10 Amazon Prime Video Channels you need to know

There’s a whole world of TV available at Amazon Prime Video Channels. These are just a few you should check out.

Amazon Video has video. A lot of video. Amazon Prime Video has a lot of video that’s free along with your Amazon Prime membership. And for everything else — a whole lot of everything else — there’s Amazon Prime Video Channels.

These are a series of channels to which you’ll subscribe monthly and then have available on your Amazon Fire TV, or Fire tablet, or on the web. You get a free seven-day trial for each channel, and then you start paying after that. (Conveniently, through your Amazon account.)

It’s a great complement for whatever streaming services you already have through Amazon Fire TV. And it’s a brilliant way to check out video that otherwise is off the beaten path.

Here are just a few of the better channels we think you should check out — but by all means definitely cruise through the entire Prime Video Channels section, too. (All prices listed are monthly, and remember that you’ll need an Amazon Prime membership, too.)

HBO ($14.99)

Subscribe at Amazon

You know HBO, of course. … Game of Thrones. Westword. Documentaries. Comedy specials. Boxing. And so, so much more. Amazon doesn’t shave anything off the coast here — it’ll be $14.99 a month pretty much no matter where you subscribe. But if you’re way into Amazon Fire TV and the Amazon ecosystem in general, it’ll jst make sense here.

Or if you’re just looking to binge on something, take advantage of that seven-day free trial. Just sayin’.

Starz ($8.99)

Subscribe at Amazon

Come for the hotness that is Outlander (it’s OK, we know you watch it), and stay for the huge list of movies that maybe you’d forgotten about but love to watch whenever they’re on.

Like most other premium movie channels, there’s a ton of original content that’s worth checking out. You could spend the better part of the free weeklong trial just doing that, if you want.

Showtime ($8.99)

Subscribe at Amazon

When you think of Showtime you think of Billions. You think of Homeland. (Which is starting to wind down, but has definitely regained its footing after a couple of questionable seasons.) You think of Shameless, which is definitely worth your time. And you have got to check out Benedict Cumberbatch in Patrick Melrose.

Plus plenty of movies, and comedy, and sports — all the things that make up a really good premium channel, right?

Cinemax ($9.99)

Subscribe at Amazon

You can sort of think of Cinemax as the little brother of HBO. But it definitely complements it with its own stable of original content. (Banshee and Strike Back are worth a look), and a whole smattering of movies once you’re out of unfamiliar territory.

If you can’t find it there, chances are you’ll be able to find it here, right?

CBS All Access ($9.99)

Subscribe at Amazon

There’s a really good reason to check out CBS All Access — which is only available as a standalone channel and not bundled into any other service. And that reason is Star Trek: Discovery. while the newest incarnation in the Trek world is imperfect, it’s also not available anywhere else. Only on CBS All Access.

Beyond that you’ll also get streaming access to everything else CBS has to offer. And of course that means staples like The Big Bang Theory and NCIS. And NCIS: New Orleans. And NCIS: Des Moines. (This is the point in which we see just how many people are paying attention.)

But at the very least hit up the free trial for the Trek.

PBS Masterpiece ($5.99)

Subscribe at Amazon

If it was born in Britain — that is, the actors, and the accents, and the shows — there’s a good chance that you’ll be able to find it here. (Especially if it involves that Cumberbatch guy.)

Just can’t get enough Downton Abbey? This is where you want to turn. Or learn about all things Royal (because we’re very much into that these days here in the States), then yeah. PBS Masterpiece is where it’s at.

PBS Kids ($4.99)

Subscribe at Amazon

Do you have kids? Are you thinking about having kids? Do you, on occasion, borrow kids for one reason or another? Do kids stand at your window and watch your TV when they could be doing other things like raking leaves or washing cars? (Just mine? OK.)

Then at some point you’re going to end up watching one of the shows that’s available on PBS Kids. It’s inevitable. Don’t fight it. While some of the shows are available free on Amazon Prime, a good number require a full subscription to PBS Kids — and that’s where this channel comes in.

Just give into it. You’ll thank us later.

Brown Sugar ($3.99)

Subscribe at Amazon

Watch TV for more than 2 minutes and you’ll quickly realize (or not, which is kind of the point here) that things often take a particular turn for the paler shade of life. Brown Sugar looks to work on that imbalance ever so slightly. And the simple truth is there’s a ton of great shows of this sort that you’ve probably heard of but may not have watched. (Fun fact: I wanted my wedding reception entry music to be the theme from Shaft.)

And for less than a cup of coffee a month you can have access to it all through Brown Sugar. Done.

BritBox ($6.99)

Subscribe at Amazon

For everything British (but not Cumberbatch), there’s BritBox. For starters, there’s a ton of Doctor Who. That in and of itself justifies the $6.99 a month, right?

Along with that there’s EastEnders and Antiques Roadshow (as it was meant to be seen, for sure), and Coronation Street. It doesn’t get much more British than this without having to eat mushy peas.

Daily Burn ($14.95)

Subscribe at Amazon

It’s not all fun and games (and Benedict Cumberbatch) at Amazon Prime Video Channels. Daily Burn brings you high-quality workouts from some of the top trainers in the business. Whether it’s yoga or cardio or something in between (there’s lots in between), or something seriously hard core, you’ll be able to find it here.

And it’ll save you a trip to the gym.

Introducing CordCutters.com

• The hardware you need
• All about streaming services
• What channels are on which service
• FREE over-the-air TV
• How to watch sports
• Join the discussion

Get the latest deals

Best apps for Fitbit Versa and Ionic

The Fitbit Versa and Ionic’s app selection is growing all the time, and these are a few of my favorites.

When the Fitbit Ionic first launched last September, the app selection was a bit barren. Big names like Starbucks, Pandora, and Strava were there, but there wasn’t much of anything else. However, following a lot of developer support and the release of the excellent Versa, that’s started to change.

If you own a Fitbit Versa or Ionic, these are the apps that deserve a place on your wrist.

Water Logged

It’s beyond me why neither the Versa or Ionic have a built-in way of tracking your water intake throughout the day, but until then, developer Tyler Leonhardt has the best solution with Water Logged.

Water Logged works similarly to other water-tracking apps you can get on Fitbit OS, but it’s proven to be the most reliable to-date. Upon opening the app, you’ve got quick shortcuts for adding 8, 16, and 32 fl oz to your intake (these amounts can be customized in the Fitbit app) as well as a + icon where you can manually add fl oz one at a time.

All of this data is synced to your Fitbit account, and unlike other apps I’ve tried, Water Logged continues to work day after day without running into sync issues or other bugs.

Plus, the pun with the name and app icon of a log floating in water kills me every single time.

Barcodes

One app that’s available on the Versa and Ionic right out of the box is Starbucks. It works perfectly fine by allowing you to have your Starbucks card live on your wrist, but that’s about all it does. Barcodes is a similar app, but it takes things a step further.

In addition to being able to store your Starbucks card on Barcodes, you can also add your gym membership, student ID, rewards card for the grocery store, and more. Up to five cards can be added, and you can assign each its own name and color to help distinguish what’s what.

Fitbit Coach

This pick might seem like a copout considering it’s installed on the Versa and Ionic out of the box, but I’ve absolutely loved using Fitbit Coach ever since I decided to give it a shot.

Fitbit Coach allows you to follow workout routines directly on your watch, and the three included with the Ionic are 7-Minute Workout, 10-Minute Abs, and Treasure Chest (a 15-minute chest-focused workout). You’ll have to pay an annual subscription of $39.99 to access additional workouts, and in my opinion, it’s more than worth it.

Philip Hue Lights

Although I control my Hue lights mainly my talking to the Google Assistant on my Pixel 2 or Google Home, there are times when I need to turn the lights on and off without waking up my fiance. Setting up the Hue app on the Versa and Ionic is simple as downloading it and pressing the button on your bridge, and once this is all done, it works rather nicely.

The app does take a second to load upon opening it, but it’s still convenient for quickly turning lights on and off when your phone isn’t nearby or you’d rather not use your voice. You can activate scenes, turn all of your lights on/off at once, and control individual bulbs.

Switchr

If you’re a fan of IFTTT, Switchr is for you. Switchr ties into IFTTT Web Hooks and allows you to perform a variety of actions with just a simple button tap. IFTTT is compatible with a wide variety of services and connected gadgets, including the likes of iRobot, Jibo, LG appliances, Nest Cam, and more.

I personally use Switchr to connect to my Wemo devices, and this enables me to turn on the coffee pot first thing in the morning with just a couple taps on my watch.

Your choices

Did I miss any apps that you’ve been loving on your Versa or Ionic? Let me know what your favorites are down in the comments below!

Fitbit Versa vs. Fitbit Ionic: Which should you buy?

Updated 5/30/2018 — Added the Fitbit Versa to the list!

Win a Samsung Galaxy S9+ and RhinoShield protection set from Android Central!

Rhinoshield makes some of our favorite cases, with offerings that are not only stylish and great protection for your phone, but also reasonably priced. Their latest cases for the Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ meet all of that criteria, and more!
We’re teaming up with Rhinoshield to give one lucky winner a Samsung Galaxy S9+ and RhinoShield protection set, and 10 additional winners free cases! Keep reading for more info about the cases, a special discount, and to get entered into the giveaway!

Besides the signature Rhinoshield CrashGuard Bumper, they’ve also released the SolidSuit Case to provide full cover protection for the S9 / S9+, as requested by many Android users. While the CrashGuard Bumper shows off the back of the phone in its minimalist design, the SolidSuit Case provides full cover protection and add a touch of class with its premium back finish (Carbon Fiber, Classic Black). Both the CrashGuard and SolidSuit are made of our latest ShockSpread™ material which provides over 11 feet of impact protection while being thin and lightweight. You can get a closer look at these cases in action here. And for a limited time, Android Central readers can use the code ANDROIDCENTRAL to save 20% on RhinoShield cases!

Enter to win a Samsung Galaxy S9+!

THE PRIZE: One Android Central reader will receive a Samsung Galaxy S9+ and RhinoShield protection set, and 10 runners up will receive a RhinoShield case of their choice (or $30 gift card if case is not available for the winner’s phone).

THE GIVEAWAY: Use the widget at the bottom of this page. There are multiple ways to enter, each with varying point values. Complete all of the tasks for maximum entries and your best shot at winning! Keep in mind that all winning entries are verified and if the task was not completed or cannot be verified, a new winner will be chosen. Phone service is not included with the prize and we make no guarantees that the phone will work with your service provider, so be sure to check that before you enter. International winners will be responsible for any customs fees incurred during shipping.

The giveaway is open through June 12, 2018, and the winner will be announced right here shortly after the closing date. Good luck!

Win a Samsung Galaxy S9+ and RhinoShield protection set from Android Central!

By entering you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

These phones work on Project Fi

Not sure if your phone works with Project Fi? Check the list below!

If you don’t use a lot of mobile data, want your phone service to be as easy to understand as possible, and/or like being connected to all of Google’s services, Project Fi is absolutely worth looking into.

For just $20/month for unlimited calls/texts and then $10 per GB of data you use, Project Fi is one of the most compelling MVNOs around — especially when you factor in its excellent roaming support, nationwide coverage, and Bill Protection feature that essentially gives you unlimited everything for just $80/month.

As great as all of this is, however, Project Fi only works with select smartphones. Google’s been steadily expanding this list over the years, but it’s still fairly limited.

Here’s a list of all the phones that currently work on Project Fi.

Google Pixel 2/2 XL

Unsurprisingly, the best way to experience Project Fi is with Google’s own Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. Both phones come with the Snapdragon 835 processor, 4GB RAM, the best smartphone cameras on the market right now, and first-in-line access to new versions of Android + security patches.

While the Pixel 2/2 XL are great to use on any carrier, they’re a perfect fit for Project Fi thanks to their embedded eSIMs. When you buy a Pixel 2, you don’t have to buy a SIM card to use it on Project Fi. Instead, there’s SIM technology built into the phones so you can connect to Fi’s service with just a few taps.

The Pixel 2 costs $649 (or $27.04/month for 24 months) while the larger Pixel 2 XL costs $849 ($25.38 for 24 months)

See at Project Fi

Google Pixel/Pixel XL

Although they’re no longer sold on Project Fi, the original Pixel and Pixel XL work just fine with the service.

You won’t find the eSIM technology that the Pixel 2 series has, but if you already own the first-gen Pixel or can find a solid deal on it, Project Fi’s a great home for the phone.

See at Amazon

Nexus 6P/Nexus 5X

Similar to the Pixel and Pixel XL, both the Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X also work on Project Fi. These were the two of the first phones that pioneered the service, and while you can’t buy them from Fi anymore, they work like any other one you can get.

I wouldn’t recommend picking up a Nexus 6P or 5X in 2018, but if you already own one, you owe it to yourself to try it out on Project Fi.

See at Amazon

Nexus 6

This is it. The very first phone that officially supported Project Fi. The Nexus 6 was an incredibly interesting device and was a night and day difference compared to the Nexus 5 that came out a year before it.

The Nexus 6 was comically large and carried a hefty retail starting price of $650, but even so, was still a lot of fun to use.

You can rock the Nexus 6 on Project Fi just fine even in 2018, but like the Nexus 6P and 5X, I wouldn’t recommend buying it as your daily driver.

See at Amazon

Moto G6

Going back to phones you can actually purchase on Fi, the Moto G6 is currently the cheapest option available.

For just $249 (currently on sale for $199), the Moto G6 offers a glass design, 5.7-inch 2160 x 1080 display with an 18:9 aspect ratio, Snapdragon 450 processor, 3GB of RAM, and 32GB of expandable storage.

Other specs include 12MP + 5MP dual rear cameras, 8MP selfie camera with its own flash, and a 3,000 mAh battery that supports Quick Charge. Add that together with Android 8.0 Oreo, and you’ve got one heck of a phone for not much dough.

See at Project Fi

Moto X4 (Android One version)

If you’ve got a bit more cash to spend but still don’t want to break the bank, the Moto X4 is another excellent choice.

The X4 is slightly smaller than the G6 with a 5.2-inch 1920 x 1080 display but still offers a premium glass and metal body. There are dual 12MP + 8MP rear cameras, impressive 16MP front-facing camera, Snapdragon 630 processor, 3GB RAM, and 32GB of expandable storage.

You’d normally spend $399 for the Moto X4, but right now Project Fi is selling it for just $249.

See at Project Fi

LG G7 ThinQ

The G7 ThinQ might look like a generic 2018 Android phone at first glance, and while it is in some regards, offers a few unique features that help it stand out.

First off, you’ve got the basics of a 6.1-inch 18:9 LCD display, 3,000 mAh battery, Snapdragon 845, 4GB RAM, and 64GB of expandable storage.

The G7’s most unique features include a secondary wide-angle rear camera, incredibly loud “Boom Box” speaker, and impressive haptics, but it’s up to you if those extra goodies are enough to justify the phone’s $749 (or $31.21/month) asking price.

See at Project Fi

LG V35 ThinQ

Last but not least, the most expensive phone in Project Fi’s lineup is the LG V35 ThinQ. The V35 is essentially a repackaging of last year’s V30 with updated specs, making it an interesting mix of old and new.

Under the hood is the Snapdragon 845, 6GB RAM, 64GB of expandable storage, 3,300 mAh battery, and the G7’s front and rear cameras. However, the V35 doesn’t have a notch and uses the V30’s so-so 6-inch pOLED display.

You’ll pay a hefty $899 ($37.46/month) to own the V35, making this a phone that only die-hard LG fans will likely be attracted to.

See at Project Fi

Google Project Fi

• What is Project Fi?
• Get the latest Project Fi news
• Google Pixel 2 review
• Moto X4 review
• Discuss Project Fi in our forums
• Sign up for Project Fi!

Apple Music Gets Global Music Publishing Division

Apple has launched an internal music publishing division, headed by industry executive Elena Segal, according to Music Business Worldwide.

Segal had served as Director of iTunes International since 2006, covering a wide range of legal and licensing matters for iTunes around the world. She began her new role as Apple’s Global Director of Music Publishing earlier this month, based out of London, England, according to her LinkedIn profile.

The initiative is said to be one of the first major moves from Apple Music’s new global operations chief Oliver Schusser, who was promoted from his previous role as Vice President of iTunes international in April.

The report suggests that the new division will help the Apple Music team to better discover up-and-coming artists, and improve its direct relationships with publishers and songwriters. The division is said to be made up of several subdivisions dedicated to operations, publisher relations, and other areas.

Like her boss Schusser, Segal will likely split her time between London and Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino, California.

Tag: Apple Music
Discuss this article in our forums

Apple Releases Safari Technology Preview 57 With Bug Fixes and Feature Improvements

Apple today released a new update for Safari Technology Preview, the experimental browser Apple first introduced over two years ago in March of 2016. Apple designed the Safari Technology Preview to test features that may be introduced into future release versions of Safari.

Safari Technology Preview release 57 includes bug fixes and feature improvements for JavaScript, Animations, Storage Access API, Security, Media, Accessibility, WebDriver, and Web Inspector.

The Safari Technology Preview update is available through the Software Update mechanism in the Mac App Store to anyone who has downloaded the browser. Full release notes for the update are available on the Safari Technology Preview website.

Apple’s aim with Safari Technology Preview is to gather feedback from developers and users on its browser development process. Safari Technology Preview can run side-by-side with the existing Safari browser and while designed for developers, it does not require a developer account to download.
Discuss this article in our forums

Apple Seeds First Beta of iOS 11.4.1 to Developers

Apple today seeded the first beta of an upcoming iOS 11.4.1 update to developers, one day after releasing iOS 11.4, an update that introduced AirPlay 2 and Messages in iCloud.

Registered developers can download the new iOS 11.4.1 beta from Apple’s Developer Center or over-the-air once the proper configuration profile has been installed from the Developer Center.

We don’t know what new features are included in the iOS 11.4.1 beta, but it is likely to focus on bug fixes and performance improvements to address issues discovered since the release of iOS 11.4.

Apple’s work on iOS 11 is wrapping up, as iOS 12 is set to be released to developers next week following the keynote event of the 2018 Worldwide Developers Conference.

Related Roundup: iOS 11
Discuss this article in our forums

Apple Seeds First Beta of macOS High Sierra 10.13.6 to Developers

Apple today seeded the first beta of an upcoming macOS High Sierra 10.13.6 update to developers for testing purposes, which comes as macOS 10.13.5, an update that’s expected to include Messages in iCloud, is still in testing.

The new macOS High Sierra 10.13.6 beta can be downloaded through the Software Update mechanism in the Mac App Store with the proper profile installed.

We don’t yet know what improvements the sixth update to macOS High Sierra will bring, but it likely focuses on bug fixes and performance improvements for issues that were not able to be addressed in macOS High Sierra 10.13.5.

We’ll update this post if any new features or notable bug fixes are discovered in the new macOS 10.13.6 beta.

Work on macOS High Sierra is wrapping up, with Apple now shifting focus to the next-generation version of macOS, macOS 10.14, which will be unveiled next week at the Worldwide Developers Conference.

Related Roundup: macOS High Sierra
Discuss this article in our forums

Apple Seeds First Beta of watchOS 4.3.2 to Developers

Apple today seeded the first beta of an upcoming watchOS 4.3.2 update to developers, one day after releasing watchOS 4.3.1, a minor bug fix update that addressed a startup issue.

Once the proper configuration profile has been installed from the Apple Developer Center, the new watchOS beta can be downloaded through the dedicated Apple Watch app on the iPhone by going to General –> Software update.

To install the update, the Apple Watch needs to have at least 50 percent battery, it must be placed on the charger, and it has to be in range of the iPhone.

It’s not yet clear what features will be introduced in the watchOS 4.3.2 update, but as another 4.3.x update, it’s likely to be minor in scale, addressing bug fixes and making other small improvements to the operating system.

watchOS 4.3.2 is likely to be one of the final updates to the watchOS 4 operating system. Apple has begun work on watchOS 5, which will be provided to developers next week at the 2018 Worldwide Developers Conference.

Related Roundups: Apple Watch, watchOS 4Buyer’s Guide: Apple Watch (Neutral)
Discuss this article in our forums

Apple Seeds First Beta of tvOS 11.4.1 to Developers

Apple today seeded the first beta of an upcoming tvOS 11.4.1 update to developers for testing purposes, one day after releasing tvOS 11.4, an update that introduced support for AirPlay 2.

Designed for the fourth and fifth-generation Apple TV models, the new tvOS 11.4.1 developer beta can be downloaded onto the Apple TV via a profile that’s installed using Xcode.

We’re not yet sure what fixes and changes the tvOS 11.4.1 update might bring, but it’s likely to focus on bugs that have been discovered since the release of tvOS 11.4.

Apple’s tvOS updates have historically been minor in scale, and Apple does not often provide us with detailed notes outlining what’s new. We’ll update this post should anything be found in the beta.

Apple’s work on tvOS 11 is winding down as the company is now focusing on tvOS 12, which is set to be unveiled at the Worldwide Developers Conference next week.

Related Roundup: Apple TVBuyer’s Guide: Apple TV (Neutral)
Discuss this article in our forums