Cheaper Fire Stick rival released in the UK TODAY with free TV channel you can't get anywhere else
Plus WhatsApp users have blasted a new in-app feature which uses private data from chats
PLAYING WITH FIRE Cheaper Fire Stick rival released in the UK TODAY with free TV channel you can't get anywhere else
A CHEAPER Fire Stick rival has been released in the UK today with a free TV channel that you can't get anywhere else.
The fresh streaming sticks provide access to the biggest apps around, as well as some hidden gems packed with channels to watch instantly.
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A cheaper Fire Stick rival has been released in the UK today with a free TV channel that you can't get anywhere else
What is it called?
The Roku Streaming Stick and Roku Streaming Stick Plus replace the existing Roku Express and Roku Express 4K gadgets, promising "more features at the same affordable price points".
Cheapest of the bunch is the Roku Streaming Stick at £29.99 / $29.99, costing less than Amazon's equivalent, the Fire TV Stick HD which currently retails for £39.99 / $34.99.
This entry-level HD model has some key changes, such as improved Wi-Fi connectivity so you're less likely to have buffering issues that interrupt your favourite shows.
And for the first time at this price point for Roku you'll get a voice-enabled remote control too so you can easily find content faster, as well as change the volume and power on the TV.
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For those who want the best picture quality, the Roku Streaming Stick Plus brings you 4K and vivid HDR colour.
It costs £10 / $10 more, totalling £39.99 / $39.99.
The streaming gadget giant also claims that its sticks are among the most compact around, coming in at 35 per cent smaller than rivals "without compromising performance or speed".
Both devices are powered directly by the TV so you will have less annoying cables hanging around too.
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Because unlike Amazon's dongles, which require plugging into the mains, the Roku Streaming Stick and Streaming Stick Plus get all the juice they need from the TV.
What is the free channel?
Both Amazon and Roku sticks offer instant access to a swathe of apps such as Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+ and BBC iPlayer, but the Roku has one major advantage.
Roku releases brand new way to access 24/7 free streaming channels – it's here just in time for summer break
Roku has its own offering called The Roku Channel, which includes a number of originals and "premium entertainment".
The Roku channel features movies, shows, entertainment and content for kids.
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Such as Ronin, Dracula, Swimming with Sharks and animations like Super Mario Odyssey and 100% Wolf.
It also includes Roku Originals like The Next Black Millionaire, The Charlie Puth Show, Die Hart and The Real Bros of Simi Valley.
You can buy both sticks from today at Amazon and in-store at Asda.
Other Tech News
YouTube has announced a major rule change that will see some creator content banned on the platform.
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A shake-up is coming into effect on July 22 - though some people say the new rules don't go far enough.
WhatsApp users have blasted a new in-app feature which uses private data from chats - claiming the tool is unnecessary and unreliable.
The Meta-owned app is rolling out a new tool that can whip up a rundown of missed messages with AI - saving users from scrolling through texts.
And incredible plans have been revealed for a futuristic jetliner that comes with a see-through cabin and boasts fuel-slashing AI design.
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Touted as the "jet of the future", The Phantom 3500 is a next-generation aircraft that could one day fly at transonic speeds while burning just a fraction of fuel.
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Daily Mail
42 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez are ALREADY married: As bride appears in terrifyingly tight corset for star-studded Venice wedding party, insiders tell ALISON BOSHOFF the couple tied the knot a month ago
The Bezos wedding began on Thursday with the first of three days of parties in Venice – but impeccable sources reveal that the Amazon founder and journalist-turned-philanthropist Lauren Sanchez are already married. A source closely connected to the organisation of the week's events said: 'They have been married for at least a month, more than a month. 'The marriage is fully legal and took place in America under American law.' The source adds: 'When they were planning the wedding, they were clear about the fact that they were already secretly married. 'There is no application for a wedding licence from the couple because it was not required. 'Whatever happens at the wedding on Friday, it will not be a wedding. Under Italian law, it will not be a wedding celebration, any vows said or rings exchanged will have no legal meaning.' The source added that Bezos had personally confirmed that he and Sanchez – who met when both were married to other people – are already legally married, and that they had also signed a pre-nuptial agreement to protect his $244 billion (£177 billion) fortune. But Venice will still see a party unlike any other. Amid local protests, celebrities, politicians and business titans have gathered in the city known, ironically given the disruption, as La Serenissima, the Most Serene Republic of Venice. As the eyes of the world focused on the event, staff at the privately owned Madonna dell Orto cloisters - where the couple held their 'eve of' reception tonight with finger food and pizza - erected tents to stop overflying drones from picturing the guests. Policemen on jetskis meanwhile patrolled the entrance to the nearest canal. It's thought that the event included speeches from the bride to the groom and vice versa. The two three star hotels neighbouring the cloister were booked up to house the 150 staff who are working on the wedding. The guests are staying rather more comfortably at the five star Aman, The Gritti Palace and the Cipriani. Some of the world's most eligible bachelors are in Venice for the wedding – Orlando Bloom, freshly split from fiancée Katy Perry; divorced sporting superstar Tom Brady, and divorced talent agent and billionaire music executive Scooter Braun. Former US President Barack Obama was among guests – he and Bezos have been on warm terms for years, and Bezos donated $100 million (£72 million) to the Obama Foundation in 2021. By her side was Khloe Kardashian, who exuded glamour in a skintight leopard print catsuit that showcased her famous curves Khloe strutted along the walkway like a supermodel while clutching onto a Stanley Cup and a large pink Louis Vuitton holdall The event has attracted a near-quorum of Kardashians. Matriarch Kris Jenner is close friends with Lauren Sanchez, while daughters Kim and Khloe were also in attendance. Kylie Jenner, her daughter by Olympic athlete Caitlin, arrived at the Gritti Palace hotel on Thursday afternoon. Make up tycoon Kylie doesn't travel light: her 25 pieces of monogrammed luggage were on a water taxi following behind her. Others attending include former chat show host Oprah Winfrey and her best friend, TV presenter and author Gayle King, who went on the much-mocked space 'flight' on Bezos Blue Origin rocket last month with Sanchez and an all-female team. Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka is attending along with husband Jared Kushner, but the President himself – reportedly invited – will not come to Venice. Both Bezos and Sanchez were there for Trump's inauguration earlier this year and Bezos attracted much criticism when his Washington Post newspaper declined to endorse Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in the US election last year. Queen Rania of Jordan has also been seen, as have fashion duo Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana. The build-up has not gone smoothly, however. Plans were ripped up and remade over the past week as the bride and groom reeled from public hostility to their descent on Venice, and responded to global political turbulence following US airstrikes in Iran. They have now left their $500 million (£363 million) yacht, the Koru, off the coast of Croatia, although it was initially intended to be moored in Venice. The venues for the various celebrations have changed, too, with plans for Saturday's party now moved to Arsenale, the shipbuilding yards, which are easier to make secure. It is thought that singer-songwriter Usher, who also arrived today, may be performing. Reports that Sir Elton John and Lady Gaga will sing have been denied by representatives for both. Protests by disgruntled locals continue, and are planned tonight and throughout the wedding. Sources says that Mayor Luigi Brugnaro has assured the couple that he can guarantee their safety in the middle of the city, however – hence tonight's event at the Madonna dell Orto in the heart of Venice. Kim was joined by her mother Kris Jenner on the outing, who was also dressed in black, showcasing her figure in a low-cut dress 'The feeling was that the protests started to die down on Monday, so this was possible,' said one. Forty people were held by police after Extinction Rebellion held a small protest in St Mark's Square on Thursday morning. On Thursday lunchtime, the couple and a few of their guests enjoyed a private lunch in the gardens of the Villa Baslini on the tiny island of San Giovanni Evangelista. The island offers perfect privacy and the couple were able to totally evade the army of paparazzo who have descended on Venice. Meanwhile preparations also continued at the Arsenale – in warehouse 91 to be specific - which was the last-minute switch of venue for Saturday night's grand ball, from Scuola della Misericordia, after protesters said they would dive into the bordering canal. One staff member said: 'I can tell you that [warehouse 91 is] a beautiful location. All the tables have a wonderful flower display, and they are putting up large chandeliers in the ceiling – it's going to have a Venetian masked ball theme is what I have heard but we've been told no photos, and we have to leave our phones with security.' The main event will be on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, run by the Cini Foundation, on Friday. Bezos and Sanchez are due to say their vows in the restored amphitheatre on the island while Matteo Bocelli, the son of tenor Andrea, sings. A budget of 1,000 Euros a head has been set for the wedding breakfast and according to local reports it will include the local Venetian delicacy of cuttlefish stew. Gayle King was spotted making her arrival with Oprah, looking chic in mint green combat trousers The celebrations began on Wednesday evening with a drinks reception in the ballroom of the stunning 16th century Aman hotel, in one of Venice's most venerable palazzos, which overlooks the Grand Canal. Then the wedding guests including Bezos and Sanchez made their way to a private dinner party at the Palazzo Brandolini, hosted by Diane von Furstenberg. The designer, 77, is close to the bride and groom to be, with her husband, the mogul Barry Diller, serving as a mentor and inspiration to Jeff Bezos for the past decade. Diller said in an interview that Bezos is a 'very dear, very loving friend' and has also been vocal in his admiration for Sanchez, a former local TV anchor and helicopter pilot. The party was in Diane's Venetian home, which occupies the second floor of the spectacular 15th century palazzo, filled with mirrors, gilding and frescoes. The magazine Architectural Digest visited last year and described it as 'stupendous' – and they are not easily impressed. Von Furstenberg and Diller live for several months of the year at the Palazzo Brandolini, and it's here that she displays her priceless series of paintings of her by Andy Warhol, dating from 1974. Von Furstenberg and Diller are thought to have first brought Bezos and Sanchez to Venice and introduced them to the charms of that great city – hence their decision to marry here. And their influence on Bezos and Sanchez extends further. Bezos' mega three-masted sailing yacht, the Koru, was inspired by the design of Diller's stunning – but smaller – three masted sailing yacht, Eos. The Diller/von Furstenberg couple are deeply involved with the wedding. Cristina Brandolini, the aunt of Diane's first husband Prince Egon, lives in the Palazzo as does her grandson, Marcantonio. He is providing gift glassware for the wedding guests via his company Laguna B. It's also thought that the family wine made by Cristina's son Brandolini will be served throughout festivities. The family is intimately connected with fashion and power, with one grandson interning with the Obama White House and another granddaughter working for both Oscar de la Renta and Dolce & Gabbana. Yet even for those who move in such rarified circles, one way or another, the Bezos-Sanchez celebration promises to be an event of a lifetime.
The Independent
2 hours ago
- The Independent
By the numbers: What we know about Bezos' wedding in Venice
It's likely the most expensive wedding this year. Though details of the wedding between Amazon multi-billionaire Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez are sketchy, it's certainly causing a storm, not least in Venice, where they're set to tie the knot this weekend. Here's a guide by the numbers: ___ 228 Billion, that is. That's the net worth of Jeff Bezos, according to real-time data from Forbes, making him the third-richest person in the world behind tech bros Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg. Not bad, considering that he founded Amazon out of his garage in Seattle in 1994, with not much more than a desk, a fax machine and a long orange extension cord that was needed to supply the room with additional power. From its origins as an online bookstore, Amazon's tentacles are now felt all around the world. If you want anything, it'll likely be for sale there. Amazon also now produces movies, runs the Whole Foods grocery chain and has become the leader in voice-activated speakers. Bezos stepped down as CEO of Amazon in early 2021, citing the desire to devote more time to philanthropy and other projects, including The Washington Post, the newspaper he bought in 2013 and his rocket company, Blue Origin. But Bezos still has broad influence over Amazon as executive chair and the company's biggest shareholder, though his stake has diminished over the years to under 10%. 2 This is the second time that Bezos — and Sanchez — will be walking down the aisle. Bezos, 61, was married to MacKenzie Bezos for 25 years until their divorce in April 2019. TV anchor Sanchez, 55, also divorced her first husband of 14 years, talent agent Patrick Whitesell, in 2019. The divorce came at a high price for Jeff Bezos. Only the divorce of Bill Gates and Melinda Gates has been more expensive. As part of the settlement, MacKenzie, who has taken her middle name Scott as her new surname, received 25% of Bezos' stake in Amazon. According to Forbes, she is worth a cool $30 billion, easily placing her in the world's top 100. 2,456 According to travel website Kayak, that's the euro price ($2,850) for the next available room at the Aman Venice, the hotel where the couple are believed to be staying during their three-day wedding extravaganza. The hotel is a grand spectacle in a city of spectacles. Like Venice itself, the hotel blends mystery and grandeur, opulence and solitude. The rooms are decorated with works by a number of Italy's greatest artists, including 16th-century architect Sansovino and 18th-century painter Tiepolo. Given his wealth, Bezos would be expected to reside in one of the suites. The 97 square-meter (1,044 square feet) Grand Canal Suite would surely meet the moment. According to the hotel, it 'beguiles with views of the Grand Canal and an abundance of light.' Or how about the Alcova Tiepolo Suite? It is slightly bigger at 103 square meters (1108 square feet), which allows guests the opportunity to stay among 18th-century frescoes by Tiepolo. 48,283 Or thereabouts. That's the approximate population of Venice's historic center, which is composed of over 100 islands connected by footbridges and traversed by its famed canals. And it's clear not everyone is thrilled by the arrival of Bezos, his wife-to-be and their 200 or so guests, which it seems will include Mick Jagger, Ivanka Trump, Oprah Winfrey, Katy Perry and Leonardo DiCaprio, to name just a few. And it doesn't seem as though the protesters will stay silent. About a dozen Venetian organizations, including housing advocates, anti-cruise ship campaigners and university groups, have united to protest the multi-day event under the banner 'No Space for Bezos,' a play on words that refers to Sanchez's recent space flight. To many Venetians, the city has lost its charms over the decades, with mass tourism making it an increasingly difficult and expensive place to live, particularly in the summer. To many, Venice has become the ground zero of overtourism, not least when massive cruise liners deposit their cargo of thousands of passengers for a few hours of sightseeing. The locals are often outnumbered by tourists. 90 That's the number of wedding-related private jets that are expected to land at Treviso and Venice airports. Veneto Gov. Luca Zaia reckons the Bezos wedding is all worth it and will generate around $50 million for the city and a celebrity quotient that would 'bring visibility and promotion' to Venice worth more than five American Super Bowls.
NBC News
2 hours ago
- NBC News
Deal of the day: The Shark AI Ultra robot vacuum is 50% off at Amazon right now
Some people simply don't like having to vacuum their homes. Cleaning your space doesn't have to feel like such a chore, especially when there are robot vacuums that can do a much better job of frequently cleaning your space. One of Shark's robot vacuums is a staff-favorite in our robot vacuum guide, and one of its more advanced models, the Shark AI Ultra, is currently on sale for 50% off on Amazon. Deal of the day: Shark AI Ultra robot vacuum deal The Shark AI Ultra has many great features that make this current deal worth it. The AI Ultra has precision mapping, which quickly scans your home while avoiding objects and adapting to the layout of your rooms. It's also able to clean both hardwood floors and carpet. If you have a pet, the AI Ultra has powerful suction that easily gathers up your pet's hair, debris and dirt. The beauty of the Shark AI Ultra is that it can be controlled completely hands-free using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This allows you to set a schedule or wake the vacuum up to clean specific areas on a whim. If you also don't want to bother emptying the robot vacuum, it has a self-emptying base, which can hold up to 60 days of dirt. The Robot vacuum also has an auto recharge and resume setting, so if it loses battery in the middle of a cleaning session, it will return to the base, recharge and then resume cleaning. Why trust NBC Select? I am an editor at NBC Select who has been writing and editing stories on various topics including tech, fitness, apparel and more, for over five years. For this piece, I checked Shark robot vacuum prices across multiple retailers to find the best deal.
