Android Police

streaming media

Readers like you help support Android Police. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read More.

latest

A large YouTube icon against a multicolor background of Android Police logos
How to listen to YouTube with the screen off

Who needs Spotify when you've got these YouTube workarounds?

4
4
By  and

YouTube offers a large collection of streaming audio and video content. It would take 82 years to watch everything that's uploaded in one day. Yet, it's disappointing when music or a video stops when you minimize YouTube or lock your phone screen. Premium users don't have such an experience, as background playback is one of the perks.

The Google store showing a Chromecast with Google TV in a transparent display
2024 Chromecast with Google TV: News, leaks, rumored price, and release window

Google's high-end streaming device is nearing its 4th birthday, so it's due for an update

4
By 

You have several options if you're looking for a great streaming device. Each has access to a seemingly endless number of streaming services to watch your favorite shows and discover new ones. Since the first Chromecast with Google TV 4K arrived on the scene in September 2020 and the Chromecast with Google TV (HD) in September 2022, the products have been at the top of our recommendation lists.

A head-on photo of a black Sonos Arc soundbar on a teak TV stand below a TCL TV. The TV is showing the Google TV home screen with a large ad for the TV series Shogun
How to manage your Google TV Watchlist

Keep track of your favorite shows, and never miss another episode again

4
By 

Google TV lets you stream movies and shows on Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Hulu, and more. The versatile streaming platform helps you control your smart home devices and cast content from mobile devices to your TV. The Google TV operating system comes pre-installed on most new smart TVs from brands including TCL and Sony.

The Apple TV home screen
How to delete apps on Apple TV

Unclutter your crowded Apple TV home screen with these tips

4
By 

Apple TV is one of the best streaming devices due to its ease of installation, access to a range of streaming services, and high performance. It lets you access Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and more. It also comes with apps like Apple Music, Photos, Podcasts, and iTunes out of the box. You can easily download your favorite apps and games from the App Store. However, your home screen can get filled with junk if you aren't careful. We show you how to keep it tidy by deleting unnecessary apps.

movie_hub_hero
The best new movies you can watch at home right now

There's plenty to watch at home these days, and we're rounding up the best (and worst) movies you can stream

4
By 

Streaming services have taken over as one of the best ways to catch the latest movies. Whether they're making a stop in theaters before rolling out digital rentals or they launch as first-run originals from the likes of Netflix, Apple TV, or HBO; we're rounding up the best titles so you're not left in the dark — until it's time to start the film, that is. Check back each week (usually on Friday) to see the latest additions for movies that are now available to stream, the latest theatrical releases, and movies coming next week.

Photo of a woman listening to music on her headphones
8 best podcast apps on Android in 2024

Our selection to listen to the news, captivating stories, or to learn something new

4
4
By  and

Listening to podcasts is a fun way of entertaining yourself on long commutes. It's easy to get lost in documentaries when you use one of the best noise-canceling earbuds. Google recently shuttered its Podcasts app, but there are others to choose from. If you're unsure which podcast app to pick, our list helps you decide which one works for you. You'll find apps based on price, ease of discovery, and playback features. They work on Android and iOS, so compatibility won't be a problem.

Two people are looking at a television with the YouTube logo displayed.
The top 12 free movie streaming sites

There's no need for Netflix if you know where to look

4
4
By  and

There isn't a shortage of free movie websites. These websites stream content that isn't available on Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Paramount+, and other paid platforms. Their content library and streaming quality may vary in your region, and some websites have ads and trackers. We compiled the best free movie streaming sites to watch new movies at home, comply with copyright laws, and keep your devices safe. Many have apps for your Android projectors, phones, smart TVs, and other gadgets. You'll find them on the Google Play Store and the iOS App Store for iPhones. Let's dive into them.

The Hulu logo
How to cancel your Hulu subscription

Cancel or pause your Hulu subscription to save money

4
4
4
By  , , and

Are you unhappy with Hulu's membership price hike, or do you no longer enjoy the content? Canceling your Hulu subscription is straightforward, and you can do it on your desktop or mobile browser. The process differs depending on whether you subscribed through Hulu or a third-party platform like the Google Play Store or App Store. This tutorial walks you through the cancellation process and explains alternatives such as pausing or downgrading your account. After canceling your subscription, look into an affordable streaming service and play your favorite shows on one of our favorite streaming devices.

Image showing a TV with Roku OS opened on it
How to update apps on your Roku TV or streamer

Running outdated apps on Roku is never a good idea

4
By 

Roku offers some of the best streaming devices for cord-cutters. One reason for its success is the Channel Store on Roku OS. It houses major streaming apps and games that receive frequent updates from developers. App developers occasionally release updates to add new features, on-demand content, and fix bugs. Running an outdated Roku app can cause errors during streaming. Instead of settling for a below-average experience, use the tricks below to update Roku apps.

A Roku TV mounted on a wall in a modern looking living room with plants around
How to watch local channels on your Roku device

Cutting the cord with Roku doesn't mean losing access to local channels

4
4
By  and

A TV package is only complete if it has local channels that bring regional news, sports, and special events to your living room and connect you to your hometown. That's why going cordless can lead to losing touch with the local community. Roku has one of the best streaming devices, offering hundreds of streaming providers like HBO, Prime Video, and Hulu. Roku also brings local flavor to your screen with a selection of local channel apps available in its Roku Channel Store. Here's how to watch your local TV channels on a Roku streamer.

Apple logo overlaid on Amazon Fire TV Stick hero image
How to cast to your Fire TV stick from your iPhone

Your iPhone can't cast on Fire TV Sticks natively, but there's a workaround

4
By 

Did you buy an Amazon Fire TV Stick or want to cast content from your iPhone to a friend's TV? AirPlay is the default screencasting protocol on iOS devices, allowing you to connect with Roku devices. It doesn't work with Fire TV Sticks because their OS doesn't support it. The Fire TV app only lets you use your phone as a remote control, not as a casting device.

The YouTube logo inside a red Android Police logo

YouTube is one of the biggest video-sharing platforms. There's a YouTube video for almost anything, whether you want to find the recipe for your favorite dish or information on how to clean your wireless earbuds. YouTube works on many devices, including your budget Android phone, PC, smart TV, or Google Nest Hub.

crunchyroll and funimation logoa with AP logo
What you need to know about the Funimation and Crunchyroll merger

As the two anime giants converge expect to lose access to purchased Funimation content

4
By 

It's been a long time coming, but Sony's Funimation is finally absorbing Crunchyroll while taking on the more popular name Crunchyroll for the brand, making things more confusing than they need to be. It appears Sony feels Crunchyroll is a more recognizable moniker, so even though this merger sounds like Crunchyroll is taking over, it's actually the other way around despite how Crunchyroll will retain its apps as Funimation's services disappear (as if the name change wasn't confusing enough). Sadly, the merger will affect users, especially those who have invested real dollars in content on Funimation.

the words no flix in the netflix typeface on a desaturated field of movie and series posters
How to cancel your Netflix subscription

Straightforward but impossible in the app

4
4
By  and

We live in the age of streaming. In the earliest days of streaming content online, Netflix was a leader, even an innovator. However, it has since faced difficulties, primarily due to the proliferation of its competition. Networks, studios, umbrella corporations, and niche content hosts have launched streaming platforms. This has made the competition for viewers' time and the content that keeps these platforms healthy and flourishing extremely fierce.

ap-best-streaming-devices-1-1
Best streaming devices in 2024

There's a lot of competition out there to host your weekend binges and movie nights

4
4
By  and

Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ are just a few staples of the streaming entertainment world. While most of these services require a monthly subscription to use, you’ll gain access to hundreds of movies and TV shows without paying for cable. Of course, you’ll also need a solid streaming device or connected screen like a Google TV to enjoy all the internet content.

roku ultra with remote on a cabinet
The most common Roku problems and how to fix them

Nothing should come between you and your favorite shows

4
By 

Streaming devices have taken over traditional cable TV, offering more control over the content you watch. You can have instant access to your favorite movies and shows with a tap of a button. Roku makes some of the best streaming devices at almost any price point, letting you enjoy popular services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max.

Android TV on a TV on a white cabinet against a white wall.
10 best Android TV tips and tricks

Your Android TV is much more capable than you think

4
By 

Android TVs are a popular choice for many TV buyers, thanks to their customization options and selection of apps. If you're considering purchasing an Android TV box, learn how to maximize its potential. We put together a list of tips and tricks to help you make the most of your device.

YouTube TV logo
What is YouTube TV?

YouTube TV makes it easy to cut the cord

4
4
By  and

Google's YouTube TV stands out among the streaming services offering live TV channels without cable, especially in the US. It offers access to over 100+ live TV channels, the ability to record shows and sports events with unlimited DVR storage, and add-ons to elevate your cord-cutting experience. Cross-platform availability isn't an issue. Google offers YouTube TV apps on Android, iPhone, smart TV platforms, and all the major streaming devices.

A student wearing headphones sitting at a wooden table with a laptop open in a library setting
How to listen to Apple Music's lossless tracks on your Android or iPhone

Apple Music supports lossless audio with a bit of work: Here's how to get the best sound around

4
4
By  and

If you consider yourself an audiophile, you're probably not content with traditional audio streaming services, which lock you into compressed, lossy audio formats playing at 16-bit/44.1kHz. This is CD-quality output, but many audio connoisseurs demand nothing less than lossless audio that plays at least 24-bit/192kHz.

Google TV screen render showing Ocean's 8 key art and various other films and streaming platforms in a grid.
How to use Google TV

How to use Google's version of Plex

4
By 

Google TV offers access to multiple streaming services in one location. Google Chromecast provides instant access to the Google TV hub when plugged into the television, giving you access to more streaming content. There's also a streaming app called Google TV. If you recently purchased or plan to get a Google TV or Android TV, this guide helps you set up your television for a fun evening of streaming.

See more articles +