (Pro) ($80/month)

Peacock

• Peacock is its own service, and can be used to watch NBC live programming with the $12/month plan.

SEC Network

• Sling TV (Orange) ($40/month)
• YouTube TV ($73/month)
• Hulu+Live TV ($77/month)
• Fubo (Pro) ($80/month)
• DirecTV (Choice) ($116/month)

truTV

• Sling TV (Blue) ($40/month)
• YouTube TV ($73/month)
• Hulu+Live TV ($77/month)
• DirecTV (Choice) ($116/month)

That's this week in Division 1-A/FBS college football, and covers the networks that are carrying college football games this weekend. My Streaming Life focuses on college football during this time of year. Of course, we'll cover next week's games next weekend.

Cut the Cord with Confidence: 5 Tips from Cord Cutters News

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

1. 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.
2. Get an Antenna: Free over-the-air TV can give you access to major networks and more, saving you money on streaming services.
3. There Is No Rush: Take your time to explore different streaming services and find the best fit for your needs and budget.
4. Try It First: Experiment with streaming while you still have cable to ensure you can find all the content you want.
5. There is no one-size-fits-all for cord cutters: Everyone's cord-cutting journey is unique. Take advantage of free trials to find the perfect combination of services for you.

Credit and Inspiration:

These tips are based on an excellent article from Cord Cutters News, a fantastic resource for anyone considering or already enjoying the cord-cutting lifestyle. Be sure to check out their website for more helpful advice and in-depth reviews!

My Cord-Cutting Journey

I embarked on my own cord-cutting adventure back in 2010, long before helpful guides like the one from Cord Cutters News were readily available. It was a journey of trial and error, but I eventually found my streaming groove. Interestingly, my path mirrored these tips: I started by carefully considering my viewing needs, then focused on finding my shows, experimented with streaming devices while keeping cable as a backup, and finally embraced the antenna and personalized my streaming setup.

The Takeaway

Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned cord-cutter, these five tips hold true. Take your time, explore your options, and personalize your streaming experience to create an entertainment setup that perfectly suits your needs. My Streaming Life was built upon these concepts. They may help you improve yours.

Unlock a World of Free Entertainment on Your Fire TV

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 and a growing on-demand library, and Amazon is constantly adding new content and partners.

Supercharge Your Free TV with FAST Apps

Want even more free options?  Fire TV supports a wide range of FAST (free ad-supported television) apps. Here are a few of the best:

• Freevee: Amazon's own free streaming service with a growing library of movies, shows, and originals.
• Tubi: A massive library (over 50,000 titles!) of well-known movies and shows.
• Pluto TV: Excellent for a cable-like experience with live TV channels and an on-demand library.
• Plex: Combine free streaming with your personal media library for a truly customized experience.
• Xumo: Another solid choice for live TV, with a good variety of channels and on-demand content.
• Kanopy: Enjoy documentaries, independent films, and educational content completely ad-free (requires a library card or university login).
• Sling Freestream: A mix of live TV and on-demand content from the makers of Sling TV.

Finding the Right Apps for You

With so many options, how do you choose the best free apps for your Fire TV?

• Consider your viewing habits: Do you prefer live TV, on-demand movies, or a mix of both?
• Explore the content libraries: Make sure the apps offer shows and movies that interest you.
• Read reviews: See what other Fire TV users have to say about their experiences.

Embrace the World of Free Streaming

Between Fire TV Channels and the vast selection of FAST apps, there's a world of free entertainment waiting for you on your Fire TV.  So ditch those expensive subscriptions, start exploring, and enjoy!

My Streaming Life consists of a lot of free TV content. What are your favorite free streaming apps or channels on Fire TV? Share your recommendations in the comments below!

Google TV Streamer on the rise

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 powerful streaming players with its Onn brand of electronics including a new Onn Pro 4K streamer that has become very popular with cord cutters with its powerful specs and a price under $50.

This shift to Google TV seems to have taken equally from Roku and Fire TV though historically Fire TV was the second most popular streaming player with cord cutters.

Google's strategy of integrating Google TV as the default operating system on smart TVs from brands like TCL also contributes to its growing visibility. As streaming platforms increasingly rely on advertising revenue, securing a larger user base becomes crucial, and Google TV seems to be successfully attracting new users.

It's important to note that this Cord Cutters News survey reflects future purchase intentions, not current market share. Roku still holds a commanding lead in overall usage. However, Google TV's rising popularity among those looking to buy new devices suggests a potential shift in the streaming landscape in the coming years.

My Streaming Life has shifted to using Google TV, including the new Google TV Streamer, in the past year. It appears others are considering a shift as well.