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5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
42 Simple But Impactful Backyard Upgrades For 2025
Designate an area as the outdoor movie spot so you can host your own movie nights in the open air. Just pick up a good projector and screen, and your backyard will be the new go-to hangout on warm evenings. It connects easily to a Fire TV Stick, laptops, DVD players, and more via HDMI review (for the projector): "I NEVER leave reviews, but thought I should leave one because this thing is awesome. Super good quality picture! Could be a liiiittle brighter, but for the price, I'm not complaining. I use a Fire TV Stick and have no problems streaming anything at all. The sound isn't super loud and doesn't have any bass, so if you have people over, you probably won't be able to hear very well if you use the projector speaker. Plug in a speaker through the aux cord jack, and there are no issues!! 10/10 recommend for anyone wanting to have movie nights in the backyard. I got so many compliments; all of my friends have been asking me where to get it!" —Amazon CustomerGet a highly rated projector for $53.99 and a 120-inch projection screen for $23.99, and you'll be in business. Heat's got you hiding indoors? Cool your yard and patio down by installing a simple misting system around your porch, patio umbrella, trampoline (!!), or anywhere else — some reviewers even like using it in their greenhouse or around their chicken coop! Either way, it helps maintain a comfortable temp so you can *actually* enjoy your outdoor space without feeling like you're being cooked alive under the sun. Address the dirt patches in your backyard caused by pet damage with a dog spot repair solution, which is made from a combo of mulch, seeds, and soil designed to help healthy grass regrow in no time. FYI, the grass seed germinates best when daytime temps are between 60 and 80 degrees F, so if you live somewhere with particularly hot weather, you may want to wait until the fall when cooler temps arrive. One 2-pound container can repair up to 100 dog review: "This product has greatly improved my life. Last fall, I got a new, thoughtless, dog-owning neighbor who thought it was fair game to let her dog whiz, on leash, on my side of the property. It was the ugliest my lawn had ever looked — BUT NOT ANYMORE! Now I have thick green grass in about 97% of the dog patches. It looks amazing! Now I don't have to stare out the window at the horrible blight, and having seen the difference those treatments made, the neighbor seems impressed enough to be mending her pet-owning behaviors. Hooray!! I couldn't be more pleased. The after photo [shown above] was shortly after starting the Scotts. It's even more lush now. Thank you!!" —Good Eye Stylist ServicesGet a 2-pound container from Amazon for $17.54. Make sure you have some nice seating that you and your BFF can park yourselves in while catching up over a drink. You can pair this chic outdoor patio set with a nice rug, some pouf footstools, and some boho-style pillows to really cozy it up and draw the space together. It comes with two chairs and a small matching glass review: "Exactly what I was looking for. Construction seems sturdy. Dimensions and style were perfect for the small patio space I was looking to get use out of, and the egg shape of the chairs is very comfortable. I paired them with a seagrass outdoor rug, faux fur chair pads, a beanbag style poof footstool, and some boho throw pillows, and love how the space was instantly transformed. I highly recommend this set." —Baby bluesGet it from Amazon for $159.99 (available in five colors). Pick up some outdoor-themed decorative throw pillow covers that can go right over those boring pillows currently being used outside. They'll really help tie your outdoor furniture in with the green surroundings and make it an even cozier place to hang out. And draw your patio furniture together visually with a durable woven patio rug that can withstand storms and other wear and tear. It brings the whole look of your decor together and makes your patio feel like a cozy oasis. It's super easy to clean — just wash it off with the garden hose if it gets dirty, and it'll dry in no time!Promising review: "I'm so happy with this rug! I bought it to freshen up our patio space, and it instantly gave the area a clean, modern look with its light gray and black handwoven texture. The flat-weave construction feels durable yet soft underfoot — perfect for high-traffic areas. We've got kids and a dog, and this rug handles it all like a champ! Spills wipe up easily, and it doesn't trap dirt, which makes it super low-maintenance. I also appreciate that it's stain-resistant and doesn't fade in the sun. When it needs a deeper clean, I just hose it down with a little soap and water and hang it up to dry — so simple. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a practical yet stylish rug for either indoor or outdoor use!" —AlyssaGet it from Amazon for $33+ (available in 18 colors and 27 sizes). Blast away all the caked-up mud, dirt, and dust on your deck, patio furniture, fences, rugs, and more using a good-quality pressure washer so you can rediscover what your outdoor surfaces *actually* look like. And if you need some extra cleaning power, snag a couple bottles of bleach-free OxiClean outdoor cleaner to wash away layers of dirt, grime, and mildew buildup around your backyard and patio. It's super concentrated, so dilute with water as needed, then pair with a pressure washer like this one to get the job done. Though heavy-duty, it doesn't contain residual chemicals, and you won't choke on any harsh fumes. Promising review: "This is my first ever pressure washer. I have now used it twice to clean my backyard patio pavement, driveway, and front walkway. These had not been pressure-washed in more than a dozen years. The driveway almost looked like it was paved in asphalt. Now it looks like clean, aged concrete. I used the middle range green nozzle, and it was slow going because of the crud buildup, but easy to use. It was easy to assemble and easy to understand the instructions. I also washed a brick wall using the low-pressure gray nozzle, and it washed some mildew off the bricks as well as two Adirondack lawn chairs. I have not had to resort to using any detergents or soaps yet. I am very pleased with this purchase. Hiring somebody or renting a pump to do what I have done so far would have cost about as much as the purchase price." —EgbertGet it from Amazon for $169. Make your flowerbed pop with some solar-powered light-up flowers that'll come on as the sun goes down, transforming your yard and garden into a whimsical fairyland. You can mix them in with your real flowers, or if you don't have an actual flowerbed, stick them into the ground. Promising reviews: "I absolutely LOVE THESE!!!! They're so colorful and bright...I've said 100 times I wish I could put them all over my front and backyard. My favorite Amazon purchase all summer!!!!!" —Misty"Love it! Looks beautiful at night, and guests love them! Planning on ordering more soon! Works in all weather, rain, snow, heat! Just need sunlight! Only con is probably not a con, but they only stay lit at night for approximately two and a half hours. That's fine because we head to bed, so it's perfect for us! Highly recommended!" —Damon R. JacksonGet a six-pack from Amazon for $33.99. Or place solar-powered garden lights that look like little fireflies so you can enjoy your gorgeous flowers and landscaping at night as well as during the day. If you're tired of getting eaten alive when you're just trying to catch up with friends and family outside, set up a patio table mosquito net enclosure. No mosquitoes are invited to this get-together! Oh, and you can tie the netting back when it's not needed. Or hang a high-voltage insect zapper near the grill, patio, firepit, or wherever people will be hanging out the most in your backyard. It eliminates mosquitoes, gnats, flies, and other bugs with wings that are undeniably the worst part of lounging around outside. If there are food and drinks around, position fly fans around your feast so those little buggers don't land on your burgers and potato salad (or in your margarita 😩). No more constant swatting; this chemical-free gadget can handle deterring those flying pests just fine on its own. String up some waterproof globe lights so your outdoor gatherings can continue long into the night. Hang them along your roofline, drape them on outdoor structures, or just string them up solo to give your backyard the most magical vibe. Reviewers note that you should remove the bulbs before stringing up the strands and then install the review: "I am loving my new lights! Just got them up in time for hanging out on the back deck for springtime. They give a great outdoor cafe feel to my back deck. I advise purchasing extra light bulbs when purchasing these lights. It comes with one extra, but they are extremely fragile/delicate. We ended up breaking four total during the hanging process." —charlee harrisGet a 25-foot strand from Amazon for $15.89 (available in five styles and seven lengths). And place solar-powered mason jar lights around your backyard — on tables, along fences and railings, or on stair steps — to liven up evenings and make you nostalgic for nights spent catching fireflies as a kid. Set up an area for s'mores, late-night chats, and star-gazing around a cosmic-themed firepit, complete with moons and stars etched into the sides. Cozy ambiance, here we come. It's made of thick, durable steel and covered with rust-resistant, high-temperature paint. And the effect of the light shining through the moon and stars at night? review: "Got this as part of our backyard renovation project. Shipping was super fast, received it earlier than expected. Large fire pit, super easy to assemble. It's a sturdy piece! I read the reviews and decided to take some precautions — we drilled 3 drain holes at the base, fast and easy to do. We also bought a cover just in case. Used it the same day during a chilly NC night to watch an outdoor movie with friends and blankets in the backyard. Worked amazingly and kept us toasty. Love the cutouts! Friends asked where we got it all night. Would recommend to anyone!" —IsabelGet it from Amazon for $211.65. Instead of pulling out your mismatched assortment of camping chairs, invest in some classic, comfortable, weather-resistant Adirondack chairs. They're made of a plastic material that looks like real wood but is resistant to rot — a good thing since you'll want to just leave them outside parked by the firepit. If you've never sat in an Adirondack chair before, I can testify to their comfort. My parents have a set of these that sit outside by their firepit in Missouri year-round, and we've sat in them for hours during countless bonfires. The angle of the seat feels great on your back as it's helping relieve pressure on your spine, and the wide arm rests give you a place to lay your arms and relax your shoulders as review: "It took me about 25 minutes to assemble. I will admit I was a little overwhelmed at first, but luckily the instructions were very clear and easy to follow. The finished product was well worth it. The wood look finish is even prettier in person. It has somewhat of a gloss to it, but not too much; it looks gorgeous when the sun is beaming on it. Totally surpassed my expectations! The color is also just what I was expecting from the pictures, so it matches the rest of my decor perfectly. The chair is quite heavy; it is totally designed to last! I am sure I will get many years of use out of this. A gorgeous new addition to my backyard." —Barby4321Get them from Amazon for $84.99+ each (available in 16 colors and sets of two, four, six, or eight). And pick up an outdoor drink stakes set if your backyard chairs don't have cup holders — they'll keep your cold drink secure when you need to get up and walk away, and the different colors will help everyone keep track of which one is theirs. Promising review: "Knew we needed something like these for our backyard since summer is quickly approaching. These are fantastic! Very durable materials that make it easy to stake into the ground without fear of it falling over and spilling your drink onto the ground. Love these and might end up ordering another set for parties." —StrangeAlchemyGet a set of four from Amazon for $35.50 (also available in other styles, including a double holder and a version that can also hold your phone). Hang a sturdy, colorful tree swing — you can tell others it's for the kids, but when they're not around, you might just find yourself kicking back and gently swaying under the trees for a moment of peace and solitude. It's weather-resistant and can hold up to 900 pounds! Shade is a *must*, so add some cover to your hangout spot with a lighted umbrella that'll also help illuminate the area when the sun goes down. No more squinting and shielding your eyes while you're just trying to have a conversation. Note that this includes just the umbrella, not the table!Promising review: "Great umbrella! We don't keep it up all the time, just take it out when needed. Great quality. The lights are great at night and really elevate our backyard! The option for leaning the umbrella is really nice, too, in the mornings when I want to sit outside without the morning sun blaring down on me. If you don't want it to break, don't keep it outside all the time, that simple!" —MorganGet it from Amazon for $72.99 (available in 11 colors). Or hang a sunshade triangle to block the sun while still letting the breeze pass through. It's a little less bulky and more out of your way than an umbrella, especially if you don't have a good table for mounting. Some people even hang this over part of their pool for a shady area. And you could drape some lights along this as well!Promising review: "I've been meaning to get something like this for years. Our patio has no cover at all, especially in early spring when the leaves aren't back. The sun is unbearable at times. We bought the install kit and used it to attach the two sides to the house and used a ratchet strap to attach the other end to a tree on the other side of the patio. So far, it's holding up well. We added lights which makes it super cozy at night and completely changes the feel of our patio." —Kaitlyn TugendGet it from Amazon for $25.98+ (available in many sizes and 16 colors). Create a peaceful atmosphere by letting nature create its own, beautiful melody — a set of wind chimes will do just the trick. These six powder-coated tubes have thick walls, which helps create a deep, longer-lasting tone. Imagine sitting out on the back porch, watching the trees sway in the wind with gentle chiming lulling you into a moment of relaxation. 😌 This gorgeous set is made of metal, which is great for durability and high tuning accuracy — but for a different, more natural vibe, check out these bamboo wind chimes!Promising review: "I purchased the rose colored chimes. I've been outside daily, working on the yard. Yesterday, I noticed a feeling of calm as a small storm moved in. It was the chimes, without noticing, they played in the background and moved me into a relaxed state." —PegiGet it from Amazon for $30.50+ (available in seven colors and three sizes). Shield your yard from the view of your neighbor's messy backyard by placing faux ivy along a fence. It also enhances the beauty of the whole area and makes it feel a bit more natural. Promising review: "This was exactly what we needed for the backyard. It definitely provides enough privacy, and it gives the backyard a very nice ambiance! The leaves completely blend in with the other trees and plants we have in the backyard, and it looks like we made a huge upgrade in our gardening game. I'm now just hoping it can withstand the AZ summer and not fade with the sun (the product description does state fade resistance). Don't be hesitant with purchasing; it's totally worth it!!" —Amazon CustomerGet a roll from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in three sizes). You'll need some green zip ties to secure them, too. You can also line the top of a pergola with these vines for some shade, letting a bit of dappled sunlight pass through for gorgeous effect. Mount an outdoor fan, because keeping the air circulating won't just keep things cool; it'll also help cut down on the bugs that linger while you're outside trying to enjoy the fresh air. This weatherproof fan has a fully sealed and permanently lubricated industrial motor to protect it against review: "Great fan at a good price! I bought this fan for my backyard to help circulate the air on hot days and to help deter mosquitoes at night around the firepit. This fan worked perfectly. It has three speeds, the highest of which is super strong. The fan at high speed is a bit noisy, but nothing unexpected for a powerful fan. It is also 100% waterproof, which is a must. My only minor issues would be 1) it would be nice if the fan came with a cover for when it's not used (I bought 20-inch tire storage covers to do the job), and 2) the fan is only adjustable up and down not side to side — if they could make it oscillate that would be great. Having said that, I would recommend this fan for sure and would not hesitate to buy it again." —BigdadGet it from Amazon for $99.63+ (available in two sizes). Create the ultimate relaxation zone with an inflatable hot tub, because if you've never sat in a hot tub on a clear night with a chilled drink, you're missing out. It'll give your yard some of that luxurious spa energy without shelling out thousands — or committing to have an actual giant hot tub in your backyard year-round. Hang a hammock chair that everyone will be fighting to sit in during bonfires and cookouts. The cotton rope hammock style adds lovely boho vibes and is so comfy, you'll want to park yourself in it with a good book and cold drink on nice days. It can hold up to 500 pounds of weight, and it's big enough to actually lie down in! If you don't have a place to hang it, you can also get a stand for hanging review: "No assembly required; super easy to put up and adds so much character to our backyard. It's also very comfortable to sit in. I'm only 5 feet tall, so I'm able to sit cross-legged with extra room." —Amazon CustomerGet it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in four colors and with or without tassels). Place a tall table-cooler combo in the fire pit area, by the pool, or wherever people are hanging out so no one has to walk allll the way into the house for another beer. It also gives you another place to put food, drinks, and s'mores supplies on top! You can also shut the top and just use it as a regular end table when you're not utilizing the cooler review: "Have gotten so many compliments on this already. Great even when not using as a cooler for just a functional end table near our furniture around the firepit. Can put drinks on there, s'mores stuff, etc. It's nice because it functions as a table without being big and bulky. It can easily be moved around to where it is needed. and the cooler function, of course, is what sets it apart from all other tables and makes it awesome!" —Amy it from Amazon for $71.99 (available in two colors). Hang a discreet pair of waterproof, LED-lit Bluetooth speakers around your firepit, patio, or table so whoever's DJ-ing can control the tunes right from their phone and keep the party going all night long. And because there's two of them, you can position them on opposite sides for a ~surround sound~ effect. Secure a pair of flexible magnetic lights to your grill, and you'll be able to keep the crowd well-fed even after the sun's gone down. Nothing better than enjoying some kebabs by the light of a flickering fire. Promising review: "I used these for the first time the other night and they were exactly what I wanted. I often tend to grill after dark and I can't see what's on the grill, but not anymore. These light up the entire grill surface area perfectly. Would definitely buy again." —Flossie DeGraveGet a pair from Amazon for $21.99. Eliminate the weeds taking over your pathways, garden beds, and brickwork with a super concentrated weed and grass killer — just spray them down and walk away. They'll start wilting within hours and completely die within 1–2 weeks. Just be sure not to spray any plants or flowers with this stuff!Promising review: "I was pleasantly surprised at how long this product works. 10 months later and still little to no weeds in areas I sprayed. So much nicer than using a weed eater every couple of weeks. Sometimes on some plants it takes a while to work but it gets there. Some weeds appear to be a little resistant but they too eventually wither away." —R.M. Get it from Amazon for $20.99. Or if you'd rather steer clear of chemicals, try a crack weeder tool to show those mischievous weeds growing in through cracks in your sidewalk, patio, and driveway who's boss. Its L-shaped head and ergonomic handle make it easier to reach into those tight spaces and pull out weeds at the root so they don't come back. Don't have the space for a full-on garden? Scatter potted plants around to liven up your backyard with some greenery so it still feels like a peaceful oasis. Opt for plants of different heights and sizes for visual interest! Check out this full ~stunning~ backyard makeover done in Brooklyn, proving you don't need a huge backyard to make a big impact. (Seriously, the "before" images are gonna make your jaw DROP.) And check out more amazing before and afters on that natural, outdoor vibe, you can pick up terracotta pots in all shapes and sizes from Amazon. And hang some of your greenery so your yard really feels like a tropical getaway. These hanging planters would really ~elevate~ the look of your backyard patio and let your precious succulents or hanging plants thrive. They each come with four pre-drilled drainage holes to prevent overwatering!Promising review: "I really love these hanging planters. Highly recommended. Lightweight, modern, and has drainage holes!" —thelma marie hartGet a set of two planters from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in three styles and three sizes). Throw some color onto your fences, railings, and trellises with a rainbow collection of flower pots. These cheery pots will give your backyard a welcoming feel, but they're just as practical for your plants, with draining holes and hooks so they're easy to water and hang. You could even color-coordinate the flowers you put inside. 🌈 Do note that the 4-inch size is pretty small, but thankfully, they sell these in a slightly larger 6.3-inch size now!Promising review: "Lovely colorful flower pots. Perfect size to hold a single flower, and they add such a nice pop of color to my yard. Very easy to hang up, no hardware required! I'm getting a lot of compliments on them. I bought several sets and planted bright flowers in them. I have them lining the inside of my yard and on the front of the house. They add a lot of cheer and homeyness for a simple and cheap project." —MaeganGet a set of 10 from Amazon for $18.59 (available in two sizes as well as an all-black set). Upgrade your garden area with a classic, easy-to-install trellis that'll draw everyone's eye. It's made of vinyl and won't rot, crack, rust, or discolor, making it *super* easy to take care of as well. It's just ready and waiting for a vine you can train to climb it!Promising review: "Great trellis! It is a nice size. I used it along with silk vine to hide my air conditioning unit, and I couldn't be more pleased! It was pretty easy to build and seems pretty sturdy. I like the metal stakes that connect to the bottom of the trellis and go into the ground. It makes the trellis much more stable. The plastic material is thick and looks like it will last a long time. I live in South Florida, so I needed something sturdy and something to withstand the sun!" —Beth CohenGet it from Amazon for $60.69. And install some picket fencing around your garden beds to really make them stand out and look nice. They can also deter kids and dogs from getting into them and ruining your hard work! Promising review: "I purchased this fence for my vegetable garden and couldn't be happier with it. It was easy to assemble, has a sleek and elegant look, and is made from sturdy, high-quality materials. While it's a bit on the pricey side, the durability makes it worth the investment, especially since I live in a four-season state where the weather can be unpredictable. I chose this over a wood fence for that very reason, and I'm confident it will hold up well year-round. Highly recommend!" —GingeroniGet a set of three 2-foot-by-2-foot panels from Amazon for $82.29. Lay down interlocking teak tiles to cover a surface that has seen better days. Durable and weatherproof, they'll instantly kick your backyard aesthetic up a notch and make it look sharp and put together. Set up an outdoor daybed so you can start taking your mid-day naps outside without fear of getting a sunburn. Its retractable canopy keeps you nice and cool — and when you're not taking a snooze, it comes apart into multiple seats with a center table for group hangouts. You'll probably want to add in some of your own pillows to make it even cozier!Promising review: "Took about two hours total with one person — everything was included (a couple of extra screws helped out). Assembly instructions were visual and easy to understand. Had to reverse the front canopy piece after assembly, but their video tells you how to determine if it's backward. Once I had it assembled, my wife promptly took a two-hour nap on it and said it was great — worth every penny. Make sure you purchase a weather cover for it, and it'll give you long-lasting satisfaction!" —Joseph VivonaGet it from Amazon for $399.99+ (available in four colors). Or keep it simple with a hammock so comfortable, it has reviewers swearing off their *actual* beds entirely. Pair it with a refreshing drink and a good book, and it'll become your go-to hangout (or snooze) spot on nice days. Plus, the stand is easy to assemble, disassemble, and pack up in the included carrying case for storage or review: "Features to love: The cotton fabric is sturdy and breathable. I never feel stuck to it the way I do in a nylon hammock. The setup/take down is super easy, and the frame is very sturdy — we have definitely put 300+ pounds in it. The ability to raise and lower the hammock with the multiple hook positions might be the best feature. I have bad knees and like to get into the hammock from a higher position... no problem. My kids like it lower so they can reach the ground to swing it... no problem. It works great as a traditional hammock to lie in. It works as a 'swing' to sit on. It has enough fabric that you can cover up if you're cold or want to block out light or bugs. We have accidentally left it out in the rain several times, and it dries great, hasn't faded from the sun, hasn't had any mold, and hasn't developed any weird smell. Things not to love: Nothing! This is a great hammock. It may not be as portable as those little nylon hammocks, but if this is for your yard and not for camping, this is hard to beat." —MaryGet it from Amazon for $89.60+ (available in 16 colors). Pick up a set of color-changing inflatable pool balls for when the sun goes down but no one's ready to get out of the pool. They're completely waterproof and solar-powered (lasting about eight hours on one charge), and you could even hang them from the trees for a magical forest vibe. Place colorful outdoor inflatable ottomans by the pool, on your patio, or in the garden for not only chic decor, but also places to sit or rest your feet. They can withstand over 500 hours of direct sunlight without fading! These are water-repellent and stain-resistant, too, with a handle on the side that makes them easy to carry. Promising review: "These are too cool!! The fabric cover is sturdy and really nice; the colors are bright and vibrant. Ordering more for the patio and son's play area. And wherever else! Note: Gotta put the inflatable part in the cover before you inflate it LOL. I didn't read the instructions first." —Jennifer one from Amazon for $28.99 (available in 40 colors/patterns and two sizes). If you're constantly planning your next vacation, channel some of that tropical ambiance into your own backyard with a light-up palm tree, because one can never have too much funky lighting! And finally, replace your eyesore of an outdoor trash can with a stylish, functional garbage bin that has a latching lid to help protect against harsh weather and hungry critters.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Freeview successor finally launches Fire TV Stick rival with bonus exclusive free channels not found on Sky
FREEVIEW'S successor Freely will finally be made available as a Fire Stick-like dongle to plug into TVs with a mass of free channels. Telly lovers have been begging for the technology to be packed into a plug-in gadget instead of having to buy a brand new TV. Advertisement 2 Soon you'll be able to plug in and play Freely instead of buying a whole new TV Credit: Freely 2 The new device will serve as a new rival to the mighty Fire TV Stick Credit: Getty Freely, which launched last year, has only been available built into brand new TVs so far. The advantages over the existing Freeview service is you don't need an aerial to view some of the channels. Instead, you can use broadband and Wi-Fi to beam live channels into your house. Freely is run by Freeview's owner Everyone TV, which itself is jointly owned by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and 5. Advertisement Read more about FIre Sticks BBC Director-General Tim Davie hinted that the technology could be turned into a "We are considering a streaming media device," Freely's first "plug-in and stream" gadget will launch later this year, Everyone TV said. TV platform maker Netgem is the first company signed up to produce a Freely-powered gadget. Advertisement Most read in Tech The exact price hasn't been shared yet but bosses said it'll be "affordable". "Freely was created to make free TV work for everyone," said Jonathan Thompson, CEO, Everyone TV. RECENT CHANNEL ADDITIONS ON FREELY The Chase Saturday Night Every Night 4Reality 4Homes 4Life 5 GPs Behind Closed Doors 5 Bargain 5 The Yorkshire Vet 5 History 5 Crime Milkshake! 5 Police Interceptors 5 Cops 5 Trucking Hell 5 A&E 5 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Image credit: Everyone TV "Expanding to 'plug-in and stream' devices is an important and natural next step to ensure even more homes can enjoy the full Freely experience without the need for a TV upgrade or paid subscription. "In partnership with Netgem, we're launching streaming devices to make it easier than ever for UK audiences to enjoy the nation's favourite TV, for free, on the TV you already have." Advertisement There are more than 40 live channels that can be streamed via Freely at the moment. But the firm has promised more new and exclusive channels will launch this year. WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE BEFORE WE REPLACE FREEVIEW Analysis by Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun DTT - digital terrestrial television - is the system used for Freeview broadcasts today. About 18million homes still use it as their main way of watching TV. Before we even begin to think about switching it off, we have to make sure no one is left behind. So any internet-based alternative - Freely or otherwise - needs to be just as easy to install and use. Then there's the matter of broadband. The UK needs to have reliable broadband everywhere so everyone has access. Emphasis on reliable - no one wants buffering mid-way through a live football match. So not only will broadband need to be pretty much everywhere it will need to be fast enough to handle demand all the time.
Buzz Feed
5 days ago
- General
- Buzz Feed
33 Home Upgrades That'll Improve Your Day-To-Day
An adjustable rod that hangs onto the one in your closet so you can double your storage space in a flash. There's no mounting hardware — just unbox and hang! A Simplehuman dual under-the-cabinet trash system so you can tuck your garbage and recycling bins into a cabinet until you need them. Out of sight, out of mind! That's what I'm gonna say when it's my turn to take out the trash. 🤫 A pack of solar-powered outdoor lights that simply clip right onto your fence — no tools, no struggling to hang string lights, nothing! Use them to illuminate your stairs, paths, gardens, and decks. Or waterproof, solar-powered stair lights to illuminate your walk to the house each night. The triangular gadgets can be placed on either side of the steps and only need around five hours of sunlight to charge. Avoiding a tripping hazard has never looked so chic! A power strip with an ultra-thin outlet cover so you can enjoy all your ports without dealing with bulky, unsightly cords getting in the way of keeping your furniture flush to the wall. An outdoor Wi-Fi extender you can place in a weatherproof enclosure (like a screened-in patio) to extend your network range to your porch or backyard. The applications are endless, from outdoor movie nights to actually getting your teenager outside for some fresh air. A rainbow glass wind chime bringing chill vibes and sounds to your outdoor space. Sometimes a little twinkling noise is all you need to have a perfect backyard experience. A set of waterproof globe lights to instantly improve the ambiance of your background. I don't know how string lights do it, but they have a 100% success rate of making me happy. A set of massively popular double-brushed microfiber sheets so soft and cuddly, you'll feel like you're staying at a 5-star hotel. You'll forget aaaalll about thread count when you slide into these sheets. A bamboo shelf with a tilt-out hamper because I know you're sick of having your dirty unmentionables just out in the open like that. This turns what would normally have been an eyesore into a nice storage solution. Display decorative candles, not dirty socks! A pack of solar-powered mushroom string lights to turn your backyard into a scene from a fairytale. Each weatherproof mushroom stakes into the ground so you can arrange them exactly how you'd like. An outdoor projector compatible with several multimedia devices like the Fire TV Stick. Despite its reasonable price, it offers an impressively clear image that rivals splurgier models. Movie nights in the backyard are a surefire way to make friends with your neighbors. An expandable, cabinet-lining, two-tier shelf that will make every spice/medicine bottle you own visible and easily accessible. You'll never have to settle for paprika when you wanted smoked paprika ever again. Solar-powered outdoor lantern lights offering a charming, low-maintenance lighting option for your yard. Just hang them, and they'll take it from there, glowing in rain or shine. Itty-bitty, collapsible storage crates in soothing pastel colors to give your knickknacks the vinyl record treatment. Listen, you don't have to throw away your mountain of pilfered condiment packets, but they'd look a lot nicer in one of these. A pair of fan light pull cords so you can finally know which turns on the fan and which turns on the light. What an ~illuminating~ product! A set of extra mini drawers that clip onto your shelves so you can easily grab what you need instead of having to remove half the contents of your fridge just to get to the mayo. A battery-operated patio umbrella light so your family can actually see each other while dining outside. The battery-powered device has 28 LEDs to properly illuminate a whole picnic table after the sun sets. A modern waterfall faucet to add a spa-like feel to your bathroom. Doesn't one of your most repeated daily habits (I hope you're washing your hands regularly) deserve an upgrade? Reviewers say they were surprised at how easy it was to install. A square iron firepit table perfect for relaxing evenings or chilly Sunday mornings when you'd like to warm up by a fire and admire your amazing backyard. The propane-fueled table is great for anyone who doesn't want to deal with chopping wood or overseeing a big bonfire. An acrylic dry-erase board that serves as unobtrusive decor until you're ready to break out the markers and start brainstorming what you want for dinner. No drill, wall-mounted amber bottles for anyone who wants the hotel treatment at home. At first glance, the waterproof labels conjure up an Aesop vibe, so guests are gonna be like, "OK, fancy." An insulated, self-adhesive weatherproofing strip you can easily apply to your doors and windows to ensure your precious cold air stays put. Once you see your electric bill, you'll know this thing pays for itself. It's also great for soundproofing, in case you saw the Rebecca Black Boiler Room set and are now wondering if you should become a DJ, too. A brass hook that's easy to install with just two screws and offers a handy place to hang necklaces, bags, or hats. Plus, it's just cute to think of your home gifting you a flower. Chalkboard spray paint to turn any wall or piece of furniture into a blank canvas just waiting for chalk masterpieces. Reviewers say it's super easy to spray an even layer — just remember to wear gloves! A set of 3D-printed KitchenAid Tool holders so you finally have a place to store those darn things. The mounts come with Command strips, but you can also screw them in place. A privacy window film that's easy to install (you just need a credit card and some patience) and fills your home with lots of rainbows when the sun hits it just right. Now your guests can sing "somewherrrrre over the rainbow" as they step over your dog. A microgreen sprouting kit you only need to fill with water once per growing cycle to get fresh, soil-free sprouts. Just add the growth discs to the terracotta dish, fill the glass bulb, and let the gadget do the rest! Salads are gonna feel soooo fancy from now on. A set of discreet dimmable strip lights that stick right under your cabinets to better spotlight your beautiful KitchenAid. Bonus — these come with a mini remote to control the intensity of the light if you want some mood lighting for your midnight snacking. A set of Command spray bottle hangers to stick to the inside of a cabinet door for easy storage, so you can grab the multi-cleaner *the second* you hear food hit the floor. Customers keep these in cabinets, bathrooms, and laundry rooms so they can be prepared for any mess. A canopy that provides shade without trapping in hot air and turning your otherwise pleasant patio into a sweatbox. It comes in a ton of different sizes, and reviewers say it's easy to install. A framed wall shelf to give your knickknacks a dignified place to hang out so they don't have to clutter your desk or languish away in a junk drawer. Have you seen Toy Story? Your Sonny Angels deserve better. Interlocking teak tiles that are super easy to install — no tools needed! — even on uneven surfaces. Who knew that beautiful, tropical-looking flooring was an Amazon purchase and a couple of hours of work away?
CNET
23-07-2025
- CNET
I Set Up a VPN on My Roku to Stream Geo-Restricted Shows and Movies. Here's How You Can Too
Watching movies and shows from your favorite streaming services is easy with a streaming device or smart TV. These devices can give you access to thousands of live and on-demand streaming options with the push of a button or even a voice command. If you set up a VPN on your smart TV or streaming device, you can unlock a world of streaming options far beyond what would normally be available in your location. With a VPN, you can have streaming services register your internet connection as originating in another part of the world, which allows you to unblock geographically restricted content. On top of that, you'll keep your streaming activity private from your internet service provider and other online snoops because a VPN encrypts your online traffic. While some streaming devices like Fire TV Stick and Apple TV offer native support for VPN apps, allowing you to download the VPN app directly to the device, Roku devices do not. So, you'll need to take an alternate route to set up a VPN on your Roku device. Although not nearly as straightforward as downloading the VPN app directly to your device, getting a VPN set up on Roku is relatively easy -- and there's a good chance that you already have the necessary equipment to make it work. There are a few ways you can go about setting up a VPN on your Roku device, depending on what equipment you have on hand. For my setup, I have a VPN-enabled router that I use for whole-network coverage -- which is the most straightforward way to use a VPN on Roku. Alternatively, you can share a mobile hotspot from your Windows or Mac computer. Either way, you can use a VPN on your Roku and keep your activity private while vastly expanding your access to international streaming libraries, even if the device doesn't natively support VPN apps. Here's how. Use a VPN router You have several options if you want to use a VPN-compatible router with your Roku -- some potentially more complicated than others but all incurring extra costs. If you don't already have a VPN-compatible router, then you'll need to purchase one, which can cost anywhere from $50 to $250 for a decent model or even upwards of $1,000 for something extremely high-end. If you're budget-minded, then you can purchase a compatible router and install (or 'flash') special firmware onto it to make the VPN work. However, even though many VPNs have tutorials on how to do this on a variety of router models, it can still be a tricky process and probably risky to try if you're not particularly technically inclined. For one, if you botch the process, you run the risk or 'bricking' your router -- in other words, making it as useful for your VPN purposes as an actual brick. You also may end up voiding the warranty on your router. So if you do choose to flash your own VPN router, make sure you know what you're getting into before doing so. Another option is to go with a company like FlashRouters, who has partnerships with various VPN providers including NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark and Proton VPN. FlashRouters sells routers that are already flashed with the firmware you need and work right out of the box with your VPN provider. The catch is that you'll need to tack on about an extra $100 to the purchase price of the router you choose. If you already have a compatible router, FlashRouters can also flash your existing router remotely -- for about $75 to $100 depending on your router. But if that's in your budget, it's an easy way to go and eliminates the risk of turning your router into an expensive paperweight. If you're an ExpressVPN user, you can purchase its Aircove router, which comes in a portable version for $170 or a standard size for $190. The Aircove router is probably the easiest router solution to set up and use, but it's limited to ExpressVPN subscribers, whereas a router purchased from FlashRouters can be configured for a variety of VPN services. Besides giving you the ability to use a VPN on your Roku, a VPN router setup allows you to protect all of your devices at once. Simply connect your Roku or any other device (whether it supports VPN apps or not) to your VPN router network and you're good to go. This gives you whole-network coverage and can also help you get around simultaneous device limits imposed by VPN providers because the router connection counts as a single connection. Share your VPN connection with your Roku through your Mac computer If you're a Mac user and don't want to use a VPN router, you can create a Wi-Fi hotspot from your Mac computer and connect your Roku to it. When you connect to your VPN on your Mac, your Roku will use your Mac's Wi-Fi connection, and its traffic will go through the VPN server you're connected to. Here are the steps you'll need to take: Download your VPN app to your Mac. Connect your Mac to your Wi-Fi router using an Ethernet cable. Go to System Preferences → Sharing. Click on Internet Sharing. Select your VPN connection from the Share your connection dropdown menu. Tick Wi-Fi in the To computers using box. Click on Wi-Fi Options. Set a network name and password for your Wi-Fi hotspot. Select WPA2 Personal in the Security field and click OK. Click on the box next to Internet Sharing and then click Start. Open your VPN app on your Mac and connect to a server. On your Roku, navigate to Settings → Network → Set up connection → Wireless. Select your mobile hotspot from the list of available networks and enter the password you set for your mobile hotspot. Stream your favorite content like you normally would on Roku. Share your VPN connection with your Roku through your Windows computer Setting up a VPN on your Roku using a Wi-Fi hotspot on your Windows computer is essentially the same idea as with Mac, but the process is a bit different. Here's what you'll need to do: Download your VPN app to your Windows machine. Go to Settings → Network and Internet → Mobile Hotspot. Toggle Mobile hotspot to the On position. Click Edit under Network properties to edit the hotspot name and password if desired. Go to Control Panel. Click on View network status and tasks under Network and Internet. Click on Change adapter settings in the left panel. Right-click on the adapter that lists your VPN provider and click on Properties. Click on Sharing. Check the box next to Allow other network users to connect through this computer's Internet connection. In the drop-down menu under Home networking connection select the Local Area Connection* that corresponds to the Local Area Connection number with Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter listed underneath in the Network Connections window. Connect to a VPN server. On your Roku, navigate to Settings → Network → Set up connection → Wireless. Select your mobile hotspot from the list of available networks and enter the password you set for your mobile hotspot. Stream your favorite content like you normally would on Roku. What VPNs work with Roku? Using one of the methods outlined above, most any VPN would technically work with your Roku device. However, not all VPNs are created equal and some work better than others when it comes to things like streaming, privacy and fast speeds. Any one of CNET's top VPN picks is a solid choice and should work smoothly for streaming on your Roku, but the one you choose is up to you and can depend on factors like your budget, server locations, speeds, device compatibility and overall feature set. If you want the best VPN for streaming overall, ExpressVPN is a great option. If you're after the fastest download speeds, I recommend going with NordVPN because it was the fastest VPN in our most recent VPN speed tests. If you're on a budget, Surfshark and Private Internet Access are both excellent choices because they deliver premium VPN performance at wallet-friendly prices. Each of these VPNs is a well-rounded option for streaming, gaming, boosting your privacy and pretty much any other online activity. Each one also offers a money-back guarantee, so there's little risk in trying a few options to see which one works best for you.
The Independent
22-07-2025
- The Independent
How to get Proton VPN on your Amazon Fire TV Stick
The best thing about an Amazon Fire TV Stick dongle is that you can bring your entire home telly setup anywhere with you and plug it into almost any screen. Dumb hotel TV with no streaming services? No longer an issue. But even with a Fire Stick plugged in, some apps just won't work abroad. BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4 and Now TV can all tell you're not in the UK, so you won't be able to catch up on Love Island, Mix Tape or the Premier League action while you're away. That's where one of the best VPNs for Fire Stick come in. Proton VPN is one of the top VPNs around, and one of the few with a Fire TV Stick app you can actually download from the Appstore. It lets you spoof your location, so UK apps like iPlayer and ITVX don't twig that you're sunning it up in Spain. While Proton does have a free version, it's the paid tier (£3.59, that will let you stream UK content abroad. Here's how to get Proton VPN on your Fire TV Stick. How to get Proton VPN on your Fire TV Stick In our tests, Proton VPN let us access Now TV, BBC iPlayer, ITVX and Channel 4, as well as global streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+ when connected to a UK server, meaning we could catch up on content from home while travelling abroad. Before you get started, make sure you've already got a Proton VPN subscription. A 24-month subscription costs £86.16, which works out to about £3.59 per month. Once that's sorted, follow the below set-up instructions:
