Stream on

May 4, 2024

Turn that old TV into a streaming machine. Fear not — streaming boxes and sticks are easy to use. Just plug them into your TV’s HDMI port, which every TV after 2006 has.

Solid choice for Android folks ($30): Google’s Chromecast is a breeze to set up and intuitive to use.
Best value for 4K ($39): Roku Streaming Stick 4K.
If you like using Alexa ($40): Prime members, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max works well, and you can control it with your voice.
Just works with iPhones and Macs ($180): Is it pricey? Yeah, but Apple TV 4K is slick and syncs up with the rest of your Apple gear.
Best bargain ($30): The Roku Express 4K is probably the best value and more than enough for most folks.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Tags: 4K, Alexa, Amazon, Android, Apple, Apple TV, Chromecast, Google, iPhones, Macs, Max, Prime members, Roku, streaming, streaming boxes, TV

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BYOAF: Bring your own air filter

KIKI Pure portable air purifiers are the perfect blend of smart design and cutting-edge H13 HEPA filtration

I live in the desert (yes, it’s a dry heat), where we have more than our fair share of dust floating in the air.

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Shady dollar store 'deals' and tips for smarter shopping

Think you’re getting a great deal at Dollar General? You might be getting bait and switched.

The discount chain has a dirty secret. And with more Dollar Generals in the U.S. than there are McDonald’s (crazy, I know), you should be paying attention.

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Many big tech brands sell refurbished gadgets — not brand-new but fully checked and working. Apple has refurbished MacBooks, computers and AirPods with a one-year warranty. Amazon Renewed has everything from the 2022 Apple Watch model to Beats headphones and smart TVs.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Amazon sellers are up to their necks in scam returns. Buyers scoop up premium products, then they send back cheap lookalikes (like old hats with Nike stickers slapped on) and keep the refund. Expect a major crackdown on Amazon’s return policies soon.

2.6M fewer Amazon shoppers

Are active each month compared to two years ago. During that same stretch, the Chinese-owned shopping site Temu has grown to 54 million active users. Maybe that’s why Amazon’s pulling out all the stops for its Big Spring Sale. (FYI, I won’t use Temu. Here’s why.)

Buying guide: How to choose the right Amazon Echo

I got a nice note from Gary in San Antonio, Texas, the other day. To answer your questions, Gary: Yes, Komando is my real last name — and yep, I definitely can help you choose a smart speaker.

Gary asked about Amazon Echos, in particular. Even though I use an iPhone, I also went with an Echo over the Apple Home. They’re a lot more affordable and easy to use, and I already have an Amazon account. You probably do, too.

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Review: Best drones for any budget

It’s official, folks: Barry and I are expecting … a drone in the mail! Whoops, did I give you a heart attack? 😅

Yep, Barry bought a fancy-pants drone. And you know me, that means I’ve been scouring the web comparing drones and deals for the past week!

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Cheap tech upgrades anyone can do

Reading this on a two-year-old iPhone SE 3? Go ahead and make those over-the-hill jokes — it’s reaching the average smartphone lifespan of 2.5 years.

Upgrading your laptop or smartphone is inevitable. But wait before you throw out that clunky computer. Even when a piece of tech starts showing its age, you’ve still got options to give it a new lease on life.

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Your computer loves it when you call it “Big Data.”

OK, it’s really cold: 11 tricks and gadgets to keep you warm

Yesterday, my Daily Tech Update heard on 350+ radio stations about how EVs don’t like cold weather hit home with a ton of folks. You see, even if you charged up to prepare the night before, the battery could be dead or pretty close to it when you wake up. Wow, so many people told me they had no idea this would happen when they bought an EV.

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