Why The Lucky Stiff

One man's journey to be more just a lucky stiff

Cordcutters

Best Kodi Tips You’ll Find in 2019

Last updated on

Kodi tips are rather underrated. After all, one of the biggest advantages that Kodi offers compared to other players and streaming services is that it’s extremely modular. It can be shaped in any way you want. 

So, why not take advantage of that? Here are the best Kodi tips that we can give as of 2019!

1: Use a VPN

Kodi veterans probably saw this coming from a mile away, but one of the most important Kodi tips that we can give you is to use a VPN. More so for security rather than privacy. 

See, while Kodi itself is completely legal to use, there are numerous 3rd party add-ons that aren’t. In some places, this can get you into huge trouble. You may end up paying fines or in some other, more severe, but also more rare cases, going to jail. 

Using a cheap VPN (Avoid freebies) is an easy way to avoid that. Not only because it conceals your identity, but also because it can make it look as if you’re browsing from another region; preferably one that doesn’t care too much about piracy. 

Germany and Japan are two of the most strict countries when it comes to pirating and streaming copyrighted content. So, those of you who live there should definitely use one. As for the rest of us, it’s still a good idea. Just to be safe. 

Some of the top choices include: 

  1. Express VPN
  2. Surfshark
  3. And Nord VPN

We personally prefer Express VPN since it has been long known as one of the best options and you know what they say: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”. 

2: Change The Language

This is quite a simple one, but did you know that Kodi offers multiple languages? It starts off with English, but there are plenty of more options to choose from. 

There are 75 options to choose from including: 

  1. Greek
  2. Russian
  3. Swedish
  4. Japanese
  5. German
  6. Croatian
  7. Czech
  8. Danish
  9. Dutch
  10. French

And many, many more. So, if you’re not a native English speaker, why not change the language to feel right at home? You can do that by going to: 

  1. Settings (Gear icon)
  2. Interface
  3. Regional
  4. Language
  5. And then simply select the language of your choice

Sure, this isn’t anything breathtaking. But, for those of you who are not too good with English, it can definitely make a huge difference. 

3: Install Different Skins

Kodi looks beautiful as is. But, did you know that there is also the option of installing custom skins on it? This can change not only your background but the overall feel of the app. 

Thankfully, unlike installing 3rd party add-ons, installing skins is as easy as going to: 

  1. Settings
  2. Add-ons
  3. Search
  4. Insert the name of the skin that you want
  5. Search
  6. Click on it
  7. Select “Install”

And that’s about it. 

Now, of course, the harder part is finding some skins to install in the first place. But, in such cases, Google is your friend. Some of our favorite options are: 

  1. Eminence: Very simplistic and elegant
  2. Aeon Nox: SiLVO: Beautiful and transparent
  3. Arctic Zephyr 2: Magical
  4. Atlas: A bit dark
  5. Chroma: Great for TVs
  6. Black Glass Nova: Fancy
  7. Pellucid: As simple and beautiful as it can get
  8. Transparency: Probably the best option for those who are stuck with a remote
  9. Revolve: Practically makes Kodi feel like a different app
  10. Aen Tajo: Abstract themed

Kodi tips

With so many options out there, you’re bound to find something that fits your tastes. All of the installed skins can be found at: 

  1. Settings
  2. Add-ons
  3. My add-ons
  4. Look and feel
  5. Skin
  6. Select the skin that you want
  7. And pick “Use” 

4: Customize Your Skins

Installing skins is one thing; customizing them is another and probably one of the best Kodi tips that we can give you. After all, there are times where the skin hits all the right spots, except one thing. 

That thing could be anything. The background, colors, header, etc. To find these options, you simply need to head over to: 

  1. Settings
  2. Skin settings

And then adjust anything according to your preferences. 

Kodi tips

Do keep in mind that your options may vary depending on the skin that’s installed. In any case, this is something that helps us bring everything one step closer towards our taste. 

5: Create Separate Profiles

Netflix offers a handy feature which allows you to switch between different profiles for different members of the family or friends who are sharing the account with you. But, did you know that you can also do something similar with Kodi? 

If there are multiple people in the house who are using the same machine, then creating a separate profile for each person may be a good idea. Not only for having a bit of privacy, but also for individual preferences like add-on lists, skins, setups, etc. 

Creating a profile is as simple as going to: 

  1. Settings
  2. Profiles
  3. Add profile

Kodi tips

You’re free to add passwords if you want and it goes without saying that there is the option of selecting different profile pictures, default log-ins, etc. 

6: Don’t Forget to Adjust the Main Settings

Most of the time, Kodi manages to setup the main settings automatically without any issues. But, if you are experiencing issues with your display or anything like that, then chances are that you’ll have to manually adjust some options. 

The main settings can be found at: 

  1. Settings
  2. System
  3. And then you can tweak whatever feels wrong

For example, a common issue with Kodi users on PC is that they can’t get audio on their headphones. Especially those who are using a dedicated audio card for it. Fixing that requires you to go to: 

  1. Settings
  2. System
  3. Audio
  4. Audio output device

And then you need to select your headset. 

Kodi tips

As far as basic Koti tips go, this an absolute must. The same thing applies to your display settings. You can change not only the active monitor but also its resolution with the native option being the best. 

If you don’t know what your native resolution is, just try out different options until the display feels more natural and crisp. 

Wrapping Up

That’s all for now. If you’ve got any other good Kodi tips, then let us and everyone else know about them in the comments section down below. 

How to Change Netflix Region

Last updated on

Looking on how to change Netflix region? It’s actually a very easy thing to do. You just need to know how. This guide shouldn’t take any more than 10 minutes to follow, so, keep on reading!

Why? Well, for those of you who don’t know, due to licensing issues, Netflix is not allowed to display all movies and shows universally. Some of them are geo-blocked. For example, “The Office”, which is a very popular show, isn’t available to watch in numerous parts of Europe. 

Depending on your region, there is a chance that more than 50% of Netflix’s library is unavailable to watch. So, without any further ado, here’s how to bypass these kinds of restrictions!

1: Choose A Reliable VPN

The easiest and most effective way of changing our Netflix region is by using a VPN (Virtual Private Network). VPNs can be installed as any other software on your device and offer an additional layer of security/privacy while using them. 

However, the reason that we truly need one in this particular case is because they also give us the ability to “Disguise” ourselves. A VPN can fool websites; including Netflix; into thinking that you’re browsing from another place in the world. 

This feature is extremely useful for bypassing geo-blocked websites and content like movies and shows on Netflix. That being said, this is why our first and most important step of changing our Netflix region is choosing a good VPN. 

Normally, a Google search would be more than enough to find a VPN. However, there are tons of them to choose from. So, finding the ideal candidate can become a bit of a pain; which is why we’re here to help you out. 

Things to Consider When Choosing A VPN

Most paid VPN apps will work just fine for most applications. But, when it comes to using one for Netflix? Let’s just say that your choice needs to meet some criteria: 

  1. Ideally, you want the best bang for your buck: Pretty obvious. Nobody wants to spend more money than needed
  2. Needs to be able to bypass Netflix’s detection system: Netflix has an algorithm which detects if you’re using a VPN or not. You want something that can bypass that
  3. Speed: Streaming high-quality videos is one of the most bandwidth-intensive tasks that one can do. Having a VPN that’s fast enough to stream movies or shows is an absolute requirement
  4. Security and reliability: Using a VPN means that the user is switching from trusting his data to his ISP (Internet Service Provider) over to the VPN provider. So, make sure to choose someone who will surely not sell that data to 3rd parties
  5. Available locations: Most VPN apps allow you to choose from a plethora of virtual locations. Make sure that you can get as many as possible
  6. Cross-platform support: Most of us use at least a phone and a computer. If you’re intending on using the VPN for multiple devices, then pick one that supports multiple platforms (Android, Windows, iOS, Mac, etc)

With all of that being said, we think that Express VPN is a very solid option. It starts at 6.5 euros per month, works with Netflix while also offering the necessary speeds for streaming, and it’s also known as one of the most reliable choices out there. 

How to change netflix region

It’s available for Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, and Linux and gives you a ton of regions to choose from. Overall, it’s a solid choice. Still, if you don’t like it, feel free to make your own choice. 

Check out Express VPN on its official website

 

2: Setup The VPN

At this point, you hopefully understand what a VPN does and why we need it for this to work. So, after choosing a VPN, you need to set it up in order for it work with Netflix. 

Guides are usually not necessary for such simple things, but here’s how to do it anyway: 

  1. Download and install your VPN from its official website
  2. Select the region of your preference
  3. Wait for the connection to establish
  4. And that’s it

How to switch netflix region

The process may slightly differ from VPN to VPN. But, generally, it’s as simple as opening the app and choosing a specific region to connect to. 

When it comes to Netflix, the best choice is usually the US. Still, make your own research on that. If you Google search a show and it shows up on Netflix but you still can’t see it, then chances are that you’re still geo-blocked. 

If that happens, just make a Google search, see which regions have access to the show or movie that you are after, and switch to that server with your VPN. 

Can I Use My Netflix Account Overseas? 

Yes, you absolutely can. If you are using a VPN, then your physical location doesn’t really matter. In the virtual world, you can live anywhere you want. 

And if you don’t have a VPN? Well, then the situation slightly changes. Some regions, like Greece, can normally access but with limited content. Others, like China, will not allow you to get in at all. 

So, to wrap things up: 

  1. For VPN users: doesn’t really make a difference
  2. For non-VPN users: depends on your location

How to Change Netflix Region: Wrapping Up

So, for those of you who are looking on how to change Netflix region, all you basically need is a trustworthy and fast VPN that can bypass geo-restrictions. 

90% of the process is all about trying to find the right VPN for the job. After that, it’s all a matter of opening the app and connecting to a location that is not geo-blocked. 

Of course, it goes without saying that you’ll need to have a Netflix subscription as well. And it sucks that we need to pay for Netflix AND for a VPN service to access all of the content that we were paying for anyway. But, that’s how it is.

And that’s about it. If you’ve got any questions, you can drop them in the comments section down below and the WTLS team will try to get back to you. Till next time. 

Best Netflix Alternatives in 2019

Last updated on

There are numerous Netflix alternatives out there and we’re here today to find the best out of the bunch. I mean, Netflix is a great streaming service. It really is. But, what if you want something different? Something maybe a bit cheaper, free, or with a different selection of movies and shows? So, let’s check out some alternative options. 

1: Best Netflix Alternatives For a Subscription: Amazon, Hulu, And HBO

Netflix alternatives

Amazon, Hulu, and HBO are by far the most popular streaming services aside from Netflix. Obviously, most of us already know about them. But, still, we thought that mentioning them is good for starters who are just now getting into streaming. And if you haven’t heard about them, now is your chance to check them out!

First of all, there is Amazon Prime Video which offers a great collection of movies and TV shows like Aquaman, Captain Marvel, Game of Thrones (Along with an HBO sub) and many, many more. The great thing about it is that it goes hand to hand with Amazon Prime which means that you won’t have to pay for two separate services. 

Then there is Hulu which has a wide variety of shows to watch from – especially if you include the add-ons that you can use like HBO, Showtime, and more. The only downside of it is that their Android app doesn’t play well with certain devices and that can be an issue. Especially if you consider that more than 60% of people nowadays prefer browsing with their smartphones. 

Last, but not least, there is HBO. This is  the streaming the service that offers two of the most popular exclusive shows out there: 

  1. Game of Thrones
  2. Chernobyl

Exclusives are obviously not exactly a good thing for us, the consumers, but just saying. Prices are not going to be mentioned cause they can wildly differ from region to region. 

Best Free Netflix Alternatives: Showbox, Popcorn Time, And Kodi

Netlfix alternatives

Not everybody is able or willing to pay for a subscription. Thankfully, there are quite a few Netflix alternatives that are also completely free to use. 

Now, some of them are a bit shady and maybe even dangerous for your device’s health, viruses and such, while others, up to a certain point, are completely safe and legal to use. Let’s shart with Showbox. 

Showbox is completely free and allows you to watch almost every show and movie that’s out there. However, it has 2 series downsides: 

  1. Only available for Android
  2. No official source as of yet

The first downside is somewhat of a problem for PC users and for those who want to watch their shows on a bigger screen. Not really a huge deal. However, the second downside can even prove to be dangerous. After all, download the app from the wrong source and you may get infected with adware or something even worse. 

Popcorn Time is a bit more popular and is available for computers as well. While it has a rather big collection of shows and movies, it’s also considered illegal in numerous countries.

Piracy is commonly nothing to be afraid of. But, if you are living in the wrong country and at the wrong time, you’re risking getting fined or even going to jail. More on that later on. 

Last, but not least, Kodi. Kodi, by default, offers quite a number of legitimate and legal sources to watch numerous videos. Now, if you want to move on to more questionable add-ons, then that’s your call to make. 

Basically, Kodi allows you to use 3rd party sources and that, in turn, makes it practically possible to get all the shows and movies in the world for free. Just not legally. Again, Kodi, by default, is completely legitimate and legal. The 3rd party add-ons are the ones that are questionable. 

Consider Using a VPN

Some of the above-mentioned services, including Kodi and Showbox, are considered illegal in numerous countries. Well, to be more precise, Kodi isn’t considered illegal as it is, but that’s a topic for another day. 

Usually, pirating movies and shows isn’t something that will get you punished. However, some countries are known for being strict for such matters. Germany is one of the few that can fine you or even send you to prison for piracy. 

So, are you going to take the risk? Why not use a VPN? VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. It’s a kind of software which conceals your identity and also whatever it is that you’re doing on the Internet from any prying eyes. 

That includes your ISP and even the government. Obviously, if you’re going to do something that’s considered highly illegal, then no VPN provider is going to try and hide you from the government/police. 

However, for the rest of us normal folk who just want a bit of privacy and security, a VPN is a great solution. Most of them are extremely cheap while there are also a few free choices. We’d recommend against the latter, but, that’s a topic for another day. 

There are plenty of choices out there, but ExpressVPN is the one that we’re going to recommend. After all, it has a long-standing reputation for being fast, reliable, affordable, and secure. 

So, all things considered, do seriously think about installing a VPN. 

Get ExpressVPN From The Official Website

 

Honorable Mentions

All the services that we mentioned above are some of the most widely known Netflix alternatives, but there’s much more to it than that. Here are some other streaming services that deserve a bit of attention as well: 

  • HooqMubi
  • Fandor
  • Crackle
  • Hotstar
  • Filmstruck
  • Sling TV
  • Tubi TV
  • YouTube
  • Pluto TV
  • Showtime
  • Pureflix
  • Pocorn Flix
  • Viewster
  • Snag Films

Yes, YouTube is also included. While it’s clearly far from having the biggest collection of shows and movies, you can still find a few stuff there. For example, The Red Pill is only available on YouTube at the moment. 

That’s all for now. If you’ve got any other Netflix alternatives to recommend, then let us and everyone else know about them in the comments section down below!

How to Jailbreak FireStick TV – The Complete Guide

Last updated on

Want to find out how to jailbreak FireStick TV and unleash the streaming capabilities of the portable entertainment system? Here’s everything to know about jailbreak the Amazon Fire TV Stick, how you can do it, and the benefits that it has to offer.

The modern age of entertainment is a cord cutter’s dream come true, with the biggest names in the business moving towards online streaming. Google may have started the online push after taking over YouTube and making it the largest database of videos online, but a list of names has followed since. The entertainment industry has flourished upon the arrival of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and other premium subscription-based services, but bringing the streaming services to the big screen has been the effort put in through devices such as Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and many others.

In order to make premium content available to the masses on various streaming platforms, Amazon introduced the Fire TV Stick. Offered as a compact and affordable solution to connect your home entertainment system to the internet and enjoy online streamed content along with live TV channels over the web, the Amazon Fire TV Stick has been revered by users all across the world. However, users have been buzzing the support forums all over the internet to discover different methods on how to jailbreak FireStick TV and unlock its true potential.

What Does Jailbreaking FireStick TV Mean?

The term jailbreaking is usually associated with Apple’s iOS devices, where a user is able to enjoy unprecedented software and hardware access by modifying the system files. Unlike the iPhone or the iPad, the system installed on the Amazon Fire TV Stick is actually based on Android 5.0 Lollipop, although it does not include the traditionally preinstalled suite of Google apps and services. Amazon offers its very own App Store, with thousands of offerings that are tailored to work best with the Fire TV on the big screen with navigation support from the Alexa Remote.

When we speak about learning how to jailbreak Amazon Fire Stick, it refers to the ability to install apps on the device while bypassing the App Store. The ability to so has existed natively on all Android devices right from the get-go, which is offered as a feature embedded in the Developer Options menu. Jailbreaking the Fire TV Stick allows you to “Install from Unknown Sources”, which essentially means that you can install apps in their raw format (APK) directly on the device, without requiring the permission of the Amazon App Store, and is generally referred to as “sideloading”.

Why Jailbreak Amazon Fire Stick TV?

Generally speaking, the reason Google Play Store has been put in place is to act as an inspector, ensuring that all apps are put through a screening process before being installed on your phone. While you would wish for the same on your Amazon Fire TV Stick, but the exclusion of the Google Play Store in lieu of the Amazon App Store limits the number of available apps for use significantly. Thanks to the ability to sideload apps to the Fire TV Stick, you get the ability to install thousands of big-screen apps to your TV.

Additionally, the popularity of Android streaming devices has led to the release of third-party app stores built for simplified navigation. For instance, the Aptoide TV App Store allows you to find some of the best Android TV apps and install them to your Amazon Fire TV device. These third-party app stores and app repositories also allow you to install apps such as Showbox for Android, that aren’t officially available neither on the Amazon App Store, nor the Google Play Store.

Once you jailbreak the Fire TV Stick, you can also install the Kodi media player app on it, which unlocks the doors to entertainment heaven for you. From enjoying live TV shows, to having the latest and greatest movies and TV shows at the click of a button, Kodi media player on your Amazon Fire TV devices brings a whole new dimension to your entertainment experience on the big screen.

How to Jailbreak FireStick TV

Now that you you’ve understood what jailbreaking Amazon Fire Stick means and how you can use it to your advantage, it’s time to understand how you can start using it. You need to start by enabling the ability to sideload apps to the Amazon Fire TV Stick, which comes by switching on the “Unknown Sources” feature in the Developer Options menu.

  1. Right from the main screen on your Amazon Fire device, head over to the Settings
  2. Head over to Device tab and then navigate to the Developer Options
  3. You will find the tab that reads Apps from Unknown Sources and click on it to turn the feature ON.

Now that you have enabled the “Unknown Sources” option from the Settings, you can begin to sideload apps on your Amazon Fire TV Stick.

How to Sideload Apps on FireStick TV

Once you have the Unknown Sources features enabled on your Fire TV Stick, you will now be able to bypass the Amazon App Store and install apps directly. But before you can start doing this, you will need the App Store on your Fire TV one last time, to fetch the Downloader app. This app essentially works as a web browser and download manager, allowing you to get APK files online and then directly install them to your streaming device.

apps unknown warning

  1. From the main menu screen, look out for the Apps
  2. Using the search bar, find the Downloader
  3. Press the Install button and wait for the app to be installed on the Amazon Fire TV.

Bonus: Install the Aptoide TV App

A third-party app store that is designed especially for the Android TV platform, Aptoide TV brings you access to thousands of apps. Apart from apps that are available on the Google Play Store, you can find a bunch of independent apps as well.

  1. Open the Downloader app and go to the Home section to enter the URL.
  2. Type in the following URL in the empty box – http://m.aptoid.com/installer-aptoid-tv/ and hit the Go
  3. Select OK when the app asks to you to enable JavaScript, which is essential for webpages to load within the Aptoide TV app.
  4. Wait for the Aptoide TV APK file to be downloaded, and then press the Install button and once again to confirm.

The Aptoide TV app will now be installed on your Amazon Fire TV Stick, so you can press the Done button to exit, or choose to launch it by pressing the Open button.

Use ExpressVPN When You Jailbreak FireStick TV

One of the primary reasons to jailbreak your Amazon Fire Stick TV is to be able to enjoy video streaming content from apps that are aren’t originally available. This may include regional apps which are not supported officially by the Amazon App Store, but there may be other barriers in the way too. Geo-restrictions are put in place by several big names in the online streaming business, and the only way to get around these restrictions is to put a VPN service such as ExpressVPN to use.

Bypassing Geo-restrictions – Depending on where you live, you won’t be able to access the services online even with a jailbroken Fire TV, but ExpressVPN offer you a way around this. Allowing you to connect to hundreds of remote servers across the world, you can choose to log in from more than 60 different locations.

Avoid ISP Logging – Even if a streaming service is not barred in your region, the ISP (internet service provider) can still keep an on-file record of the user data. The online activity that you perform on the Fire TV Stick can be logged, which poses not only a privacy treat, but the problem of being fined for unauthorized usage as well.

High-speed Streaming –When you choose a mediocre VPN service that helps you get past the ISP but underperforms in terms of connectivity, you could end up with minutes of buffering, which can impact the entertainment experience. With ExpressVPN and its smart filtering of servers that rank highest on the Speed Index, you can choose a network server with the best streaming speeds on the Fire TV Stick.

Native Support – The sheer popularity of ExpressVPN not only makes it a viable solution for desktop and mobile devices, but for streaming devices such as the Amazon Fire TV Stick as well. The Amazon App Store officially supports the ExpressVPN app, allowing you to hook up to a proxy server, easily choose your service location, and even monitor your streaming speeds for a surreal viewing experience.

Get ExpressVPN to protect your viewing behavior

Final Words

With the massive improvements in the communication infrastructure, there is high-speed wireless connectivity across not just the United States, but the entire world. This evolution in the communications industry has bolstered the efforts to cut the cord when it comes to entertainment and ditch the local cable companies in favor of premium streaming services. Bringing the ability to stream content online directly to the big screen has been made possible for the masses, thanks to budget streamers such as the Amazon Fire TV Stick.

Since people are always looking to make the most of the capabilities of what their gadgets can do, the ability to jailbreak FireStick TV has become a popular trend. We’ve highlighted the reasons why an individual would be inclined to take up the process steps and get their device enabled for sideloading apps. If you have any questions regarding how sideloading works on the Fire TV, or have any other queries, just reach out to us in the comments.

Are VPNs Legal to Use? Everything you Need to Know

Last updated on

Looking to unlock the power of the internet but concerned that are VPNs legal to use in your region? Here’s everything there is to know about the countries that allow the use of VPN, and regions where it is restricted by the government, or banned entirely.

During the early days of the World Wide Web when the network infrastructure was not yet as abundant as it is today, there was more freedom offered to users too. From being able to connect to services across country lines, to be able to access websites freely, the openness of the internet certainly has been disrupted as the number of users has skyrocketed to billions over the past couple of decades. However, the fight to keep the essence of the internet alive and been fueled by virtual private networks (VPNs), offering way to access any part of the World Wide Web freely, while keeping things private and confidential.

Whether you’re trying to access a website that has been restricted by your ISP (Internet Service Provider), or just want to enjoy an international version of Netflix with all of its extra content, a VPN is the way to go. But over the years, even VPNs, which were designed to be a beacon of privacy and security, have been perverted into being used as tools of malicious activities all across the world. The restrictions put forward by certain regional authorities can make you wonder are VPNs legal to use in the first place, which is why we’re here to help it break it all down for you.

Are VPNs Legal or Illegal?

It is estimated that around 1 on 4 people all around the world use a VPN service to secure their online browsing experience for different purposes. What was once the brainchild of a Microsoft chief engineer, today stands as the evolutionary technology that not only allows users to go around the internet anonymously, but barricade their privacy as well. VPNs have been used for decades by corporate entities and government organizations to secure their network services, and in the past decade, has become commercially available to individuals.

The fact of the matter is that VPNs are legal to use in most of the major countries all around the world, and is acceptable to federal authorities. Using a VPN is around 196 countries is completely legal. This includes the major superpowers such as the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Canada, India, Germany, Japan, and several others. However, there are certain countries that either restricted the use of VPNs partially, or have straight up made virtual private network illegal to use all across the region.

Where are VPNs Illegal and Why?

The core purpose of a VPN is to offer security, bolster privacy, and yet, grant complete and unrestricted access the World Wide Web. While the theory behind the service is a force for good, it hasn’t curbed the use of VPNs for a slew of illegal and immoral activities across the world. Unlawful and fraudulent use of a service that allows you to become untraceable and anonymous on the internet can wreak havoc on unsuspecting users.

The unethical use of such as service has been a concern for federal authorities worldwide, which is the reason users are compelled to ask are VPNs legal to use in the first place. However, most countries continue to allow the use of VPN services, with the regard of user freedom, but this does not apply to countries that have a sketchy record when it comes to human rights in the first place. A total of 11 countries have either explicitly banned the use of VPNs, or allow only government-approved VPN services for individual use.

Government-controlled VPN usage

  1. China – Setting up a dedicated cross-border line of communication requires direct consent of the Chinese government. Individuals caught accessing VPN services can be fined up to 15,000 Yuan (approximately $2,200).
  2. Russia – Under the guise of restricting “extremist materials” through social media, Russia blocks the access to VPN services and also imposes a fine of 300,000 RUB ($51,00) on the individual user, and an additional 700,000 RUB ($12,000) on the VPN service provider.
  3. Iran – The government-approved VPN services by the judiciary service in Iran are still subject to surveillance by the government, which defeats the purpose of having a VPN service.
  4. United Arab Emirates – Although the United Arab Emirates does not restrict corporations and institutions from using VPN services, individuals are barred from using VPN services to maximize the profitability of the government-owned telecommunication services. Fraudulent use of a VPN service is, however, a chargeable offence with can land you in custody or with a fine of $544,000.
  5. Oman – VPN services are restricted to curb the use of VOIP for communication and for users outside the Sultanate of Oman to be able to use the online services provided within the region only. A fine of 500 Omani Rial ($1,300) on individuals and 1,000 Omani Rial ($2,600) can be imposed upon unauthorized usage.
  6. Turkey – The government has imposed strict censorship on the content available for viewing to the users, but with no legal fines put forward.

Regions with VPN ban

  1. Iraq – In an order to keep the extremist propaganda by groups such as ISIS from spreading among the common population through social media, Iraqi government has outright banned the use of VPN services.
  2. Turkmenistan – For political reasons and to keep the coverage of foreign media away from the citizens, Turkmenistan’s one and only ISP is government-owned and filters out the content that the users have access to.
  3. Belarus – The government feels strongly about how services like Tor and VPNs can lead to an increase in online criminal activity, thus enforcing a complete ban all across the country.
  4. North Korea – Although a minuscule amount of users in North Korea have access to its version of the internet called “Kwangmyong” in the first place, usage of VPNs is entirely banned under the oppressive regime.
  5. Uganda – After the use of social media was made taxable by the Ugandan government, citizens turned to VPN services, which sparked the ban on the services and was mandated by the authorities on all ISPs.

Choose ExpressVPN

Just because the country that you reside in has not barricaded your access to the internet, does not mean that you don’t need a VPN service. From restricting access to websites from foreign adversaries, to keeping a tab on citizens through unprecedented measures of surveillance, there are plenty of ways the federal authorities are attacking your right to access the World Wide Web with complete freedom.

Even if you do choose a VPN service, it isn’t guaranteed that your online browsing sessions are not being monitored by the ISP or by high authorities, such as the NSA in the United States. Since certain VPN service providers choose to log the user browsing history and can cough up these details to the federal authorities upon request, just plugging into any VPN service won’t cut it. This is why we recommend using ExpressVPN, which guarantees to log no user information, is backed by the highest standards in encryption, and offers hundreds of servers scattered all across the world.

ExpressVPN covers 90+ countries – If you’re looking to access the local or national websites of a country far away, ExpressVPN has got you covered. With more than 160 server locations established in a total of 94 countries, you can spoof your IP address to appear from any of the enlisted countries, choose among 160+ different server locations, and get the fastest transfer speeds going.

Unlock entertainment content – For those who just want to take a look at the catalog of movies and TV shows that Netflix offers outside of your country of residence, or wish to try out services such as BBC iPlayer which is not available to residents outside of the UK, enabling ExpressVPN grants you access to a world of entertainment that you are yet to discover.

ExpressVPN on all devices – Whether you want to set up the VPN service on your mobile phone to make VOIP calls and go under the detection radar, or wish to unlock the power of Kodi with ExpressVPN, there’s an app to do it. You get support for all of the popular platforms such as Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, iOS, Android, and even VPN-enabled routers.

Keeping you secure – To keep your online activities private and away from the prying eyes of your ISP, the government, and especially hackers, ExpressVPN has the highly strengthened 256-bit encryption in place. Since your IP address is hidden, your location and your identity are also safeguarded for complete anonymity.

Final Words

While federal authorities tend to look at VPN services as a means for individuals to bypass necessary restrictions, the mainstream user only looks at it as a way to reclaim the core of what the World Wide Web was initially created for. As a means to connect the world, you cannot deny the fact that there are plenty of ways the resourcefulness of a VPN service can be amalgamated by those with malicious intent. The question of are VPNs legal has been answered in the list above, and the regions where it is restricted or banned, have been detailed as well.

Are you a resident of the countries where using VPN is a rite of passage, or are you among those who could land in trouble if caught communicated to a virtual private network? Be sure to let us know in the comments section below.

How to Install Kodi on Xbox One Console – The Complete Guide

Last updated on

Do you want to learn how to install Kodi on Xbox One and gear up your gaming console for some entertainment streaming as well? Here’s everything you need to know about installing Kodi media player on an Xbox One, and how you can supercharge it with the help of ExpressVPN.

Back in the early 2000s, the gaming industry was dominated by the Japanese tech brands such as Nintendo, Atari, and Sony. The American computer company Microsoft decided to take a jab at it, introducing the very first Xbox console, which may not have been able to compete with the PlayStation One in terms of sales, but certainly overpowered it with the hardware specs that it boasted. Soon enough after its launch, the community support for Microsoft Xbox looked for ways to run multimedia files on the console, which led to the inception of the XBMC (Xbox Media Center).

Fast forward to 2019, and XBMC has evolved into the Kodi media player, possibly the most versatile streamer software available today. The widespread popularity of Kodi has helped it spread across the desktop and mobile platform, but it continues to have a home on the Xbox One console. Thanks to the introduction of the Kodi media player app on the Microsoft Store as well as the Xbox App Store, you now have an official method on how to install Kodi on Xbox One. But with the built-in multimedia capabilities that are included with the latest generation of Xbox One consoles, why do you need to hook up Kodi media player to it?

Why use Kodi on Xbox One?

The very first Xbox console may have had the hardware that allowed the installation of XBMC, despite the software limitations. The Xbox One console is designed to be a multimedia hub, allowing you to not only enjoy high-graphics game titles, but also act as a streaming device with support for all the top names in the entertainment streaming business. While the ability to install the Kodi media player on your Xbox gaming console may not seem essential to the cause anymore, but there are plenty of reasons to do it.

Multi-format media support – Kodi has been built from the ground up to support every media format there is available, covering the basics such as AAC, MP3, OGG, MP4, and many others. But the ability to support content in unconventional formats such as ISO, 3D, H.264, etc., along with the ability to import additional details such as posters trailers, video extras, and more, is what makes Kodi one of a kind.

Live TV Streaming – Unless you have a dedicated streaming service that offers live TV coverage and is supported by the Xbox One, the only way to enjoy live TV is through the Kodi media player. Supported services such as MythTV, NextPVR, MediaPortal, and others are integrated with Kodi, allowing you stream thousands of channels on the Xbox One, along with the ability to double up as a recorder too.

Kodi Add-Ons – Just when you thought that a multimedia player could not get any better, Kodi changes the game with the add-ons. With a massive library of official Kodi add-ons that bring a slew of features related to video, audio, weather, productivity, and more, there is also a community driven to offer unofficial add-ons for the media platform, some of which are even known to offer free movies and TV shows.

How to Install Kodi on Xbox One

The original Xbox, as well as the previous generation Xbox 360 were built on a different software operating system, which required a lengthy process to install Kodi on the console. However, the Xbox One has been integrated with the Windows 10 operating system, which makes it an ideal home entertainment system. This also makes it easier to install Kodi on Xbox One, since the media player is available officially on the Xbox App Store.

  1. Turn on the Xbox One console and access the Main Menu
  2. Make sure that the Xbox One is connected to the internet and you’re logged into your Live account.
  3. Tap on the Search button and type in “Kodi” and select the Kodi icon when it appears.
  4. Press the Get button and wait while the Kodi app is installed on your Xbox One console.
  5. Once the app has been installed, you can hit the Launch button to start the Kodi app on your Xbox One console.

You can also choose to install the Kodi app on your Xbox One remotely from your desktop using the Microsoft Store app.

  1. On the desktop or laptop screen, press the Start icon and search for the Microsoft Store app.
  2. In the Microsoft Store app, use the Search bar to find the Kodi
  3. Press the button that says “Install on Xbox One” to begin.
  4. After a few minutes, the Kodi app should be downloaded and installed on your console, so do make sure that it is turned on.

Now that you have the Kodi media player installed on your Xbox One, you can start using it just the way you would on the desktop or mobile phone. Installing official Kodi add-ons, along with add-ons from community repositories is also possible on the Xbox One.

Use ExpressVPN with Xbox One

If you’ve been using Kodi media player for streaming and watch movies and TV shows using the numerous add-ons available, you already know how crucial it is to get a VPN up and running. But any free or cheap VPN service just won’t cut it, which is why we recommend that using ExpressVPN when using Kodi on Xbox One. Built with features that are streamlined for online viewing, ExpressVPN allows you to choose the fastest servers from more than 60 different regions across the world.

Apart from making your browsing experience anonymous and hiding your user activity from the ISP, ExpressVPN is the only way for you to enjoy some of the most popular Kodi add-ons. Regional restrictions may either affect your streaming experience with Kodi, or make certain add-ons completely redundant, and the only way around it is using a service such as ExpressVPN. But when it comes to using Kodi on Xbox One, the compatibility of ExpressVPN with Xbox One makes it one of the more versatile services to use.

Read our article about the best VPNs for Kodi.

Final Words

There is no question about the fact that cord cutting is taking over the entertainment industry, and at the current rate of growth, cable entertainment will be a thing of the past. For the gamers among us, making a sizeable investment behind a powerful gaming console should entitle to you not just some graphics-packed action, but ease of use when it comes to entertainment streaming too. The Xbox One has taken a step in the right direction, thanks to Microsoft bringing about Windows 10 for it, which opens doors to compatibility for all kinds of apps, which includes Netflix, Hulu, and many other.

But the introduction of Kodi on Xbox One is what is reshaping the use of the gaming console for entertainment purpose. Now you no longer need to spend more money getting your hands on a streaming device to run Kodi media player, since the Xbox One can do it for you. Are you going to among those who will double up their Xbox One console as an entertainment hub with the help of Kodi media player? Be sure to share your thoughts about it in the comments section right down below.

How to Install Showbox on FireStick TV – Free Movies & TV Shows

Last updated on

How to Install Showbox on FireStick TV – Free Movies & TV Shows

Are you looking for a way to install Showbox on FireStick TV and get a hold of thousands of movies and TV shows free to stream all day and night? Here’s everything you need to know about Showbox, what you can do with it, and how to get it running on the big screen. We’ve come a long way from being enslaved to the tyrants over at our local cable company, who held an iron grip on the content we could have access to.

From annoying and lengthy advertisements, to expensive add-on premium channel packages, there are plenty of reasons for one to frown upon cable entertainment. As the infrastructure for wireless networking has improved across the world, the entertainment industry has taken a sharp turn towards cable-free services, with service providers such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video leading the pack.

You can’t deny the fact that the online streaming service business has also become quite crowded as of late, with even the traditional cable companies such as Comcast joining the party. Additionally, you can’t always find the content that you wish to watch online on a single subscription service, so you could end up having to pay for multiple premium streaming services. All of this can certainly drive up the cost of entertainment each month significantly, which is something that none of us are willing pay up. This is where services like Showbox come into play, giving you the best of movies and TV shows for free.

What is Showbox?

For as long as the internet has existed, so has the ability to watch entertaining content, and this ability has boomed after the introduction of smartphones. Android OS offers plenty of freedom to the users, which includes the ability to install apps that may lie in the legally gray area, containing content that may violate copyright laws in certain regions. One such popular on-demand entertainment service for Android mobile phones and tablets has been Showbox.

Although there have been a bunch of entertainment streaming apps for Android over the years, Showbox is among the ones that have been around for years and actively supported by a team of developers. Allowing you to playback movies and TV shows in different languages, Showbox supports SD, HD, and Full-HD quality content from the app itself. However, Showbox on FireStick TV is not officially supported, so you can find it neither on the Amazon App Store, nor the Google Play Store.

NOTE: The guide has been established for educational purposes only and we do not promote or endorse illegal activity of any sort that may be linked to streaming or downloading copyrighted content online. It is important that you take complete responsibility for accessing any form of media online using the Showbox app.  

Reminder:  You need to install Kodi on your Firestick, Fire TV or another device.  We have some installation articles for you to follow to install Kodi.

ATTENTION:
ATTENTION: USE A VPN TO PROTECT YOUR VIEWING BEHAVIOR: ISPs and governments monitor their users’ online behavior. If the users are found streaming copyrighted content on your Fire TV device, you could potentially get into a trouble. Your IP is visible to everyone unless you use a solid VPN service. I strongly recommend you to get the best VPN for FireTV devices and mask your identity/IP so that your streaming and viewing experience isn’t tracked by your ISP. Using a VPN is perfectly legal and safe. I use ExpressVPN which is the fastest and most secure VPN in the industry. It is very easy to install on any device including Amazon Fire TV Stick. Also, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you don’t like their service, you can always ask for a refund. ExpressVPN also has a special deal where you can get 3 months free and save 49% on their annual plan.

 

How to Install Showbox on FireStick TV

Since streaming devices like the Amazon Fire TV Stick have become the gold standard in big-screen entertainment, it makes sense that you would want to enjoy Showbox onto it. Since Amazon Fire TV is based on an altered version of Android OS, you can manually install apps to it that comes in APK format. To go ahead and unlock a world of unrestricted entertainment on the big screen with Showbox and Amazon Fire TV Stick, here’s everything that you need to do:

Step 1: Enable Unknown Sources on the Fire TV Stick

The Unknown Sources feature of the Developer Options in Android is designed to allow sideloading of apps. This essentially means that you can directly select an APK file and install it manually to your device without the requirement of Google Play Services. Since Amazon Fire TV Stick also runs on a variant of Android OS, you can enable this option from the Settings:

  1. Right from the main screen on your Amazon Fire TV Stick, head over to the Settings
  2. Head over to Device tab and then make your way to the Developer Options
  3. Here you will find the tab that reads Apps from Unknown Sources and click on it to turn the feature ON.

With the Unknown Sources option enabled, you can go ahead and move on to the next step of downloading the Showbox app to your Fire TV Stick.

Step 2: Install Aptoide TV

Aptoide is a well-known third-party App Store for Android that offers the latest updated versions of apps from the Google Play Store and other sources. To make the big-screen entertainment experience more pleasurable, the Aptoide TV platform has been launched, which makes it easier for you to install Android apps on a streaming device such as Amazon Fire TV.

Note: The reason we recommend you install the Showbox app through Aptoide TV is that this is among the reliable third-party Android App Stores out there, and will be able to offer you the latest and malware-free version of apps.

  1. Head back to the main menu and then look for the Apps
  2. Using the search menu, find the app called Downloader and install it to your Amazon Fire TV Stick.
  3. Open the Downloader app and go to the Home section to enter the URL.
  4. Type in the following URL in the empty box – http://m.aptoid.com/installer-aptoid-tv/ and hit the Go
  5. Select OK when the app asks to you to enable JavaScript, which is essential for webpages to load within the Aptoide TV app.
  6. Wait for the Aptoide TV APK file to be downloaded, and then press the Install button and once again to confirm.
  7. The Aptoide TV app will now be installed on your Amazon Fire TV Stick, so you can press the Done button to exit, or choose to launch it by pressing the Open

Step 3: Install Showbox App

The Aptoide TV App Store for your home entertainment system gives you access to hundreds of Android apps that aren’t originally made available by Google and other Android OEMs. Fortunately, you can so find independent apps such as Showbox here, which are not available even on the Play Store.

  1. Open the Aptoide TV app on your Fire TV that you recently installed.
  2. Browse through the list of available names to find the Showbox app and select it.
  3. Press the Install button to begin downloading the app, which will automatically be installed by Aptoide TV to your streaming device.
  4. Once the process of installation is complete, you can press the Open button right then and there to launch Showbox.

With the Showbox on FireStick TV, you can now enjoy thousands of movies and TV shows in high-definition on the big screen. However, you must remember that the Showbox app is designed for Android phones and tablets, and not Android TV, so you may experience certain kinks in the user interface. Additionally, we recommend using a wireless mouse and keyboard, or the Mouse Toggle app for better user experience.

Use Showbox with ExpressVPN

As we mentioned earlier, Showbox is not among the legal streaming platforms, since it offers legally copyrighted content to watch for free without licensing it. Even if you are not morally deterred from it, using such a service can land you into legal trouble based on the regional laws and regulations. Since your ISP can track your usage and internet browsing history, using Showbox with a VPN service such as ExpressVPN is highly recommend.

ExpressVPN

Bypassing Geo-restrictions – Federal authorities have blockaded access to Showbox and the dozens of different servers from where the app sources its content. Depending on where you reside, you won’t be able to access the service through Showbox, but there is a way around this. ExpressVPN allows you connect to hundreds of remote servers across the world, so you never have to worry about geo-restrictions ever again.

Avoid ISP Logging – Even if Showbox is not explicitly banned in your region, the ISP (internet service provider) can still keep a compete on-file record of your usage. The online activity that you perform with Showbox can be logged, which poses not only a privacy breach, but the problem of being fined for unauthorized usage too. With ExpressVPN and its military-grade encryption to secure your browsing activity, you can rest assured knowing that your online browsing experience is 100% secure.

High-speed Streaming – Showbox streams content for free, and includes several different sources from where the content is streamed. When you choose a VPN service that helps you get past the ISP but underperforms in terms of connectivity, you could end up with long cycles of buffering, which can ruin the entertainment streaming experience. Thanks to ExpressVPN and its filtering of servers that rank highest on the Speed Index, you can choose a network server with the best streaming speeds. Get ExpressVPN Now

Final Words

Premium streaming services are a great way to cut the cord and make TV entertainment enjoyable again. But the race to become the best, and with services, like Netflix increases their monthly subscription charges, you might be considering the free alternatives for watching movies and TV shows out there. Showbox for FireStick TV is one such offering that has been around for years, and despite being taken down multiple times, the developers and community support keeps bringing it back. We hope that this guide will help you hook up your home entertainment system to one of the best sources to find free content for viewing online.

Once again, we advise you to make an informative decision when using Showbox, and always connect to a reliable VPN service such as ExpressVPN before you begin to unleash the best of free streaming entertainment with your Amazon Fire TV Stick. If you have any questions regarding this guide on how to install Showbox on FireStick TV, or have something to add to it, be sure to reach out to us in the comments section down below.  

Chromecast Vs FireStick TV – Battle of the Budget Streamers

Last updated on

Chromecast Vs FireStick TV – Battle of the Budget Streamers

Can’t decide who to pick between the competition of Chromecast Vs FireStick TV to select for your entertainment streaming experience? Here’s a close look at both of the budget streaming devices from Google and Amazon, so you can choose the right one to buy.

The television is more than just an entertainment system – it is a piece of technology that is able to bring alive the party and adds to the home space for some family time. For decades, the visual entertainment industry has been tied down to the cable company, which strictly limited the content you could enjoy on the big screen. But the recent pushback possible with the help of the internet, has ushered in an era of streaming entertainment, made possible by smart devices that allow content to be played over the wireless network.

In the fight to cut the cord and reclaim the easiest way to watch our favorite movies and TV shows, the biggest brands in the tech business have come up with some nifty solutions. Streaming services such as Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video, and many others are offering millions of customers across the world the ability to enjoy entertaining content on the go as well as from the comfort of their living rooms. What makes it possible for users to stream content on the big screen are devices like the Google Chromecast, and Amazon Fire TV Stick.

Chromecast Vs FireStick TV – The Fight

Web entertainment services can be expensive as it is, which is why most users are weary of stepping up and spending hundreds of dollars on a premium streaming device. The idea behind the Google Chromecast as well as the Amazon Fire TV Stick is to create an entry-level solution for customers to access online entertainment. By bringing down the price point and making online entertainment accessible, both the budget streaming devices are here to help you explore a world of content, while cutting out the hefty recurring fees, viewership restrictions, and advertisements that the traditional cable company dumps on you.

Are you planning to get onboard with wireless entertainment, but can’t decide on whether you’re all about Amazon, or want to be a member of team Google? We’re here to help you understand the best features of the both these wildly popular budget streaming devices, so you can choose the one that suits your needs the best.

Design and Build

Starting off with the Amazon Fire TV Stick, you get a rectangular structure which resembles an extra-large USB drive by its design. But instead of the USB connector, you have an HDMI port that plugs into your TV, along with a Micro USB port at the rear of it, which takes in the power supply. There isn’t any element to the design of the Amazon Fire TV Stick that would stand out, but since it will mostly be tucked away behind the TV panel, the aesthetics should not be much of a concern. A useful addition in the box is the HDMI extension adapter, which should come in handy if the boxy structure of the Fire Stick TV obstructs the HDMI port.

Speaking of the Google Chromecast, you get a rather unique look in the form of a circular structure with the HDMI cable dangling out from one end. The pebble-shaped Chromecast conveniently tucked into the back side of the TV, while the flexible HDMI cable ensure that it never gets in the way either. Available in Black and White color schemes for you to choose from, the rear side of the HDMI cable and the Chromecast itself is magnetic, allowing you to fold it over for an even more minimalist appearance. Unlike the Fire TV Stick, Chromecast does come with a button right next to the Micro USB port, which acts as a reset button.

Winner: Google Chromecast

Remote Control

The competition of Chromecast Vs FireStick TV starts heating up when it comes to the remote control options, especially since the latter comes with a physical remote control. Amazon offers the Alexa Voice Enabled Smart Remote along with the Fire TV Stick right out of the box, which comes with a physical voice assistance button built right into it. Apart from allowing you to easily access content using your voice, the added ability of having a smart voice assistant on the big screen allows you to perform a quick online search, look up the weather, and even check the latest sports score right away.

With a circular navigation panel at the center which resembles the old Apple TV Remote, you get the Back, Home, Options, Rewind, Play/Pause, and Fast-Forward buttons embedded in it. A physical remote control makes it easier for the less-tech-savvy users to operate the smart streaming device, hence giving the user a more traditional way of enjoying big-screen entertainment. The Amazon Fire TV for both, Android and iOS allow you to ditch the remote, and makes it easier to type in your searches, which is quite a slow experience when done through the Alexa Voice Remote.

On the other hand, Google Chromecast takes a different approach entirely, by ditching a physical remote control and turning your phone or tablet into one. Google has integrated the Chromecast service into thousands of apps, which makes the transition from the mobile phone’s display to the TV screen almost instantaneous. The user interface that the app provides you to control the Chromecast from a phone or tablet is fairly easy to understand, and the entire ecosystem of Google apps such as YouTube, Google Play Music, and many others, makes the experience fairly gentle and intuitive.

While Google Chromecast may beat the Amazon Fire TV Stick app, it does beat the actual interface that comes with the convenience of a physical remote control. For instance, when you choose to cast a movie or TV show from your Netflix app on the phone to the Chromecast, you can’t choose to watch anything else on Netflix from your phone without interrupting the playback on the big screen. Additionally, your phone or tablet must always be well within the range of the Wi-Fi network to which the Chromecast is connected to, if you want to enjoy uninterrupted streaming.

Winner: Amazon Fire TV Stick

Apps and Content

Amazon follows the same process of app deployment for the Fire TV Stick that it does for the Fire tablets, choosing to run its own version of Android. The company chooses to filter out Google Apps suite such as the Google Play Store, Google Movies, Google Play Music and several other, in an effort to minimize the monetization for its closest rival in the online media streaming business. The Amazon App Store still gives you a healthy choice of apps to choose from, including everything from news, games, productivity, and more, and there’s the option to sideload apps such as Kodi media player by enabling “Unknown Sources” from the Developer Options, just like you would on an Android phone or tablet, and the built-in 8GB storage should give you enough room to do so.

Google offers the ability to include the Chromecast option in almost every major media streaming app available on the Google Play Store, which is in the thousands. You get seamless integration in all of the popular names such as YouTube, Netflix, Hotstar, Hulu, Plex, Kodi, and there’s even the ability to cast non-supported ones through third-party apps such as AllCast. Amazon once again goes head to head with Google, by not offering the casting feature in the Amazon Prime Video app, thus putting your hopes of cross compatibility between Amazon and Google to rest. Additionally, Chromecast does not come with any built-in storage like the Fire TV Stick does, so all of the apps that you use with it need to be installed on your phone or tablet.

Winner: Tied

Display Mirroring

The Chromecast Vs FireStick TV showdown gets even closer when you are comparing two devices’ ability to perform screen mirroring. The feature allows users to use their TV screen as a duplicate display for their phone or tablet, allowing them to essentially view all sorts of media on the big screen effortlessly. Amazon Fire TV Stick comes with Miracast support right out of the box, which makes it possible for Android users to easily select the streaming device as a casting display and get going. Albeit there is lag when it comes to casting motion content such as videos, but the Mirroring feature on the Fire TV Stick is self-sufficient in handling photos, documents, and even music content.

Google Chromecast is a power-house when it comes to the ability of casting and mirroring content, allowing you to not only use the Cast button that is supported by thousands of apps, but also to cast directly using Google Chrome web browser. Just like its rival, the streamer does lose a few points when playing high-definition video content using screen mirroring, especially when the wireless router is not built to handle it. But the seamless integration of Google Photos makes the experience viewing images on the big screen a lot more fluidic and comfortable to navigate through.

Winner: Tied

Value for Money

Amazon is creating an ecosystem of products and services that are intertwined, and it has been successful in the form of Prime service. The chances are that as someone who is purchasing an Amazon Fire TV Stick, you are also an Amazon Prime member, which grants the Amazon Prime Video, Prime Music, and Prime Photos service bundled in. Considering that you can get the Fire TV Stick for cheaper as a Prime subscriber during the Amazon Prime Day sale, it makes the device even cheaper to get. The base price of the Fire TV Stick is set at $39.99 as of now, which includes the Alexa Remote along with it, making it a standalone media streaming solution.

Google Chromecast on the other hand is just a few dollars cheaper than its competitor at $35.00, but it does come with a lot less than the Fire TV Stick. You don’t get any form of physical remote control with the device, or is there an HDMI extension adapter included in the box. Google does have its very own streaming services such as Play Movies & TV, and Play Music as well, but these services are offered separately and not bundled along in the sense that Amazon has been able to achieve, which makes them an added entertainment expense for you to bear.

Winner: Amazon Fire TV Stick

Chromecast Vs FireStick TV – ExpressVPN is Essential

Regardless of the streaming device that you have your mind set on, it all comes down to the quality of your viewing experience with the numerous streaming services that are available. Services such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and many others tend to offer varying catalogs of content based on the region you access the website from. Additionally, you may not be able to enjoy premium streaming services in certain regions due to regional copyright conflicts, but your way around it all is ExpressVPN. 

Bypassing Geo-restrictions – If you reside in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other regions where there the federal authorities have blockaded access to streaming services, you won’t be able to access the service through Kodi either. Whether the functionality of the add-on is censored in your region or the service is entirely unusable, ExpressVPN allows you push forward with hundreds of remote servers across the world for you to connect to.

Avoid ISP Logging – Even if the service is not explicitly banned in your region of residence, the ISP (internet service provider) can still keep tabs on your usage. The online activity that you perform  can be logged, which poses not only a privacy threat, but the problem of the ISP fining you for unauthorized usage as well. With ExpressVPN and its military-grade encryption to secure your online activity, rest assured that your online browsing experience is 100% secure.

High-speed Streaming – Although you can find plenty of free and barely-secure VPN services out there that can help you connect with Kodi and make the most out the services, most of them offer sub-par streaming quality. When using ExpressVPN, you are automatically recommended servers which offer top upload and download streaming speeds, so you don’t ever have to sit in front of the screen, waiting for the buffering circle to load up.

Final Verdict

Amazon may essentially be an e-commerce company, but it is attempting to conquer the streaming entertainment world as well. Although there is plenty of competition in the space, thanks to Apple TV, Roku Player, Android TV, and others, Amazon is reaching out to the consumer base by offering a unique entry-level streaming device in the form of the Fire TV Stick. The only real competitor to the service at the same price point and similar features is the Roku Streaming Stick, but it also pales in comparison when you consider how well Amazon Prime Video and its supporting streaming services are cross-integrated.

BUY AMAZON FIRE TV STICK

BUY GOOGLE CHROMECAST

Google may have been first to market with the Chromecast, but the streaming device has always been more of an accessory, rather than a standalone streamer. In the battle of Chromecast Vs FireStick TV, the fact that the latter has its own user interface that is free from the requirement of a mobile phone or tablet, makes it a better choice. Google still has a huge stake in the industry, thanks to Android TV, which gives the Fire TV platform a run for its money. But when comparing the budget offerings from two of the biggest names in the tech industry today, Amazon Fire TV Stick is our preferred choice.

Is your home entertainment system powered by the enclosed, self-sustaining ecosystem of Amazon Fire TV Stick, or is Google Chromecast your choice of weapon against the cable company? Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments section on which side you’re on in the battle of Chromecast Vs FireStick TV and specify why so.

How to Install Real-Debrid on Kodi – Real Debrid Kodi Guide

Last updated on

Are you looking to streamline your streaming experience by putting Real-Debrid on Kodi media player? Here’s a complete guide that explains what the Real Debrid Kodi actually does, and a step-by-step guide on how you can install it right away.

The XBMC Foundation has developed the Kodi media player platform to be omnipotent, offering anything the everything that you may need to quench your desire in regard to entertainment. For any of the features that you may think are missing, there is a nifty Kodi add-on the fill in the void, whether you have music streaming in mind, or just good old live sports entertainment. However, the official Kodi repository is quite limited, and despite including hundreds of outstanding officially supported add-ons there are certain unofficial ones that have outshined the rest in terms of popularity.

These unofficial Kodi add-ons need to be installed manually, which is not as easy as simply hooking one up from the official Kodi repository. However, when you get premium movies, TV shows, music services, and a lot more in return, taking out a few minutes to get these add-ons running is well worth it. However, Using Kodi as a video entertainment service isn’t always optimal, since the content is hosted on third-party servers, and the streaming quality can be severely affected, with irregular buffering and drops in connectivity. A way to resolve this issue has been the ability to learn how to install Real-Debrid on Kodi media player.

What is Real-Debrid?

Promoting itself as an “unrestricted downloader”, Real-Debrid is a multi-hosting service provider that offers a premium service to its users for gaining access to streaming sources that are not publicly available to other users. By allowing you to easily download files that are hosted on the internet or simply stream them directly using the web player, Real-Debrid allows you to revamp your Kodi media player viewing experience by cutting down on the buffering time significantly. Allowing Kodi media player to add more sources for each viewing link, you can get your hands on high-definition content the easy way.

  • Real Debrid Kodi multi-hoster is available at different price plans, so you can try out the service for as low as 3 Euros before you choose to select it for good.
  • You can fetch a Real-Debrid Premium account that support streaming speeds of up to 1000MB/s with HTML5 streaming support, no advertisements, multi-browser support, and AES security.
  • Real Debrid also works seamlessly with a VPN, so you can make the most out of premium services such as ExpressVPN without any hiccups.

Use ExpressVPN with Real-Debrid

There is no dispute over the fact that you need a decent VPN service to not only get most of the popular Kodi add-ons installed, but also to have them work optimally. However, simply having any VPN will not do the trick, especially if you’re looking to enjoy a buffering-free and high-definition viewing experience with the Kodi media player. The entire reason for setting up Real Debrid Kodi is to enjoy a decent streaming experience, which is why you need a service such as ExpressVPN to support it. Built with features that specifically complement the Kodi media player and its add-ons, we recommend ExpressVPN to be used with Real-Debrid and every other Kodi add-on out there.

  • Bypassing Geo-restrictions – If you reside in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other regions where there the federal authorities have blockaded access to PrimeWire, you won’t be able to access the service through Kodi either. Whether the functionality of the add-on is censored in your region or the service is entirely unusable, ExpressVPN allows you push forward with hundreds of remote servers across the world for you to connect to.
  • Avoid ISP Logging – Even if the service is not explicitly banned in your region of residence, the ISP (internet service provider) can still keep tabs on your usage. The online activity that you perform when using Kodi media player can be logged, which poses not only a privacy threat, but the problem of the ISP fining you for unauthorized usage as well. With ExpressVPN and its military-grade encryption to secure your online activity, rest assured that your online browsing experience is 100% secure.
  • High-speed Streaming – Although you can find plenty of free and barely-secure VPN services out there that can help you connect with Kodi and make the most out of Kodi add-ons, most of them offer sub-par streaming quality. When using ExpressVPN for Kodi media player, you are automatically recommended servers which offer top upload and download streaming speeds, so you don’t ever have to sit in front of the screen, waiting for the buffering circle to load up.

TO SAVE 30% on an annual ExpressVPN plan, click this exclusive link. 

Reminder:  You need to install Kodi on your Firestick, Fire TV or other device.  We have some installation articles for you to follow to install Kodi.

 

How to Install Real-Debrid on Kodi

The Real Debrid Kodi installation process is different than most, since Real-Debrid isn’t actually a Kodi add-on, but a third-party service. Before we dive into the process, here’s a list of a few things that you should set up already:

Prerequisites:

  • Turn off the VPN service before you start the process, and turn it on only after the entire set up is complete.
  • Make sure that you have the latest Kodi build installed along with a Kodi add-on repository such as Yoda or Redux.
  • These repositories must include a Kodi add-on such as ResolveURL or URLResolver, which is essential to set up Real Debrid on Kodi.

Step 1: Create a Real-Debrid Account

Before you can get to installing Real Debrid on your Kodi media player, you need to create an account with the website and subscribe to the premium service. Here’s what you need to do to get started:

  1. From the web browser on your computer, head over to www.real-debrid.com.
  2. On the main screen of the website, you should be able to see the Sign Up button in the top-right corner.
  3. The sign up form should now appear on the screen, requiring you to enter details such as Region, Username, Password, and Email.
  4. Once you have created a new Real Debrid account, enter the Username and Password, and then hit the Login
  5. You can then access the Premium section to choose the plan of your liking, make the payment and continue to the next step.

Step 2: Set up Real-Debrid on Kodi

Once you have your premium Real-Debrid multi-hosting account up and running, you can now go to the Kodi media player app and get started with the setup.

  1. Launch the Kodi media player app on your computer, mobile phone, or tablet.
  2. From the main screen, press the Gear icon on the top-right side of the screen.
  3. Now go ahead and select the System tab.
  4. Move the mouse cursor or your finger over to the Standard option on the bottom-left corner of the screen and click/tap on it until it turns to Advanced or Expert.
  5. Select the Add-ons tab from the side menu and then navigate to the Manage dependencies option. 
  6. From the list of available Kodi add-ons, scroll all the way down to find the URLResolver add-on.
  7. In the URLResolver add-on window, select the Configure button.
  8. From the side-menu, select the Universal Resolvers tab and then select Priority under the Real-Debrid section of the window.
  9. Change the Priority number select from 100 to 90 and press the Done button.
  10. Now press the OK button to confirm your action and press the Configure button once again on the URLResolver window.
  11. Select the Universal Resolvers tab again and make sure that the Enabled toggle under the Real-Debrid section is turned on.
  12. Finally, press the button that reads (Re)Authorize My Account and write down the code that appears on the screen.
  13. Open a tab in the web browser and navigate to the following webpage – https://real-debrid.com/device.
  14. In the empty box, type in the code that you retrieved from the Kodi media player and hit the Continue button.
  15. You should be able to see the message “Real-Debrid Resolver Authorized” appear on the Kodi screen.

Once you get the confirmation message, you will be able to make the most of out the multi-hosting service provided by Real-Debrid and hopefully enjoy a seamless video streaming experience with the Kodi media player.

Final Words

Going through the process above to set up a Real-Debrid account, and then installing it on the Kodi media player can seem like quite the ordeal. But if you have been streaming online content with Kodi long enough, you will be able to recognize that the problems with drops in connectivity and constant buffering can ruin an enjoyable experience. This is why we do recommend that if you plan to use Kodi and its numerous video streaming add-ons regularly, the hassle of setting Real Debrid is well worth it, and so is the premium subscription fees that it requires.

We’ve tried our best to provide a detailed and simplified guide on how you can set up Real-Debrid with Kodi and streamline your online entertainment. However, if you’re facing an issue with the installation process and do need assistance in getting things up and running, we’re here to help. Just reach out to us in the comments section with your query down below, and we’ll respond back swiftly.

How to Install 1Channel PrimeWire on Kodi – 1Channel Kodi Add-on

Last updated on

Want to maximize your entertainment by installing the 1Channel Kodi add-on right now? Here’s a complete guide on how to install 1Channel PrimeWire on Kodi media player, and why you need a service such as ExpressVPN to make your viewing experience stellar. Kodi started out as a means to run media content over the internet and without the restriction of cables and cords. Allowing you to manage your offline content across multiple devices is what Kodi can do effortlessly, but there’s a lot more that you can do these days. As the media player software platform has grown in popularity, the ability to enjoy entertaining content with Kodi has evolved as well, especially due to the introduction of Kodi add-ons that are available for all sorts of uses. You could consider Kodi add-ons to be similar to the way third-party apps work for mobile devices, where you can install each one to impart abilities to the phone with each one of them. Allowing you to add new features to the Kodi media player, and enhancing the ones that already, is essentially what Kodi add-ons are meant to do. One such useful offering has been the 1Channel Kodi add-on, which is also popularly known as 1Channel PrimeWire, and here’s our guide on how you can install it right now. Reminder:  You need to install Kodi on your Firestick, Fire TV or other device.  We have some installation articles for you to follow to install Kodi.

ATTENTION:

ATTENTION: USE A VPN TO PROTECT YOUR VIEWING BEHAVIOR: ISPs and governments monitor their users’ online behavior. If the users are found streaming copyrighted content on your Fire TV device, you could potentially get into a trouble. Your IP is visible to everyone unless you use a solid VPN service. I strongly recommend you to get the best VPN for FireTV devices and mask your identity/IP so that your streaming and viewing experience isn’t tracked by your ISP. Using a VPN is perfectly legal and safe. I use ExpressVPN which is the fastest and most secure VPN in the industry. It is very easy to install on any device including Amazon Fire TV Stick. Also, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you don’t like their service, you can always ask for a refund. ExpressVPN also has a special deal where you can get 3 months free and save 49% on their annual plan.

 

About 1Channel PrimeWire Kodi Add-on

Ever since Kodi media player add-ons have brought the capability of streaming media content from websites, 1Channel PrimeWire has been a popular name among them. PrimeWire is an entertainment content platform which comes packed with hundreds and thousands of TV shows, movies, sports shows, documentaries, and so much more. The service is completely free to use, and although it does contain advertisements, you get to enjoy an ocean of premium content for free, so the tradeoff is worth it for most. What the 1Channel PrimeWire Kodi add-on does is that it brings the online entertainment platform directly to your Kodi media player. By adding the 1Channel PrimeWire repository to Kodi, you can easily view the updated catalog of media content, play movies and TV shows in Full-HD quality right from the Kodi media player itself. One of the oldest entertainment add-ons available for Kodi at the moment, 1Channel PrimeWire is reliable, offers decent streaming speed, and is available absolutely free of cost.

Use ExpressVPN With 1Channel Kodi Add-on

For those who have been huge fans of the PrimeWire service, you all must be aware that the original website has been taken down several times over the years. The sheer popularity of the service is what brings it back each time, but the strict copyright laws may bar you from enjoying the media content that the service has to offer. Fear not, since there’s an easy way to get past this restriction by using a VPN service such as ExpressVPN to make sure that there’s never a pause button when it comes to high-quality premium entertainment.

  • Bypassing Geo-restrictions – If you reside in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other regions where there the federal authorities have blockaded access to PrimeWire, you won’t be able to access the service through Kodi either. Whether the functionality of the add-on is censored in your region or the service is entirely unusable, ExpressVPN allows you push forward with hundreds of remote servers across the world for you to connect to.
  • Avoid ISP Logging – Even if the service is not explicitly banned in your region of residence, the ISP (internet service provider) can still keep tabs on your usage. The online activity that you perform when using Kodi media player can be logged, which poses not only a privacy threat, but the problem of the ISP fining you for unauthorized usage as well. With ExpressVPN and its military-grade encryption to secure your online activity, rest assured that your online browsing experience is 100% secure.
  • High-speed Streaming – Although you can find plenty of free and barely-secure VPN services out there that can help you connect with Kodi and make the most out of Kodi add-ons, most of them offer sub-par streaming quality. When using ExpressVPN for Kodi media player, you are automatically recommended servers which offer top upload and download streaming speeds, so you don’t ever have to sit in front of the screen, waiting for the buffering circle to load up.

How to Install 1Channel PrimeWire on Kodi

Now that you have a better understanding of how the 1Channel PrimeWire add-on for Kodi media player works, and why it should exclusively use with a VPN service such as ExpressVPN at all times, here’s what you need to do to begin the installation process:

Step 1: Enable Unknown Sources in Kodi

  1. Open the Kodi media player app on your computer, tablet, or mobile phone.
  2. On the main screen of Kodi, press the Gear icon that you see at the side of the screen (System).
  3. In the System menu, go ahead and select the System Settings that is present on the right side of the screen.
  4. On the side-menu, go ahead and find the Add-ons tab and select it.
  5. Enable the Unknown Sources feature by toggling ON the switch that is situated right next to it.
  6. Confirm your action to enable Unknown Sources in the Kodi media player by clicking Yes on the pop-up menu.

Step 2: Install 1Channel Kodi Add-on

  1. Launch the Kodi media player app on your device.
  2. Head back to the System menu by pressing the Gear icon on the screen.
  3. Navigate to the File Manager tab and double-click on the Add Source
  4. In the empty checkbox, type in the following URL for the 1Channel PrimeWire repository – http://cazwall.com/repo/
  5. In the bottom box, go ahead and type in 1Channel as the Media Source and then press the OK
  6. Now head back to the Home and select the Add-ons tab from the side menu.
  7. Press the Installer icon that you see on the side menu and then choose the following option – “Install from ZIP File”.
  8. Select the simplycaz-1.0.1.zip and wait for the “Add-on enabled” notification to appear on the screen.
  9. Once you see the notification, select Install from repository button, search for the 1Channel PrimeWire media source.
  10. Then browse through the Video Add-ons menu for “1Channel” and press the Install

Now that the 1Channel PrimeWire Kodi add-on has been successfully installed, you will be able to view it under the Video Add-ons tab in the Kodi app.

Final Words

The steps we have highlighted above should help you add the repository that includes 1Channel PrimeWire, and then successfully install it to your Kodi media player. If you are not using a VPN service such as ExpressVPN as we recommend, there are chances that the 1Channel Kodi add-on may not work optimally, or even stop working altogether. Whether it is the regional restriction that is causing the issue or the slow speeds of a free or cheaper VPN service, you could also experience buffering problems due to slow server response times. Are you among those who is excited to get a hold of one of the best Kodi entertainment add-ons that is currently available? Are you having any problems getting the 1Channel PrimeWire Kodi installed and need help getting it all set up? We’re here to help you out, so go ahead and reach out to us in the comments section right down below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.