Which streaming player is best? Kim breaks down the options and tells you why you may want to choose one device over the others. Whether you’re looking to cut the cord and ditch cable, or just get access to even more content, this complete guide to the top streaming devices can help.
Amazon's top-selling items will surprise you
© Ifeelstock | Dreamstime.com
Amazon had a record-breaking year in 2019. Prime Day was the biggest in the company’s history, with millions of transactions taking place around the world. In addition, Black Friday and Cyber Monday came and went with stellar results, with the latter being the biggest shopping day in the company’s history.
But just because the biggest shopping events are over doesn’t mean the shopping season is slowing down. And for those of you who are still undecided on what to buy your friends and loved ones, it’s always a good idea to look at some of the year’s bestselling items for inspiration.
That’s why we’ve put together a guide on Amazon’s top-selling items during the holiday shopping weekend. Amazon claims to have moved millions of units among these items, which speaks to their popularity and quality. Are you ready to make the people on your list extra holly jolly this year?
Smart home technology was the biggest winner
Amazon’s brand of smart speakers and accessories performed outstandingly this year, with the Echo Dot near the top in terms of units shipped. Discounts played a major factor, but each of these items is extremely popular with owners across the spectrum.
Save on the Echo Dot when you buy from Amazon
The Echo Dot is your gateway to smart home technology and puts Alexa front and center in your daily life.
If you haven’t made the jump yet, an Echo Dot is a great place to start. And now, you can get it more than 50% off with free shipping.
One of the best streaming gadgets ever is on sale for cheap
The Fire TV stick is ranked as one of the best deals in streaming — a cheaper device that plugs into almost any TV and contains all the content you need.
Plus, it comes with an Alexa remote that equips your media setup with voice control. And don’t forget to take advantage of free shipping with Amazon Prime.
Control the rest of your home by voice with this Amazon smart plug
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
No more Netflix on these TVs: How you can keep streaming without built-in services
Nothing lasts forever, especially when it comes to tech. Years ago, it might have been decades before you considered replacing a household appliance or entertainment system. Nowadays, it doesn’t take long before your smartphone or TV is obsolete or on the way out.
How to stop robocalls with free solutions from AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint
Robocalls have tormented us for years. They’ve interrupted our conversations, dominated our work lines and spread erroneous information across the country. The nation’s Do Not Call registry is pretty worthless at stopping them.
Everything you need to know about the latest Windows update
There are more updates being released to Windows now than at any other point in the operating system’s lifespan. The reasons for this range from new apps and features all the way to cybersecurity concerns — but nobody can deny that Microsoft is stepping up its software game in a major way.
Teen sexting
Making sure you teach your kids about online safety is important but you can never be too careful. This can come down to even the way they talk to their friend through text. Here is what to watch out for.
How to remove your personal data from broker sites and protect your privacy online
You might be shocked to see how much of your personal info is floating around online. But it doesn’t have to stay that way. We’ll show you how to keep your private information locked down and how to remove it from data broker sites that store and sell your details.
How to spot spy cameras in your vacation rental: Common hiding places | DIY Security
We’ve all heard stories of people finding hidden cameras in vacation rentals. If you’ve ditched hotels and prefer to book accommodations through sites like Airbnb and VRBO, how do you ensure your privacy isn’t being violated? In this DIY Security tip, Kim reveals common hiding places for surveillance cameras, plus shows you how sneaky hosts could conceal monitoring devices.
Why you never see brilliant blue fireworks
What’s in a firework? I’m sure you know some of it at least — a bit of gunpowder, a dash of color-changing chemicals, and a propellant to launch them into the air, right? Well, the chemistry behind fireworks is a lot more complex. Even tiny details like color are fragile enough to restrict firework makers. Now, see why blue varieties of fireworks are a rare breed to see.
Notre Dame: an exclusive first look at restoration work
Notre Dame’s tragic fire was a shock to the entire world. The centuries-old cathedral lost its magnificent gothic spire and roof in the aftermath of the blaze, but thanks to the efforts of the Paris FD, the structure of the building was saved. Now, restoration has finally begun — and everyone is excited to see Notre Dame restored to its former glory. Get a sneak peek at what’s coming in this insider video.
30 amazing colorized photographs from the 1800s
The 19th century may seem like a distant era of the past, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s not that long ago. After all, we had working cameras back then — even if they weren’t able to shoot in color. Now, thanks to the miracle of computers, we can see the subjects of these photos as they were in life. Will you take a step into the past?
5 sites for streaming TV for free
Streaming video is still a relatively young technology, but most of us can no longer imagine sticking a disc into a DVD player. Yes, some of us still enjoy our Redbox rentals, and Blu-ray still offers some of the best imaging available.
Former FBI, CIA director takes on a phone scammer
Robocalls and phone scammers are getting worse. Most are merely annoying, but some can be terrifying, like the scammer who threatened to kill Lynda and William Webster. Webster’s name may sound familiar: He’s the former head of the FBI and CIA. Everyone is a target for scammers, from the average person to the powerful.
Forget cats vs. dogs! Who would win, cougar vs. wolf?
Cats and dogs are traditional rivals for household dominance. Though some get along just fine, “fighting like cats and dogs” is so common that the image has become ingrained in popular culture. Now imagine that fight but taken to the extreme — with larger, meaner wild forms of our furry companions. Don’t worry, no animals were harmed in the making of this video, but this hypothetical match up puts two apex predators to the test.
Smart home tips from a guy who did it and lived to tell
You’ve decided to upgrade your home to a smart home but, where do you start? Maybe some smart lightbulbs or a smart thermostat? Should you use an Amazon Alexa, Google Home or Apple Home Pod to connect your devices?
Amazon is delivering in new ways
If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you probably love the free 2-day shipping. But there are many more benefits that you might not know about.
Check out these nine great Amazon Prime perks that you’ll wish you knew about sooner. Even though deliveries are already Amazon’s specialty, it’s always looking to make it better.
Create easy-to-remember yet super-tough passwords
In the wake of password exposures and account hacks, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of basic safety measures. Having a secure program to guard your personal information doesn’t do you much good when your password is “12345.”
Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas (1999)
Finally, one for the kids. Mickey and his friends tell three Christmas stories: “Donald Duck: Stuck on Christmas,” a reminder that Christmas is so special because it only comes once a year; “A Very Goofy Christmas”, which finds Goofy trying to teach his son the joys of Santa Claus; and “Mickey & Minnie’s Gift Of The Magi”, which recreates the classic tale with the Disney icons.
There’s a deadly oasis in the Sahara Desert
In the desert, any patch of green may seem like a lifesaver, with water and shade. But for some places in the Sahara Desert, an oasis may not be so for all who travel there. For underneath the lush exterior, something more sinister waits.
‘The Tudors’ (Netflix)
This series is set in England during the Reign of King Henry VIII in the 16th century. “The Tudors” follows the young king as he has to deal with conflicts inside and outside of his kingdom. If you decide to check out this series, you might recognize familiar faces such as Henry Cavill from “Man of Steel” and Natalie Dormer from “Game of Thrones.” This title is available to stream on Netflix.