Portable Bluetooth Speakers

Apple Tv Plus

Embark on a Quest with Apple Tv Plus

Step into a world where the focus is keenly set on Apple Tv Plus. Within the confines of this article, a tapestry of references to Apple Tv Plus awaits your exploration. If your pursuit involves unraveling the depths of Apple Tv Plus, you've arrived at the perfect destination.

Our narrative unfolds with a wealth of insights surrounding Apple Tv Plus. This is not just a standard article; it's a curated journey into the facets and intricacies of Apple Tv Plus. Whether you're thirsting for comprehensive knowledge or just a glimpse into the universe of Apple Tv Plus, this promises to be an enriching experience.

The spotlight is firmly on Apple Tv Plus, and as you navigate through the text on these digital pages, you'll discover an extensive array of information centered around Apple Tv Plus. This is more than mere information; it's an invitation to immerse yourself in the enthralling world of Apple Tv Plus.

So, if you're eager to satisfy your curiosity about Apple Tv Plus, your journey commences here. Let's embark together on a captivating odyssey through the myriad dimensions of Apple Tv Plus.

Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Apple Tv Plus. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Apple Tv Plus. Sort by date Show all posts

Apple TV Plus: Every New TV Show Arriving In September


Apple TV Plus: Every New TV Show Arriving in September


Apple TV Plus: Every New TV Show Arriving in September

Apple TV Plus  is one of the newer streaming platforms vying for your attention, and there's good reason to start watching. It's stocked with big names and some hit shows, from the first season of Severance to the heartwarmingly adorable Ted Lasso to Reese Witherspoon's Emmy-winning drama The Morning Show.

Like rivals Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV Plus is filled with exclusive, original content. But unlike the other services, Apple streams only content it has made itself. That meant that when the service launched in November 2019, the catalog wasn't huge, but it's filling out fast.

Here's what's coming to the streaming service this month, followed by our guide to some of the best TV shows on Apple TV Plus.

Read more: Apple TV Plus: Everything to Know About Apple's Streaming Service 

What's new this month

Here's every show coming out in September.

September 2

  • Life by Ella (2022- ): A series about a teenage girl named Ella who is bouncing back from cancer and ready to embrace life.

September 9

  • Central Park, season 3 (2020-): An animated show about a family who lives in Central Park and try to save it from a developer. 
  • Gutsy (2022): This documentary series follows Hilary and Chelsea Clinton as they meet "the world's bravest and boldest women."

September 16

  • Sago Mini Friends (2022): An animated series for young kids about being thankful.

September 30

  • Wolfboy and the Everything Factory, season 2 (2021-): An animated fantasy series for kids about the adventures of a boy in the "magical spryte realm of the Everything Factory." It's executive produced by Joseph Godron-Levitt.

Best Apple TV Plus series

Apple

Loot (2022-)

After Molly Wells (Maya Rudolph) catches her tech billionaire husband (Adam Scott) of 20 years cheating on her, she divorces him and ends up with not only $87 million, but a question of what to do with her life. The answer? Get involved with a philanthropic foundation she didn't even know she had. Along the way, she finds grounding with her new coworkers -- but not without plenty of comedic, out-of-touch-millionaire flaps along the way. The show was co-created by Alan Yang, who was also involved in Parks and Rec and Master of None. 

Apple

Home Before Dark (2020- )

Inspired by the reporting of real-life journalist Hilde Lysiak, Home Before Dark follows the story of a young girl who moves from Brooklyn to a small lakeside town. It starts slow but features some strong central performances, particularly in the lead role.

Apple

Truth Be Told (2019- )

Truth Be Told is a drama for true-crime fans, riding the recent trend of crime podcasts in a fictionalized form. Octavia Spencer and Aaron Paul play a podcaster and a prisoner united by a horrific crime years before, kicking off a whodunit that draws in both their families in an entertaining mix of a character-driven drama like Big Little Lies with true-crime stories like Making a Murderer and The Staircase. 

Apple

Servant (2019- )

Sixth Sense director M. Night Shyamalan brings his brand of creepy domestic drama to episodic TV in Servant, created and written by Tony Basgallop. After a devastating loss, two bereaved parents adopt a hyperrealistic baby doll to help them tackle their grief, but danger and deception lurks in the nursery.

Apple TV Plus

The Afterparty (2022- )

A comedic murder mystery in the same vein as Rian Johnson's 2019 film Knives Out, The Afterparty is a star-packed whodunnit that will keep you guessing and laughing with each episode. Tiffany Haddish, Dave Franco, Ilana Glazer, Ben Schwartz and more lend their talents to the show. If you're one to opt for a mystery-comedy mixture, The Afterparty should shoot right to the top of your to-stream list.

Severance (2022- )

This show has a fascinating premise: People can choose to undergo a procedure called severance, which separates their work-related and personal memories. Adam Scott's character spends eight hours of the day in a sanitized, strikingly white office space with no recollection of his outside life. Soon, a former co-worker shows up with a warning about the strange company. A mind-bending and suspenseful sci-fi thriller -- enjoying Severance is no work at all. 

Apple TV Plus

The Shrink Next Door (2021)

In my book, any show that casts both Will Ferrell and Paul Rudd as its leads is already doing something very right. In the drama miniseries The Shrink Next Door, Ferrell and Rudd play characters on opposite ends of the personality spectrum -- Ferrell is a sniffling, timid textile business owner, and his co-star is an egotistic therapist with manipulative tendencies. When the two are together, the result is both unsettling and tantalizing, making The Shrink Next Door something you'll want to check out for yourself. 

Apple

Ted Lasso (2020- )

You don't need to like sports to love comedy series Ted Lasso. Produced by the show's Golden Globe-winning star Jason Sudeikis with Scrubs creator Bill Lawrence, it follows relentlessly upbeat American coach Ted Lasso as he takes charge of an English soccer team. Think of it as Friday Night Lights crossed with Saturday Night Live (in London). Season 2 is streaming now.

Apple

For All Mankind (2019-)

For All Mankind offers an alternate timeline of what would have happened if the Soviets had landed on the moon first. The short answer is the never-ending militarization of space, but the show is so much more expansive than that. If you're looking for a sci-fi thriller with plenty of interpersonal drama and political intrigue, For All Mankind is solid choice. 

Apple TV Plus

Tiny World (2020- )

A nature show, focused on small creatures, narrated by Ant-Man himself, Paul Rudd. Absolute genius.

Like seemingly every single one of these modern nature documentaries, Tiny World is gorgeously shot and brilliantly compelling.

Apple

Long Way Up (2020)

Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman get back on their bikes and head north from Argentina through South and Central America. In this sequel to the popular travel shows Long Way Round and Long Way Down, the petrolhead duo goes green. They cover 13,000 miles and 13 countries on Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycles.

Apple TV Plus

Trying (2020- )

In this British comedy, couple Nikki and Jason want to have a baby but struggle to conceive. They decide to adopt -- a process that inevitably throws new challenges their way. Trying offers charm and low-stakes fun, and it also happens to be laugh-out-loud funny. If you're in need of some lighthearted TV time, this show has you covered.

Apple

Little America (2020- )

Ordinary people dream big in Little America. A heavyweight cast tells stories of immigrants living their lives in a heartwarming anthology series packed with a mix of funny, sweet, romantic and often surprising tales.

Apple TV Plus

The Mosquito Coast (2021- )

Justin Theroux stars as Allie Fox, an oddball inventor taking his family off the grid in protest against society's failings. Apple's heavyweight drama is based on the novel by the actor's uncle Paul Theroux (previously filmed with Harrison Ford in 1986). Now season 1 has wrapped up, Apple has already renewed this modern version of The Mosquito Coast for a second season.

Apple TV Plus

Lisey's Story (2021)

Adapted by Stephen King from his own novel, Lisey's Story stars Julianne Moore as a grieving widow spookily revisiting her marriage to her late husband, a famous novelist played by Clive Owen.

Apple

Prehistoric Planet (2022)

Prehistoric Planet gives viewers a look at the world of dinosaurs. Using realistic computer-generated dinos, and structured like a nature documentary series down to the camera shots, it's easy to forget you're not watching real footage. To top is off, David Attenborough narrates. 

Apple

Mythic Quest: Raven's Banquet (2020- )

Mythic Quest: Raven's Banquet is a must for anyone with even a passing interest in video games or the industry that produces them. It's unique, funny and earnest in parts. It treads familiar territory but is well worth a watch.

Apple

Dickinson (2019-2021)

Dickinson takes the story of real-life American poet Emily Dickinson and shoehorns it into a period drama of sorts. It's hardly historically accurate -- Emily and her teenage friends act more like characters from Riverdale -- but it is entertaining.

Apple

The Morning Show (2019- )

Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston produce and star in a timely series tackling office politics in the #MeToo era, as a TV network is rocked by the indiscretions of a host played by Steve Carell. Among the compelling performances, Billy Crudup won Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series at the 2020 Emmy Awards. The award-winning drama, strong cast and timely themes make The Morning Show worth a watch.

Apple

Defending Jacob (2020)

Chris Evans stars in a dark-tinged legal drama about a family caught up in a Massachusetts murder mystery. Defending Jacob may be familiar territory, but fans of absorbing character-driven crime dramas will get sucked in.


Source

Tags:

T-Mobile Adds Apple TV Plus To Its Magenta Max Plan


T mobile adds apple tv plus to its magenta max plan with t mobile t mobile adds apple tv plus to its magenta max netflix t mobile adds apple tv plus to its magenta max welcome t mobile adds apple tv plus toy t mobile adds apple vacations t mobile adds metars t mobile adds radar t mobile adds synonym t mobile coverage map
T-Mobile Adds Apple TV Plus to Its Magenta Max Plan


T-Mobile Adds Apple TV Plus to Its Magenta Max Plan

T-Mobile is upping the video perks on its priciest Magenta Max plan, announcing on Monday that it's adding Apple TV Plus to its stable of bundled perks and services. The new addition, which goes into effect on Wednesday, will be available to both new and existing users so long as they have Magenta Max.

The carrier previously offered a free year of Apple TV Plus to those on Magenta or Magenta Max. Those with T-Mobile's Magenta plan will be able to sign up for a six-month free trial of Apple TV Plus, though that option is only available to people who didn't already take advantage of the free year promotion. 

As of Monday morning, the T-Mobile offer for a free year of Apple TV Plus for those with Magenta (and a number of older T-Mobile and Sprint plans) was still available. The carrier says the one-year offer will remain until Aug. 31.

Read more: Best streaming service deals

With the more formal addition of Apple TV Plus, T-Mobile now offers four streaming services for its priciest cellular plan. The carrier has long bundled Netflix with its Magenta and Magenta Max plans (the "Basic" version with the former and the HD-capable Standard on the latter), and a free year of Apple TV Plus and Paramount Plus Essentials to its mobile users

The carrier also has recently added a free year of Vix Plus, the Spanish-language streaming service created by TelevisaUnivision, to those on a number of its plans including Magenta and Magenta Max. 

Wireless carriers have increasingly bundled streaming services to attract users to upgrade to pricier cellphone plans. Verizon has long offered the Disney bundle (which consists of Disney Plus, ESPN Plus and Hulu) as well as the option of a free subscription to Apple Arcade or Google Play Pass with some of its pricier unlimited plans. Rival AT&T previously offered HBO Max with its top unlimited plan, though it pulled the option in June

An agreement between the wireless carrier and new HBO parent Warner Bros. Discovery in August, however, lays the groundwork for that type of bundle to return to AT&T in the future.


Source

How To Watch Rays Vs. White Sox, Reds Vs. Dodgers Friday On Apple TV Plus


How to watch rays vs white sox reds vs yankees how to watch rays vs white sox reds tomorrow how to watch rays vs white sox reds today how to watch rays vs white sox reds live how to watch rays baseball live how to watch super bowl how to tie a tie
How to Watch Rays vs. White Sox, Reds vs. Dodgers Friday on Apple TV Plus


How to Watch Rays vs. White Sox, Reds vs. Dodgers Friday on Apple TV Plus

Apple TV Plus now streams baseball games , though it suffered a rocky debut on MLB's opening weekend. This Friday's twofer takes place on Jackie Robinson Day and brings another pair of games. First up is a matchup between the Tampa Bay Rays and Chicago White Sox at 7:10 p.m. ET (4:10 p.m. PT). The second game of the night will see the Cincinnati Reds battle the Los Angeles Dodgers in California at 10:10 p.m. ET (7:10 p.m. PT). 

Because these games are on Apple's streaming service, the only way to watch either contest will be on Apple TV Plus. They will not air on television at all, even if you live in a local market like Chicago or Los Angeles. 

Here's everything you need to know about these games and how to watch the rest of Apple TV Plus' baseball slate. 

Read more: How to Watch Baseball Without Cable  

FAQs

How much will this cost?

Apple normally charges $5 per month for Apple TV Plus, but for at least the first 12 weeks of this partnership it will be making these games available for free to "anyone with internet access." 

After that, it is unclear if Apple will continue offering games for free or if it will require people to pay for an Apple TV Plus subscription. 

What devices can I watch on?

You can watch the games on any devices that have the Apple TV app. This includes iPhones, iPads, Apple TVs and Macs as well as streaming platforms like Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Google's Android TV and Google TV. 

If you have a game console, there is an Apple TV app for Microsoft's Xbox One and Xbox Series S and X, and Sony's PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. Recent TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony and Vizio also may have Apple TV apps. More details on supported devices can be found on Apple's site.

What about Android and Windows devices?

Apple does not have Apple TV Plus apps for Android devices or Windows computers, but it does let you stream its shows, and these games, using a web browser by going to tv.apple.com. 

You will, however, need to sign in to or make an Apple account to watch the games. 

Are the games available on TV, too?

No. These broadcasts are exclusive to Apple TV Plus, so you will not be able to watch them on your local regional sports network. 

What games are available on Apple TV Plus?

Apple will air doubleheaders on Friday nights during the 2022 MLB season. So far, it has released the first 12 weeks of games it will show (all times ET). 

Friday, April 15

Tampa Bay Rays at Chicago White Sox: 7 p.m. ET

Cincinnati Reds at Los Angeles Dodgers: 10 p.m. ET

Friday, April 22

St. Louis Cardinals at Cincinnati Reds: 6:30 p.m. ET

Texas Rangers at Oakland Athletics: 9:30 p.m. ET

Friday, April 29

New York Yankees at Kansas City Royals: 8 p.m. ET

Washington Nationals at San Francisco Giants: 10 p.m. ET

Friday, May 6

Chicago White Sox at Boston Red Sox: 7 p.m. ET

Tampa Bay Rays at Seattle Mariners: 9:30 p.m. ET

Friday, May 13

San Diego Padres at Atlanta Braves: 7 p.m. ET

Chicago Cubs at Arizona Diamondbacks: 9:30 p.m. ET

Friday, May 20

St. Louis Cardinals at Pittsburgh Pirates: 6:30 p.m. ET

Texas Rangers at Houston Astros: 8 p.m. ET

Friday, May 27

Baltimore Orioles at Boston Red Sox: 7 p.m. ET

Toronto Blue Jays at Los Angeles Angels: 9:30 p.m. ET

Friday, June 3

Detroit Tigers at New York Yankees: 7 p.m. ET

Atlanta Braves at Colorado Rockies: 8:30 p.m. ET

Friday, June 10

Tampa Bay Rays at Minnesota Twins: 8 p.m. ET

New York Mets at Los Angeles Angels: 9:30 p.m. ET

Friday, June 17

Chicago White Sox at Houston Astros: 8 p.m. ET

Cleveland Guardians at Los Angeles Dodgers: 10 p.m. ET

Friday, June 24

Chicago Cubs at St. Louis Cardinals: 8 p.m. ET

Detroit Tigers at Arizona Diamondbacks: 9:30 p.m. ET 

Will the games stream in 4K?

It is unclear if Apple will stream any of its games in 4K but it currently broadcasts games in 1080p. 


Source

https://nichols.my.id/how-to-repair-your-armor-in-minecraft-bedrock.html

.

It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown Back On Public TV After A Year Away


Watch charlie brown and the great pumpkin youtube the great pumpkin charlie brown the great pumpkin charlie brown pbs great pumpkin charlie brown on pbs charlie brown the great pumpkin on tv the great pumpkin charlie brown free it s the great pumpkin charlie brown 2018 it s the great pumpkin charlie brown dvd it s the great pumpkin charlie brown book it s the great pumpkin charlie brown 1966 it s the great pumpkin charlie brown dvd it s the great pumpkin charlie brown 2018
It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown back on public TV after a year away


It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown back on public TV after a year away

Halloween last year was the equivalent of Charlie Brown's trick-or-treat bag full of rocks. Costume parties and trick-or-treating were put on hold in many places, and to top it off, the Peanuts special, It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, didn't air on regular TV. Well, now it's back. This Halloween season, the 1966 animated special will air on PBS and online at PBS Kids, in addition to streaming on Apple TV Plus.

When and where to watch

It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown will air on PBS and PBS Kids on Oct. 24 at 7:30 ET/PT. This is the first time the Halloween special will air on the PBS platforms, although A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and A Charlie Brown Christmas aired on them in 2020. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving will air on PBS and PBS Kids on Nov. 21, and A Charlie Brown Christmas will air on both platforms on Dec. 19.

Apple TV Plus subscribers will be able to see all three of the holiday specials for longer periods of time.

How did we get here?

In 2020, Apple announced that its streaming service, Apple TV Plus, would now be the home for the famed Charles Schulz Peanuts specials. That includes not only It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, but also A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and A Charlie Brown Christmas.

But not everyone chooses to pay for Apple TV Plus, or has the ability or desire to use a streaming TV service. Many people were angry about this iconic tradition disappearing. The holiday specials had aired for more than a half-century on broadcast TV. Facing a pumpkin patch full of bad publicity, Apple worked out a deal where PBS could show the holiday specials, but the agreement came too late for the Halloween special to air in 2020, although the Christmas and Thanksgiving specials did air on PBS last year.

Now, however, It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, has joined the PBS lineup, so Peanuts fans without Apple TV Plus can mark their calendars and start working on the sincerity of their pumpkin patches.


Source

It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown Back On Public TV After A Year Away


Great pumpkin charlie brown full episode it the great pumpkin charlie brown free it the great pumpkin charlie brown dvd it s the great pumpkin charlie brown 1966 it s the great pumpkin charlie brown 2018 it s the great pumpkin charlie brown book it the great pumpkin charlie brown watch it s the great pumpkin charlie brown dvd it s the great pumpkin charlie brown book it s the great pumpkin charlie brown it service desk it specialist
It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown back on public TV after a year away


It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown back on public TV after a year away

Halloween last year was the equivalent of Charlie Brown's trick-or-treat bag full of rocks. Costume parties and trick-or-treating were put on hold in many places, and to top it off, the Peanuts special, It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, didn't air on regular TV. Well, now it's back. This Halloween season, the 1966 animated special will air on PBS and online at PBS Kids, in addition to streaming on Apple TV Plus.

When and where to watch

It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown will air on PBS and PBS Kids on Oct. 24 at 7:30 ET/PT. This is the first time the Halloween special will air on the PBS platforms, although A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and A Charlie Brown Christmas aired on them in 2020. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving will air on PBS and PBS Kids on Nov. 21, and A Charlie Brown Christmas will air on both platforms on Dec. 19.

Apple TV Plus subscribers will be able to see all three of the holiday specials for longer periods of time.

How did we get here?

In 2020, Apple announced that its streaming service, Apple TV Plus, would now be the home for the famed Charles Schulz Peanuts specials. That includes not only It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, but also A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and A Charlie Brown Christmas.

But not everyone chooses to pay for Apple TV Plus, or has the ability or desire to use a streaming TV service. Many people were angry about this iconic tradition disappearing. The holiday specials had aired for more than a half-century on broadcast TV. Facing a pumpkin patch full of bad publicity, Apple worked out a deal where PBS could show the holiday specials, but the agreement came too late for the Halloween special to air in 2020, although the Christmas and Thanksgiving specials did air on PBS last year.

Now, however, It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, has joined the PBS lineup, so Peanuts fans without Apple TV Plus can mark their calendars and start working on the sincerity of their pumpkin patches.


Source

Roku Ultra (2022) Review: Same Streamer, Same Price, Better Voice Remote


Roku ultra 2022 review same streamer same price better voice vocal trainer roku ultra 2022 review same streamer same price better voicemail roku ultra 2022 review same streamer same price better voicemod roku ultra 2022 review samespeak roku ultra 2022 for sale roku ultra 2022 vs 2020 reviews youtube roku ultra best price
Roku Ultra (2022) Review: Same Streamer, Same Price, Better Voice Remote


Roku Ultra (2022) Review: Same Streamer, Same Price, Better Voice Remote

Roku has a new Ultra streaming device for 2022, but "new" is probably stretching things a bit far. It's really a very minor refresh of the 2020 Roku Ultra, basically a new bundle: The Roku Ultra now comes with the excellent Voice Remote Pro. The good news? The price is the same at $100.

The bad news? Unlike Apple, which last year updated the Apple TV 4K with fresher hardware and a faster processor alongside a new Siri Remote, Roku isn't actually changing anything about the Ultra streaming box itself. It's still the same box from 2020.

Like

  • Improved Voice Remote Pro is a welcome addition
  • Remote finder is awesome
  • Speedy app launching

Don't Like

  • Roku Streaming Stick 4K Plus is $30 cheaper with similar features
  • Weaker voice assistant than Amazon and Google streamers
  • No Bluetooth headphone or Wi-Fi 6 support
  • No USB-C charging for Voice Remote Pro

That's not necessarily a bad thing. I very much enjoyed the Roku Ultra when I reviewed it in 2020 and the device still holds up two years later. But for $100, it remains a hard sell not just against the best streamers from AmazonApple and Google, but also compared with Roku's extensive line of more affordable sticks and players. 

Unless you really need a streaming device with built-in Ethernet, you're better off saving the money and getting Roku's other bundle, the $70 Roku Streaming Stick 4K Plus. The Streaming Stick 4K's processor isn't quite as beefy as the Ultra's but it can do nearly all the same tricks like Dolby Vision HDR, it includes a Voice Remote Pro and it costs $30 less than the 2022 Ultra.

Despite its new remote the Roku Ultra still doesn't do enough to push the capabilities of what a streaming player can do. I'm still waiting for sizable changes to Roku's platform that adjust to the latest trends in streaming, such as gaming and more robust voice support. This update crosses one item off my Roku Ultra wish list, but there are four more.

Our updated review, largely based on the original 2020 review, follows below. You can read our review of the Voice Remote Pro here

Read more: Roku Ultra vs. Apple TV 4K: Battle of the High-End Streaming Boxes

Small tweaks to a familiar design

A 2020 Roku Ultra on a table.

The Ultra is the only Roku that can connect to wired Ethernet without an adapter.

Sarah Tew/CNET

Although it's much bigger than a streaming stick, the Roku Ultra box is still quite compact. It's made of tapered matte plastic and should be easy to fit in a cabinet or on a stand under your TV. 

The remote finder button is on the right side of the device and the back has a USB-A port, HDMI output and Ethernet port. The DC power port is still proprietary, which is also fine but it would've been nice to see USB-C in case you lose the adapter. 

The included Voice Remote Pro has the same plastic finish and rubber buttons as other Roku devices, with volume and mute controls on the right side. On the left is a switch to disable the always-on mic as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack for private listening. The included earbuds are basic, but they get the job done. 

I like that the remote is rechargeable, especially since Roku remotes tend to chew through batteries quickly, but unfortunately, it still uses Micro-USB to charge and lacks backlighting. The only difference between the remote bundled with the 2022 Ultra remote and the regular Voice Remote Pro I reviewed is that the bottom two buttons now are for Apple TV Plus and Paramount Plus as opposed to Hulu and Sling TV. 

There is Bluetooth on the Ultra, but this can only be used for streaming audio from a phone, tablet or computer and not for pairing Bluetooth headphones. I'm not sure how useful the feature is, given how Roku has apps for a number of music services, including Pandora, Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music, not to mention the YouTube app. If you want to connect Bluetooth headphones you need to use the Roku app on a phone or tablet. 

The remote finder feature remains one of my favorite features about the Ultra and one that I wish every streaming device would incorporate. It gets better with the Voice Remote Pro because, while you can still tap the side button on the box, you can also instead now say, "Hey, Roku, find my remote" to make the controller start beeping. 

The remote also has two programmable shortcut buttons in addition to the Roku preloaded options for Netflix, Disney Plus, Apple TV Plus and Paramount Plus. As before, you can set to repeat whatever your last voice command was, such as opening an app like Peacock, YouTube TV or ESPN or doing a task like searching for a favorite movie or TV show. 

Impressive interface, weak voice assistant

Roku Ultra 2022 Voice Remote Pro held in a hand

The remote looks pretty much exactly like it did last year.

Sarah Tew/CNET

As you would expect, Roku's interface works great with the Ultra's quad-core processor. Apps, movies and shows opened quickly and playback looked good for 4K, 4K HDR and regular HD content on a 70-inch RCA TV as well as on a 65-inch LG C2 OLED TV

Although you can control the Roku with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, neither voice assistant is built directly into the device, something that becomes much more glaring when comparing it with Amazon and Google's latest devices. Google's Chromecast with Google TV shines in large part thanks to Assistant, and I really missed the ability to just say, "Play The Tonight Show" or, "Go to the Yankees game" and have the Roku automatically switch to the proper app. Google does this integration well with YouTube TV and Amazon does it with Sling TV.

A 2020 Roku Streambar's interface on a TV

The Roku interface has remained basically the same for years.

CNET staff

Roku's voice assistant is also dumb when it comes to knowing when events are happening and couldn't answer basic questions like what time the Warriors and Grizzlies game is. Asking, "What time is the Warriors game?" brought up results for movies like Wushu Warrior, Solarbabies and the TV show Monster Rancher. I'm not familiar with any of these titles but this is far from what I was expecting when trying to watch a basketball game. 

It also had a hard time understanding, "Play Moon Knight, Episode 1" and instead kept pulling up cartoons with "Midnight" in the title.

As Roku's streamer already works with both platforms, it would be great to see Roku add support for Alexa or Google Assistant directly to the software in the future. 

When it comes to playback, the Ultra is still fast when you ask for specific titles. Getting the Roku to play Avengers: Endgame from the home screen took roughly 35 seconds on my old Roku TV compared with just 18 seconds on the Ultra, which benefits from having faster Wi-Fi chips and a better processor than the 2017 TV I was comparing it with (though the Ultra still doesn't include support for the new Wi-Fi 6 standard).

Getting it to play The Boys on Amazon Prime video took about 26 seconds on the Ultra, compared with roughly 39 seconds on my older Roku TV.  

One thing that was slow on both the TV and the new Ultra, however, was asking the Roku assistant to do tasks beyond title searches -- from looking up a movie to switching apps. This takes a bit more time than using either Alexa or Google Assistant, with Roku having a default pop-up and 7-second countdown clock in case you want to stay in the app you are in. I still wish there were a way to remove or shorten this countdown but no such option exists in Settings.

Strong app support with Dolby Vision and Atmos 

Roku continues to impress with support for nearly all major streaming services. Support for Apple AirPlay remains a nice perk and at least allows Apple users to stream the app from iOS and Macs, while screen mirroring remains an option for most Android users. Roku still lacks built-in Chromecast support. 

Apps such as Disney Plus support Dolby Vision and Atmos (which makes sense as compatible Roku 4K TVs have had Dolby Vision support for a while), and both formats seemed to play fine on the LG C2 OLED TV. Netflix, HBO Max, Vudu and Apple TV Plus also have shows and movies available in Dolby Vision and Atmos.

As with other Dolby Vision devices, if your TV supports Dolby Vision, all menus and content are recognized by the TV as that standard regardless of whether the actual service, movie or show is in the premium viewing format. This wasn't a problem and non-4K HDR content (such as SportsCenter on YouTube TV or baseball games in the MLB app) still looked fine. 

While the Voice Remote Pro makes for a better experience, here's hoping the next Roku Ultra update is a little more substantial. 

§

Roku offers plenty of streaming devices, from the $50 Streaming Stick 4K to the $40 Express 4K Plus. The Roku Ultra box, however, is the most powerful. It has long been the streaming giant's showcase for its platform, offering advanced features, a beefier processor, a find-my-remote button and built-in Ethernet all for $100. Although, for many people, those extras aren't worth paying twice as much.

According to Cord Cutters News a new Roku Ultra may be coming soon. The site spotted a new model number among the list of Roku's supported hardware for its recent OS 11 release. The model number, 4802X, is one above the 4801X sported by the Roku Ultra LT and two above the otherwise current Roku Ultra (4800X) which last got a major hardware update in 2020. Roku has since removed the reference to the model, and when CNET reached out for comment about the report, a representative emailed back "nothing to share at this time."

So with the possibility of a new Roku Ultra in mind, here's a wish list of a few things I'd love to see Roku embrace for its next high-end player, whenever it might be released. 

Read More: Apple TV 2022 Wish List: What I Want to See in a Refresh This Year

Game streaming

xbox-gamepass-ultimate

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes Game Pass and Xbox Live Gold into one subscription. 

Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET

Roku tried to make gaming on its players a thing years ago, a fact that most people probably don't remember. But in 2022 Roku doesn't need to court developers to make games specific to its platform; it just needs to allow for game streaming services to run their apps and stores on Roku players and TVs.

Game streaming has not only become more commonplace with the rise of Xbox Game Pass, Google Stadia, Amazon Luna and Nvidia GeForce Now -- and soon Sony's PlayStation Plus Premium -- but it is increasingly becoming a table-stakes feature for streaming video platforms. Google's Android TV and Google TV play well with its own Stadia service as well as GeForce Now, while Amazon's Fire TV software and devices can tap into Luna. 

Why not have an Xbox Game Pass channel on Roku? Microsoft gains a new avenue to boost its platform without requiring the costly purchase of a console, Roku gains a new partner and gamers pick up a new way to stream games onto their televisions -- or to be able to play on televisions outside their homes or on a second television without needing to move a console. Seems like it could be a win all around, and with a more powerful processor, the Ultra could probably run those services.

Game Pass is the most exciting to me, but it also makes sense for a more powerful Ultra to run Stadia or GeForce Now. Amazon might be reluctant to bolster Roku's features checklist by adding Luna, but it's probably technically possible, too.

Chromecast support

Yes, Rokus work great with Apple's AirPlay for casting content from an Apple device and with screen sharing available for streaming from some Android devices or Windows PCs. It would be great, however, if Roku got even more agnostic and embraced the ability to let people cast directly from their Android devices through Google's Chromecast protocol. This is not only easier than setting up screen sharing, but it would allow Rokus to work better with Chrome browsers and Chromebooks. 

Roku and Google settled their YouTube TV beef last year. It's time for the two of them to make this happen and put whatever possible hardware is needed into the next Ultra. 

Include the Voice Remote Pro

Roku Voice Remote Pro
Sarah Tew/CNET

The Ultra is Roku's priciest streaming box, but the included remote is inferior to the Voice Remote Pro, a $30 upgrade. The Pro packs a built-in rechargeable battery and midfield microphone to allow you to bark "Hey Roku, find my remote" to locate the clicker when it's inevitably lost under the couch cushions. 

If Roku really wants to move Ultra boxes, including a Voice Remote Pro in the box would be a nice touch. The company already has experimented with bundling the product through its Streaming Stick 4K Plus offering, which combines a Streaming Stick 4K with a Voice Remote Pro. 

While we're at it, I'd love Roku to update the Voice Remote Pro with USB-C as opposed to Micro-USB. But that might be getting too greedy. 

Alexa and Google Assistant support 

Since we're talking voice support, why not have Roku's next box directly integrate other assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant? Roku's unnamed voice assistant is fine for basic tasks like searching for titles or actors, turning the TV on or adjusting the volume. On the other hand, it still lags far behind its rivals when you ask basic questions, such as "what is the weather?," tuning to a particular channel on a streaming service like Sling TV or YouTube TV or controlling smart home devices like lights. 

I understand this particular item could be more software "wishlist" than something for the next Ultra, but combined with the Voice Remote Pro or adding far-field mics like those on the Amazon Fire TV Cube could be really valuable. 

Roku already has integrations with Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri for controlling its platform via other devices, like phones or smart speakers. Why not add it into the next Ultra directly? Give users a choice and an option for a better voice assistant. 

TV calibration

Apple TV screen calibration using an iPhone

Apple TV screen calibration using an iPhone.

Sarah Tew/CNET

Apple TV has a nifty feature for calibrating your TV through an iPhone, and a new Ultra could be the perfect place for Roku to debut a similar feature. Apple's feature requires holding an iPhone X or later up to your TV screen, though there is nothing to say Roku can't do something similar with iPhones or Android devices, like Samsung's Galaxy S line. It could also be something available via the Roku phone app, similar to the company's audio lip-sync calibration features added in OS 10.5 and OS 11.

The Ultra is designed to give people a premium experience. Adding TV video calibration capability could go a long way toward making sure they see that experience, even if they aren't comfortable fiddling with their TV picture settings

For the last few years Roku hasn't delivered any major features that differentiate the Ultra from its other devices. Adding any (or all!) of my wish list items could change that and make Roku's best player even more Ultra than ever.


Source

5 Streaming Services You Can Cancel In August, FOMO-Free


5 Streaming Services You Can Cancel in August, FOMO-Free


5 Streaming Services You Can Cancel in August, FOMO-Free

This year marked the return of the summer blockbuster to movie theaters, luring people back to the big screen in droves. But streaming services can claim some victories this season, too. Netflix had Stranger Things 4 in July, Disney Plus had Obi-Wan Kenobi in June. And while both platforms have more to offer in the coming weeks, August is the time for HBO Max to soar. Why? Four words: House of the Dragon, the Game of Thrones prequel that's one of the most-anticipated shows of the year.

Every month I give advice on which streaming services to cancel and which ones to keep, based on their new releases and current content mix. That's because, in these difficult financial times, you may be thinking about canceling a few streaming service subscriptions. I'd like to offer my strategy: Churn like ice cream.

What does that mean? Subscribe for a period, cancel, choose a different service, then resubscribe, keeping your favorites in a rotation. Feel free to pick one or two must-haves for the year and treat additional streaming providers like seasonal add-ons. The upside is that you get to save money when Netflix, Disney Plus, HBO Max and others don't have the content you want to watch at a given time. Just remember to shut off auto-renewal for your monthly subscriptions. Churning may not be an option if you're sharing your accounts with people outside your household, but if you can work out an arrangement with your streaming clique, go for it. 

Here are my recommendations for which streamers to keep or cancel for the month of August, based on new TV shows and movies (I didn't consider sports and live TV streaming services) arriving on each platform. Of course your tastes may be different, but if nothing else, I urge you to at least consider the concept of churning for savings. It's easier than you might think.

Read more: Stop Missing Out On New Episodes of Your Favorite Shows With These Apps

Streaming Service Rotation for August 2022


Keep Cancel
HBO Max X
Hulu
X
Netflix X
Apple TV Plus
X
Disney Plus X
Prime Video
X (for non-Prime members)
Starz X
Peacock
X
Paramount Plus
X

Keep the streaming going on these services in August

HBO Max: HBO Max holds the crown in more ways than one this month. As Westworld Season 4 ends on Aug. 14, the Game of Thrones prequel, House of the Dragon, ignites the Targaryen family saga on Aug. 21. You can spend some of your time streaming GoT (which, like House of the Dragon, will be available in 4K this month), bypassing those episodes or seasons you don't want to re-watch. In addition to a ton of movies arriving on Max in August, The Princess, a new documentary about Princess Diana, debuts on Aug. 13. And remember: Harley Quinn season 3 is airing through August and into September. 

Netflix: One of the hottest releases on Netflix this month is season 1 of The Sandman, the adaptation of Neil Gaiman's popular graphic novel series (Aug. 5). There's also Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie (Aug. 5), Riverdale season 6 (Aug. 7), the final season of Locke & Key (Aug. 10), Never Have I Ever season 3 (Aug. 12), Day Shift starring Jamie Foxx as a vampire hunter (Aug. 12), and the anime movie Full Metal Alchemist: The Revenge Scar (Aug. 20). And Kevin Hart and Mark Wahlberg team up in the comedy film, Me Time, which lands on Aug. 26.

Disney Plus: This service will be a must-have for many of you who have children, especially with Bluey season 3 arriving on Aug. 10, and Lightyear making its streaming debut on Aug. 3. She-Hulk comes out on Aug. 18 (after a date change) with nine episodes that run into mid-October. Appearances from MCU heroes Wong and Daredevil may entice you to tune in now versus waiting to binge in October, but it's up to you. On Aug. 10, I Am Groot arrives with five shorts. For Star Wars fans, Andor drops its two-episode premiere on Aug. 31, but you may as well watch in September or later. The show has 12 episodes for season 1. 

she-hulk-disney-plus-4

Catch Tatiana Maslany as Jennifer "Jen" Walters/She-Hulk in Marvel's She-Hulk: Attorney at Law on Disney+.

Marvel Studios

Starz:  P-Valley  ends season 2 on Aug. 14, so if you want to cancel after that, go for it. The biggest new Starz arrival is Power Book III: Raising Kanan Season 2, produced by 50 Cent, and if you're prone to FOMO about missing the premiere on Aug. 14, keep it. The show's 10 episodes will air into October, however, so the better value is to wait it out or pay for three months of Starz to watch it weekly -- if you can find a deal. Starz is $9 per month after their $3 promo ended.

Rotate these streamers out for August

Hulu: Generally a keeper if you like network shows, Hulu typically gets at least one original each month. For August, Reservation Dogs' 10-episode second season debuts on Aug. 3, and the Predator prequel Prey arrives on Aug. 5. If you've been keeping up with Only Murders in the Building, season 2's finale airs on Aug. 23. The Mike Tyson miniseries, Mike, premieres on Aug. 25. If none of these float your boat or if you prefer to catch up on everything after all episodes are available, pause Hulu this month

Red dots glare on woman's forehead as she holds a bow and arrow while hiding in reeds

The Predator prequel movie Prey may or may not be a reason for you to keep your Hulu subscription this month.

20th Century Studios

Prime Video: If you have a standalone Prime Video subscription, you can cancel it this month unless you want to see the A League of Their Own reboot series (Aug. 12) or Ron Howard's Thirteen Lives movie (Aug. 5) about the Thai soccer team cave rescue. Those of us who have the streaming service included with our Prime membership may want to stream the titles above or Sylvester Stallone's Samaritan (Aug. 26). Hip-hop fans interested in a behind-the-scenes look at Lil Baby can watch the documentary Untrapped: The Story of Lil Baby when it drops on Aug. 26 or wait until September to stream.

Apple TV Plus: Not much going on with Apple TV Plus. The streamer will drop its animated feature Luck on Aug. 5 and season 3 of See arrives on Aug. 26. Last month, we suggested waiting until August to binge every episode of For All Mankind. If you're a fan, season 3 wraps on Aug. 12.

Peacock: While Tour de France and Love Island USA are currently streaming on Peacock, They/Them (Aug. 5) is the only new noteworthy release. The horror film stars Kevin Bacon as a preacher who runs a gay conversion therapy camp. If you're not interested in these titles or new reality TV episodes, cancel or switch to a free account for August. Things should pick up for Peacock by the fall, however.

Paramount Plus: If Big Brother and the new Beavis and Butt-Head TV series (Aug. 4) aren't beckoning you to the service, then you can put Paramount Plus on ice for now. For Evil fans who've been putting off your subscription until all season 3 episodes become available, you can sign up in mid-August to stream the entire season.

Save more money by waiting things out

If you're not someone who routinely gets FOMO, then a smart method is to wait until the bulk or all episodes of your favorite series land on a platform. That way, rather than pay for a service for two or three months to cover the 6- to 10-week run of a show, you can catch up on everything by subscribing for one month. And then repeat the cycle again.

As an example, there are 12 episodes of Andor coming to Disney Plus. The finale airs in November, so all episodes of the show will be available to stream at that time. Though it premieres on Aug. 31 and continues throughout the fall, why pay for four months of Disney Plus when you can wait to watch it in full anytime in November? If this is the only series you want to watch during this period, it makes sense to be patient in the interest of saving money. 

Think about how much you're paying per month for each streaming service you have, and do the math. Netflix is $10 to $20, Disney Plus is anywhere from $3 to $8 depending on bundles, HBO Max costs $10 or $15, Hulu starts at $7 and Starz runs $9. The others have a base rate of $5 per month. Should you decide to churn, set yourself a calendar reminder to ping you when it's time to re-subscribe or cancel. We'll see you in September for another streaming breakdown.


Source

Tags:

Search This Blog

Menu Halaman Statis

close