Google Chromecast Streaming Media Player At Best Buy

** I received compensation in return for my post and social media shares. All opinions are my own. **

If you have a TV with an HDMI port, this new Google Chromecast Streaming Media Player just might end up being your family's new best friend! You can stream directly from your phone (iPhone and Android!) and listen to your favorite playlists, watch your favorite YouTube videos, shows, movies, and even use your phone while you're streaming. You can also enjoy your favorites from over 2000 apps! Including, Netflix and HBO NOW.

One of the coolest things about this media player is that you can start streaming with just your voice! Just say what you want from compatible apps and control your TV hands-free. Of course, my kids will be trying to take over and ask, "OK Google, please play * random Youtube gamer account * on my living room TV!" (I would be asking Google to play The Office reruns on Netflix. If I ever get control of the TV!)

Now your little ones can drive you even more crazy by showing using their phones and tablets as a remote control for your TV and you can watch all of those YouTube videos for Minecraft Tips and Tricks right along with them in your living room. Chromecast will be a plus for family night when you have more options from everyone's devices. (Depending on what streaming services you have or plan to subscribe to!) Basically, everything you watch on your phone, tablet, or computer can be sent directly to any TV in your house and onto a much bigger screen. So grab some popcorn and start streaming together in your living room!


At a price of $35 a piece, you could knock your gift list down a bit. Google Chromecast also works with a variety of laptops as well as Apple and Android devices. Definitely make sure the recipients have compatible devices and TVs! If you have a lot of tech-savvy family and friends to buy for, chances are they're already set up to use the newest Google Chromecast.


So far, I've read a lot of good reviews about how much faster this one is when compared to the original. Including, "Makes the constant buffering a thing of the past."



The Google Chromecast Streaming Media Player can also mirror a device's screen. This would come in handy for PowerPoint presentations if you're looking for a bigger screen. You can find info on this at Chromecast Help. You just need to have the Chrome browser, a Chromecast, and to connect both devices to the same network.



Google Chromecast is compatible with your existing HDTV.

** Easily connects to high-definition televisions with HDMI connectivity.

¹ Subscriptions are required to view some content.

² Google Home, Chromecast, and compatible content required to cast to a TV using Google Home.

Web-based services and content require high-speed Internet service. Some services may require a subscription.

Cujo Smart Firewall At Best Buy

** The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free. ** 

One of my most favorite back to school items for the 2017-2018 school year is Cujo Smart Firewall. Sure, it may not be a lunchbox item or a new pair of sneakers or lead pencils but, it is a definite must-have for any family who uses the internet. (Cujo is also great for businesses and anyone who is connected!) 

This one device will secure all devices connected to your WiFi router. Cujo detects and blocks malicious sites, viruses, and hacks. Cujo and his cute, smiling face is like an antivirus for your entire network! But, there are so many other advantages to having Cujo around! 

Cujo's Main Features

Cujo will guard every device that is connected to your network, bring you business level security, connect directly to your router, has a super handy and very easy app to control, has parental controls, and is built with 1GB ethernet so it is blazing fast! 

My favorite main feature is how easy it is to set up. All you need to do is plug Cujo in, connect to your modem and your router if needed and install an app. This process takes just a few minutes and everything you need to know is right on your phone. After everything is plugged in, Cujo does all of the work for you! (I waited maybe 2 whole minutes for the app to sync with Cujo and he started learning immediately! 

One cool thing to note is that Cujo comes all bundled up in a package that is easy to open, instructions that are easy to understand, has a website to visit to start the process and has a window sticker to let everybody know your house and every device in it is protected by Cujo. 

Parental Controls 

One of the most impressive benefits to having Cujo around is the fact that I can control and monitor what each device that is connected to my network, is doing. Each of our children uses tablets, 1 has a phone, we have laptops, game consoles, and a desktop. There are limits to screen time and depending on the circumstances, screen time must be earned. (Especially during the school year!) We do respect our children's privacy however, we do what we can to monitor what they can access online. Cujo makes this so much easier and I feel much safer knowing that I will get alerts on my phone if one of them clicked on something that is malicious. 

You can create profiles for everybody in your home directly through the Cujo app. You can even choose your color and avatar! Once Cujo has been connected, he starts learning and finding devices. This could take a few hours up to 48 hours. Once Cujo notices the devices, you can assign them to a profile. From here, you can set restrictions if needed and you can monitor activity. 

You can also filter the different types of websites each profile can access! This is great for families with children of different ages! 

If you offer screen time or game time as a reward or if you allow game time only after homework and chores are done, you could filter gaming specifically and then remove the block after chores are done. 

Cujo will start keeping track of threats and alerting you every time anything happens. The above screenshot was taken shortly after connecting Cujo however, a few hours later and a few devices later, we did receive 1 threat. The alert will actually show you which device and what time the threat was detected. 

I am really loving the parenting control features! I think it is important to set time limits for children (and adults!) and I can do this all remotely. I am also grateful for the filter options and the alerts I receive if my 14-year-old decides to get online to start playing games before finishing homework and chores. (Yes, this happens sometimes!) 

If your children use any social media networks, Cujo will help you monitor that as well. You really don't have to be super duper tech savvy to use Cujo or the app. It is easy enough for everyone! 

Google Chromecast Audio At Best Buy

** The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free. **

We're fans of Google Chromecast so when I was asked to review Google Chromecast Audio for Best Buy, I knew right away that this would be a big hit at our house! (Especially with the kids!) We have so many devices connected all at once and so many different styles of music being played at different times, anything that would help stream faster, easier, sound crisp and clean would be a bonus! 

We received 2 Google Chromecast Audio Products to play with for our review. This was great since there are 4 kids and 4 tablets not to mention how much we all love music! I was only hoping this would be a quick install without a gazillion apps to install and wires and connectors to buy, just to make these work. Sure enough, there everything we need was right inside this handy little box! 

My 13-year-old tore one of these open and immediately got to work. Within minutes, he was already here:

It really is pretty simple. You plug your Chromecast Audio into a speaker and into a wall socket, switch your speaker to AUX/LINE-IN and turn the volume up. Then you simply visit chromecast.com/setup from your phone, tablet, or laptop. 

Listen To Your Favorite Tunes On Your Speaker

By using your phone, it's easy to play, pause, or change the volume from anywhere in the house. And while streaming, you can still text or call without interrupting what's playing or draining your battery. 

(One of my most favorite features!) 

Crystal Clear Sound Powered By The Cloud

Use Chromecast audio to stream over Wi-Fi which has many advantages over BlueTooth including higher sound quality. 

Enjoy Hundreds Of Your Favorite Audio Apps

Stream millions of songs, radio stations, and podcasts through apps like Pandora, Spotify, YouTube Music, and Google Play Music. Find more at Chromecast.com/apps. 

Play Music Everywhere With Multi-Room

Now you can easily fill every room in your home with synchronous music. Simply group Chromecast audio devices together so you can listen to the same song on multiple speakers.