How To Add Gift Card To Starbucks App

Like many this season, I’ve received a Starbucks gift card. Three to be exact. And instead of bothering with the Starbucks website, I figured there must be some way to add the balance to my existing virtual card/account via the Starbucks iPhone or Android app. Indeed there is… But the trick is that you must … Read more

The Best Streaming Hardware Deals

Ah, the very best of manufactured consumer holidays is upon us with Prime Day… resulting in multiple days of deals, from all sorts of retailers. Unfortunately, it’s hard to keep up with many of the Amazon promos given limited windows and inventory. And, while there’s a ton of discounted gear out there, we’re discerning customers … Read more

Don’t Count On That Roku Apple TV+ Button

Roke Voice Remote Pro

So about that Roku Apple TV+ button: don’t bank on it arriving with your new remote. Roku’s primary business is advertising and, outside of Netflix’s presumed contractual requirements, the remaining button tie-ups (likely both cash and commission) seem quite variable – dependent upon region, bundled hardware model, timeframes and unit sales, etc. As such, our … Read more

Maximizing 1Password Security (with a local vault)

Like most, I advocate a password manager. And have frequently recommended 1Password (for years). However, I have led something of a double life in utilizing 1password without a subscription to store “important” passwords within a “local” iPhone vault. Whereas, I’d place my less critical credentials (think: Netflix) in LastPass for efficient cross platform access, including … Read more

This Is The New Sonos Playbar

Nearly one hundred years after launch, the Sonos Playbar is finally getting a refresh. Beyond drastically different styling of Sonos’ first home theater offering, Apple AirPlay 2 seems like a lock and Dolby Atmos rumors are swirling. However, these company renders aren’t entirely complete given the obscured power outlet and nary an HDMI port to … Read more

HomeKit Confirmed for Ecobee Camera

As we know, ecobee is prepping an Alexa-endowed “smart” camera … but, beyond Amazon voice control, the FCC has confirmed Apple HomeKit support. Of course, one would reasonably expect traditional connected camera capabilities such as motion detection and notifications, but the Alexa mics take ecobee to another level as a dual purpose device. And now, … Read more

New Apple TV Revealed by Target

By way of 9to5Mac, we now know a new Apple TV is en route. According to Target’s inventory system, anyhow. Last updated about 2.5 years ago, the streamer is probably due for a refresh. And, while not the most powerful version, my 1080p aTV struggles with Apple Arcade — so a processor bump seems like … Read more

TiVo Enables iPhone Cellular Streaming

Our long national nightmare has come to an end, as TiVo FINALLY enabled iOS cellular streaming this week…. seven years after release. As the story goes, Apple has (had?) some sort of requirement that developers offer a low bandwidth streaming option to preserve data. And apparently addressing that wasn’t a priority for TiVo. In any … Read more