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Colorful confetti on a smartphone screen displaying text messages.
HOW TO
01/31/2025 6:59 pm

340 Keyword Triggers for iMessage Full-Screen Effects

One of the coolest aesthetic features of iMessage is its animated message effects. If you're like many users, you might even have discovered them by accident, where wishing your friend a "Happy Birthday!" or congratulating them on a promotion unexpectedly flooded your screen with balloons or confett ...more

Mobile device diagnostics screen displaying potential hardware and software issues.
HOW TO
05/31/2024 10:42 pm

7 Hidden iPhone Apps You Didn't Know Existed

Your iPhone has hidden apps that work behind the scenes to filter SMS messages, trust computers, deal with payments, test ads, and perform other actions. You won't find any of them in your App Library, but there are tricks you can employ to unlock and use some of these secret apps. Siri is technical ...more

Person using a smartphone to control a smart TV.
HOW TO
01/12/2024 7:05 pm

Turn Your Android Phone into a Universal Remote Control with These Cool Apps

Have you ever seen those super-expensive universal remote controls like the Logitech Harmony and thought to yourself, "Man, I really want one of those, but that's just too much money"? You're not alone. Luckily, if you're an owner of an Android device with an infrared (IR) blaster, you can get many ...more

Blu-ray movies and a smartphone displaying a film scene.
NEWS
07/25/2023 11:30 pm

Gift Guide: Must-Have Phone Accessories for Movie Lovers

There's never been a better time for streaming movies and TV shows on the go. With so many services available, the only limitation to your enjoyment is your phone's accessories. Whether you're buying for yourself or someone else, here are some of the best gifts that improve the movie-watching experi ...more

Mobile phone displaying a website with a military figure and text notifications.
HOW TO
07/18/2022 7:59 pm

Use PiP on Your iPhone to Multitask While You Watch Videos

Have you ever watched a video on your iPhone but wanted to look at something else real quick? Before iOS 14, you had to choose between pausing the video or waiting until it's over — not exactly ideal for a device that's supposed to help you multitask. But with iOS 14 or later, we can use picture-in- ...more

Video playback interface featuring a pause button and a timer displaying '10' on a mobile device screen.
HOW TO
07/18/2022 7:32 pm

All the Apps That Work with Picture in Picture for iPhone

Since iOS 9, the iPad has had Picture in Picture mode, which lets you minimize a video that you're watching into a floating overlay so that you can multitask in other apps while it plays. For iPhones, it came a little later, first appearing in iOS 14. It's not just for the Plus or Max displays eithe ...more

Settings menu displayed on a smartphone screen.
HOW TO
11/06/2020 6:49 pm

Watch 4K YouTube Videos on Your iPhone in Ultra HD Resolution

How frustrating is it to watch YouTube in 4K on your computer, Roku, or Amazon Fire Stick, only to settle for measly 1080p on your brand-new iPhone? For years, those of us on iOS had no option for streaming YouTube videos in full resolution, but these days, things are finally different. If you're st ...more

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HOW TO
09/08/2020 8:32 pm

Watch Apple's Special Sept. 15 Event on Any Device

For the past five years, Apple has been hosting live media events in September to reveal new Apple products and the stable release for its latest operating systems. This year is no different, and it has a Sept. 15 date, but it may not be the only event coming up before the end of 2020. The novel cor ...more

Three animated characters using laptops.
HOW TO
06/22/2020 1:46 pm

Livestream Apple's WWDC 2020 Keynote Today on Any Device

For the last three years, Apple has hosted its Worldwide Developers Conference at the San Jose Convention Center, but thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, WWDC 2020 is now an online-only event. So what can you expect from the new virtual format and when and how can you watch the keynote and developer se ...more

Game of Thrones logo displayed on a smartphone.
HOW TO
06/04/2020 9:11 pm

Download HBO Max Movies & TV Shows in the Highest Quality

Whether you're binging "Friends," "Game of Thrones," or Harry Potter movies, if you want to watch HBO Max downloads in the highest quality possible, you can't just use the default settings. Without doing the legwork, the TV shows and films you download onto your iPhone or Android phone will be lower ...more

Smartphone displaying HBO Max app with the Friends series highlighted next to a Roku TV.
HOW TO
05/29/2020 9:26 pm

Watch HBO Max on Your Roku TV Right Now

If you've jumped on board HBO Max to watch more than just HBO's content, such as DC films, Looney Tunes, Turner Classic Movies, Cartoon Network, and movies from Warner Bros., there is a downside to HBO's improved service. Namely, you cannot use it on all of your devices yet. The most notable omissio ...more

Profile selection screen on a smartphone app.
HOW TO
05/29/2020 9:15 pm

You Can Change Your HBO Max User Profile Image

Many streaming services offer user profiles for different people in your household, some of which also include profile images. In most cases, you can set a custom profile image to better differentiate and personalize your account from the others, and HBO Max lets you do the same, albeit, with limite ...more

HBO Max logo
HOW TO
05/28/2020 9:23 pm

How to Make a Smooth Transition from HBO Now to HBO Max

If you were upset about "Friends" leaving Netflix, fret no more. The entire series, all eight Harry Potter movies, as well as HBO's massive catalog, are now available as part of HBO Max. If you're already an HBO Now subscriber, however, it can be a bit confusing to know how to switch over to this br ...more

Mobile devices displaying streaming service applications.
HOW TO
05/28/2020 9:22 pm

How to Get Back Your Watch List for HBO Max

As of May 27, HBO Max is taking over your HBO Now or HBO Go account. If you have your devices set up to auto-install new app updates, you should pause it right now if your HBO app hasn't been updated yet. There's one thing you'll want to do before you make the leap. However, you're not out of luck i ...more

Mobile phone displaying a login or registration page for a service.
HOW TO
05/28/2020 5:38 pm

HBO Now 101: How to Transfer Your Account to Another Provider

Update: HBO discontinued this service. Your best bet for transferring your data from one account to another is to save a record of your watch list. That way, you can add your titles back manually with your new account. Now that you can add an HBO Now subscription to your Hulu account, you might be ...more

Mobile device displaying a text input interface with game-related content in the background.
HOW TO
05/14/2020 9:21 pm

How to Use Your Smartphone as a Keyboard for Your Smart TV

With more digital content than ever, the search feature on smart TVs is essential. But typing is such a terrible experience when you're forced to use voice dictation or peck around with the remote control. Thankfully, there's a better way. Most smart TVs support using your phone's keyboard as an inp ...more

Cute creature with large eyes nestled in a blanket, while a hand holds a remote control.
NEWS
12/03/2019 10:15 pm

The Best Streaming Media Devices to Watch Your Favorite TV Shows & Movies

By now, you've probably been inundated with enough Baby Yoda memes to last you a lifetime. But if you don't have the new Disney Plus streaming service on your TV, you're probably wondering where all this is coming from. Well, lucky for you, just in time for the holiday season, we're here to guide yo ...more

Apple TV+ logo on a dark background.
NEWS
11/27/2019 10:38 pm

Watch Apple TV+ with These Black Friday Deals on Smart TVs & Streaming Devices

If you have an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, or Apple TV, then you already have a quick way to subscribe to Apple TV+, Apple's entry into the streaming wars. Some of you might even have a free year of the service. But if you don't have any of those products or you're just looking for a smart TV or ...more

Black Friday promotional banner
NEWS
11/26/2019 9:10 pm

Get the Best Deals on Headphones, Smartwatches & Accessories This Black Friday

The holidays are here. From the week of Thanksgiving until the end of the year, retailers will be offering massive discounts on your favorite items. So if you're looking for smartphone accessories, this is the time to buy. From Walmart to Best Buy, there are deals everywhere on a host of items. Jump ...more

Streaming service interface displaying TV show suggestions on a smartphone.
HOW TO
11/14/2019 7:12 pm

The Best Apps for Streaming TV Series: Disney+ vs. Netflix vs. Hulu & More

Who here binges TV on a regular basis? I know I do. Never before have we had so many options for watching our favorite shows, especially when you consider how easy it is to stream from anywhere on a mobile device. But sometimes, all that choice gets a little overwhelming. What services are really wo ...more

Smartphone displaying a music streaming app interface.
NEWS
10/04/2019 10:45 pm

See Which of the Top 6 Music Streaming Services Is the Best for Your Phone

Trying to figure out which music streaming service to subscribe to can be a difficult task when the playing field is so crowded. Each has its benefits, as well as downsides, so finding the right one for your needs and wants can take a lot of overwhelming research. But we've done all the research for ...more

Smartphones displaying various app icons on their screens.
HOW TO
12/10/2018 8:35 pm

The 4 Best Apps for Downloading Movies & TV Shows

Streaming movies and TV shows on phones is more popular today than ever, but what about when you're on a plane, have a limited data plan, or will be in a no-service area? You'll want to download your movies and TV shows instead. While Netflix is excellent, you can't rent or download most of the late ...more

ESPN sports broadcast displayed on a smartphone screen.
HOW TO
12/04/2018 9:28 pm

The 5 Best Streaming Cable Apps for Watching Live TV on Your Phone

These days, it's easy to cut the cord. Thanks to a new crop of streaming TV apps, you can get the same service offered by a traditional cable subscription at a fraction of the price. After some extensive testing, we believe we've found the absolute best apps for cord cutting. You can use these apps ...more

Mobile phone displaying a website with a formal event theme.
HOW TO
03/02/2018 6:15 pm

Oscars 2018: How to Watch the 90th Academy Awards for Free Online

Another year, another Oscars. This year's red carpet coverage kicks off Sunday, March 4, at 6:30 p.m. EST, while the ceremony itself starts at 8:00 p.m. EST. Finding a stream online isn't always the most straightforward endeavor, especially if you want it to be free. To avoid any delays on the night ...more

Super Bowl LII banner in Minnesota
HOW TO
02/02/2018 5:19 pm

5 Ways to Stream the Super Bowl Without a Cable Subscription on iPhone or Android

Super Bowl LII will bring millions of football and non-football fans together to watch the big game on the big screen. But without a cable subscription, this process can be a little daunting. Luckily, the Google Play Store and the iOS App Store offer a few ways to accomplish this — no cable contract ...more

A person holding a smartphone displaying a contact list.
HOW TO
10/19/2017 2:10 pm

How to Protect Yourself from the KRACK Attacks WPA2 Wi-Fi Vulnerability

In October of 2017, Mathy Vanhoef released "Key Reinstallation Attacks: Forcing Nonce Reuse in WPA2." This paper demonstrates a way to decrypt traffic on practically any WPA2 network, the most commonly used form of wireless security (seeing as all other forms of Wi-Fi encryption have already been br ...more

A person holding a smartphone displaying a blue interface with menu options.
HOW TO
09/29/2017 11:38 pm

Kodi 101: How to Add Your Own Movies, Music & Pictures to the Media Library

Over the years, Kodi (formerly XBMC) has become one of the most popular media players. It provides all the essential functionality needed for any home theater setup while remaining open source and free. However, Kodi is not limited to just your living room. With the Kodi app for iOS or Android, you ...more

Smartphone displaying a settings menu on a wooden surface.
HOW TO
07/29/2017 12:36 am

HBO Now 101: How to Cast Shows & Movies to Your TV

While HBO Now does not support offline viewing yet, your smartphone is the perfect way to watch your favorite shows and movies on-the-go. Whether you're in a hotel running off Wi-Fi or you have an unlimited plan and are on the bus, if you want to binge some Game of Thrones, the HBO Now app is there ...more

Billing information on a smartphone screen.
HOW TO
07/27/2017 9:34 pm

HBO Now 101: How to Cancel Your Subscription

I'm a little biased — I love HBO. I wouldn't want to cancel my subscription, because there are constantly shows I want to watch. But I understand not everyone is like me. Some people might only subscribe to watch, say, Game of Thrones, then cancel their subscription when the show ends. In that case, ...more

Your phone is your remote. Download mobile app for control.
NEWS
07/24/2017 4:44 pm

Hulu 101: How to Cast Shows & Movies to Your TV

Your smartphone is the perfect place to watch Hulu on the go. Whether you're looking to catch up on your shows in a hotel, or your phone is the only screen available, mobile streaming can be a lifesaver. But what about when you have access to a TV? Wouldn't you rather watch your favorite Hulu Origin ...more

Person holding a smartphone displaying the Netflix "Flaked" series homepage.
NEWS
07/14/2017 12:53 am

Netflix 101: How to Cast Shows & Movies from Your Phone to Your TV

Chromecast comes to mind when "casting" video from a smartphone to a big screen television, but it's not the only way to "cast" streaming content. This is especially true for Netflix, where you can cast movies and TV shows to not only a Chromecast-enabled TV, but to smart TVs, video game consoles, a ...more

YouTube app open on a smartphone displaying a video of bulldogs.
HOW TO
07/11/2017 1:56 am

YouTube 101: How to Cast Videos to Your TV

Watching YouTube on your phone has never been a better experience than it is today — our smartphones have super-sharp displays that make watching the newest HD, QHD, and even 4K content look fantastic. But there are plenty of circumstances where we want to watch our content on a larger screen. Wheth ...more

Disc to Digital app interface with barcode scanning and digital movie library details.
NEWS
03/23/2017 5:26 pm

'Convert' & Watch Your Old DVDs on Your Smartphone with Vudu

Now you can watch your old copy of Bridget Jones's Diary anywhere, anytime, on your smartphone. It's a dream come true! (Disclaimer: This dream may oddly specific to me.) Vudu, the digital streaming company owned by Walmart, has taken another step to make its disc-to-digital options both easy and ch ...more

Person using a remote control while relaxing on a couch in front of a television.
NEWS
05/11/2016 9:08 pm

How to Use a Roku, Fire Stick, or Chromecast on Hotel TVs

Although lots of the bigger hotel chains are lessening the restrictions they put on their room TVs, some smaller ones are still taking measures to prevent you from plugging in computers or streaming devices into an HDMI port. However, there are a few steps you can take to bypass these restrictions a ...more

Person holding a tablet displaying the Netflix logo.
HOW TO
03/25/2016 7:11 pm

The Ultimate Guide to Smoother Netflix Streams on Any Device, Anywhere

The older I get, the more my Friday nights involve watching Netflix at home with a bottle of Maker's Mark and a box of Oreos. Netflix is a big part of my life, and I'm not alone. YouTube and Netflix make up over 50% of all activity on the Internet, so it might be worth your time to understand why Ne ...more

Basketball graphic with glowing effects and tournament bracket background.
NEWS
03/17/2016 4:49 pm

How to Watch March Madness 2016 Live Online for Free

Watching the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament without cable used to be easy. As long as you had an internet connection, CBS and Turner (TBS, TNT, and TruTV), which co-broadcast March Madness, let you watch all 67 games online free of charge. Even though restrictions have tightened a bit s ...more

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NEWS
02/28/2016 8:41 pm

Oscars 2016: How to Watch the 88th Academy Awards Live Online

Coverage for the 88th Academy Awards, aka the Oscars, will air live this Sunday, February 28th at 4 p.m. PT (7 p.m. ET). The ceremony itself, hosted by Chris Rock, is set to begin at 5:30 p.m. PT (8:30 p.m. ET). This is the third year that ABC will be streaming the event online, and the third year t ...more

Digital cable box on a shelf.
NEWS
02/19/2016 9:58 pm

Soon, You May Be Able to Watch Cable Without a Cable Box

Cable TV providers were dealt a pretty significant blow on Thursday, February 18th, 2016, when the Federal Communications Commission decided that customers should have a choice in what type of device they use to watch cable, instead of being forced to rent a set-top box. This opens up the possibilit ...more

Spotify logo with colorful Chromecast devices against a yellow background.
NEWS
02/17/2016 7:33 pm

Deal Alert: Spotify's Giving Away Free Chromecasts

For well over a year, Spotify's most requested feature was to add Chromecast support. While they left the request unanswered, it seemed that Spotify just didn't want anything to do with the $35 streaming stick. But then, seemingly out of nowhere, Google and Spotify announced a deal that finally brou ...more

NFL Super Bowl 50 logo with team logos of the Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos.
NEWS
02/04/2016 11:00 am

How to Watch the 2016 Super Bowl 50 Live Stream from Anywhere

Whether you're anxious to tune into this Sunday's Super Bowl 50 to see Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers take on Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos, or to see if you win some money on your silly prop bet, or just want to tune in for the commercials, there are a handful of ways to catch the Big ...more

Person playing Yahtzee on a smartphone while the game is displayed on a TV screen.
NEWS
12/22/2015 9:57 pm

7 New Games Just Released for Chromecast

Now that Chromecast has taken the title of top-selling media streaming device and held onto it for well over a year, game developers absolutely have to take Google's $35 streaming stick seriously. As a result, we're starting to see big-time media and game companies throw their hats into the proverbi ...more

Cyber Monday Deals promotional banner featuring various product categories.
NEWS
11/30/2015 8:15 pm

The Best Cyber Monday Tech Deals on TVs, Phones, Laptops, & More

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are becoming almost synonymous these days, but there are still plenty of awesome deals that you can only get starting on the Monday after Thanksgiving. Amazon, for instance, will be hosting a week-long Cyber Monday sale, and of course, most big-box retailers will follow ...more

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HOW TO
10/23/2015 11:09 pm

All the Ways to Stream the NFL's Bills/Jaguars Game for Free on Sunday, 10/25

For a lot of would-be cord cutters, the lack of streaming local sports is the only hurdle that needs to be cleared before they can sever all ties with big cable. This is why it was a huge victory for us anti-cable folks when Yahoo announced that they would be hosting the first ever live-streaming NF ...more

Sling TV logo alongside Netflix and live TV options.
HOW TO
05/21/2015 8:40 pm

How to Install the Sling TV App on Your Nexus Player

UPDATE 5/21/15 Dish Network has finally released the official version of its SlingTV app for the Nexus Player and other Android TV devices. The app can be installed through the Google Play Store, where you'll find it front and center in the "Entertainment Apps" category. As aweseome as this news is, ...more

Smart TV interface displaying various applications and features.
FORUM
05/18/2015 3:38 pm

How to Stream Web Videos & Live TV to a Samsung Smart TV

You want to stream movies, videos and Live TV on your big TV without Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV and all the additional hardware stuff? Check out this tutorial and find your way to cut the cords. The only thing you need is a Samsung Smart TV model 2010 to 2015 with Internet connection and Smart Hub. In ...more

Image showing a Roku streaming device box next to a tablet displaying the Roku interface, with a remote control on a wooden surface.
FORUM
05/18/2015 3:37 pm

How to Stream Web Videos & Live TV to Roku

This tutorial shows you how to quickly power up your Roku box, stick or TV to stream anything from the web like videos, movies and live tv. All you need is an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch and a Roku device. Install Video & TV Cast for Roku (iOS App)Get Video & TV Cast for Roku from the iOS Ap ...more

Nexus Player with sunset background
HOW TO
02/27/2015 10:12 pm

How to Force Apps Like Netflix to Show the Screensaver on Your Nexus Player

For some odd reason, the Netflix app likes to disable the Nexus Player's built-in screensaver. It doesn't use its own, it simply keeps your screen on indefinitely, which of course can lead to screen burn-in. This is not just an Android TV issue, as the Netflix app does the same thing on Roku and sma ...more

Sling Television streaming devices and remote controls.
HOW TO
02/12/2015 7:46 pm

Get a Free Fire TV Stick or Roku Streaming Stick for Sling TV

Sling TV, the new over-the-top TV streaming service from DISH Network, is the first to offer live programing for cord cutters. Available for $20 a month with no contract, Sling TV is the easiest way to end the reliance on cable and satellite subscriptions for getting your content as it airs. The big ...more

NFL logo on a football field with a YouTube logo overlay.
NEWS
01/27/2015 4:38 pm

NFL Comes to YouTube: Game Highlights, Analysis, & More

YouTube and the National Football League have announced a partnership that should greatly improve the online experience for gridiron fans. In a posting on their official blog, YouTube outlines a deal that will bring NFL video clips to their immensely popular site while bumping official NFL pages up ...more

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HOW TO
01/21/2015 4:45 pm

How to Watch President Obama's State of the Union Address Online

There's no denying it was a hectic 2014 here in the United States. We saw the rise of ISIS, dealt with an Ebola scare, and witnessed the turmoil in Ferguson (and its aftermath). Plus, let's not forget about all of the hype revolving around The Interview, in which Sony was hacked. Whether or not you' ...more

A person using a smartphone to control a video of dancing on a TV screen.
HOW TO
01/13/2015 11:34 pm

How to Stream Music, Photos, & Videos on Your iPhone to Your TV

AllCast, from renowned developer Koushik Dutta (better known as Koush), allows users to stream personal media, such as movies, photos, and music from mobile devices to Chromecast and other streaming devices. We've covered the application in the past, but it had only been available for Android users. ...more

Amazon Fire TV Stick in hand with streaming interface in the background.
HOW TO
10/27/2014 5:46 pm

Here's How to Get Amazon's Chromecast Competitor for Only $20

Amazon has launched its Chromecast competitor, the Amazon Fire TV Stick, which is available for pre-order today. This little dongle has four times the storage and twice the memory of Google's Chromecast, plus many of the features found in Amazon's Fire TV set-top box. Pricing & AvailabilityThe F ...more

Nexus devices including a smartphone, tablet, and a lollipop logo.
NEWS
10/16/2014 12:54 am

Google's New Nexus Devices & Android 5.0 "Lollipop" Coming Very Soon

It's that time of year again, folks. Each fall, Google debuts a new device alongside the latest iteration of its mobile operating system—but this year marked the release of three new Nexus gadgets. In a stark contrast to the circus-like atmosphere surrounding Apple's iPhone Events, Google used a sim ...more