Excuse me if I have "Transformers" on my mind; I just finished binge-watching all the films on my TCL QM6K. It's a fantastic TV, especially for the price, but if you want something even better, the TCL QM7K is currently on sale for Optimus Prime Day, and it's a deal you shouldn't miss out on!

The TCL 55QM7K wasn't exactly cheap when it launched, retailing for $1,299 back in 2025. It has since had a few discounts, but this current Prime Day deal is about as low as it gets, bringing it down to just $498, which is still much cheaper than the $649 it was recently priced at. That's less than $500 for an incredible 4K Google TV set! Optimus Prime would be proud!

• Prime Day returns June 23-26: see the full list of deals

✅Recommended if: You're in the market for a Google TV set with great color, a high refresh rate, the latest Gemini AI features, and must-have gaming capabilities like VRR.

❌Skip this deal if: You want the deeper contrast and inky black of an OLED.

Prime Day"

Since I have the TCL QM6K, I guess you can say I have a big of experience with the QM7K model. I love my TV set, but the 7K model is a step up from what I have. With this model, you get a slimmer design, a brighter QD-Mini LED display, and higher-quality Bang & Olufsen speakers. The display is also anti-reflective, which is a must-have, especially if you plan to put it in a relatively bright space.

And of course, it runs Google TV out of the box. This gives you access to tons of streaming apps, which you can control directly from your phone using Google Cast. It also gives you access to Gemini features and better content recommendations based on your apps and the content you've watched. And with the press of a button, you can use natural language to ask Gemini to find a movie or show instead of scrolling through a ton of apps yourself.

What you need to know

• Some Netflix users are now being asked to add a unique email address to each Netflix profile instead of relying on the account owner's email.
• Individual emails enable separate sign-in verification, account recovery, and profile management while preserving personalized recommendations.
• While the feature adds convenience, some believe it's laying the groundwork for even tighter control over shared accounts in the future.

Netflix is still tinkering with the streaming guidelines. If you thought the 2023 password-sharing crackdown was the ultimate challenge, prepare for a new twist: the company is now apparently testing a mandatory change that turns your shared household account into a bundle of individual logins.

According to several Reddit posts, Netflix is starting to push some users to add a unique email address to each Netflix profile, instead of just using the primary account’s email (via Android Authority). Typically, one email address and one password control the account, while up to five profiles let different family members keep separate watchlists, recommendations, and viewing histories. If a person needs a verification code or wants to recover access, it all goes through the account owner’s inbox.

That seems to be changing now, as some subscribers are being prompted to add an email address directly to their profile. The message says doing so will give you “easier sign-in access,” account recovery options, personalized recommendations, and other features to come.

Each profile gets more independence

When an email is linked, each profile can receive its sign-in verification codes and access recovery information without needing to depend on the primary account holder. The change also provides each profile a little more freedom. You can control some profile settings for individual users but still get personalized recommendations based on viewing history. However, not everyone believes that the change is solely for convenience.

The update comes just a few years after Netflix launched its password-sharing crackdown and the idea of a Netflix Household, which restricts account access to people living under the same roof but provides paid Extra Member slots in supported markets. Netflix has since rolled out several tools designed to simplify user splitting, such as Profile Transfer, which lets subscribers move their viewing history, recommendations, saved games, and watchlists to a separate account when they leave a shared subscription.

That history has some users thinking that profile-specific email addresses could eventually make it easier for Netflix to distinguish between individual users or move them into separate accounts down the road.

Currently, the update appears to be slowly rolling out, rather than being deployed to everyone at once. If it ever gets to your account, adding an email to your profile may make it easier to sign in, especially in larger households. But considering Netflix’s recent history of tightening account controls, it’s worth monitoring if this is just another convenience feature or the beginning of the next evolution of account management for the company.

Amazon's biggest sale of the year ends at midnight tonight, which means you only have a few hours to take advantage of the best Fire TV deals this side of Black Friday. Amazon's Fire-powered smart TVs range from no-frills 32-inchers to premium 75-inch Ember models, and Prime Day is dropping nearly all of the best models to record low prices.

For starters, our top pick for the best overall Amazon Fire TV is the 4-Series Ember model, and I was happy to see that that particular set is chilling with a 39% discount during Amazon's sale. Of course, that's far from the only discounted TV available today, so keep reading for all of my favorite picks. Most of my recs are from Amazon's own line of smart TVs, but I'll also include some Fire-based streaming devices and a few models from other companies that utilize the Fire platform.

Don't forget that the vast majority of deals listed below are exclusive to Prime members. Haven't signed up yet? Amazon is offering a 30-day free trial so you don't have to add yet another subscription to your list of monthly bills. Simply sign up today, do some Prime Day shopping, and cancel your account before the month is up with zero penalty. 

• Prime Day ends TONIGHT: see the full list of last-minute deals

What time does Prime Day end?

Amazon Prime Day is set to end at 11:59pm PT tonight, June 26th. Did you miss all of the festivities? Fear not! Best Buy and Walmart are running rival sale events that will last through Sunday night, and unlike Amazon's sale, they don't require a membership. 

Amazon Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon Fire tablets from $50
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99

If you're using an older TV or have a model where the built-in interface is being laggy, you'll want to use a dedicated streaming stick. There are plenty of great models in this category, and Amazon's Fire TV Stick 4K Select continues to dominate for two reasons: it's reliable, and much more affordable than other models. That affordability is getting even better for Prime Day, as the Fire TV Stick 4K Select is now down to just $17, a huge 55% discount.

The Fire TV Stick 4K Plus is an even better choice if you want HDR and Dolby Vision, and that model is discounted by 50% and is now selling for $24. Also, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max has better connectivity and storage, and if that's something you need, it is now down to $34. As someone who uses the Shield TV Pro regularly — which still costs $199 — it's ridiculous that Amazon is discounting its best-selling streamers to this extent, and if you need to use one of these, the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus is the best choice.

• Prime Day is LIVE June 23-26: see the full list of deals

✅Recommended if: You need a reliable way to stream your TV shows and movies. All Fire TV Stick 4K models have a fluid interface with no lag, and if you're getting the Plus or Max, you get Dolby Vision.

❌Skip this deal if: You need much more power. The Fire TV Stick 4K should be good enough for most users, but if you need additional power, look at the Shield TV or Shield TV Pro.

The Fire TV Stick 4K Select is a great option to consider, and it doesn't really miss out on much. Other than Dolby Atmos audio and Dolby Vision, you get all the same features as the other models, and as the name suggests, you get 4K resolution.

As good as it is, the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus hits the sweet spot, and this model has both Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision in addition to HDR10+ and all the features of the Select. Honestly, this is the one to buy if you just need a reliable TV streamer with all the extras — you even get GeForce Now integration, which is missing on the Select.

Regardless of whichever model you buy, you're getting a reliable streamer, and with prices starting as low as $17, now is the best time to do so.

More Prime Day 2026 — quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon tablets from $50
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo

Grand Theft Auto 6 is finally available for preorder, and this launch just so happens to coincide with Amazon's Prime Day sale event. This timing means that GTA fans are flocking to buy the best smart TVs for gaming while the discounts are hot, and I'm here to make the decision process easier.

The 65-inch Samsung Class OLED S90F — a smart TV that our friends at TechRadar called the "best overall TV for gaming" — is now a whopping $1,300 off during Amazon Prime Day, knocking the price of the set down to a much more approachable $1,197.99.

Amazon's TV deal is also offering free delivery and unboxing in the room of your choice, and unlike most Prime Day deals, you don't need to be a Prime member to enjoy the savings. You even get one free month of Xbox Game Pass with the purchase.

The S90F delivers incredibly detailed images with some of the best contrast on the market, while the TV's AI-powered "neural processor" ensures that all of your content is upscaled to the best possible quality in real time. The Samsung TV also boasts some hardware features that gamers love, such as four HDMI 2.1 ports, a consistent 120Hz refresh rate, and features like Motion Xcelerator 144Hz and FreeSync Premium Pro.

All of these features combined ensure that your images always look smooth, detailed, and tear-free, which will be essential when you're cruising down the highway or watching the sun set over Leonida in GTA VI.

So what's the catch? Well, even with Dolby Atmos, the audio on the Samsung OLED TV isn't exactly mind-blowing, so I'd recommend investing in a soundbar or something before you fire up Rockstar's upcoming title. Additionally, even with this $1,300 discount, the S90F is still pretty expensive, so it might be worth looking at some of the best Android TVs or Fire TVs if this price tag makes you wince.

But with that being said, if you want one of the best gaming TVs on the market at a massive discount, then grab this deal before Prime Day wraps up on June 26th.

More Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon Fire tablets from $50
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99

The 2026 World Cup has already provided plenty of thrills, and the action is set to ramp up considerably over the coming weeks. One of the best ways to enjoy the World Cup (and football in general) is by watching it on a massive screen, and that's exactly what I've been doing over the course of the last year.

I've always used a laser projector in my bedroom, but in the last year, I switched out the UST model with a long-throw projector, and paired it with a 100-inch ALR panel. I used Valerion's VisionMaster Pro 2, and the projector is now going for $2,099. That in itself is a great choice if you need a laser projector, but there's another model that's even better: the VisionMaster Max.

As the name indicates, the VisionMaster Max is the best model in Valerion's laser projector range, and there's no question that it is the brightest projector I used. With a maximum brightness of 3,500 lumen, there are no issues using this projector in a brightly-lit room. The 4K projector delivers an image of up to an incredible 300 inches — double the size of most projectors in this range — and you get HDR, a low-latency gaming mode, and adjustable optical zoom. The best part? The VisionMaster Max just went down to $3,399, a $600 discount from its usual retail price.

✅Recommended if: You need a bright laser projector. The VisionMaster Max gets noticeably brighter than other long-throw projectors I tested, it is easy to set up and use, and it does a great job with Dolby Vision content.

❌Skip this deal if: You need a gimbal adjustment system. Models like the XGIMI Horizon 20 Max are easier to position on a nightstand adjust the angle, and it costs $2,199 right now.

The VisionMaster Max costs a decent chunk of cash, but look at it this way: the price is on par with what you'll be shelling out to attend a World Cup match in the U.S. At least this way, you're essentially bringing the stadium home, and the only problem you'll have to deal with is finding a wall to maximize the 300-inch projection distance.

I tested all Valerion and AWOL Vision models released over the last three years, and the VisionMaster Max is easily the best of the lot. The design is definitely bold, but that works in its favor. The projector is easy to set up, and while I would've liked a gimbal mechanism — it makes things easier while setting up — positioning the VisionMaster Max on a nightstand hasn't been an issue. You can also mount it on the ceiling if that's what you prefer.

Optical zoom is a good addition as well, as it takes out all the hassle involved in positioning the projector just right; now, you can just put it wherever you want in a room, and it adjusts the image accordingly.

Image quality is why you're shelling out this much cash, with the VisionMaster Max delivering bright visuals with excellent color rendition. HDR and Dolby Vision content in general shines, and it's well-suited for watching sports thanks to MEMC. The 4ms gaming mode is ideal if you want to connect the projector to the PS5 and play games on a much bigger screen.

If you're looking at getting a home theater, the VisionMaster Max is the best projector I tested recently. This is a high-end purchase at $3,399, but at least you're saving $600 from the usual retail price.

School ain't cheap, and even if you have financial aid or a job, that money's gotta go to tuition, rent, and basic necessities, leaving very little for "extra" purchases. Trust me, I've been there. Thus, it can be hard to justify buying something extravagant like a brand-spankin' new TV. However, the Google TV Streamer is a cheap, easy way to upgrade your aging entertainment setup, and this Prime Day deal can get you a new TV for less than $100.

The Google TV Streamer launched in 2024 for $99. For Prime Day, you can score a 25% discount on the streaming box, so you only pay $75. Even for a college student, that's a pretty sweet deal if you want to "upgrade" your TV.

• Prime Day returns June 23-26: see the full list of deals

✅Recommended if: You have an older non-smart or even smart TV and you need something faster and more responsive with AI, smart home features, and personalized content recommendations.

❌Skip this deal if: You have a relatively new Google TV set that you feel is plenty fast and you don't care to always have the latest features and updates when they're available.

You can think of the Google TV Streamer as a little TV box, which you can plug into nearly any HDMI TV to turn it into a smart TV. And even if you already have a smart TV with something like Roku or Amazon's Fire TV built in, the Google TV Streamer will give you a whole new experience with the Google TV interface, powered by Android.

What's great about Google TV is that all your favorite shows and apps are right there on your home screen, with quick access to free live TV channels (I love the MST3K channel) and tons of your favorite streaming apps. You can jump back into a show or movie you were watching right from the home screen, and you can quickly search for content using natural language with Gemini.

The Google TV Streamer comes with 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, which is plenty for smooth performance on even the cheapest of smart TV sets, enough to download plenty of apps, and even do some light gaming. It also supports 4K HDR with Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos audio, and a fast internet connection via a built-in Ethernet port.

If you have a television with Google TV built in, buying the Google TV Streamer may feel redundant and pointless, but the Streamer is likely to receive updates before your TV, may be supported much longer, and probably performs better without all the manufacturer bloatware.

We're approaching the finish line folk! Prime Day 2026 is almost over, so this might be your last chance to grab some particularly good deals on Amazon's Fire lineup of devices. Whether you're setting up an Alexa smart home for the first time or simply adding a few new devices to your current setup, there are plenty of outstanding deals to explore until the day ends. Keep reading for all of my favorites from the big sale, from Fire TVs and streaming devices to tablets and smart displays.

Many of the best Amazon devices are selling for as little as $15 during the sale, but keep in mind that you'll need to be a Prime member to enjoy the max savings. Haven't signed up for Prime yet? Worry not, Amazon is offering a 30-day free trial that lets you explore all of the benefits of a membership (including access to Prime Day deals) without paying a thing.

• Amazon Prime Day June 23-26: see the full list of deals

TVs and streaming devices

Tablets and e-readers

Smart home devices

When is Prime Day 2026?

Prime Day 2026 ran from June 23 to 26, which makes today the last of the four full days of the best tech deals this summer. Everything from smartphones and tablets to TVs and laptops have seen record-smashing discounts this year, so if you haven't bought anything yet, you better act fast. Needless to say, we'll continue to share all of the best Android deals until the sale ends, so be sure to bookmark Android Central for all of your Prime Day needs.

Do I have to be a member to shop during Prime Day 2026?

Although some Prime Day deals are available to the general public, most of the best offers are exclusive to Amazon Prime members. If you haven't signed up yet (or you don't want to give Amazon any more of your hard-earned cash), don't worry: the retailer is offering a 30-day free trial that lets you enjoy all of the benefits of a Prime membership without paying a cent.

More Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon Fire tablets from $50
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99

I've been planning to switch to OLED for years, but with everything getting so expensive lately, I've been waiting for the right smart TV deal to come along before I commit to a particular model. Fortunately, thanks to Prime Day 2026, that day has arrived, as Amazon is slashing 33% off the 55-inch OLED BRAVIA XR8B Google TV by Sony. 

This Prime Day discount drops the price of the 55-inch set down to $998, which is the lowest price ever recorded for the TV. As if the price drop alone wasn't enough, Amazon will also deliver and unpack the Sony TV in your room of choice at no additional cost. 

• Prime Day 2026 is LIVE: see the full list of deals

The BRAVIA XR8B has a 4.7 out of 5 star rating, which — as you'll know if you've spent any time shopping on Amazon — is no small feat. Powered by 8 million self-lit pixels, the Google TV delivers intensely immersive blacks with dazzling brightness, plus you'll enjoy Dolby Vision and Atmos support, Acoustic Surface Audio+, and real-time XR processing so all of your favorite content looks and sounds as good as possible. 

Since it's a Sony TV, you also get a bunch of exclusive PlayStation 5 features built right in, such as HDR tone mapping and "Auto Genre Picture Mode", so your set will automatically switch to Game Mode when you're gaming on the console. 

I'll be honest: I don't necessarily think that OLED TVs are for everyone. If you just want good picture at an affordable price, then there are plenty of excellent Android TVs that will get the job done for way less money. But if you want the most immersive and detailed image quality possible, OLED is the way to go, and this Sony BRAVIA TV deal presents an approachable way for you to enjoy the technology's potential without breaking the bank. 

More Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon Fire tablets from $50
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99

The quadrennial FIFA World Cup is underway and there's only one right way to watch it: in a large group with family and friends, loads of delicious snacks and drinks, and a massive 200-inch projected screen.

The XGIMI MoGo 3 Pro is a portable projector with a two and a half-hour battery as well as wired playback. So once the battery runs out, you can plug it into a power bank or a wall charger to keep the party going. It is the perfect candidate for such a FIFA watch party and guess what? It's $88 cheaper this Prime Day, and that's including the PowerBase Stand!

Equipped with dual Harman Kardon stereo speakers and a gorgeous Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution, this projector outputs lovely colors and gets as large as 200 inches.

• Prime Day returns June 23-26: see the full list of deals

✅Recommended if: You're looking for a smart Google TV projector with a Full HD resolution, projected screen as big as 200 inches, and both wired or wireless playback.

❌Skip this deal if: You need a projector with a longer battery life or brighter output.

I have tested the old-gen XGIMI MoGo 3 Pro projector and found it incredibly capable, so much so that I decided it served as an Android TV replacement. This is the newer version, so it has an improved 2.5hr battery life, delivers 450 ISO lumens of brightness, and runs Google TV. The screen previously only got as big as 120 inches, but this new-gen variants gets as big as 200 inches!

XGIMI designed the MoGo 3 Pro projector in a really clever way, so it has a little stand built in and even has a lanyard attached to it. As for the I/O, the projector has a Micro HDMI port and a USB-C port. This means you can not only use any 65W charger and USB-C cable to power it, but it can also be powered off a high capacity power bank!

Previously, XGIMI projectors had to use a workaround to allow users to install Netflix, but this is no longer the case. In fact, the XGIMI MoGo 3 Pro's remote control has a dedicated Netflix button. It also has Amazon Prime Video and YouTube buttons, as well as a customizable shortcut key.

Like all XGIMI projectors, the MoGo 3 Pro is really easy to use. Users can go hands-free with Google Assistant, cast their phone or computer to it via built-in Chromecast, and automatically scale the picture output thanks to auto keystone correction onboard.

What you need to know

• In time for the World Cup, Google TV announced updates to its Sports topic page, delivering "Live Matches," highlights, post-game content, and more.
• Viewers can keep up with the World Cup through Google TV from June 11 to July 19.
• Another update hits Google TV, thanks to Gemini, which brings voice controlled settings to TCL sets.

The World Cup kicks off today (June 11), and Google TV is getting in on the action right on schedule to keep you involved.

Google shared details about an update that coincides with the World Cup this year. The Sports topic page is getting a massive upgrade for soccer (football) fans looking to stay up-to-date with World Cup matches. "Live Matches" gets viewers directly into the action for whatever game is currently ongoing. However, if you've missed anything, the Sports topic page offers "Match Highlights" from YouTube and "Post Game Content."

This final note offers breakdowns of the game, expert commentary, and more for viewers diving deep. Lastly, this page gives a list of upcoming games. Google TV provides match dates, kickoff times, and schedules for the various teams.

Google TV is pulling World Cup content from the streaming services providing the action, like Tubi, FOX One, and YouTube. From June 11 to July 19, viewers can keep up with the World Cup directly through Google TV.

Grab a Gemini upgrade while you're here

Google TV's update slips in something more from Gemini before the weekend. According to another post, the company now lets users control their Google TV settings via voice with Gemini. It states users can leverage their voice to "adjust picture and sound settings, troubleshoot audio or visual issues, and open settings menus on select Gemini-enabled TCL Google TVs."

When it comes to audio or video settings, Google states users can tell Gemini to "set picture mode to Sport" or "increase the bass." If you're watching a movie, users can ask Gemini to make the experience feel more "cinematic." TCL Google TVs are getting it first, and the post states these Gemini capabilities are rolling out on the following models in the U.S.: QM9K, X11L, QM9L, QM8L, and RM9L.

This patch could take a "few weeks" to arrive.

Gemini and updates for sports lovers were all Google talked about a couple of months ago. The AI introduced "Deep Dives" to the Google TV space for users interested in learning about new topics, alongside visual improvements. Sports lovers were eating well, too, as Google rolled out Sports Briefs. These short blurbs offered digestible headlines to catch viewers up on their favorite sports. Scores were another aspect, so you're never clueless about how well (or terribly) your favorite team did.

Android Central's Take

There's a lot of hype for the World Cup this year. The action's getting started today; this update is right at home. This gives viewers a chance to not only keep in stride with the World Cup, but also hop into any ongoing game since it's integrated with Google TV. It's worth noting that some services, such as FOX One, require a paid subscription. But, hey, you can always load up Tubi. That's free! I know I'll probably do that.

What you need to know

• Chromecast with Google TV users report issues with their remotes after a supposed update.
• Remotes struggle keeping a connection with the streaming dongle, often failing multiple times without a clear response/acknowledgement from Google.
• Google's Chromecast hasn't been flawless, as 2025 held some problematic issues with the streaming product.

Chromecast with Google TV users are hitting official channels this week, stating their remotes aren't having the best time.

A thread appeared on Reddit in the past twenty-four hours, stating the Chromecast remote has been ruined following a recent patch (via 9to5Google). The user explains that they have two Chromecast with Google TV dongles, and the remotes for each of them have started failing. They state, "Recently the remote kept disconnecting." The user tried their own brand of troubleshooting, but to no avail.

Swapping dongles hasn't worked, nor has switching the remotes around or leveraging an HDMI extender (to make sure the remotes had clear sight). Switching TVs also hasn't worked. The report adds, "There is nothing that hasn't been tried. All options result in a constantly disconnecting remote that occasionally will not reconnect."

At their wits' end, the user claims these issues started after Google's latest Chromecast update. It's unclear how widespread this issue is. Some users responding to the thread haven't had issues, while some, such as user horizon_fleet, state their Chromecast can't find their WiFi network. They were able to get things working by restarting it after disconnecting it from a power source.

A separate thread on Reddit mentions similar struggles, but no one's found a concrete solution that works flawlessly.

Other issues

Google's Chromecast hasn't been flawless this past year. In 2025, the company grappled with issues users continuously reported, such as a few bugs that surfaced after its Android 14 update. Users reported a selection of issues like missing audio, remote, and external storage problems. On top of that, users were missing important settings from their devices. It was a sour note on an update that users had been waiting on for almost a year.

Issues kept rolling in for the Chromecast, as an "Untrusted device" error prevented content streaming from phones to 2nd-gen Chromecast and Chromecast Audio devices. It took Google a little while to respond, but it acknowledged the issue and vowed to roll out a fix for affected users.

Hopefully, users struggling with Chromecast remote problems will see a fix coming from Google soon.

What you need to know

• Amazon announced a few "visual search" upgrades headed to its app, and the main event involves AI-generated images based on what the user types.
• This feature will rely on your provided color, texture, and pattern descriptions, but every word added changes what the AI "creates."
• Amazon has rolled out AI features before, such as "help me decide," which leverages its AI to find real "Top Pick" or budget-friendly products.

Update

(Update: 6/5 3:20 pm ET): Amazon is clearing the air about tis AI-generated images while shoppers search for products in the app.

A representative from Amazon's Shopping PR team reached out to Android Central to offer deeper insights about this feature. According to the representative, the AI images shoppers see are simply "visual representations of the keywords customers are typing." This is meant to help guide them whilst they search before tapping to find true products in the realm of what they're looking for.

Amazon says that if you're looking for, say, a rug, the app might give very basic results. However, using your "visual cues," you can narrow things down. Shoppers can add specific colors like "blue and cream" and say that the rug was "round." The AI-generated image is like an extension of what you're thinking in this scenario before diving into the product results.

What's more, the Amazon Shopping PR team says there are labels in place to inform users about these images. Shoppers will find "AI image" beneath the search bar, so they know that what they're currently seeing is based on their descriptions, not an actual product. Moreover, the app will tell users that they can "Find products that look like these AI images" before tapping an image that best fits what they're looking for.

Amazon is rolling out a few search updates in its shopping app, and the main highlight is questionable.

This week, Amazon announced a series of "visual search" features headed to its app, and what's got us furrowing our brows is its use of AI. Amazon states that it will use AI-generated images to help users find items they're unfamiliar with. Its official statement reads, "Now, as customers search for products using descriptive language—like color, texture, or pattern—AI-generated images instantly take shape in the suggestions below the search bar."

What's more, it says that, as users type their description, the images will "shift and refine" with each added word. This is where the visual aspect of these updates comes into play, as users might've seen an item before but never had a chance to find its true name. Your descriptions will matter, but it affects the AI's interpretation of what you're talking about, not necessarily the product itself.

Another AI-generated feature that Amazon's rolling out is "Shop by style." This is intended to be AI-curated collages of products after you've searched for something broad like "women's silk shirt," as Amazon states. Its AI will take that and compile different styles of silk shirts into categories. Shoppers can find shirts that fit more of a business theme or a party theme and more.

Amazon Lens Live comes into play, allowing shoppers to use their cameras to ask about products and find them in the app. It's awfully similar to how Gemini Live works today. Elsewhere, the company is rolling out "circle to search." Similar to Google's version, users curious about a product in an image can highlight (or circle) it for Amazon Lens' AI to find it for them.

Amazon's AI has been helpful before

Amazon has rolled out AI-fueled features in the past for its shopping experience, but never quite like what's highlighted today. Late last year, the company introduced "Help me decide." This feature was designed to leverage a user's search history and product preferences to produce "Top Pick," "Budget Pick," and "Upgrade Pick." These categories are pretty straightforward. Some are at the top of the industry (likely pricey), while others are more affordable or something to step up what you already have.

The main difference here is that Amazon's new AI-generated path is trying to create an "image" of what you're searching for to guide you toward listed products.

What you need to know

• Amazon Prime Day 2026 runs June 23–26, arriving earlier than usual and lasting four full days.
• Shoppers can expect deals on Android phones, laptops, smart TVs, wearables, and Amazon devices.
• Prime membership is required to access discounts, with deals beginning at 12:01 a.m. PDT on June 23.

It's time to get your wishlists ready, as Amazon has finally revealed the dates for Prime Day 2026.

Amazon has now confirmed Prime Day 2026 will run from June 23 through June 26, which means we're now just a few weeks away from one of the biggest shopping events of the year. Interestingly, Amazon is also hosting Prime Day earlier than usual.

In previous years, the event typically took place in July, but this year it's arriving in June instead. That's likely because Amazon wanted to avoid overlapping with major events like the FIFA World Cup and the 250th anniversary of U.S. Independence Day.

As always, there will be plenty of deals across categories. Amazon says shoppers can expect discounts of up to 40% on smart TVs, up to 40% off select laptops from Asus and HP, and deals on some of the best Android phones.

If you're into health and fitness tech, there could also be discounts on devices like the Fitbit Air and various smartwatches. And, of course, Amazon's own products, including Echo Show devices, Fire TV products, and the Kindle lineup, are expected to be heavily discounted as well.

As usual, you'll need an Amazon Prime membership to access Prime Day deals. Amazon says the event kicks off at 12:01 a.m. PDT on June 23 and runs through June 26.

And as always, we'll be keeping an eye on the best deals throughout the event. Given how many products we test on a regular basis, we'll also be highlighting the offers that are actually worth your money.

Android Central's Take

If I am being completely honest, this is probably one of the years where I'd seriously consider picking up tech during Prime Day. Prices across the industry have been steadily increasing lately, and it doesn't really look like things are getting cheaper anytime soon.

If Amazon delivers the kind of discounts it's promising, Prime Day 2026 could end up being one of the better opportunities to save on tech this year.

What you need to know

• Internal documents confirm Disney plans to merge Hulu into Disney+ and eventually shut down the standalone Hulu app.
• While Disney publicly insists it has "no current plans" to sunset Hulu, behind the scenes it is reportedly cutting back development on the Hulu app.
• The company reportedly wants users to access Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, FX, Hulu originals, live TV, and potentially more advanced Hulu features like live channels and DVR in one app.

Disney's been pushing Hulu and Disney+ closer for years. Now, a new report suggests the company is getting ready to make the standalone Hulu app almost unnecessary by merging its experience into Disney+.

Business Insider has obtained internal documents that show Disney is working on a multi-phase internal project called “Project Gemini.” Reportedly, the plan is to integrate Hulu’s content, features, and technology into Disney+, and eventually shut down Hulu’s standalone app once users have migrated over.

This may contradict Disney's recent public statements. The company said this month it had no current plans to sunset the Hulu app. However, the latest report presents a different narrative, suggesting that Disney is reallocating resources to Disney+ and reducing the significant development work on Hulu itself.

The integration has been years in the making

The change has been in the pipeline for some time. Disney started adding Hulu content to Disney+ years ago, enabling bundle subscribers to watch Hulu programming without ever leaving the Disney+ app. More recently, the company announced profile linking, which allows eligible users to sync their watch history, recommendations, and watchlists between the two services.

The pitch to consumers seems to be that rather than hop from service to service, viewers will find Disney originals, Marvel shows, Star Wars content, FX series, Hulu originals, and live TV features all in one place. Apparently, Disney is looking to bring more Hulu-specific features to Disney+, including live channels and DVR functionality.

There’s a business reason for the strategy, too. Having two different streaming services means two different technology stacks, two different teams, and two different user experiences to support them. Bringing those systems together could reduce costs, boost discovery of content, and keep subscribers on the site longer.

For Hulu subscribers, there’s nothing to do just now. The app is still there, and Disney is still selling Hulu subscriptions. But the recent rollout of profile-linking tools at Disney makes it clear the company wants users to start bringing their Hulu watching history and preferences into Disney+ now.

Android Central's Take

For users already deep into the Disney ecosystem, Disney+ and Hulu, live TV, and possibly even theme park bookings and shopping all under one roof could make life a whole lot easier. It’s difficult to argue with fewer apps, more streamlined recommendations, and a single account experience. That said, Disney’s insistence that Hulu isn’t going anywhere while reports keep suggesting otherwise feels a bit like watching the company slowly pack Hulu’s boxes while insisting it hasn’t decided if it’s moving out. If the goal is to make the experience better, users will probably go along with it — but Disney might want to stop pretending the destination isn’t already mapped out.

What you need to know

• Some first-generation Chromecast devices are no longer appearing in apps like YouTube and HBO Max.
• Google officially ended Chromecast support in 2023, but many apps continued working until now.
• Apps like Spotify and Disney+ still work, suggesting support is disappearing app by app.

It's been over 13 years since Google introduced the first-generation Chromecast, and it looks like the device might finally be bidding adieu to all of us.

Despite being more than a decade old, the original Chromecast has remained a surprisingly good streaming device. In fact, it was the only Chromecast that didn't really run apps or have a full interface — it simply cast content directly from your phone to the TV. And for just a $35 price tag back then, it ended up becoming a huge hit for Google.

Google officially ended support for the first-generation Chromecast back in 2023, but even after that, many apps continued working with it just fine. However, it now looks like the device may finally be reaching the end of the road.

Some users on Reddit are reporting that their 2013 Chromecast no longer appears in apps like YouTube and HBO Max (via 9to5Google). Interestingly, some apps like Spotify and Disney+ still seem to work normally, but YouTube and HBO Max no longer show the first-generation Chromecast as an available casting device.

It's still unclear exactly why this is happening, since neither Google nor HBO has released any official statement, but it definitely feels like Google may have quietly pulled the plug on the original Chromecast.

Google had already warned users back in 2023 that owners of the original Chromecast "may notice a degradation in performance," but it now seems like we're finally seeing the real end of support. Google still hasn't officially commented on the situation, but we'll update this once the company says anything publicly.

Until then, there unfortunately isn't much users can do. If you're still using the original Chromecast from 2013, it might finally be time to upgrade to a newer Chromecast or switch to another streaming device altogether.

Android Central's Take

Honestly, the original Chromecast still feels more elegant than a lot of streaming devices today. No ads, no remote, no bloated UI, just casting. It's sad seeing Google quietly pull the plug on one of its simplest and best products.

You can find more TV deals than ever before in today's market, but getting over $1,000 off on something truly premium is a little less common. Fortunately, a week ahead of Memorial Day Weekend sales, Best Buy has chopped $1,300 off the price of this pricey Samsung Class S90F OLED TV, bringing it down to $2,200.

While this particular deal is for the 77-inch version of the TV, you can also save on some of the model's smaller sizes, such as the 42-inch, which is $200 off. This also means there are some options across the price and sizing spectrum, in case you'd rather spend less overall and don't need the extra-large display.

✅Recommended if: you're in need of a large, highly-powerful smart TV with premium-level picture quality, and you were holding out for a deal so you don't have to spend a few thousand dollars; you want a TV with some of the latest AI enhancement features and extremely fast processing speeds; you want a TV with a bright backlight and vibrant colors, and you want something that also comes with picture upscaling and other useful enhancement features.

❌Skip this deal if: your budget is lower than this and you don't mind getting a smaller discount on a smaller TV; you'd rather go with one of our best Android TVs and you're not particularly concerned about savings; you'd prefer a different brand that's more compatible with your other devices, such as some of Sony's TVs, which tend to work really well with Google TV.

The Samsung Class S90F Series TV sports an OLED 4K display with SamsungVision AI features and the user-friendly Smart Tizen TV platform. It includes smart capabilities and voice commands through Amazon's Alexa, Bixby, and more.

The 77-inch TV also features a bright, vivid OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, motion enhancement, upscaling, and four HDMI ports among other connectivity options. Backed by the NQ4 AI Gen3 Processor for picture enhancement and general processing speeds, the Tizen TV offers quick performance and access to a wide range of free and streamed content.

What you need to know

• Netflix announced that it plans to introduce even more ads on its service, such as in its Clips feed and podcasts.
• During its Upfront event, it stated that its ads now reach "250M global monthly active users," but it looks like it wants to put the pedal to the metal.
• Netflix's Q4 2025 saw a notably 16% YoY increase, but it also reported a major revenue increase, thanks to ads; however, price hikes still happened in March.

Netflix highlighted what's coming up from the service this week, and to the dismay of viewers, more ads are on the way.

A post by The Verge put a spotlight on what Netflix discussed during its Upfront event, stating that the service is preparing to roll out even more ads. The streaming platform announced that it will bring ads to users in its "Clips" feed, while also rolling out a selection for its podcasts. On a related note, Netflix credited its use of AI as a driving force behind making advertising easier for companies.

The company mentioned using AI to help refine how its vertical ads look (likely in preparation for its Clips feed addition) and "pause ads."

On the flip side, Netflix paraded around how well its ads have performed as of late. According to its post, its ads now reach "250M global monthly active viewers. These viewers are deeply engaged: over 80% of ads members are actively watching every week." Of course, this comes off the back of its ad-supported tier. Netflix says that this positive performance has led it to roll out this ad tier to 15 more countries worldwide, including Colombia, Ireland, Peru, Norway, and the Philippines.

Where things get interesting is when you factor in just how well Netflix performed at the end of 2025.

Major revenue, but price hikes still happened

Netflix achieved a major, record-breaking Q4 in 2025, reporting a 16% YoY growth. The company's ads were briefly discussed, with a comment reading, "Scaling our ads business represents an opportunity to tap into significant new revenue and profit pools over the medium to longer term." However, as The Verge points out, Netflix posted $1.5 billion in earned revenue off ads alone at the end of 2025.

Now, we're preparing for more. This narrative gets even more curious when you remember (how could we forget?) that it just raised prices. At the end of March, the Standard with Ads plan went up from $7.99 to $8.99. Elsewhere, the Standard Ad-Free plan jumped $2 to $19.99, while the Premium (4K, Spatial Audio) leapt by $2, as well to $26.99. Netflix is already starting to feel a bit overpriced, leading consumers to more money-conscious alternatives.

Android Central's Take

From a consumer perspective, I find it strange that we keep getting all of these price hikes if the platform is... doing well? There was $1.5 billion posted in ad revenue at the end of 2025, yet it's the viewers that are stuck with higher prices. It does make one wonder why. Sure, they've said higher prices help it to deliver better quality content and the like. Is that still the case? Is that something that consumers will sit by and say, "you know, that makes sense." I'm not so sure. I feel like we're approaching a point where it's just too much (I mean, $27 for 4K, or even $20 for regular/no-ads is a bit much, no?).

Canvas art TV deals can be a little hard to come by, particularly because the lineup isn't as broad as those of traditional TVs. Still, weeks ahead of Memorial Day's official sales, Best Buy has cut $400 off the price of this Class S7 Series 55-inch Hisense Canvas TV, bringing it down to just $600.

What's most fun about Canvas TVs are their large free collection of art pieces that don't require users to have a membership or subscription. If you're a fan of having a nice ambient art display when you aren't actively watching TV, then this is a good time to score one.

The Class S7 Series also comes with a good-looking wooden frame that's fitting for an art piece. While this particular deal is for the 55-inch version, the retailer is also offering $452 off the price of the 65-inch model, if you can afford to up your budget a bit.

✅Recommended if: you prefer a TV with a more matte-like display that's easy on the eyes, and having free fine art screensavers is a plus for times when you aren't watching TV; you want a TV screen that ranges from 55 to 65 inches and can display photos and art when not in use; you like having a super slim, easy-to-mount TV.

❌Skip this deal if: you need a TV with a wide range of connectivity options, and you'd rather go with the brighter, more crisp AMOLED-style display than a matte-style Canvas TV; this price point is still out of your budget and you'd rather go with a more affordable option.

The Hisense Class S7 Series offers a relatively budget-friendly Frame TV option. While our list of the best Android smart TVs doesn't include any Canvas TV models, they're still a great pick for anyone who prefers a softer picture quality, a magnetic art-focused frame, and the user-friendly Google TV.

To be sure, it isn't the brightest 4K TV out there, but it's a solid pick if you're looking to display photos and a large collection of art pieces while not actively watching shows or movies.

What you need to know

• Netflix announces that its mobile app redesign is rolling out across several countries.
• The app now displays commonly used content, like shows, movies, categories, and more front and center.
• Another major highlight is the "Clips" feed where users can scroll a set of relevant vertical videos to find new shows or movies to watch.

Netflix is extending its resources to redesign its mobile experience, and users can expect that rolling out now.

Netflix announced this week that its major mobile app rework is now rolling out in the U.S., the U.K., Canada, Australia, India, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, and South Africa. It's no surprise that many people are on their phones constantly throughout the day, and many also watch their shows or movies there, too. In this redesign, Netflix states it's putting "what you care about front and center, with streamlined navigation and a visual, vertical discovery experience that feels right at home on your phone."

Users will notice a top navigation bar packed with Shows, Movies, Podcasts, New & Hot, and Categories. Beneath that will be some highlighted content before users scroll down into your Continue Watching, Top Picks, and more.

A significant portion of work for this redesign went into Netflix's new "Clips" feed. If you're familiar with Reels on Instagram or YouTube Shorts, then you'll feel quite comfortable. Netflix says this vertical video feed was "designed for the way you actually use your phone: quick, visual, and easy to tap into something that catches your eye."

The Clips feed is intended to feel personalized, as viewers can find something new to watch that might interest them "without endless scrolling." If you've found a show or movie that you like, users will notice an "Add to My List" button. Moreover, sharing shows or movies you love with other people is half the fun. Users can share a clip from their feed via text or social media.

Additionally, aside from what's relevant to you, users can "Explore" Clips. Through this, users will enter the wide expanse that is Netflix's entertainment catalog to find content they never knew they'd like.

Scroll with purpose

The idea of a vertical feed was first brought up earlier this year, during Netflix's Q1 earnings call. While the company posted a 16% year-over-year (YoY) revenue growth, an executive discussed its plans for 2026. Netflix said it was planning to revamp its mobile experience and drive more engagement via this vertical video feed. It was stated that this feed would be involved in a new "discovery feed," which we've come to know as "Clips."

Also, that TV redesign Netflix mentioned was just what the entertainment doctor ordered. The company introduced better flexibility and responsiveness for TVs, displaying tags for shows and quicker access to My List and Search.

Android Central's Take

I don't think Clips is a bad feature to have. Sure, it kind of feels like all the other vertical stuff we've seen recently (Disney, included), but it might find its place. I think for people who are opening the app and just want to see what's new, this could be useful.

What you need to know

• Google announced a series of Google TV updates, beginning with new photo search capabilities with Gemini.
• Any photos you have stored can be turned into a "dynamic slideshow" screensaver on your Google TV, alongside a new AI Remix button.
• YouTube Shorts prepare to debut in a dedicated "Short video for you" row this summer, while Google highlights Nano Banana and Veo in the Gemini tab, which is rolling out now.

A big TV in the living room can feel like a centerpiece, and Google's update rolling out today (Apr 29) helps you leave a personalized impact.

This morning, Google revealed an update that's rolling out for its TV experience that holds quite a few features for your photos. Gemini is carrying this forward, as the post states users can ask the AI to search for photos from a specific time. If you're looking for shots from a recent birthday party or from a trip to another state, you can tell Gemini to find them. Google says these images will appear in a "browsable results page."

Similarly, users can turn a Google Photos album into a "dynamic slideshow" screensaver. You can find it under Quick Settings > Screensaver > Google Photos (as the source). A remix option is headed for Google TV's photo support this week, too. When viewing a photo, users should see a "Remix" button at the bottom. Interacting with this will provide a selection of AI-generated styles.

Google says Photos search and Remix are rolling out first on Gemini-enabled devices. The dynamic slideshow will appear on Google TV devices globally.

Google's not done with images yet. A "Create" option is debuting in this Google TV update with strong ties to Nano Banana for wacky transformations. Users can use their stored photos as fuel for the AI generator, turning a simple backyard photo into a space adventure in seconds. Google TV users can find this feature in the Gemini tab > Create.

If Nano Banana is here, then it only makes sense that Veo shows up, too. From "Create" in the Gemini tab, you can take an image you have and turn it into a short AI-generated clip. Users can provide a query to the AI or pick one of Google's available templates. Nano Banana and Veo's features are arriving first on Gemini-enabled TCL Google TVs in the U.S.

Time for Shorts

On the entertainment side, Google TV is rolling out support for a video format we're all used to: Shorts. While we'll have to wait for the summer to see it, the post teases that YouTube Shorts are on the way to Google TV devices. Users should expect a "Short videos for you" section to appear on the homepage. This row is personalized, likely feeding off what you already watch on YouTube.

This Google TV update comes off the back of one the company rolled out late in March. There was quite a bit in this update for sports lovers, such as "sports briefs." These are intended to be "narrated overviews" of the sports leagues that matter the most to you. From the NFL to the NBA and NHL, users can catch up on scores and important headlines from the day.

"Deep Dives" with Gemini for users' questions that require a little more research also arrived last month. The AI is said to focus more on Visual Breakdowns and interactive walkthroughs.

Android Central's Take

By this point, it's not like we're getting anything new—per-say. This is "new" to Google TV, but these are things I can already do on my phone. I can see this being used when there's family over and you want to show everyone a recent trip's pictures for a better viewing experience. Also, I can see this being used—the wacky AI-generated portion—for the little ones, turning a picture of them into a princess, a sports player, or whatever else in a more comfortable setting.

OLED displays are far from cheap, so it's understandable that many folks look for OLED TV deals when they decide to make the switch. Most of these discounts go live around major sale events like Black Friday or Prime Day, but Best Buy has decided to shock us all by slashing a whopping $700 off the price of the 48-inch LG B5 OLED TV (2025) for a limited time.

This entertainment powerhouse is widely considered to be the best entry point for shoppers switching to OLED, and this discount of over 50% makes the smart TV more approachable than ever before. 

This particular discount is only available on the 48-inch version of the LG TV, but you can save a ton of cash by going with larger models as well. The 77-inch B5 Series OLED is chilling with an incredible $1,600 discount, for instance, so you can choose the dimensions that work best for you.  

• Best Buy launches huge smart TV sale: see the full list of deals

Whether you're enjoying the latest games, films, or live sports on YouTube TV, the B5 Series by LG set the standard of what an entry-level OLED TV should look like in 2025. Although the manufacturer has since unveiled its 2026 lineup, last year's B5 still offers the best bang for the buck for most shoppers, especially when you slap on a massive Best Buy discount. 

For just $599, the 48-inch model boasts a stunning display with AI-boosted upscaling technology to improve picture in real time. the smart TV also provides support for 120Hz 4K gaming, plus you get desirable features like Auto Low Latency Mode, AMD FreeSync, HDR support, and four HDMI ports straight out of the box. 

To be sure, there are better OLED TVs out there, and the LG B5 series does struggle a bit with brightness compared to more premium models. But if you're ready to enter the world of OLED and you only have about 600 bucks to spend, there's no better deal on the web today. 

What you need to know

• A lawsuit was filed recently, alleging Amazon has engaged in "software tethering," which causes a device's core functions to diminish if support runs out.
• The plaintiff behind this lawsuit says they were forced to purchase an entirely new Fire TV Stick in 2024 after their first in 2018, stating Amazon can "shorten" a device's lifespan at will.
• Further comments about this lawsuit have yet to be made.

Amazon is reportedly on the receiving end of a class action lawsuit in April regarding its older Fire TV Sticks and their performance.

Highlighted by Top Class Action, the lawsuit alleges Amazon has engaged in "software tethering," meaning when software support is cut, so too will the Fire TV Stick first and second-gen products (via CNET). Adding to this, the lawsuit says that Amazon has it within its control to "limit or discontinue" features after purchase. It argues that this can diminish the Fire TV Stick's overall functionality.

The driving force behind this lawsuit is plaintiff Bill Merewhuader. The plaintiff argues that not only did Amazon "limit" its product's performance, but it failed to mention that its product's functionality could "be eliminated" before the end of its "useful life." As a result, Merewhuader states their device slowed dramatically and ultimately became "inoperable." After purchasing a Fire TV Stick 2nd-Gen in 2018, Merewhuader says they were forced to purchase another iteration in 2024 after the previous "became unusable."

At this time, the lawsuit reportedly seeks to force Amazon to submit compensation to all consumers affected by the sudden downgrade in Fire TV Stick first and second-gen models. As CNET mentions, older (such as first-gen models) degrade/age over time, causing them to slow down or have lackluster functionality. It's unclear how this lawsuit will shake out between the plaintiff and Amazon right now.

Android Central has reached out to Amazon about this lawsuit and will update this article if we hear back.

Where to go from here?

It is interesting to see where this goes, as the plaintiff suggests that the devices themselves didn't fall apart, but rather something under the hood caused them to falter far sooner than one would expect.

While we wait to see what happens with this lawsuit, earlier this year, Amazon laid off 16,000 employees in another grueling wave. This came only a few months after the company let go of 14,000 people in October 2025. Shortly after, it was said by Amazon's Beth Galetti that these layoffs would "not become a regular occurrence." Despite Galetti's words, Amazon has a history of large layoffs, such as the wave of 10,000 jobs lost in 2022 around the holidays and 18,000 roles cut back in 2018.

Also, late last year, Amazon started cracking down on piracy apps in Fire TV, even the ones users sideloaded. It said that it intends to "protect both media creators and users from malware and fraudulent apps." Such restrictions had already started rolling out in France and Germany; however, it has since expanded globally.

Traditional cable is hanging by a thread, so to speak, and if you're planning to join the millions of users who have ditched their old channels in favor of a live TV streaming service, you have many options to choose from in 2026.

YouTube TV and Hulu + Live are two of the most popular streaming services around, but how are they different? What channels does each app offer, and how can you get the best bang for the buck? No matter what you're hoping to watch, I've broken down everything you need to know about YouTube TV and Hulu + Live in this guide.

YouTube TV vs. Hulu + Live: At a glance

YouTube TV vs. Hulu + Live: Channels

Winner: YouTube TV

If you're coming from traditional cable, you'll be pleased to learn that both YouTube TV and Hulu + Live give you access to nearly all of the same channels. Both services come with local standards like NBC, ABC, CBS, and FOX, plus the base plans will give you live content from Comedy Central, CNN, HGTV, and dozens of others.

There are some glaring omissions on these channel lists, however. Hulu + Live doesn't have AMC or BBC America, for example, while YouTube TV is missing A&E and the History Channel. Some of the missing channels may come as a surprise, so it's worth checking each app's respective channel lists to make sure the one you choose has your favorites. Considering the full lists, I'd argue that YouTube TV has the more comprehensive list of "top channels", so they get the win here.

• See the full list of channels on YouTube TV
• See the full list of channels on Hulu + Live TV

YouTube TV vs. Hulu + Live: Features

Winner: Hulu + Live

This is where things get more complicated. YouTube TV is an absolute triumph for sports fans, as the app offers exclusive access to NFL Sunday Ticket. For $20 per month, this add-on gives you access to all out-of-market regular season Sunday NFL games that aren't usually broadcast in your area. You can also pay for add-ons like Fox Soccer Plus, NFL RedZone and Tennis Channel. YouTube TV also offers a separate Sports Plan ($64.99/mo) that has fewer channels than Basic but more options for sports fans.

The problem is that all of those popular YouTube TV features will increase the price of your monthly subscription. Hulu + Live, on the other hand, includes Hulu (with ads), Disney Plus (with ads), and ESPN Plus (with ads) streaming at no additional cost. That means that you're getting thousands of hours of additional on-demand and original content automatically upon sign-up. On-demand content from YouTube is limited to select titles from your usual cable networks (similar to the offerings included with traditional cable).

Both Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV give you unlimited Cloud DVR storage with the base plans, plus you have the ability to fast-forward through ads on all recorded content.

YouTube TV vs. Hulu + Live: Verdict

Both YouTube TV and Hulu + Live offer the best that live TV streaming has to offer in 2026, so there's really no objective "best choice" here. The right pick for you is going to depend on your needs as a user.

If you're ditching cable for the first time, YouTube TV offers a seamless transition and a super-intuitive interface for beginners and streaming veterans alike. Add-ons like NFL Sunday Ticket and RedZone also make YouTube's app the preferable choice for sports fans.

Hulu + Live, on the other hand, has a clunkier interface that newcomers may struggle with, and you'll want to check the streaming service's channel list to make sure it has everything you want. If you're already experienced with streaming services, however, the included subscriptions to Hulu, Disney Plus, and ESPN Plus offer a lot of bang for the buck.

When it comes down to it, all you need to do is think about the stuff you watch and choose the service that offers it. Both streaming services are great and cost about the same, so you really can't go wrong either way.

Are these options too pricey for you? Sling TV is a great alternative, and we've broken down all of the pros and cons in our Sling TV vs. YouTube TV guide.

What you need to know

• StreamView GmbH, the licensed European operator for Thomson streaming devices, has filed for bankruptcy just weeks after launching new hardware.
• The company owes €36.6 million and isn’t pursuing a bailout, meaning operations, sales, and distribution across Europe are effectively dead.
• StreamView’s downfall was reportedly triggered by a severed relationship with its sole Chinese supplier.

Only two weeks after releasing a new streaming dongle, the company behind Thomson TVs and Google TV boxes has collapsed.

StreamView GmbH, the Austrian company holding the European license for Thomson, has filed for bankruptcy, according to a report by AVCaesar. The company owes €36.6 million ($42 million), according to Austria’s Alpine Creditor’s Association. StreamView is not seeking a rescue deal or restructuring plan and will cease operations.

What happened? StreamView did not make products itself. Instead, it partnered with brands, selling Nokia and later Thomson-branded TVs, streaming sticks, and set-top boxes throughout Europe.

The company depended on one Chinese supplier and financing partner. When that relationship ended and deliveries required upfront payment, StreamView’s cash flow stopped immediately. Attempts to find new investors did not work out.

Hardware in limbo

This is a real loss for people who liked affordable options. Thomson found a good spot in the market, especially after Google stopped making its Chromecast devices. The company sold products ranging from rebranded Walmart Onn 4K Pro boxes (as the Thomson Streaming Box Plus 270) to dongles shaped like the original Chromecast.

Last month, Thomson launched the Google TV Streaming Box 245 (4K), which could compete with the Nvidia Shield. Earlier in April, it released the GoCast 152, which had a more powerful chipset.

Current stock will probably sell out quickly, but you are not left without support. The owner of the Thomson brand, a U.S. company called Established Inc., is still in business. The company says it is looking for a new European partner and promises to keep providing after-sales support for existing devices during the search.

Is this the end for Thomson’s Google TV hardware? If Established finds a new partner soon, these boxes might come back under new management. However, do not expect the Streaming Box 260 Pro, which was supposed to compete with other Google TV streamers and feature an Amlogic processor, 4GB RAM, and 64GB storage.

For now, if you spot a Thomson streaming stick in stores, buy it while you have the chance. Stay tuned to see who takes over the license and whether the brand gets a new start or fades away.

What you need to know

• YouTube TV is rolling out customizable multiview, letting users choose which channels to watch together.
• The new interface shows recommended channels and categories like sports, news, shows, movies, and other live content.
• The feature is now rolling out widely for all YouTube TV users in the U.S.

After a few users started spotting it, YouTube TV has now officially confirmed that it has started rolling out a feature that lets users customize which channels appear in the multiview view.

Earlier this year, YouTube TV announced plans to make multiview more flexible, alongside introducing new pricing bundles for specific content. While those bundles, like the $64.99/month Sports plan and $54.99/month Entertainment plan are already live, customizable multiview streams are now starting to show up as well.

First spotted by a Reddit user and now detailed by Google in the blog post, the multiview feature in the YouTube TV app on smart TVs now lets you customize what you want to see in it.

Now, when you open multiview, you'll see a list of recommended channels along with your current selections at the top. There are also categories like Recommended, Sports, News, TV shows, and Movies to make it easier to browse. You can essentially add whatever live content you want into your multiview setup.

That said, there are still some limitations. Multiview is designed only for live content, which means you can't add video-on-demand or DVR content right now. Some family-friendly content also isn't eligible for customization. And YouTube says a small number of older devices (less than 5%) won't support the full feature, although they'll still get access during major events like the NFL or World Cup.

Google says the feature is rolling out widely and should be available to most YouTube TV users in the U.S. already. If you don't see it yet, it's likely a server-side rollout and should show up on your smart TV soon.

If you want to check whether you have it, open a live stream and press the down button on your remote to bring up the multiview menu. You should see an "Add to multiview" option along with sections for recommended channels and different categories.

It's a welcome addition, especially for users who like to watch multiple games or events at once. For someone like me, it's particularly useful during football (soccer) matches when multiple games are happening at the same time.

If you want to buy a TV, your choices are LED, QLED, or OLED. LED TVs are mainstream, and they're budget-friendly models that have decent image quality. QLED TVs have steadily gained momentum over the last decade, delivering better image quality and brightness levels but still being pretty affordable. OLED TVs continue to dominate thanks to unmatched picture quality, but they're costly, and are often limited to the high-end category.

That's why I was excited to see the rise of Mini LED tech, particularly Xiaomi's latest TV series that just debuted in India. The Xiaomi TV S Mini LED 75 2026 is a mouthful, but the 75-inch TV ticks all the right boxes, and coming in at ₹99,999 ($1,065), it costs less than the Mi QLED TV 75 that I've been using for the better part of four years.

Mini LED TVs are the natural evolution of standard LED TVs, and the smaller LEDs that make up Mini LED (as the name suggests) allow for greater dimming zones, much better contrast levels, increased brightness levels, and less blooming — particularly with HDR content.

Now, Xiaomi is using QD-Mini LED (Quantum Dot Mini LED) tech on its latest TVs, and this essentially has a layer of quantum dots that deliver better color vibrancy interlaced with a Mini LED backlight. The result is that you get much better brightness, vibrant colors, and detailed clarity that you just don't get with a regular LED TV.

That much was evident in just two days of using the TV S Mini LED 75. As I noted above, I was previously using Xiaomi's 75-inch QLED TV, and there's a clear difference in the image quality with the TV S Mini LED 75. Colors in general look much better, and there's a level of detail that I just didn't get before.

What I like the most is how it handles HDR content; there isn't anywhere as much blooming — where light bleeds through because of the inherent nature of LED lighting — and this makes a huge difference when viewing movies in particular. Thankfully, the TV S Mini LED 75 did a great job in this regard, and while colors aren't quite the same as an OLED, the TV costs less than half as much as an equivalent OLED model, so I'm not too fussed about that.

It's the brightness levels where the Mini LED tech really shines; the TV gets much brighter than a regular LED or OLED, and this is a decent enough differentiator with the TV S Mini LED 75. Xiaomi has a good selection of modes as well, and while MEMC is enabled out of the box, it's easy enough to disable. I like that the TV adjusts colors based on ambient lighting, and the Filmmaker Mode is the one to use if you want accurate color rendition.

In fact, the only issue with the TV S Mini LED 75 is that it's limited to 60Hz refresh. Yes, there is a game mode that lets you go up to 120Hz, and while it does make a difference when using the TV with a PS5, I would have liked native 120Hz at the least, and not having that makes the TV a little less exciting if you're looking to pair it with a game console.

The design of the TV is pretty good; it isn't quite as big as the previous 75-inch Xiaomi TV, with thinner bezels all around. The bottom bezel has Mini LED branding, and is a little chunkier, but on the whole, the TV S Mini LED 75 has a decent design. Connectivity includes a trio of HDMI ports (with one eARC), two USB ports, optical out, Ethernet, and 3.5mm audio.

Basically, Mini LED TVs solve a lot of the problems that LED and QLED TVs have, and the best part is that these TVs don't cost anywhere as much as their OLED rivals. Now, while Mini LED doesn't have the same image quality as an OLED, it's much better than LED and QLED, and you get higher brightness as well, and that makes these TVs the ideal choice, if you're interested in getting a bigger 65-inch or 75-inch variant. TCL and HiSense even sell 98-inch and 100-inch Mini LED TVs in India, and I'm mulling buying one of these over the coming months.

Until then, though, the 2026 version of the Xiaomi TV S Mini LED is a great alternative, and the pricing makes it a terrific choice all things considered.

Samsung's 2026 smart TV lineup has arrived, and the company is marking the occasion by dropping a ton of great discounts on 2025 models. From The Frame to its legendary OLED series, you can save up to $1,600 by simply checking out the smart TVs listed below.

Prices start around $300 and go all the way up to $7,999.99 (even with the discounts applied), so keep reading to find the Android TV that's going to work best for you and your budget.

These dazzling discounts will presumably only last until Samsung runs out of stock, so don't wait too long if one of the 2025 TVs catches your eye. You can also check out all of Samsung's 2026 smart TVs here — just don't plan on seeing discounts on these latest and greatest models any time soon.

• See the full list of smart TVs available now at Samsung.com

Samsung's TV clearance sale - quick links

• Samsung TV deals: $500 or less
• Samsung TV deals: $500 - $1,000
• Samsung TV deals: $1,000 - $2,000
• Samsung TV deals: $2,000 and up

Samsung TV clearance sale - top deals

What you need to know

• In its Q1 2026 report, Netflix informs that it will look to redesign its mobile app, and leading the charge will be vertical videos.
• These videos will be a part of a new "discovery feed" to help members locate new content on the service.
• This sounds quite similar to "Verts on Disney Plus," which the streaming service debuted to help drive more engagement in March.

Whether it's vertical videos or short-form content, it seems like every app is getting in on it in one way or another, just like Netflix.

In Netflix's Q1 2026 round-up for shareholders, where it posted a 16% year-over-year (YoY) revenue growth, it mentioned a new feature headed to mobile users (via The Verge). There are three areas that Netflix says it plans to focus on, but what concerns this particular article is how it plans to "leverage technology" to improve its service. The company says it is preparing a "redesign" for its mobile app, which will introduce vertical videos "at the end of the month."

These vertical videos are headed to the mobile app in their own "discovery feed." So, it seems wise to imagine a new button (for whatever the feed will be called) appearing toward the end of April. Netflix didn't state what kind of content viewers would see. Would it be short clips from movies and shows or trailers?

What it did cover is the overall mobile app redesign, stating it will "better reflect our expanding entertainment offering and make it easier for members to engage how and when they want." Netflix then highlighted its use of Gen AI to recommend better content to members who might be more prone to watching.

If the idea of a streaming service looking to vertical videos to drive more engagement sounds familiar, you wouldn't be wrong.

Back during CES 2026, Disney announced its plans to introduce short-form, vertical videos to its streaming service. Of course, the similarities poured in: YouTube Shorts, TikTok, etc. An executive present at the conference said that the service's vertical videos shouldn't feel "disjointed" when they arrive. They added that its content would involve "original short-form programming," among others.

Fast-forward to March, and "Verts on Disney Plus" debuted. Verts (like the ESPN version) will offer content for users that is relevant to their tastes. Users can find clips from shows and movies with the option of hopping into that content or saving it to view later. This is likely similar to what Netflix is chasing; however, it's hard to forget about its latest price hike, which doesn't quite make sense.

Prices rose across the board for Standard with Ads and Standard (Ad-Free), which see $8.99 and $19.99 monthly charges. What's more, Netflix's Premium (4K + Spatial Audio) is now $26.99. This price increase comes a meager 14 months after another from January 2025.

Streaming services have come full circle — they function more like cable TV in 2026 than we'd like to accept. With content scattered across an abundance of streaming services, chances are, you need to subscribe to more than one each month. If you're a hardcore fan of movies and TV shows, you can easily rack up a handful of costly subscriptions. Isn't there a better way?

There certainly is, and cable TV gives us the blueprint. Instead of subscribing to each streaming service individually, some let you buy in to multiple platforms with a single (and reduced) monthly price. Disney popularized this concept with the Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN bundle, but others are taking shape. It's sort of a win-win scenario for subscribers and streaming services. Savvy shoppers can get more content for less, and streamers can upsell buyers to platforms they might not have subscribed to individually.

Amazon announced a new streaming bundle exclusively for Prime Video users, and it's pretty attractive, provided you need the streaming services on offer. The bundle gives you Apple TV and Peacock Premium Plus subscriptions for just $20 per month — or less than the price of one 4K Netflix plan. This bundle gives you ad-free access to both high-quality streaming services, which also include select live sporting events.

Breaking down the price compared to subscribing individually, you'll save $10 each month. Peacock Premium Plus costs $16.99 per month on its own — nearly the price of the entire bundle. Apple TV costs $12.99 per month as well. So, you can subscribe to Peacock Premium Plus and add Apple TV for an extra $3, which is very compelling.

Apple TV offers stellar quality but lacks the rich back catalog of legacy streamers, and that's not as big of an issue when you're tacking it onto Peacock Premium Plus for an extra few dollars each month.

How this bundle compares to other streaming combos

Streaming bundles aren't new territory for Apple TV or Peacock. The two streaming services can be combined together for just $14.99 month — that's $5 cheaper than Amazon's offering. However, there's a key explanation for the price difference.

The standard Apple TV and Peacock bundle offers access to the tier of Peacock with ads. This is called Peacock Premium, and in addition to including ads, it omits extra features like downloads. If you package Apple TV and Peacock Premium Plus (the ad-free tier) together, you'll end up paying the same $19.99 price as the Amazon bundle.

It's important to note that buying the bundle through Amazon is only available for Prime Video subscribers. Admittedly, many of us already subscribe to Prime for another benefit. That said, if you don't already have Prime, it makes more sense to subscribe to the Apple TV and Peacock bundle outside of Amazon.

Do streaming bundles get you to save more or spend more?

So, is it a good deal? Yes, it is — if you're a Prime subscriber and want to watch Apple TV and Peacock content. Adding on extra streaming services for a marginal monthly cost only benefits you if you actually value the content. Otherwise, you end up paying for over-the-top subscriptions you never use.

For example, I'm about to cancel my Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited bundle because college basketball season is over, and I don't watch enough Disney or ESPN to justify the added fee year-round.

If you've been intrigued by Peacock Premium Plus or Apple TV and want to try them together, this is undoubtedly a great way to do so while saving $10 per month and seeing absolutely zero ads.

I have a confession to make — I paid for an expensive monthly Netflix subscription for way longer than I probably should have. Netflix is the streaming service that started it all, and it's known for outstanding originals and a standout content library. It's a streaming giant, and if you're only subscribing to one platform, it feels like it should be Netflix, right? I'm not so sure that's true anymore.

For a while, I was paying for Netflix out of obligation rather than value. After all, the streaming wars are well underway, and Netflix's library of content has been thinned as a result. Content rights holders have pulled back their licenses for use on their own streaming services, rather than giving them all to Netflix. The shows and movies I paid a monthly fee to Netflix for aren't even on the platform anymore, and recent Netflix originals underwhelmed me.

That's why I canceled my Netflix subscription for good last year, and after the latest round of price hikes, I'm glad I did. The base, ad-supported plan is a dollar more expensive, while the two ad-free plans are $2 more expensive. That's on a monthly basis, so the recurring costs will add up over time. It might seem like a nominal increase, but if you aren't getting extra value out of it, why pay more?

At $27 for a 4K plan with spatial audio, Netflix subscriptions simply aren't worth the cost. That's why I pay for three streaming services instead.

Paramount Plus

Paramount Plus is my favorite subscription service, and for as little as $9 per month for the Essential plan, you can watch loads of content. I subscribe to the Premium plan for only $13 per month, which eliminates ads and supports Showtime originals, video downloads, and live streaming of CBS and live sports. You can stream on three devices simultaneously, and Paramount Plus won't try to lock you out if you travel or share your password.

The content library is what sells Paramount Plus for me. The service includes the best dramas airing on CBS, including long-running series like "NCIS," "Criminal Minds," and "Blue Bloods." It also includes incredible originals, namely the Taylor Sheridan collection, which features the "Yellowstone" universe, "Mayor of Kingstown," "Tulsa King," and "Landman." Finally, you get Paramount movies like the "Transformers" franchise.

I don't think you'll find a better combination of TV series and movies available on one platform than Paramount Plus offers.

To round out the experience, live CBS streaming is a great perk, especially during sports season. You can stream the NFL on CBS, the UEFA Champions League, live UFC fights, and college basketball games — including March Madness.

Hulu

For similar reasons to Paramount Plus, I subscribe to Hulu. I find that streaming services anchored by legacy cable TV channels offer a better experience than new-age streamers, such as CBS for Paramount Plus, NBC for Peacock, and ABC for Hulu. The streaming service starts at $12 per month with ads or $19 monthly without them. The higher-priced Hulu Premium plan enables video downloads, too.

Again, I love Hulu's content library, with ABC series like "The Rookie," "9-1-1," and "Grey's Anatomy" being available on the streamer. The best part about using Hulu to follow ABC originals is that episodes appear on the streaming service right after they air, so you can watch week to week rather than waiting for an entire season to drop. There are also Hulu original shows and movies to fill out the catalog.

Hulu is great for people who want to replace cable TV with one service. You can get Hulu with Live TV, or bundle Hulu with Disney Plus and ESPN Unlimited. There are also third-party bundles outside the Disney family that let you add HBO Max, Paramount Plus, Cinemax, and Starz to your subscription. Be warned, though, these bundles get pricey fast.

I do think the price of Hulu could be better, but the $19 Hulu Premium plan is still $8 cheaper per month than Netflix's highest tier, so it's hard to complain.

Prime Video

Finally, there's Amazon Prime Video. This streaming service is a bit underrated, partly because Prime Video has a smaller content library. It's a fair criticism, but I love it because most of us already pay for Amazon Prime. If you do, it's free, or you can subscribe to Prime Video separately for $9 per month. Some users don't like that ads are now included unless you pay $5 per month, but again, I don't mind it since I pay for Prime anyway.

Prime is surprisingly valuable, especially for football fans. The NFL's "Thursday Night Football" games stream exclusively on Prime Video, so you'll need to keep track of your favorite teams. The same goes for basketball lovers, as select NBA games are streamed on Prime Video. Amazon seems to be going all-in on live sports lately, so Prime Video is a good subscription to have.

Prime Video originals can be exciting too, like "Reacher" and "Cross," for instance. If you have a Prime subscription already, it's worth seeing what Amazon has to offer rather than paying for Netflix separately.

Maybe it's time for you to ditch Netflix, too

To find out which streaming service is actually worth the money, consider the content you watch and the platform that has the most of it. Don't subscribe to streaming services just because they're popular and you feel like they're necessary, like I did with Netflix for too long. After switching to Paramount Plus, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, I'm spending money on streaming services that provide value at a reasonable cost.

Good TV deals are fairly common in this day and age, but they tend to disappear as swiftly as they arrive. One example that deserves a little urgency is this Best Buy deal that carves $200 off the 75-inch Class U7900 Series TV by Samsung, knocking the price down to just $450 for a limited time.

The model comes with Samsung's Tizen Smart TV platform for easy access to a wide range of streaming services, and over 2,700 free channels and 400 Samsung TV Plus channels. While it features a 4K picture for media and hardware that's compatible, the U7900 series also includes 4K upscaling for lower-quality media, alongside features like HDR, Motion Enhancement, and Color Booster. While the 75-inch model is the largest currently available product amongst the deals, Best Buy is also offering discounts on the device's smaller sizes, ranging from 55 to 70 inches.

✅Recommended if: you're looking for a straightforward Android TV with 4K resolution and plenty of other picture-enhancing features; you want a TV that includes built-in voice assistants such as Amazon's Alexa and Bixby; you want a good deal on a TV that's fairly large, while still offering easy access to streaming services such as Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, and more.

❌Skip this deal if: you're looking for something with more than two HDMI ports or one with a built-in headphone jack or other connectivity options; you'd prefer to go with a TV on Amazon's Fire platform, rather than on something with the Samsung Tizen OS.

The Samsung Class U7900 Smart Tizen TV offers straightforward access to a wide range of today's most common streaming channels, while delivering a resolution of up to 4K. It also functions well with other smart home devices, and Alexa and Bixby voice assistants. Best Buy is also offering $30 off the price of TV mounting when you select a 55-inch or larger, if that's something you're also interested in.

If you're finally ready to ditch your traditional cable contract, YouTube TV is the only reasonable answer. This popular live TV streaming service gives you instant access to all of your favorite channels with no contract or hidden fees to worry about, and if you sign up today, you'll get $45 off your first three months of service. 

That streaming deal drops the price of YouTube TV down to $67.99 per month, plus you get your first 21 days without paying a cent AND the ability to cancel at any time with zero hassle. Compare that to your last cable bill and tell me it doesn't sound good. 

YouTube TV's base plan gives you access to dozens of live TV channels within minutes of signing up, including ABC, NBC, AMC, FX, and others, plus you'll have the option to add on premium channels for an additional cost. The membership also lands you unlimited DVR space with up to six individual profiles and the ability to stream simultaneously on three separate devices. 

Again, unlike traditional cable, there's no contract or hidden fees to worry about, and YouTube is even offering a 21-day free trial so you can explore the ends and outs of the service with zero risk. 

So what's the catch? Well, despite its popularity, YouTube TV isn't the only live TV streaming service to consider. Sling TV, for example, offers more customization options and is typically more affordable than YouTube's service, while one of the best streaming devices may be a better choice if live entertainment isn't your top priority. 

That being said, if you want a comprehensive package to replace traditional cable, YouTube TV's base plan is the way to go, even without a deal attached. The $45 off new customer discount is simply the icing on top. 

• More streaming deals: Disney+ | Max | Sling | Fubo | Peacock | Paramount+

The Google TV Streamer 4K launched in 2024 and remains one of the best external boxes for running Google TV. If you’ve bought a smart TV recently, chances are that it already has Google TV built in, but the interface smoothness and features may vary based on the brand and model you’ve got. For instance, access to the Google Home panel via Google TV was initially exclusive to the TV Streamer 4K and later made its way to select third-party TVs, though not all.

If you’ve just got yourself a Google TV Streamer 4K or if you haven’t bothered exploring all of the features it has to offer, here are four key settings and features worth checking out to truly make it the best streaming device in your home.

Match the TV Streamer’s frame rate to the content being played

If streaming certain shows and movies appears a bit jerky to you, it’s not your eyes deceiving you, but this one setting in the Google TV Streamer that's probably the culprit. On a 4K TV, your TV Streamer should default to the highest resolution, which is usually 4K 60Hz. When playing content, it will force everything to run at 60Hz, which can cause issues since a lot of shows and movies are designed to run at 24Hz.

Most streaming apps like Netflix and Prime Video will switch to the content’s original frame rate, but you need to allow the Google TV Streamer to match this.

To change this setting, follow these steps:

1. On your TV Streamer's remote, long-press the Home button and select All Settings.

2. Select the first menu item: Display and sound.

3. Scroll down to Match content frame rate, and change it from Never to Always.

The Seamless-only option seems to be applicable to TVs that have Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). After enabling this, your TV screen might black out for a second when playing content lower than 60Hz and switch to a lower refresh rate, which is normal. You should notice shows and movies playing back normally after this, without any weird glitches.

Declutter your Google TV homescreen

If you find the default homescreen of Google TV overwhelming, with all the recommendations, carousels, and ads, there is a simple way to disable all of this. It’s called Apps-only mode, and enabling this removes most of the recommendations from the homescreen, leaving you with just your apps and nothing more.

Give it a try by going to All Settings, Account and profiles, select your account, and scroll down to the option called Apps-only mode. You’ll see a warning screen of all the features that will be disabled, including search and voice. Don’t worry, you can always come back here and disable it later if needed.

Once enabled, it’ll take a second or two for the homescreen to refresh, and you’ll see just your installed apps and limited tabs next to your profile image at the top. I personally like the default view and the recommendations, as I’ve discovered some great shows via this route. Plus, this also lets you take advantage of the next feature in the list.

Organize all your 'watch-later' content in a single place

The Watchlist feature in Google TV is similar to what made Plex such a huge hit with streaming enthusiasts ages ago. You can bookmark pretty much any piece of content from any streaming service in a universal Watchlist to watch later. This way, you have a single list of shows that you can go back to, rather than separate lists in each streaming app.

To add a piece of content to the Watchlist, simply long-press the center button on the remote and scroll to Add to Watchlist. This menu item should immediately change to Watchlisted. If you have multiple accounts set up on the Google TV Streamer 4K, you can choose which account's watchlist you wish to add the content to.

To review all your watchlisted shows, simply select your profile image in the top-left corner of the homescreen, and scroll down to Watchlist to see a carousel of all your bookmarked pieces of content.

Use headphones with your Google TV Streamer 4K

In case you didn’t know, you can pair any Bluetooth headphones with the Google TV Streamer 4K and enjoy your content without disturbing others. This is a very underrated feature and is extremely handy if you wish to continue watching late into the night without disturbing your partner in the room.

Head to All Settings, scroll down to Remotes and accessories, and choose Pair remote or accessory. Simply make sure your headphones/TWS are already in pairing mode and follow the on-screen instructions. The next time you power on your headphones, and if you haven’t used them with any other device, they should automatically pair with the TV Streamer 4K.

Do you have an undiscovered feature or trick you'd like to share? Let me know down in the comments.

What you need to know

• A court in Rome ruled that seven years of Netflix price hikes (2017–2024) were illegal because the company failed to provide specific, justified reasons for the increases in its contracts.
• Long-term Italian subscribers could see significant refunds: up to €500 for Premium users and €250 for those on the Standard plan.
• Netflix has 90 days to notify all affected customers through its website and national media or face a €700 daily fine.

Just days after hiking prices again for U.S. customers, Netflix has been slapped with a court ruling in Italy that could force the streamer to hand back hundreds of euros to long-time subscribers.

Italian consumer group Movimento Consumatori sued Netflix over four price increases between 2017 and 2024, according to Ars Technica. The problem was that Netflix's contracts reportedly did not explain why prices could change in the future.

Italy's Consumer Code says companies cannot raise rates without a clear, justified reason in the contract. The court agreed and ruled on April 1 that Netflix's price hikes broke these rules.

Massive potential payouts

What does this mean for subscribers? Someone on the premium plan who has paid since 2017 could get about €500 back. Standard plan users might receive around €250.

The court also told Netflix to lower current prices to what they were before the increases, such as €11.99 instead of €19.99 for premium and €9.99 instead of €13.99 for standard.

Netflix has 90 days to inform millions of current and former Italian customers by email, mail, its website, and national newspapers. If it fails to do so, it will face a daily penalty of €700.

Movimento Consumatori has said it will file a class-action lawsuit if Netflix does not comply right away.

Before you check your bank account, remember that this ruling only applies in Italy. Netflix is already appealing and says its terms have always followed local law. The company also updated its contract terms in April 2025 to better explain future changes, so price increases after that date are probably allowed.

Over at Reddit, you’ll see that most people aren’t feeling sorry for Netflix. One commenter wished the U.S. would do the same. Others note that raising prices isn’t illegal; the real issue was Netflix not being clear about it.

Some people are skeptical, too. A few think Netflix might cut content or change its approach in Italy. Others say this is just Big Tech finally being held accountable.

For now, Italian subscribers may finally see a positive outcome. For everyone else, the latest price hike still stands unless your local consumer group takes similar action.

What you need to know

• Samsung is rolling out a free update that brings native Google Cast support to select smart TVs.
• The update is arriving on some 2023 and 2024 Samsung TVs, expanding beyond 2026 models.
• Users can cast from Android devices and Chrome without needing a Chromecast.

Samsung is rolling out a free upgrade for its smart TVs that finally brings Google Cast support.

While Samsung makes some of the best smart TVs on the market, one limitation has been its use of the company's own Tizen OS. While you still get access to most major apps, running Tizen OS (or One UI Tizen on newer Samsung TVs) means you miss out on one of Google TV's most useful features: Google Cast.

Thankfully, that is changing now, as Samsung has started rolling out updates for its older smart TVs from 2023 and 2024 that bring support for Google Cast. The feature was already confirmed for 2026 models, but it's now making its way to older TVs as well.

A Reddit user reported that their S90D OLED TV showed a new 'Continuity' screen indicating Google Cast support (via SamMobile). Samsung hasn't officially announced the rollout yet, so it appears to be happening quietly. It's also unclear which models are supported so far.

Once the update reaches your Samsung TV, you'll be able to cast content directly from your Android phone, tablet, or even the Chrome browser on your laptop without needing a separate device like a Chromecast or Google TV Streamer. You'll be able to cast apps like YouTube, Google Photos, and more straight to your TV when they're on the same Wi-Fi network.

We haven't seen the update arrive on our Samsung TV just yet, but it may take a few weeks, depending on your region or specific TV model, to roll out to your device.

What you need to know

• Xiaomi is finally launching a true successor to its HD TV stick after nearly five years, with a global release likely soon.
• Performance gets a bump with a 38% faster CPU and updated GPU, making everyday streaming smoother.
• It still caps out at 1080p, but adds HDR10+, Dolby Audio, and DTS:X to improve overall viewing and sound quality.

After almost five years, Xiaomi is finally releasing a true follow-up to its entry-level HD streaming stick. The Xiaomi TV Stick HD (2nd Gen) has just shown up on the company’s global website, so a worldwide launch is likely coming soon.

On paper, it offers the upgrades you’d expect: faster performance, improved video support, and the same affordable approach that made the original popular for bringing old TVs back to life.

Xiaomi says the new stick offers a 38% boost in CPU performance over the first-gen Mi TV Stick, thanks to upgraded Cortex-A55 cores and a Mali-G31 MP2 GPU. It also supports AV1 decoding, a modern codec that makes streaming more efficient and is now required for any Google TV device certified after March 2021. This means the stick is fully certified for Netflix, Google TV, and all the popular apps.

Video output tops out at 1080p at 60Hz, which is expected for an HD-focused device. But Xiaomi added HDR10+ support for better contrast, plus Dolby Audio and DTS:X for richer sound.

The remote lands with dedicated buttons for Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, and Google Assistant, and you’ve got dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 for connectivity.

The elephant in the room

But there are still some drawbacks, mainly with RAM and USB. The stick still comes with only 1GB of RAM and 8GB of storage, just like the previous version. That’s not much for Google TV’s interface, which has become more demanding since the original ran Android 9.

You’ll probably notice slower multitasking and longer app loading times, especially when switching between streaming services. Xiaomi also kept the microUSB port for power instead of moving to USB-C, which is surprising for a device launching in 2026.

In terms of design, it’s compact with curved edges, measuring 107.4 by 30 by 14 millimeters. It plugs directly into an HDMI port or can use the included extender. The form factor works well.

The main question now is the price. Xiaomi hasn’t shared official pricing yet, but the first-gen HD model sells for about €44 (around $51), and the 4K second-gen stick launched at €59.99 (about $69). This new model will likely be priced between €45 and €55 when it arrives in Western Europe, the UK, and other global markets soon.

If you want to upgrade an old 1080p TV and need a simple Google TV experience with good app support, this stick should do the trick.

Xiaomi improved the processor and added better codec support, which are good steps. However, the same memory and old charging port mean this isn’t a clear-cut upgrade. It’s a more capable stick, but not necessarily a better investment.

Spring is a great time to find deals on smart TVs, especially if you wait for the Amazon sales to start hitting. For instance, this Insignia Smart TV is now 49% off for the Amazon Big Spring Sale, while you can also save on other sets ranging from 43 to 70 inches in size.

The Insignia Class F50 Series is powered by the easy-to-use Amazon Fire TV platform and comes with an Alexa Voice remote and instant access to all of your favorite streaming services right out of the box.

• See the full list of deals during Amazon's Big Spring Sale

✅Recommended if: you're in the market for a Fire TV between 43 and 70 inches, and you want something with seamless integration with your Alexa smart home; you want modern features such as 4K upscaling, high dynamic range, and improved motion rates for fast-paced gaming and movies; you need a TV with parental control options built into the platform.

❌Skip this deal if: you'd prefer to go with a TV that doesn't come with Fire TV built in; you need a TV with more than three HDMI inputs, a USB input, or an otherwise different connectivity setup; you'd prefer to upgrade to an OLED TV or one of the best Android TVs on the market.

Insignia's Class F50 Series TVs feature 4K resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate with motion enhancement tech, and the popular Fire TV platform. This particular model also includes three HDMI inputs, AV inputs, a digital optical output, a USB port, headphone jack, coaxial jack, and an ethernet port, offering more than enough connectivity options for the average user.

The TV also includes parental controls, audio features such as HDMI eARCH and DTS Virtual X-Sound, and immediate access to channels like Prime Video, Disney Plus, HBO Max, alongside free channels including Tubi and Pluto TV.

Today, cheap TVs are more common than ever, especially if you wait for some of the year's many big sales. As one example, the Amazon Big Spring Sale is currently offering 44% off the price of this 65-inch Toshiba Smart TV. The retailer is offering discounts on other sizes too, though the savings aren't quite as massive on some of those models.

The Fire TV platform has become well-liked for its ease-of-use and straightforward access to all of your favorite streaming services. In addition to three HDMI inputs, the C350 Series supports Bluetooth and casting technology, and it features many of the 4K picture quality enhancement features that users should hope to find in a modern TV.

• See the full list of deals during Amazon's Big Spring Sale (ends March 31)

✅Recommended if: you're looking for a massive discount on a large 4K Smart TV that operates on the Fire platform; you want something with a voice remote and easy access to Alexa voice assisting; you'd prefer something with a high motion enhancement refresh rate, especially for gaming.

❌Skip this deal if: you'd rather go with a different size than these Toshiba models have to offer, and you don't mind sacrificing some of your savings; you can afford the upgrade to OLED; you'd prefer to go with a product that doesn't have Fire TV, Alexa, or other Amazon features as standard.

The 55-inch Toshiba Class C350 Series features vibrant picture quality with 4K resolutions, upscaling, high dynamic range, and a bright, LED display. While it technically only has a 60Hz refresh rate, motion enhancement software offers up to 120Hz, making it a suitable pick for fast-paced gaming and more.

As for connectivity, this Toshiba TV comes with three HDMI inputs, two USB ports, an ethernet port, and one audio output. Like many of the best Android TVs, it's a great pick for those who want a seamless setup and stream experience, as backed by the Fire TV platform. At just $300 for the 65-inch version, it's a worthy contender for those in the market for something large and affordable.

What you need to know

• Netflix is raising prices again across all tiers in the US and Canada — its second hike in roughly 14 months.
• The ad-supported plan jumps to $8.99 (+$1), while ad-free plans climb to $19.99 and $26.99 (+$2 each).
• Adding extra members now costs more too, with fees rising to $7.99 (ads) and $9.99 (ad-free).

If you were hoping prices might finally stop going up, Netflix has some disappointing news. Just a little over a year since its last increase, the streaming giant is raising prices again for every subscription tier in the U.S. and Canada.

Netflix has raised the price of its ad-supported plan by one dollar and its ad-free plans by two dollars, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Here’s what the new monthly costs look like:

• Standard with Ads: $8.99 (was $7.99)
• Standard (Ad-Free): $19.99 (was $17.99)
• Premium (4K + Spatial Audio): $26.99 (was $24.99)

If you share your account with family members who don’t live with you, there’s another price increase. The cost to add an extra member has gone up by $1, so it’s now $7.99 for ad-supported plans and $9.99 for ad-free plans.

Aggressive timeline

If this feels familiar, it’s because it is. This is Netflix’s second price increase in about 14 months, after the one in January 2025. Analysts thought the company would wait until late 2026 for another hike, but that changed.

The reason for these price hikes is a mix of big spending and deals that didn’t work out. Netflix recently dropped its $83 billion bid to buy Warner Bros. Discovery. Even though that deal fell through, Netflix is still planning to spend $20 billion on content this year, including live events like the MLB Opening Day stream and new formats such as video podcasts and cloud gaming.

For new subscribers, these prices are already in effect. If you’re already a member, watch your email—Netflix says it will let you know at least 30 days before the new rate shows up on your bill.

Be sure to consider your options before your next bill. With the Premium plan getting close to $30, it’s harder for casual viewers to see the value. You can switch to the $8.99 ad-supported tier to save money, but if prices keep rising every year, even the budget option may not stay affordable.

Android Central's Take

Honestly, I’m having a hard time finding the value in this latest price increase. Netflix wants us to believe that paying almost $30 a month for 4K is worth it because of new features like MLB games and cloud gaming, even though most people didn’t ask for them. It feels like we’re paying for their failed $83 billion deal. While the company says we’ll get more content, it really just means paying more for the same library. At this rate, I wouldn’t be surprised if it adds a “Remote Control Convenience Fee” by 2027. If it's testing how much we’ll pay before canceling, it's getting close to the limit.

What you need to know

• Google's CES 2026 teasers finally come through, as Gemini for Google TV adds three new features, beginning with sports briefs for users.
• These sports briefs will catch users up on scores and headlines, alongside Gemini's "Deep Dives" for learning, and better "visual breakdowns."
• Gemini for Google TV debuted in September, bringing the AI's usefulness to users looking to learn new topics and find recaps on shows.

You had gotten a taste of these features earlier this year, but now a handful of new Gemini features are arriving on Google TV.

Joined by a blog post, Google's press release to us this week shared what users can expect from Gemini for Google TV. Watching sports can be relaxing and stressful, but the company's AI adds "timely briefs" to keep you in the loop. As the post states, this is an expansion to include sports after these briefs originally concerned regular news articles. Now, Gemini for Google TV will deliver "narrated overviews of your favorite in-season leagues."

Users can catch up on the NBA, NHL, MLB, NCAA basketball, MLS, and NWSL headlines and scores. Google encourages users to head to the Gemini tab to find a more extensive array of sports briefs, which is rolling out for U.S. users. A wider expansion for more devices will occur "this spring."

To go along with this is Gemini for Google TV's "richer visuals." Google states its AI should deliver more "relevant" results to questions users might have while watching TV. If you're querying about a recipe, Gemini will produce a video tutorial to walk you through it. Across a variety of entertainment questions, Google appeared confident in saying Gemini can offer "the perfect mix of visuals, videos, and text." These enhanced visuals are also rolling out in the U.S.; however, Canadian users are included for this one.

Deep Dives are designed to take users into a slightly more in-depth tunnel when a topic is just too interesting. Visual breakdowns, accompanied by Gemini's interactive walkthrough and "guided" follow-up questions, make Deep Dives more educational. After asking a question, users can click "Deep Dive." Alternatively, head to the Gemini tab and hit "Learn," as this rolls out in the U.S. this week.

Google was busy at CES 2026, and its presence teased what was coming from Gemini for Google TVs. While these three features rolling out this week were teased, Google mentioned photo memory search capabilities. The AI would leverage whatever is stored in the company's Photos cloud services for users wanting to relive a specific trip or a previous day's memories.

Google also stated that many of its features will debut on TCL sets before rolling out onto other supported brands. The Gemini for Google TV launch was huge for its streaming platform in September. Most of what we're seeing rolling out this week—a more useful AI, the ability to find shows—was a significant part of its introduction. After all, it is Gemini that's showing up, so it will (or can be) involved in whatever you need help with.

Most of its assistance, when it comes to learning new topics, will lean on YouTube for videos that might offer the best help.

The Big Spring Sale is over, but if you missed all of the festivities, you're in luck: Amazon has extended a few select discounts a little while longer, and I've dropped a selection of my favorite leftover Android deals below.

I'm talking about offers that carve hundreds of dollars off Motorola and Pixel phones, plus several discounts on headphones and wearables. Keep reading for more of my favorites, and don't wait too long if something catches your eye: these leftover deals could disappear at any moment.

• See the full list of deals at Amazon today

What you need to know

• Chasing engagement, Disney Plus is ready to debut its short-form content feature: Verts.
• Verts will display clips from shows and movies relevant to your tastes, giving users the choice to save the clip for later or to hop into that show/movie immediately.
• Disney Plus says it plans to expand Verts with more offerings, such as content from other creators, content types, and more.

Disney Plus is rolling out a new feature that U.S. users will notice very soon when opening the app on their phones.

Disney Plus is getting on the scrollable, short-form video train, as the platform announces "Verts." As you might surmise from the name, Verts are Disney Plus' new vertical, short-form video content that will be present on the UI's toolbar at the bottom of the app. The press release states users can tap on Verts and immediately drop into "a vertical video feed and can swipe through a stream of scenes and moments from movies and shows."

Disney states the inclusion of Verts is to help users find "what to watch next" a little easier than before. It also highlights this "modern" approach to showcasing content, which just follows along the lines of many other platforms with vertical, short-form content. When watching a Vert, Disney Plus users can either save the video to watch later or they can begin watching the full version (whether that be a movie or a show).

The company adds that Verts utilizes an "advanced algorithm" in its recommendation engine. In short, the service will try to make sure what it's showing you in Verts remains relevant and "personalized" in some way. While Verts are launching this week, Disney Plus sees this feature playing a "key role" moving forward. Verts will primarily cover Disney's entertainment; however, there are plans to add content creators, content types, and "other" storytelling formats.

Engagement is everything

It's been roughly two months since we first heard that Disney Plus wanted to go the short-form video route. The company reportedly announced its ambitions during CES 2026. A Disney executive present during the conference said that its take on short-form content shouldn't feel "disjointed." More importantly, there was interest expressed in showing users "original short-form programming" through Verts.

For context, these were the words delivered by Disney Entertainment and ESPN's EVP of product management, Erin Teague. The ESPN part is important, as the sports-focused service introduced Verts months ago. They work the same way: showing users short-form content on sports they likely watch and read about on ESPN. Disney Plus users are getting a new feature, but they were also faced with a price hike before 2025 ended.

Android Central's Take

Verts are a strange one for me. Let me preface what I'm going to say by saying that I rarely interact with Verts on ESPN. These are often "vertical videos" that are just clipped from a sports show or SportsCenter. It doesn't work well with the vertical aspect, since SportsCenter is on a TV—it's wide for a TV. That aside, I think Verts could be good every once in a while when I'm not caught up with what Disney Plus is coming out with. But I usually keep myself informed since I watch it; I watch the shows, the movies, so I probably won't want to sit through more "clips" or trailers again.

TV deals are always worth keeping an eye out for, especially when they start rolling out with hundreds of dollars in savings. For example, Best Buy is currently offering the 75-inch C350 4K TV for $300 off, bringing the price down to just $430 on a capable device.

The Toshiba C350 lineup includes an Amazon Fire TV platform with one-click access to a wide range of streaming services. They also feature Amazon's Alexa, compatibility with smart home devices, and features such as HDR, Motion Enhancement, Upscaling, and multiple low-latency gaming modes.

While this particular price point is for the 75-inch configuration of the TV, Best Buy is offering varying discounts on all the models, which range in size from 43 inches to 85 inches.

✅Recommended if: you're looking for an affordable option for a Fire TV of around 75 inches, and you want something with 4K, and easy access to a wide range of streaming apps; you like having a smart TV and would benefit from the C350 line's seamless Alexa and smart home device compatibility;

❌Skip this deal if: you'd rather upgrade to some of the best Android TVs on the market and you have the budget to seek a premium device or hold out for a serious discount on a higher-end OLED option; you want a TV with a higher refresh rate than 60Hz, and Motion Rate enhancement tech won't cut it for your needs and preferences; you're looking for a TV with industry-leading brightness and responsiveness, and you'd be willing to compromise on either price or overall size to upgrade.

On a purely specs level, the Toshiba C350 is a solid 4K TV, especially when valued around this discounted price. It includes most of the typical features you'd expect to find on modern TV models, from Dolby Vision and HDR to multiple other motion-, audio-, and picture-enhancing features.

Perhaps one of the larger downsides to the TV is the fact that it only has a 60Hz refresh rate, which may not be preferable for high-speed gaming or those who prefer an industry-leading figure here. At the very least, it does include the Motion Rate 120 feature, which aims to make up for this, but if you're picky about that you might want to consider looking elsewhere.

What you need to know

• Amazon has launched a redesigned Fire TV mobile app that now mirrors the updated Fire TV interface on televisions with five tabs.
• The new Fire TV app now lets users browse content, manage watchlists, and start playback directly from their phones.
• The updated Fire TV mobile app is rolling out across multiple regions including the US, India, UK, Canada, and more.

It's been only a few weeks since Amazon started rolling out a redesigned UI for Fire TV devices in the U.S., and now the company is complementing that with a redesigned Fire TV app for Android and iOS as well.

Amazon told Android Central today that the company is rolling out a new Fire TV mobile app that will "transform how [users] interact with the Fire TV experience."

Until now, the Fire TV app on Android mostly worked as a remote control. However, with the new update, Amazon is introducing features that will make the experience closer to that of the Google TV app.

Now, besides using the app as a remote, you can browse content, manage your watchlist, and start playing titles on your TV directly from your phone. Along with these features, the app has also received a visual refresh that matches the new Fire TV interface on the big screen.

The updated Fire TV app now features five tabs at the bottom. The first is the Remote tab, followed by tabs for Home, Search, Watchlist, and Account. The Search tab lets you search for new content, while the Home tab mirrors the interface you see on the Fire TV device connected to your TV.

Amazon says the goal of the new Fire TV app is to make it a second screen for discovering content. You will be able to add titles to your watchlist directly from the phone app and then access them later on the big screen. Although it's worth noting that this is something the Google TV app has supported for quite some time.

While the redesigned Fire TV interface on TVs is currently limited to the U.S. and only available on select devices, the new mobile app update is rolling out more widely.

The updated Fire TV app is now available in the U.S., Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Spain, and the U.K. You'll need the latest version of the Fire TV app from the Google Play Store to see the changes on your phone.

Android Central's Take

Honestly, this update feels long overdue. The Fire TV app has been stuck as a basic remote for years, while the Google TV app has offered a much better overall experience. That said, it's good to finally see Amazon catching up.

Cheap TV and streaming deals are more common than ever, making it super easy to go 4K without a hassle. Right now, Amazon is cutting 40% off the price of the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus, bringing the premium streaming device down to just $30.

The Fire TV Stick lineup has become incredibly well-liked over the past several years, primarily for its ease-of-use. All buyers need to do is simply plug the Fire Stick into their TV's HDMI port, and then they'll be able to use the voice remote to access a number of popular streaming services such as Netflix, Prime Video, HBO Max, and more, as well as over 1.8 million TV shows and movies included with the device.

It also features easy access to Alexa Plus, smart home controls, live TV channels, and useful video features such as HDR, Dolby Vision and 4K Ultra HD resolutions.

Out of the larger Fire Stick lineup, this is the second-best just below the 4K Max, which normally retails at $60 and includes a few upgrade features. The TV Stick 4K Plus normally sells at a sticker price of $50, so this deal marks a solid $20 off the normal price.

✅Recommended if: you're looking for a simple way to watch 4K-quality video and you have an HDMI port to spare on your TV; you want something with easy-to-use voice commands for Alexa as well as the ability to control other smart home devices; you're looking for a streaming solution that will let you access all your favorite streaming services in one place.

❌Skip this deal if: you're looking for the best Fire Stick on the market and you wouldn't mind spending an extra $10 to upgrade to the Fire TV Stick 4K Max; you don't have 4K-compatible hardware and you wouldn't mind saving a little more money by going with the HD model instead; you'd prefer to go with another brand like Roku rather than going with a Amazon's Fire Stick brand.

The Amazon Fire TV Stick series is one of the most straightforward plug-and-play streaming solutions on the market today, and it frequently gets discounts like this one.

The 4K Plus boasts extra features not included on the HD or 4K Select devices, including live view picture-in-picture modes, Dolby Atmos audio, upgraded Wi-Fi 6, and Alexa Plus access. It also comes with 8GB of storage, access to cloud gaming via Amazon Luna and Xbox Game Pass.

The Presidents' Day sales have come and gone, but apparently Best Buy missed the memo: the legendary retailer is still slashing 50% off the 48-inch B5 Series OLED TV by LG, knocking the price of the TV down to just $649.99.

If you've been shopping around for different OLED models, you'll know that basically any TV under $1,000 is a good deal. Assuming it works for your budget (and your space), this Best Buy discount is pretty much a no-brainer.

The LG B5 Series is powered by the Alpha 8 AI Processor Gen2, which means you get AI-driven upscaling and quality improvements in real time, no matter what you're watching. The TVs also deliver stunning 4K picture with a crystal-clear 120Hz refresh rate, ultra-thin bezels, and four HDMI inputs for all of your consoles and devices.

The B5 also comes with a ton of premium features you'd expect from a TV in this price range, such as Dolby Vision, HDR10, and OLED motion enhancement. Filmmaker mode is also a nice feature included with most LG TVs. This setting can be toggled on and off and works by removing a lot of the visual post-processing so you can watch films just as the director intended.

Sure, OLED TVs are generally much more expensive than a lot of Android TVs, but if you've been waiting for the right time to make the switch, this leftover Presidents' Day deal may present the perfect opportunity.

Need a new smart TV on a budget? Check out our guide to Amazon Fire TVs to see our breakdown of the best models that won't break the bank.

Cheap TVs are more common than ever, but finding an otherwise-expensive TV at a serious discount is the ideal way to upgrade the home theater. As one example, Best Buy has chopped $470 off the price of this 65-inch TCL 4K Smart TV, bringing it down to $530—or almost half the normal purchase price.

The TCL 65-inch Class QM6K TV features a Google TV platform, a 4K resolution backed by Mini-LED technology, and a wide range of visual enhancements. It also offers Bluetooth and wired audio options, as well as game modes and a swift refresh rate for low-latency gaming. This TV configuration is normally sold at a $1,000 sticker price, so those hoping to find a high-quality TV without the high price tag may want to consider this deal before it's gone.

✅Recommended if: you're looking for a 4K TV of roughly 65 inches, and you want something for under $550; you need something with wide-ranging compatibility and around four HDMI ports for seamless side-by-side device use; you'd prefer to go with a TV that has features such as device casting, smart voice assistants, and a broad range of streaming services built into the platform.

❌Skip this deal if: you need a TV with a built-in headphone jack for wired headphone audio; this TV is too large or small for you, and you'd rather check out Best Buy's similar deals on the model's other size configurations; you'd prefer to keep your purchase under $500 and you don't need the premium-level bells and whistles.

The TCL QM6K line includes a 4K resolution, a Google TV platform with access to several streaming services, and smart capabilities from voice assistants to media casting with a wide range of devices. Like many of the best Android TVs, the model includes ease-of-access to home theater capabilities with a wide range of connectivity options.

It also boasts a 144Hz refresh rate, perfect for high-motion sports and gaming, as well as lag-free gaming modes that are automatically enabled to reach the lowest possible input latency.

The included remote has built-in voice features for voice assistants and search. Meanwhile the TV unit includes four total HDMI ports, two USB-A ports, an ethernet port, and a cable port. At $530 and $470 off, the unit seems like a certifiably solid deal.

What you need to know

• Instagram has launched a dedicated app for Google TV, bringing Reels and photos to the living room screen.
• The app organizes Reels into themed interest-based channels that users can navigate using the TV remote.
• Viewers can interact with content from their couches by liking, commenting, and sharing directly through the TV.
• The service is currently limited to the U.S. for now.

Instagram might already be wasting enough of your time on your phone, but now it wants to move to your living room. The company has officially brought its app to Google TV devices.

Instagram first tested the app on Fire TV devices in the U.S., but it is now expanding availability to Google TV, as highlighted by Instagram head Adam Mosseri in a Threads post. Meta has largely focused on smartphones and smaller-screen devices so far, so this marks the company's first real move into large-screen devices.

Just like on your smartphone, you'll be able to scroll through and watch Reels on your TV. You can like, comment, and share posts as well. The app curates your feed based on your interests, including sports, cooking, travel, and comedy.

You can navigate using your smart TV remote, including the directional buttons, and features like auto-play are supported. You can also search for your favorite creators directly on your smart TV, while Instagram says it'll soon add support for using your smartphone as a remote for the Google TV app as well.

For now, you can download the app from the Google Play Store if you are in the U.S. The rollout appears limited to the U.S market, but it is likely that Instagram will expand to other regions soon.

Once installed, you can sign in using your smartphone, and the app supports up to five accounts on one Google TV device. This means multiple household members can access their profiles and watch their own feeds. Instagram even says you can create a separate account specifically for TV viewing if you want.

Android Central's Take

I'm not entirely sure who asked for this, but you can now watch Instagram Reels on your Smart TV. Sure, it is convenient if you want to show something to family or friends on a bigger screen instead of passing your phone around.

But it also makes me wonder how far Instagram plans to push this. I don't want Reels everywhere.

What you need to know

• Amazon has started rolling out its redesigned Fire TV interface to select devices in the U.S. after debuting it at CES 2026.
• The new UI moves navigation to the top and surfaces content from all streaming apps, not just Prime Video.
• Users can now pin up to 20 apps and may see up to 20–30% faster performance with the updated Fire TV OS.
• The update also adds smarter Alexa+ features and improved smart home controls via the remote.

Amazon showcased its biggest redesigned Fire TV interface at CES 2026, and it is now starting to roll out to select Fire TV devices in the U.S.

Fire TV has kept a similar look for years, but Amazon is finally refreshing it with a new UI that looks better, performs faster, and is easier to use. Amazon says the redesigned Fire TV update is rolling out now to the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus, Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen), and Fire TV Omni Mini-LED Series for users in the U.S.

Like Google TV, Fire TV now shifts navigation elements to the top of the screen instead of the middle. The new top navigation bar includes Menu, Search, and Home buttons, along with tabs for Movies, TV Shows, Sports, News, and Live TV.

These tabs surface content from across your subscriptions, not just Prime Video, meaning titles from Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Peacock, and more appear here.

Previously, Fire TV allowed you to pin only six apps on the home screen, but now you can pin up to 20 for faster access. The UI feels closer to Google TV in layout, but overall, it looks cleaner and easier to navigate compared to earlier Fire TV versions.

Alongside the redesign, Amazon is also promising better performance. The company claims the new Fire TV OS can deliver up to 20 to 30% speed improvements in certain scenarios.

The update also makes it easier to access smart home controls and frequently used settings. After updating, holding the Home button on the Fire TV remote opens quick controls, including audio and display settings, as well as connected devices like Ring cameras.

Of course, Alexa+ also plays a big role in the new experience. You can ask natural-language questions beyond just movies and TV shows and even follow up with conversational prompts. It also supports on-screen context, so you can highlight a title and ask for plot details or recaps of earlier seasons.

If you have a supported Fire TV device, you can check for the update by heading to Settings > My Fire TV > About and selecting Check for Updates. Once installed, you should see the redesigned interface.

Android Central's Take

I'm honestly a bit jealous since the rollout is limited to the U.S. for now. Users in other regions, including me, will likely have to wait until Spring 2026. The new interface looks genuinely good, and I want it on my Fire TV as soon as possible.