Just about everybody with a smartphone knows about Netflix, Pandora, and IMDB. There are a lot of great media apps that are overlooked enough that they don't make the top of the charts or get discussed by the press except on tech blogs. Here are some of my favorite apps for entertainment and media that fly a little under the radar.
Read MoreW2W this WKND: Watch NHL & NBA Playoffs online, ACM Awards
Watch NHL and NBA Playoffs online this weekend. There are a few NBA games available free, and all games are available with Sling TV, sign up for a free trial. NHL games are only available online with cable, but a few games are free on NBC with an antenna. The ACM awards are on Sunday night and are streaming on CBS All Access or free with an antenna. There are also a few new movies on Netflix and some good free TV shows.
Read MoreHow driverless cars and Uber will make car ownership obsolete
Driverless cars and taxi services such as Uber will completely change the transportation industry in coming years. Driverless cars have the potential to make car ownership obsolete for many of us. I predict new dynamics will lead to new dominant players, and several existing car companies will consolidate or declare bankruptcy. The only things standing in the way are government regulation and consumer attitudes.
Read MoreA meteorologist's favorite weather apps
I asked a friend that happens to be a meteorologist to give a quick take on his favorite weather apps and here's what he said:
Read MoreShould you use iCloud Photo Library or Photo Stream?
Apple recently released OS X 10.10.3, which includes the new Mac Photos app with iCloud Photo Library. (Side note, you should definitely update if you haven't already because it includes a big security fix.) iCloud Photo Library was already available on iPhones and iPad. When opened for the first time, Photos prompts you to use iCloud Photo Library. Here's a quick explainer on how this differs from the past, and whether you should use iCloud Photo Library or Photo Stream.
Read MoreXbox One is the better game console for cord cutters and streamers
With some recent updates, the Xbox One is the better game console for cord cutters by a wider margin than it ever has been. Both consoles have several streaming apps and can play Blu-rays or DVDs. The Xbox One has always had a slight leg up on the PS4 when it comes to the number of streaming apps available. Some new services have launched in the last year and the Xbox One has received some new features through a software update that make it even better for cord cutters and streamers. The Nintendo Wii U also has some streaming features, but has not sold nearly as well as Xbox and Playstation, so it's not included here.
Read MoreW2W this WKND: Stream Masters free, Game of Thrones on HBO Now, Mad Men premiere free, Star Wars online
HBO Now is here, just in time for the season premieres of Game of Thrones, Silicon Valley, and Veep on Sunday night. It costs $15/month, comes with a free 30-day trial, and is only available on Apple devices and computers to start. Sling TV also now has HBO, costing $15/month on top of the $20/month base package. Also this weekend stream The Masters free, lots of free streaming TV, Netflix has a new original series from Marvel, and get Star Wars as a digital download for the first time.
Read MoreWhy I'm bullish on Apple Watch even though I'm not buying one
Disclaimer: I haven't used any smartwatches, so maybe I just don't get it. I haven't bought one because I don't see the point, and the Apple Watch isn't available yet. If today's Apple Watch reviews are any indication, that may be the case for at least another year.
Read More4 options to watch HBO online without cable
We can finally watch HBO online in the US. In fact, there are now multiple options to watch HBO online without a cable TV subscription. HBO produces some of the best original TV series and also has new movies every month. Everything is already available online through HBO Go, but only for cable TV subscribers. That's changing this week with the introduction of HBO Now. HBO content is also available without cable a few other ways, and I'll go through all of the options.
Read MoreHow younger Americans use their smartphones differently
A recent study from the Pew Research Center reveals some details about Americans and their smartphones. 64% of American adults now own a smartphone, but that number increases to 79% for ages 30-49, and 85% for 18-29. Throughout the report there are several interesting details showing that younger people use their smartphones differently than the rest of the population.
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