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See also: The best media streaming devices you can buy
TiVo Stream 4K: $49.99
What’s good?
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
Let’s start with the setup, which is pretty straightforward. Step-by-step instructions are displayed on the screen. This includes connecting the remote, setting up your Google account, and telling the system your viewing preferences for improved suggestions. You can use your phone for setup, too, if you prefer that over the remote.
The TiVo Stream 4K gives you all the power of Android TV, with some unique TiVo-inspired additions.
If you know your way around Android TV, you’ll feel right at home with the TiVo Stream 4K. The device has a simple UI that focuses on content instead of applications. The home page has a column showing app info on the left side, but the rest of the screen is filled with content previews. There are a few settings and control options up top too. It’s great to have such a minimalist design that focuses on content, but TiVo made things a bit more confusing by adding its own special touches (more on that in the next section).
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
Talking about navigating the UI, this is done with an included remote. This accessory is larger than the one included with the Chromecast with Google TV, but it is also much more functional. There are more buttons that make it faster to get things done. These include number buttons, more media controls, a Live TV shortcut, a dedicated TiVo button, and more.
What’s not so good?
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
We can’t deny that Google’s design is gorgeous compared to the TiVo Stream 4K. The Chromecast with Google TV has a rounded, super clean look. It’s prettier than TiVo’s black box, but this honestly shouldn’t bother you. No one will see your dongle once set up, as it will live behind your TV.
One thing people will see and use all the time is the remote. While it’s more functional, the TiVo Stream 4K’s controller is also arguably uglier than Google’s. If you want something simple, the TiVo Stream 4K may not be for you.
While stock Android TV isn’t as compelling as the newer Google TV UI, it’s still easy to use. However, TiVo’s implementation is a bit odd.
Instead of giving us just the stock Android TV device, TiVo tacked on its own UI on the side. Think of the TiVo menu as a UI within a UI. You’re presented with the Android TV experience upon turning on your TiVo Stream 4K, but you can also enter the TiVo Stream experience. It shows all the same things like shows and movies, just presented in a different way.
Some of TiVo’s unique features are welcome, but the dual UI interface can be a bit confusing.
This makes the experience redundant, but we suppose it’s good to have options, and we can see how TiVo improves upon the experience. There are more categories, and it can be further customized. Regardless, you can’t help but feel like Google and TiVo are fighting for your attention within a single device.
TiVo Stream 4K review: Should I buy it?
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
If you don’t mind a few compromises, the TiVo Stream 4K is a great smart TV device. The design and simplicity aren’t as good as you’ll find with the Chromecast with Google TV and the dual interface experience is annoying, but that is about all we can complain about here.
4K video quality is great, and having the power of Android TV is definitely convenient in terms of content availability. While less aesthetically pleasing, the remote is full of options and features that come in handy and save some button presses while navigating around. Not to mention it’s more comfortable.
Other options: The best Android TV boxes you can buy
Unless you’re a massive TiVo fan, we’d recommend Google’s streaming device for most users. We also recommend Amazon’s Fire TV Stick 4K Max ($54.99) and the Roku Streaming Stick 4K ($49.99). They’re priced right around the TiVo Stream 4K but offer smoother experiences and better remotes — unless you can find the TiVo Stream 4K at a discount. Thankfully, you can. While both have a $49.99 MSRP, you can often find the TiVo Stream 4K for under $40. At that price, the TiVo Stream 4K becomes more appealing, especially as a secondary device for a guest room or den.
TiVo Stream 4K
The TiVo Stream 4K is a great media streaming device that gives you all the power of Android TV, with some unique TiVo-inspired additions.
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Outsmart Your Chromecast And Stream Anything You Want
If you want to play media files saved to your device, or you’re using a streaming app with no Chromecast support, there are hacks available so you can still get your content up on your 4K TV.
Apps that don’t support ChromecastMany smartphone apps now automatically detect your Chromecast the moment you hit the cast button—but there are plenty that don’t. If you’re dealing with one of these, you’ll need a workaround.
When using an Android phone or tablet the simplest option is to cast the entire screen. Open the Google Home app on your mobile device, tap the Chromecast you want to broadcast to, and then pick Cast my screen and Cast screen. Your Android device, and any apps running on it, will then appear on the display connected to your Chromecast.
You can do the same trick on iOS and iPadOS, but you’re going to need a third-party app called Replica. You can install and use it for free, but for the maximum quality screen mirroring and to remove the watermark from the stream, you’ll need to pay for the premium subscription at $2.50 a month.
Load up Replica and choose your Chromecast. Once you’re connected, everything on your iPhone or iPad will be duplicated on the bigger screen.
This lets you cast anything playing in a browser window or in a third party app—from a news website to a word processor—as long as the Chrome browser is running as well.
The only applications that don’t work with this method are the ones that apply some kind of copyright protection. For example, the macOS TV app won’t display content while you mirror the screen, though you can get around this by using the web app instead.
Local audio, video and photosChromecasts are designed to stream media from the web, but you can also use these dongles to cast files saved to your phone, tablet, or computer. Some of the methods we’ve mentioned above will work. For example, if you have an audio file saved to your Android phone you can mirror the device screen to your Chromecast and then play the audio.
[Related: Seven pro tips for the new Chromecast with Google TV]
If you’ve got the newest Chromecast with Google TV that supports USB-C hubs, there’s also another option.
You’ll need a USB-C hub with power delivery support, and a mains plug with at least 45W to power an extra device, as the plug and cable that comes with this model of Chromecast won’t supply enough juice. Some of these hubs also offer an Ethernet port, so you can wire up your Chromecast with Google TV directly to your router for a more stable internet connection.
The USB-C hub sits in between the mains connection and your actual Chromecast, and you can then use the USB and memory card ports on it to load up the video, audio, and photo files you want to get on the big screen. Make sure the USB drive or memory card is formatted as FAT32, and apps running on the Chromecast with Google TV—like VLC for Android, for example—will be able to see and open the files.
[Related: How to put video calls on your TV]
Plex is also worth considering for streaming local files to a Chromecast. Use the desktop client to find the files and get them ready for streaming, and the Android or iOS apps on your phone to beam them over to your Chromecast. All of this functionality is free, but at $5 a month, a Plex Pass gets you some useful extras, including the ability to sync files from your computer to your mobile devices for watching on the go.
How To Cast A Google Meet Using A Chromecast
As part of the never-ending quest to make pandemic life easier, Google will now let you cast your Meet right to your TV. All you need to make your meetings larger than life is a trusty laptop and a Chromecast set up for casting. Ready to take your work from home setup to another level? Here’s everything you need to know on how to cast your Google Meet with a Chromecast.
What is Google Meet?See also: Zoom vs Google Hangouts Meet: Which one is right for you?
One of Google Meet’s early flaws was that many of its premium features were locked behind a paywall. As the COVID-19 pandemic rolls on, Google has decided to unlock some of those features for free users, leading to a solid jump in popularity. So if you find yourself spending more time in Google Meet, it might be time to send your meetings to the big screen.
What do you need to cast a Google Meet?
David Imel / Android Authority
Google keeps things pretty simple when it comes to casting. You won’t need too much extra hardware as long as you already have a second-generation Chromecast. Also, make sure that your Chrome browser is fully updated before you join your Google Meet. Of course, you’ll need a reliable camera and microphone as well, but those should come as no surprise.
See also: Not sold on Zoom? Here are the 8 best Zoom alternatives to consider
The best part of using a Chromecast to send your Google Meet to a TV is that you can do so at any time. Here are a few of the main things you need to know:
Cast your Google Meet with a Chromecast before you joinThe easiest time to start casting your Google Meet with a Chromecast is before the meeting actually starts. As long as you follow these steps while you’re in the waiting room, you shouldn’t have to worry about interrupting the meeting or appearing not to pay attention. Follow these steps:
Locate the device you wish to cast from the pop-up menu. The menu should show up in the top right corner of your browser.
Get comfortable on your couch while your meeting displays on your TV. Just remember that Google Meet will still use the camera and microphone from your laptop or device.
If you do not see the Cast this meeting button, double-check that your Chromecast and Chrome browser are both fully updated. You may also have to update your Chromecast if Google Meet allows you to cast, but you can’t find the correct device.
Cast your Google Meet during the meeting
If you’re joining a meeting late or you’ve decided to start casting your Google Meet partway through, the process is still pretty simple. You may not be able to make the switch without slightly interrupting the meeting, but it should only take a few seconds. Try these steps:
Select Cast this meeting from the menu that appears.
Choose your Chromecast from the list of available devices, and you should be good to go.
Once again, if you don’t see a Cast this meeting button or can’t find the right device, an update will probably be in order. Don’t forget that your TV probably doesn’t have a camera or microphone, so you’ll need your laptop handy.
See also: How to use Google Home with a Chromecast
Stop casting your Google MeetIt’s just as easy to stop casting your Google Meet as it is to start. You might decide that you no longer want to use your TV, or maybe the meeting is ending. The steps are almost identical to those above, so here you go:
Select the three dots icon at the bottom right corner.
There you go, you’ve now learned how to cast a Google Meet to your Chromecast, as well as how to end it. We’ll have to see if Google has any more new features up its sleeves, but we’re not looking forward to the day that some features retreat behind a paywall once again. Of course, you can always head back to Zoom or try another video conferencing app for size when that does happen.
Killer Network Service: What Is It & Do You Need It?
Killer Network Service: What is it & do You Need it? Killer Network Service is the booster you didn’t know you needed
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If you’re a gamer, you’ll want to consider a wired connection for more stability while playing.
Wi-Fi networks tend to be slower than wired connections because they have more trouble sending signals through walls and other obstacles.
The Killer Network Service can prioritize your connection and optimize it for areas where you need it the most.
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Download and Install Fortect on your PC
Launch the tool and Start scanning to find broken files that are causing the problems
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Windows 11 is the fastest and most secure OS yet. A lot of users relish its features. And while it has received some backlash, it also has some praise in equal measure. One of the most important utilities is the Killer Network Service.
Everyone appreciates a stable and fast connection. Gamers are on top of the list, especially when playing online games since they want to avoid lag. Now, there is a service in Windows 11 that promises to optimize their gaming performance. This service prioritizes your connection.
Although there are different ways to fix slow internet speed, most people will appreciate a service such as Killer Network Service that just runs in the background and does the job for you.
What is Killer Network Service Windows 11?Killer Network Service is a program that runs in the background on the Microsoft Windows operating system. It allows you to improve your network performance.
With this service, you can prioritize your online gaming, streaming, and downloading activities on the network by giving them higher priority over other things.
It works by prioritizing your most important tasks so that they get more bandwidth than other tasks. This means your gaming and streaming will perform better than if they were treated normally by Windows 11.
Why is Killer Network Service on my computer?The Killer Network Service is a Windows service that allows programs to send and receive network data. If you have recently installed any network drivers from the Internet, it is possible that Killer Network Service was part of the installation package.
The Killer Network Service is not something malicious. It runs in the background to enhance your computer’s overall performance by optimizing your Internet connection.
Gaming fanatics widely use this service to get a smoother gameplay experience. Regular users can also use it to optimize their online experience for a faster internet connection.
Is Killer Network Service needed?Expert tip:
If these programs aren’t given priority, they may suffer from lag or buffering issues during peak usage times.
The service is optional so you get to choose whether you really need it. It has been designed to improve the performance of your computer in games. But, if it isn’t doing so and is making other applications run slower than normal, you are better off without it.
Can I delete the Killer Network service?This software is not necessary for your computer to run but it will help by improving the connection speed. It helps in increasing the download and upload speed of the internet.
You can also reduce ping time, which means when you play online games, you can see an improvement. Although the Killer Network Service is designed to improve your gaming experience, it can also cause problems.
This service can prevent other programs from working properly or even causing them to crash. Users have also complained of the service consuming high CPU.
It also gives cybercriminals an opportunity to infect your system with malware. They use a disguise of other services and give them a similar name as KNS.
NOTE
ESET Internet Security, to scan, detect and remove the malware.
To avoid any inconvenience, we suggest to always performing scanning of any file or program you are downloading. To do so, you can rely on a trustworthy antivirus, such as, to scan, detect and remove the malware.
If you’re not interested, you can uninstall The Killer Network Service from your computer by following the steps below:
As an alternative, you can opt for bandwidth optimization software to manage your bandwidth usage and allocate it accordingly.
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Review: Tivo Edge Dvr With Voice Remote Control
Review: TiVo Edge DVR with voice remote control
Earlier this year, TiVo introduced its new Edge DVR, a model featuring a new angular design and the same type of thick remote control included with the older Bolt DVR model. The new Edge DVR packs a large number of features, combining live television with popular streaming apps and enough storage for hundreds of hours of high-definition TV. Does the Edge keep TiVo relevant in a world where people are increasingly ditching cable? The answer is complicated.
TiVo has eliminated the bendy, curved design it used with the Bolt VOX and Bolt OTA models, instead electing to use a far more conventional and practical flat rectangular shape for its new Edge model. This design makes it easier to slot the DVR in among the other boxes and consoles one may own, as well as making it possible to slide the box underneath the TV itself. That’s a welcome decision correcting one of the only big complaints we had about the Bolt model.
The design is what I’d dare call elegant; the top half of the device is offset from the bottom half, giving it the appearance of two slim, stacked devices rather than one larger box. The glossy coating gives the TiVo Edge a smooth glass appearance that reflects the light from one’s entertainment system, depending on where it is positioned. A small white TiVo logo is stamped on the front of the box.
The TiVo Edge’s remote control is very similar to the one offered with the Bolt DVR models; it is substantially thick, fits comfortably in one’s hand, and has enough buttons to drive one’s elderly relatives crazy. The remote control features backlit keys that slowly glow to life, illuminating for nighttime use. As well, a built-in alarm makes it possible to find the remote when it is misplaced.
Overall, physically setting up the box is incredibly straightforward: put the box where you want it, plug it into the wall, connect it to your display using the included HDMI cable, and then connect either a TV antenna or cable/satellite box, depending on which model you purchased.
Actually turning on and setting up the box is a more involved — though not particularly complicated — matter. Anyone who has previously set up a TiVo DVR will know exactly what to expect. You’ll be guided through the process by on-screen prompts; of note, TiVo requires its users to have a subscription.
TiVo Edge (cable version) customers can choose the $14.99/month plan, which requires an annual commitment, plus there’s the option of paying $149.99 for an entire year. As well, dedicated TiVo customers can choose the ‘All-In’ plan for $549.99 USD. That, of course, is on top of the box’s $399.99 USD (cable edition) price tag, making the transition to TiVo’s platform a fairly pricey endeavor.
As with the Bolt, TiVo has packed a number of streaming apps into its new model, but there’s a difference: you get access to more services. As we noted in our Bolt review, that model appeals mostly to people who need a DVR, not a streaming device. The Edge model takes things up a notch by offering access to all of the popular platforms and a number of somewhat lesser services, including Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, YouTube, Pandora, HBO Go, and more.
In addition, the six tuners packed into the Edge model means users can record up to half a dozen shows and movies at the same time. That, combined with the ample storage space, is where the model shines. Likewise, TiVo includes Dolby Vision HDR support with the Edge model.
Users can make sure each family member’s favorite show is recorded even if they’re on at the same time. The recorded content can be accessed on other TVs in the house using the TiVo Mini and Mini VOX boxes, enabling customers to set up a whole-home entertainment system on the TiVo platform.
The model includes a number of other notable features, including mobile app support for viewing and managing content, wireless in addition to Ethernet connectivity, support for HDR content, a CableCARD slot, and support for optical audio.
TiVo’s interface is easy to navigate. Content is split up into categories with streaming apps isolated in their own section. The box provides direct access to live TV and a proper channel guide; users can browse content, schedule recordings, manage existing videos, and more. The platform is every bit as robust as a cable or satellite provider’s own boxes; there’s no shortage of recommendations, popular content, show descriptions, and similar.
For people who subscribe to a couple of big streaming services and use them casually to augment their live television experience, the TiVo Edge is more than adequate as an all-in-one entertainment device. For cord-cutters who are more heavily dependent on streaming services, the TiVo Edge may not satisfy all of their streaming needs.
More fringe services are missing from the platform, which is to be expected. If you’re one of the users who regularly fires up less popular streaming services, you’ll want to have a Chromecast, Roku, Fire TV, or other similar devices on standby for when the Edge falls short. Whether the Edge is worth the cost entirely depends on how the customer typically accesses their favorite media.
Ports:
– Coaxial
– Optical audio-out
– Remote finder
– HDMI 2.0
– USB 3.0 ports
– Ethernet
– CableCARD slot
Dimensions: 10.6 x 8 x 1.5inWeight: 2.4lbsRecording: Up to 300 HD hoursStorage: 2TBVideo: HDR10, HLG, and Dolby VisionConnectivity: WiFi 802.11ac 4×4DBS: YesCompatibility:
– TiVo Mini
– TiVo Mini VOX
– Remote viewing from other TiVo DVRs
– Android and iOS
Xiaomi Mijia Action Camera Mini 4K Review
Mijia Camera Mini
Review
The Mijia Camera Mini is a 699RMB ($106USD) action camera that is capable of shooting true 4K, making it instantly one of the cheapest 4K action camera options out there. Granted, those who live outside of China are faced with higher prices from resellers (around $115USD), but that still represents one steal of a deal, assuming Mijia gets this right.
A Mijia action cam instead of Yi
Mijia Camera MiniSpecifications
Processor Ambarella A12S75
Display 2.4″ LCD 960×480
Lens 7 Glass Lens
Sensor Sony IMX317
Recording Modes 4K 30fps, 1080p 100fps, 720p 200fps
Aperture f2.8 aperture, 145 degree FOV
Battery 1450mAh
Physical Dimensions 7.15 x 4.27 x 2.95 cm, 99g
Big thanks to Gearbest for providing this review unit.
Mijia Camera MiniHardware
The body of the camera is made out of sandstone, albeit smoother sandstone than what you find on the Oneplus One. It feels solid and doesn’t show smudges at all. However, I wonder how easy it would be to clean the sandstone if it got dirty. The front of the camera is made of soft rubber with the lens housing made out of metal, the Mijia is definitely one solid little bugger.Apart from the build, the action cam is fairly minimalistic. There is an LED on the front, power/record button and mic on the top, and a microUSB port on the side that can be covered. On the bottom, the battery and MicroSD compartment. Do note that officially this action cam supports up to a 64GB microSD card, and mine does work, however I’m not sure if it supports 128GB/256GB microSD cards.
There is no waterproof case accompanying this camera and neither are there any official cases for purchase, meaning you have to wait before using it underwater or in rain.
Mijia Camera MiniDisplay
The display is a retina 2.4″ LCD with a resolution of 960×480, which works out to around 441ppi, definitely high enough to quality as a retina display. Quality wise the screen is nothing to write home about, colours are reproduced merely adequately and maximum brightness leaves much to be desired, especially in bright sunlight. The touchscreen itself is fairly responsive, so no complaints there.
Mijia Camera MiniBattery
The camera dies after one and a half hours of 4K recording and two hours of 1080p recording at 60fps, which is in line with what other action cameras such as Yi’s and GoPro’s offerings. Charging takes about an hour and a half.
Normal battery life
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Mijia Camera MiniSoftware & Performance
I wasn’t expecting English firmware on this device as it is an early unit, however I was very surprised to find the entire user interface in English. The interface works somewhat like a regular Android home screen, swipe left to access the gallery, swipe right to access video and photo options, and swipe down to access settings, WiFi and power options. The software is fairly well thought out, with many changeable settings such as EV, ISO, resolution etc. However, I could not find a setting for stabilization and am still searching for it as I did not see it anywhere.Mijia has seen fit to use minimal animations on the action camera, something I dislike, as it makes the experience of navigating through the camera slow and chúng tôi can connect the camera to the phone using the Mi Home app, and it requires you to connect your phone to the camera’s WiFi before being presented with a simple user interface. You can remotely start and stop recordings, view photos and video, and change a few basic settings like resolution.
Mijia Camera MiniCamera Quality
On one hand, I’m surprised how crispy the 4K footage is for such a cheap action cam, and on the other hand I expected nothing less from Xiaomi (or Mijia in this case). Suffice it to say, You can take some fairly crispy 4K footage in good lighting, with lots of detail and good colour saturation. However, compare this to more expensive action cameras and you can definitely tell that the footage is slightly softer than those devices and the iPhone 7. The Mijia records at a bitrate of 60mbps, the same bitrate as the Xiaoyi Yi 4K Mirrorless camera and the GoPro Hero chúng tôi brightness compensation works fairly well, I found the Mijia frequently overcompensating slightly for changes in lighting conditions, but it would adjust and recompensate correctly. There is also some barrel distortion from this 145 degree lens, as you can see in the picture below. Filming moving objects does work well also, with no perceived screen tear. There is electronic image stabilization that is accomplished by using a 3 axis gyroscope and 3 axis accelerometer, and unfortunately its just about enough to stabilize any microtremors in my hand but not enough for stabilizing large movements such as walking, running, or jumping.
Low light performance is poor, with plenty of noise and grain in videos and photos.There is also slow motion, with 1080p framerates rising to an impressive and rather unconventional 100fps, 720p framerates rise to an equally impressive and unconventional 200fps. I do not recommend using 720p slowmo as too much detail is sacrificed, 1080p is the minimum resolution you should drop to.
Photo quality is fairly decent, with good colour saturation and decent amounts of detail, but there’s only so much you can do with an 8MP sensor.
Mijia Camera MiniCamera Gallery
Mijia Camera Mini
Verdict
The Mijia 4K action camera is definitely a great buy. Mijia’s first foray into the action camera market is definitely well thought out and executed, crispy 4K footage, english software, and good build quality. At $115USD, there aren’t many other action cameras that can compete with the kind of video quality this Mijia outputs, a Yi Lite or Hawkeye Firefly 8S might come close, but the Mijia still takes the cake.
Amazing value proposition
Mijia Camera MiniVideo Samples
Mijia Camera Mini
Gallery
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