My Streaming Life

As a cord-cutter since January 2011, I’ve seen the streaming device landscape evolve dramatically. What started with limited options on devices like my early Roku has grown into a vibrant market, with new contenders constantly emerging to challenge the established "Big Four" of Google TV, Roku, Apple TV, and Fire TV. One of the most talked-about recent developments has been Walmart’s entry into the streaming device arena with their Onn line. These devices promise impressive performance at a surprisingly low price, making them a hot topic for anyone looking to maximize their streaming savings. I’ve been closely following the discussions and reviews surrounding the latest Onn streamers, particularly how they stack up against popular devices from Google, Amazon, and NVIDIA. A great resource that offers an interactive way to compare these devices is the AFTVNews comparison tool. It allows you to directly compare the Onn HD Stick, Onn 4K, Onn 4K Plus, and Onn 4K Pro against oth...

Cutting the cord is more popular than ever, and the streaming landscape offers a dizzying array of choices. If you're looking for budget-friendly options that still deliver a good selection of channels, Philo and Frndly TV are two names that frequently come up. Back in December, I posted a comparison of some cord-cutting services, including NOW TV. However, over the past few months, I've been rethinking that piece, realizing a critical oversight in my analysis: the limited platform availability of some services significantly impacts their viability for many cord-cutters. NOW TV, for instance, isn't available on major platforms like Roku, Apple TV, or Android TV/Google TV -- platforms that are central to the streaming experience for many. As a result of this crucial limitation, NOW TV will not be part of this discussion of budget-friendly streaming options. Instead, let's pit Philo and Frndly TV against each other to see which budget streamer might be the best fit f...

Welcome back to the final installment of our series on determining if cord-cutting is the right move for you. We've explored your viewing habits, your comfort level with technology, and the budget considerations. Now, let's delve into how your lifestyle preferences play a crucial role in this decision and help you bring all the pieces together to make your final choice. Beyond the practicalities of content and cost, how does television fit into your daily life? Channel Surfing vs. On-Demand Browsing Do you enjoy the spontaneous discovery of flipping through channels to see what's on? Or do you prefer the intentional act of browsing through streaming libraries to find something specific to watch? The cord-cutting experience leans heavily towards on-demand browsing, though some live TV streaming services offer a guide-like experience. Consider which approach aligns better with your viewing habits and preferences. Flexibility of Devices Cord-cutting often involves watchi...

We've already taken a look at your viewing habits and your comfort level with technology. Now, let's talk about one of the biggest drivers for many considering cutting the cord: the budget. Understanding the financial implications is crucial to determining if this switch will truly save you money and align with your financial goals. First, let's get a clear picture of your current spending. How much are you currently paying for cable or satellite? Take a moment to calculate your total monthly expense for television. This should include the base service fee, any equipment rental charges for cable boxes or DVRs, regional sports fees, broadcast TV fees, taxes, and any other miscellaneous charges that appear on your bill. Having this number as your starting point is essential for comparison. Considering the Cost of Content: Leveraging Existing Subscriptions Before you start adding up the costs of new streaming services, let's consider what you might already be paying ...

Welcome back! In Part 1, we explored your viewing habits to understand what and how you watch TV. Now, we're going to shift gears and consider another crucial factor in the cord-cutting equation: your comfort level with technology. The world of streaming involves devices, apps, and internet connections, so it's important to honestly assess how comfortable you are navigating this landscape. Think about your everyday interactions with technology. Do you embrace new gadgets and software, or do you prefer things to be simple and straightforward? Your answer here will significantly impact your cord-cutting experience. Are you comfortable setting up streaming devices and navigating apps? This is a fundamental aspect of cord-cutting. You'll likely need to set up one or more streaming devices (like a Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, or Google TV) and learn to navigate various streaming service apps. Tech Enthusiast: Do you enjoy setting up new electronics? Are you comfortable conne...

The allure of cutting the cord is strong. Saving money, choosing your own content, and saying goodbye to endless channels you never watch are all compelling reasons to ditch traditional cable or satellite TV. But before you take the plunge, it's crucial to take a good, hard look at your current TV consumption. Cord-cutting isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, and the first step in figuring out if it's right for you lies in understanding your viewing habits. Think about it: how do you actually watch TV? Answering the following questions honestly will provide valuable insights as you consider making the switch. My Own Journey I've been a cord-cutter since January 2011, but the decision wasn't made overnight. In fact, I spent two years researching and evaluating whether cutting the cord was right for me. In 2009, after carefully analyzing my viewing habits, I concluded that it wasn't the right time. However, by 2010, the landscape had changed. Streaming services...

Well, that was a plot twist I didn't entirely see coming! Just a couple of years after Warner Bros. Discovery rebranded HBO Max to simply "Max," the streaming world is doing a bit of a rewind. It was announced this week that the platform will once again be known as HBO Max, with the change expected to roll out this summer. For those of us who remember the initial transition in May 2023, the news likely brings a mix of reactions. I recall firing up my Roku back then, still seeing the HBO Max app icon, only to find the app itself had already adopted the "Max" moniker. There was the obligatory relogging, the temporary disappearance of profile avatars – a somewhat bumpy cosmetic and backend shift. The promise was a broader appeal, a unification of HBO's prestige programming with the vast library of Discovery Plus. But it seems the allure and recognition of the HBO brand have proven too strong to ignore. Warner Bros. Discovery has acknowledged the power and po...

The world of streaming continues to evolve, with more and more viewers cutting the cord on traditional cable and satellite TV in search of flexible and cost-effective ways to watch their favorite content. This shift has led to a fragmented landscape, with a plethora of services specializing in everything from movies and TV shows to live sports and news. Now, a new player is entering the arena, promising to bundle a significant chunk of content under one virtual roof: FOX One . Fox Corporation has officially announced its plans to launch FOX One in the Fall of 2025. This direct-to-consumer streaming service is squarely aimed at the growing ranks of cord-cutters and those who have never known the world of traditional pay-TV. The core concept is simple: provide a single destination for Fox's key news, sports, and entertainment offerings, all without the need for a cable or satellite subscription. So, what exactly will you get with FOX One? Let's break down the content: For new...

Remember the initial allure? The sweet taste of "free" streaming bundled with your internet service. For many cord-cutters, Peacock Premium, often included at no extra cost with providers like Xfinity or NOW Internet, was a welcome addition. And for those who craved an ad-free experience and access to their local NBC channel within the app, the monthly Premium Plus add-on offered an affordable upgrade, typically around $5 a month -- a reasonable $60 a year to enhance their viewing pleasure. Of course, it couldn't last. While you might have seen a notification about changes to your Peacock Premium Plus billing, the reality for those who enjoyed that reasonably priced upgrade is far more significant than a simple administrative tweak. In fact, Peacock's help page frames this under the seemingly innocuous question, "Why is my billing date changing for my Premium Plus account?" Don't let that gentle inquiry fool you. For many, this isn't about a billi...