If you want to listen to music through your phone without headphones, you need a speaker. But what if you don’t want Alexa or Siri listening in through devices like the Echo or Apple HomePod? I have the solution: Bluetooth speakers.
Hulu won't work on these streaming devices soon
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One of the saddest things about following tech is how transient everything is. Today’s hot commodity can become yesterday’s garbage in a matter of weeks, and the cycle is inevitable for any kind of device once enough time has passed.
And as tech marches on, so does compatibility with older devices. Just a few short months ago, Netflix announced it would no longer support older smart TVs that come bundled with the app. The issue stems from compatibility problems with Netflix’s autoplay feature, but it’s more likely a natural part of the product’s life cycle. Tap or click to see why that might be.
But Netflix isn’t the only company cutting support for older devices. Hulu is letting support go for several outdated streaming devices. Here’s the reason why.
Hulu to older Roku devices: ‘Drop dead.’
According to Ars Technica, Hulu is finally cutting out support for several previous-generation Roku devices.
The choice comes as Hulu continues to add new features and options that older devices simply aren’t equipped for. In the case of many older Roku devices, users are stuck in what’s referred to as the “Classic” Hulu app, which lacks features like live TV that are found in the modern edition.
Affected Roku devices were introduced in 2012 and earlier, and many are not capable of running the modern editions of apps like Netflix either. Tap or click here to see when Netflix cut support for older Roku devices.
Still, it’s a sizable enough list to make you wish that Hulu would be a bit more merciful. But ask any Apple fan and they’ll tell you: Being an early adopter isn’t always the best deal you can get.
Which devices are restricted and losing support?
Here is the complete list of Roku devices losing support in light of Hulu’s decision. As you can see, quite a few models are affected, and you might be surprised to see yours mentioned here:
- Roku Ultra
- Roku Premiere and Premiere+
- Roku Express and Express+
- Roku 3 and 4
- Roku 2 (model 4210)
- Roku Streaming Stick (model 3500 or later)
- Roku TV
- 4K Roku TV
If you’re not sure of which device you have in your living room, all you need to do is power your device on and navigate to the About menu under Settings. This will list the name and model of your Roku device.
This 'Pro' series Android tablet is only $99
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When tablets were first introduced to the market they were bulky, expensive devices that were hard to justify purchasing. But it didn’t take long for tablets to come along that are cheaper and more powerful than ever.
Grab these office essentials while they're still on sale
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Even though businesses across the U.S. are starting to reopen, no one knows exactly when life will truly return to something that resembles normal. And while working from home is still a relatively new experience for many of us, it could continue well into the future.
SimpliSafe protects your whole house in under an hour
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You’ve probably heard how easy it is to protect your family, home and valuables these days. It’s nothing like the hassle it used to be.
Technology has changed everything — and simplified it, too. That’s because wireless technology has made installing home security an afternoon project, rather than the all-day nightmare it was when techs had to drill holes in your walls, cut wires and mount a system that worked just OK.
DNA tests, smart TVs and devices (even sex toys!) privacy exposed and data tracking
You’re being tracked through your tech in ways that will shock you. Kim speaks with top national digital expert and lawyer Steven Teppler about what’s going on and what you can do about it.
Create a shopping list with this simple trick on your Echo Show
Gone are the days of creating grocery lists with paper and pen. Now, it’s all about using the power of one of the most helpful digital assistants on the market.
Did you know your Amazon Echo Show can add items to special lists just by scanning bar codes? Tap or click here for home inventory and organizational apps.
Deal alert: Amazon's Fire TV Cube is at its lowest-ever price
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If you haven’t joined the streaming TV phenomenon yet, you’re missing out. People all over the country have fallen in love with binge-watching their favorite shows over a relaxing weekend.
With so many great streaming services out there, finding amazing programming is a breeze. But which service is right for you? Tap or click here to find out as we compare Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ and more.
How-to: Lock down private files on your phone or computer
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It doesn’t matter what you save to your phone, computer or tablet — everything you keep on your devices should be considered private unless you give someone else permission to look through your files, images and apps.
Running Windows 10? You need to update now
A serious Windows 10 flaw has the National Security Agency sounding the alarm. The intelligence agency is urging users to update the operating system as soon as possible, due to a risky vulnerability that could affect 900 million devices.
Old tech at your house worth big money
When you replace your tech with the latest and greatest, what do you do with what you were using before? Stash it in a drawer? Pack it up to put in storage? It’s time to bust out those old devices because they just might be worth big money. Can you guess how much a first generation iPod sells for?
This tasking tool isn't a day planner – It's a life planner
Every day, there’s a new gadget or a supposedly better version of an old one. We’re surrounded by widgets and programs promising to make it easier for us to commute, communicate, clean and more.
But technology hasn’t really answered the big-picture question: With all these time-saving devices around, why are we still so busy?
Start 2020 right with the Komando Community
The internet is a dangerous place. Hackers and scammers are everywhere, and big tech companies thrive on collecting and selling your data.
That’s why Kim and the team created the ad-free Komando Community. If you’re looking for a safe place to get answers to your digital questions, meet others who share your interests and get exclusive access to Kim’s trusted advice, look no further. The best part? We’ll never sell your data to advertisers.
Here's how you can double your reading speed in 2020
StackCommerce
Reading is a major part of every working day. From incoming emails to lengthy reports, it takes time to wade through words. If you are a slow reader, you can waste hours this way.
The Speed Reading Mastery Bundle helps you escape the slow lane, with six video courses that teach proven techniques. The training also looks at the psychological tricks that allow memory experts to retain information faster.
This portable power bank doubles as a wireless phone charger
StackCommerce
When you rely on your phone or tablet to stay connected, carrying a power bank is a wise move. Most are pretty lightweight, and they can restore your devices to full battery.
But what happens when you leave your charging cable at home? With the HyperCharger X Wireless Charger, that won’t be a problem. This power bank is no bigger than an iPhone X, and it doubles as a wireless charging pad.
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.
Buying guide: Best smart speakers on sale right now
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Ready to get new smart speakers for your home or office? Luckily, there are always tons of sales going on, and we’ve got the inside scoop.
Gone are the days of paying full price for smart speakers and other tech. If you’re a savvy shopper, you know how to hunt down deals. Tap or click for the best tech deals to upgrade your business.
Save money with this shopping tool that alerts you when prices drop
If you regularly shop online, this tool could help you save a bundle each time prices drop.
Streaming devices compared
There are two types of steaming gadgets: set-top boxes and HDMI sticks. Streaming boxes are larger and more expensive but tend to be more powerful. HDMI sticks are the size of USB drives and plug right into your TV’s HDMI port. That means less clutter in your entertainment center and less impact on your wallet.
6 big screen 4K TVs worth buying right now
This time of year is a paradise for sports fans. College and pro football are underway, baseball playoffs have just begun, hockey hits the ice this week and we’re only a couple of weeks from tip-off for the new basketball season. Talk about needing more hours in a day.