You need to get a streaming stick yesterday. Yes, the time has passed and the urgency is already making you take extravagant decisions, something like a Smart TV. While I hear you in this regard, I feel you can still make amends and invest in a more relevant content hub instead of putting the hard-earned money into something as fatuous as a television.
Wait a bit, don’t you already own a television! Hell yes and this is the first reason why you shouldn’t immediately opt for a Smart TV. Your existing TV might not boast smart capabilities but it certainly is capable enough of streaming a mad volume of content, provided you have the right device to pair it with.
This is why I would rather invest in a handy streaming stick, preferably the Fire TV Stick, Chromecast, or a Roku, to make the best use of the money that I have in hand. While Smart TVs are extremely inventive gadgets, Streaming sticks are better options to consider, if you are more interested in content instead of customizations and frills.
If you are still unconvinced about purchasing a top-shelf streaming device, here are the reasons that might just change your mind:
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An Open Sea of Content
While you might be fixated on a Smart TV, owing to its immersive screen and customizable interface, a streaming stick houses endless content viewing possibilities and allows you to explore every TV show, movie, and TV channel there is, provided you purchase the most relevant gadget for the job.
Simplifying further, ‘Content’ has to be the primary reason for picking up a streaming device over a Smart television as something as avant-garde as a Fire TV Stick allows you to play around with several third-party applications, IPTV services, and OTT platforms, thereby opening up sundry content possibilities.
But then, who am I to make you believe! If you are considering a Fire TV Stick as your go-to streaming device, here is a blog for Fire TV devices that offers relevant insights into the expansive world of content viewing options, seamless third-party integrations, and a more rewarding approach towards content streaming.
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Simple Interface
Smart TVs can be slightly overwhelming to new users. Starting from configuring the interface to setting it up as a part of the wireless network, managing a Smart television doesn’t come without its share of continued efforts.
In comparison, a streaming stick, like a Chromecast or a Fire TV Stick is easier to use as a plug-and-play gadget. Plus, it clings onto the existing wireless network with ease and doesn’t require a lot of brainstorming, when usage is concerned.
Also, the interface is way more interactive, courtesy of the integrated smart attributes as exhibited by some of the leading streamers like Roku, TV Stick, and more. These include a built-in headphone jack, the ability to stop Autoplay for trailers and videos, and other resources.
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Faster Updates
Now that I am deep into the discussion, let me introduce the speed-based justifications for getting a streaming device over a Smart TV. Imagine setting up a Smart TV and leaving it turned on for the apps to update at an excruciatingly slow pace. Good grief isn’t it!
However, you need not factor in the sluggishness while using a Streaming Device as the built-in apps update as quickly as on a smartphone, thereby adding to the user experience.
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No-Nonsense Approach
Did you know that most Smart TVs are loaded with truckloads of junkware that doesn’t even make sense to the content connoisseurs? Do not take my word for it and simply pick up any OLED Smart television from LG and see it for yourself. You will surely notice an entire row of irrelevant attributes and settings that you would never even use.
Streaming sticks, on the other hand, cut to the chase and ensure extended relevance. Also, they only feature a handful of integrated applications, which eventually minimizes the clutter and allows you to concentrate on the more important aspect of content consumption.
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Compatibility
Unlike Smart TVs or other exorbitantly priced gadgets, streaming devices, including the Fire TV Stick, allow you to sideload several third-party applications, which aren’t offered by the company in the first place.
The ability to download and sideload applications makes the streaming sticks come to life and even expand the content-specific repertoire. While some Smart TVs might also offer this flexibility, the existing ecosystem is often locked in most cases and isn’t as flexible as on a regular streaming device.
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Versions
Ever considered replacing your Smart TV but bailed out thinking about the price of the existing one? If yes, you would be able to relate to this point better. Firstly, you should not invest in a new Smart TV unless there is at least a 6-year gap between purchases.
Most companies do not upgrade their televisions extensively within a span of 2 or even four years. However, new versions of streaming devices are launched frequently, making this a more justified domain to invest in.
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Fast
Apart from the software updates, a streaming device is usually faster as compared to even the top-shelf Smart TVs. The pocket-friendly size and the minimal junkware add to the speeds and responsiveness of the streaming sticks, like the Fire TV Stick from Amazon.
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Interactive
Most top-shelf streaming sticks can be voice-controlled, courtesy of the intuitive remote controller. Therefore, if you are already planning to get a Fire TV Stick for your non-Smart television, you will have the opportunity to pair it with the existing Alexa module or simply command it to run select apps.
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IPTV Services
If you are still living under the rock, you might just be able to relate better to the cable TV subscriptions. However, you can always consider investing in handy IPTV applications to experience the myriad benefits of internet television and the extensive range of curated channels, which are usually clubbed in as a part of the cable TV package.
While even Smart TVs allow you to add IPTV apps into the mix, the selections are way more diverse in the case of a streaming device. For instance, even a platform-intensive gadget like the Fire TV Stick allows you to install several IPTV clients via side-loading, so as to expand the channel coverage.
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Easy to Carry
As mentioned, streaming sticks are like small pen drives that you can carry along on trips. I bet you cannot even consider the same for a Smart TV unless you are a powerlifter.
Regardless of the streaming stick you choose, these 10 reasons should show up every now and then, precisely to justify the purchase, in case you get tempted by a friend’s Smart TV. Just remember that you have an extremely powerful content hub in your pocket that can pair with almost every television set there is, including the Smart TVs. Didn’t see that coming, did you?
