Monthly Archives: September 2016

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The Best Media Streaming Devices

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By Tracey Dowdy

On-demand media services like Netflix and Hulu have undeniably impacted the way we watch TV. Instead of weeks of reruns or cringe-worthy movies like Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens, we now binge watch our way through weekends, cramming in entire seasons of Game of Thrones or hunkering down for a Johnny Depp movie marathon.

The only thing harder than choosing what to watch is deciding how to watch it in the first place. There are a lot of great streaming devices out there, so how do you choose which one is best for you? Of the myriad of options available, the standouts are: Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Google Cast, Android TV, and Apple TV. All offer access to the most popular music and video streaming services, and all except Google Cast have on-screen menu systems and a dedicated remote. Google Cast uses your smartphone, tablet or PC with cast-compatible apps to stream content.

Roku/Roku Stick

roku4200Roku offers consumers 5 options: Roku 1, Roku 2, Roku 3, Roku 4, or the Roku Streaming Stick. All five offer access to over 300,000 movie and TV episodes from over 3,000 channels so your choice will depend on what features are most important to you, e.g.: headphone jack for private listening, motion control for games, 4K video capability, or the ability to cast personal media to your TV. The other consideration is price – the Roku 1 and Roku stick start at $49.99, while the Roku 4 is $129.99.

Amazon Fire TV

amazon-fire-tv200Amazon Fire TV focuses heavily on Amazon Prime content with Amazon Instant Video and Amazon Prime Music front and center in the menu. Hulu, Netflix, and other channels are available, just be aware it’s definitely an Amazon-centric device. Current versions of Fire TV and the Fire TV Stick come with voice remotes equipped with Alexa, the voice assistant used with the Amazon Echo speakers. (Amazon Fire TV – $99.99/ Fire Stick – $39.99)

Google Cast

chromecast200Google Cast devices allow you to “cast” content from your smartphone or tablet to your TV or cast your favorite music straight to your speakers. Simply plug in your Chromecast device and you can control everything from your smartphone or tablet. There’s no separate app, no remote, no on-screen interface and at just $35 each, they’re the least expensive of the top options.

Apple TV

apple_tv_4200Speaking of pushing specific content, Apple TV pushes Apple content, no surprise there. The latest version has expanded its app store, includes a voice remote that uses Siri, and features Air Play as well as standard streaming options. Because it is Apple-centric, the music services focus on Apple Music though third party options are available. The two biggest issues are its inability to support 4K video and the price – the 32GB version is $149 and the 64GB is $199.

Nvidia Shield Android TV

nvidia-shield200The Nvidia Shield Android TV streaming box is a favorite among gamers. It works with 4K streaming services like Netflix and YouTube, allows you to use your smartphone to cast compatible apps, and has a “lightning fast” interface plus it offers 128GB of storage. The downside is that it’s one of the most expensive options on the market, lacks the number of native apps offered by Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire, and doesn’t have a remote. If your primary use is gaming, this is the device for you. If you’re looking for a device for other media streaming services, one of the other devices on this list may be a better option. (The Nvidia Shield Android TV starts at $199.99)

Tracey Dowdy is a freelance writer based just outside Washington DC. After years working for non-profits and charities, she now freelances, edits and researches on subjects ranging from family and education to history and trends in technology. Follow Tracey on Twitter.

 

#VZWBuzz Mobile Lifestyle Chats

Friday, November 4: Better Smartphone Photos

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MOBILE LIVING TWITTER PARTY

#VZWBuzz

When: TODAY, Friday, November 11, 2016
3:00 – 4:00 pm ET
12:00 – 1:00 pm PT

‘Better Smartphone Photos’

Join @TheTechDad and the VZWBuzz team at 3 pm ET (12 noon PT) on Friday, November 4 as we share tips and tricks for Better Smartphone Photos!
Join us as we explore the latest advances in smartphone cameras and share the tips and tricks that will help you capture that perfect shot!
RSVP and participate in the chat for a chance to win a Mophie Powerstation 3x portable charger or Samsung Level U Pro wireless headphones!

(Click here learn more about our Twitter chats.)

To RSVP:
  1. Email RSVP@theonlinemom.com (subject line: VZWBuzz) and include your Twitter ID.
  2. Spread the word and RT this link on your Twitter feed: http://bit.ly/2eMHoma
  3. Join us on TweetDeck or HootSuite (#VZWBuzz) on Friday, November 4 between 3 – 4 pm ET
  4. Tell your Twitter followers!

(The Online Mom LLC receives a fee for participating in certain promotional programs for Verizon Wireless.)

#VZWBuzz Mobile Lifestyle Chats

Friday, October 28: Recommit to Fitness

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MOBILE LIVING TWITTER PARTY

#VZWBuzz

When: TODAY, Friday, October 28, 2016
3:00 – 4:00 pm ET
12:00 – 1:00 pm PT

‘Recommit to Fitness’

Join the VZWBuzz team at 3 pm ET (12 noon PT) on Friday, October 28 as we Recommit to Fitness!
Are those healthier eating pledges just a distant memory? Have you lost the motivation to exercise? Don’t worry, the VZWBuzz team is here to help! Join us as we explore the wireless devices and apps that can get you back on track!
RSVP and participate in the chat for a chance to win Samsung Level Bluetooth headphones or the all new Fitbit Charge 2!

(Click here to learn more about our Twitter chats.)

To RSVP:
  1. Email RSVP@theonlinemom.com (subject line: VZWBuzz) and include your Twitter ID.
  2. Spread the word and RT this link on your Twitter feed: http://bit.ly/2cNQLAx
  3. Join us on TweetDeck or HootSuite (#VZWBuzz) on Friday, October 28 between 3 – 4 pm ET
  4. Tell your Twitter followers!

(The Online Mom LLC receives a fee for participating in certain promotional programs for Verizon Wireless.)

#VZWBuzz Mobile Lifestyle Chats

Friday, November 11: Managing Your Data

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MOBILE LIVING TWITTER PARTY

#VZWBuzz

When: Friday, November 11, 2016
3:00 – 4:00 pm ET
12:00 – 1:00 pm PT

‘Managing Your Data’

Join @RobynsWorld and the VZWBuzz team at 3 pm ET (12 noon PT) on Friday, November 11 as we chat about Managing Your Data!
With most cellular phone plans offering unlimited talk and text, how much we spend each month largely depends on the data we use. But estimating data use is harder than it sounds. After all, how much data does email consume? What about listening to music? Or streaming movies? Join us as we shed some light on data use, offer tips for managing your data consumption, and help you make those monthly overages a thing of the past!
RSVP and participate in the chat for a chance to win a Motorola portable charger or Samsung Level Bluetooth headphones!

(Click here to learn more about our Twitter chats.)

To RSVP:
  1. Email RSVP@theonlinemom.com (subject line: VZWBuzz) and include your Twitter ID.
  2. Spread the word and RT this link on your Twitter feed: http://bit.ly/2daJ7iV
  3. Join us on TweetDeck or HootSuite (#VZWBuzz) on Friday, November 11 between 3 – 4 pm ET
  4. Tell your Twitter followers!

(The Online Mom LLC receives a fee for participating in certain promotional programs for Verizon Wireless.)

#VZWBuzz Mobile Lifestyle Chats

Friday, October 14: Social Good

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MOBILE LIVING TWITTER PARTY

#VZWBuzz

When: TODAY, Friday, October 14, 2016
3:00 – 4:00 pm ET
12:00 – 1:00 pm PT

‘Social Good’

Join @RobynsWorld and the VZWBuzz team at 3 pm ET (12 noon PT) on Friday, October 14 as we chat about initiatives for Social Good!
Many of us would like to make a bigger contribution to society but finding the time – and the right organizations to support – can be a challenge. That’s where technology can lend a helping hand. Join us as we examine how the Internet, social media and mobile devices have made it easier for us to get involved, allowing everyone to play a role in making the world a better place.
RSVP and participate in the chat for a chance to win a Motorola Power Pack portable charger or LG TONE Platinum Bluetooth headphones!

(Click here to learn more about our Twitter chats.)

To RSVP:
  1. Email RSVP@theonlinemom.com (subject line: VZWBuzz) and include your Twitter ID.
  2. Spread the word and RT this link on your Twitter feed: http://bit.ly/2dfDuA8
  3. Join us on TweetDeck or HootSuite (#VZWBuzz) on Friday, October 14 between 3 – 4 pm ET
  4. Tell your Twitter followers!

(The Online Mom LLC receives a fee for participating in certain promotional programs for Verizon Wireless.)

#VZWBuzz Mobile Lifestyle Chats

Friday, October 7: The Connected Home

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MOBILE LIVING TWITTER PARTY

#VZWBuzz

When: TODAY, Friday, October 7, 2016
3:00 – 4:00 pm ET
12:00 – 1:00 pm PT

‘The Connected Home’

Join the VZWBuzz team at 3 pm ET (12 noon PT) on Friday, September 30 as we chat about The Connected Home!
This week’s unveiling  of Google Home is another reminder of how technology can transform the way we live. We take a look the numerous connected devices that are now available for the home, and explore the future possibilities for this exciting and rapidly expanding sector of the mobile lifestyle.
RSVP and participate in the chat for a chance to win Samsung Level Bluetooth wireless headphones or a Canary smart home security system!

(Click here to learn more about our Twitter chats.)

To RSVP:
  1. Email RSVP@theonlinemom.com (subject line: VZWBuzz) and include your Twitter ID.
  2. Spread the word and RT this link on your Twitter feed: http://bit.ly/2daG2PV
  3. Join us on TweetDeck or HootSuite (#VZWBuzz) on Friday, October 7 between 3 – 4 pm ET
  4. Tell your Twitter followers!

(The Online Mom LLC receives a fee for participating in certain promotional programs for Verizon Wireless.)

VZW Twitter Events

Thursday, October 6: More Than Pink

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A Special WWEmoms Twitter Event

#WWEmoms

When: Thursday, October 6, 2016
7:00 – 8:00 pm ET
4:00 – 5:00 pm PT

Join @WWEmoms @SusanGKomen and friends at 7 pm ET (4 pm PT) on Thursday, October 6 as we encourage you to share your More Than Pink™ stories and join the fight against breast cancer!
RSVP and attend the party for a chance to win one of the following great prizes:
More Than Pink WWE Championship Belt
Hot Pink Bowling Pin from Bowl for the Cure
More Than Pink Hero Prize Pack
Warriors in Pink Scarf from Ford
New Balance Vazee Pace Running Shoes!

(Click here to learn more about our Twitter chats. You must RSVP and attend the party to be eligible for a prize.)

To RSVP:
  1. Email RSVP@theonlinemom.com (subject line: WWEmoms) and include your Twitter ID
  2. Spread the word and RT this link on your Twitter feed: http://bit.ly/2czemSd
  3. Join us on TweetDeck or HootSuite (#WWEmoms) on Thursday, October 6 between 7 – 8 pm ET
  4. Tell your Twitter followers!
PRIZE WINNERS will be announced during the Party!

(The Online Mom LLC receives a fee for participating in certain promotional programs for WWE.)

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The Music Industry Resets – Again

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By Tracey Dowdy

It will come as a surprise to exactly no one if I say streaming – not downloading – is the future of music.

Streaming isn’t new. When Pandora launched back in 2004, it was one of the first streaming sites to use algorithms to create personal radio stations matching your musical tastes and preferences. Over the years others, like Spotify, Tidal and Apple Music, have joined the game and now, for the first time, streaming services have edged ahead of downloads in income generated.

When the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) released its 2015 year-end sales report, analysts noted that the music industry earned a whopping $7 billion in revenue last year. Streaming services generated $2.4 billion, or 34.3 percent, of that revenue, with downloads coming in second at 34 percent. Somewhat surprisingly, physical music sales (CD’s and vinyl) brought in a solid 28 percent, perhaps in part due to the resurgence in popularity of vinyl.

“In 2015, digital music subscription services reached new all-time highs, generating more than $1 billion in revenues for the first time, and averaging nearly 11 million paid subscriptions for the year,” RIAA CEO Cary Sherman said. “Heading into 2016, the number of subscriptions swelled even higher — more than 13 million by the end of December — holding great promise for this year.”

So what does that mean for your music library? Is it as obsolete an 8-track tape? Well, yes and no.

Streaming may have surpassed downloads last year but only by a narrow margin. The music industry still generates significant revenue through downloaded music and it’s unlikely that will change any time soon, particularly when top artists like Drake, Taylor Swift and Adele are factored in.

When Adele, one of the industry’s top selling artists refused to make her last album “25” available on Spotify and Apple music last year, she explained her decision to TIME. “…for me, all albums that come out, I’m excited about leading up to release day. I don’t use streaming. I buy my music. I download it, and I buy a physical [copy] just to make up for the fact that someone else somewhere isn’t. It’s a bit disposable, streaming.” She isn’t alone. Taylor Swift pulled her album “1989” and her back catalog from streaming services and wrote an open letter to Apple to ask them to review the compensation paid to artists.

Despite this, consumers have demonstrated a preference for subscription services over ownership of a particular song. According to Forbes Magazine, Spotify has seen roughly 8 million Apple users move to its platform. As a result, Apple had to get onboard with streaming to mitigate the lost income. Of course, using streaming doesn’t generate the income downloading brings, but it’s more than Apple would see if they allowed users to defect to Spotify, Tidal and Pandora and didn’t offer their own alternative.

Tracey Dowdy is a freelance writer based just outside Washington DC. After years working for non-profits and charities, she now freelances, edits and researches on subjects ranging from family and education to history and trends in technology. Follow Tracey on Twitter.

 

Sanderson

Tuesday, September 27: Food & Football

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FOOD & FOOTBALL!

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When:  TODAY, Tuesday, September 27, 2016
8:00 – 8:45 pm ET
5:00 – 5:45 pm PT
followed by a 15 minute Facebook Live Recap!
Join @mistygirlph and friends as we celebrate Food & Football!
Football season is in full swing and that means it’s time for tailgating and at-home viewing parties! Join us to chat about the best tailgating eats, your finest tailgating setups, and awesome appetizers to put out for a Sunday afternoon of rooting for your favorite team.
RSVP and participate in the chat or Facebook Recap and you will be eligible to win one of TWO football-themed prizes courtesy of Sanderson Farms!
(Prize includes ceramic football platter, mini crock pot, and a $50 gift card to buy chicken and fixings!)

 (Click here to learn more about our Twitter chats. You must RSVP and attend the party to be eligible for a prize.)

To RSVP:
  1. Email to RSVP@theonlinemom.com (subject line: SandersonFarms) indicating your Twitter ID.
  2. Spread the word and RT this link on your Twitter feed: http://bit.ly/2d7sMMj
  3. Join us on TweetDeck or HootSuite (#SandersonFarms) on Tuesday, September 27 between 8:00 – 8:45 pm ET.
  4. Tell your Twitter followers!
PRIZE WINNERS will be announced during the Party!

(The Online Mom LLC receives a fee for participating in certain promotional programs for Sanderson Farms.)