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Sling TV debuts Freestream, a totally free streaming service with 210+ channels

Sling TV's Freestream means there's another platform vying for your attention

By Shawn Laib February 11, 2023

If you’re looking for a way to gain access to over 200 channels without having to spend more than $40 monthly, the Dish Network subsidiary SLING TV has another novel offering for old and new customers alike. On what they deem National Cut the Cord Day, the live TV streamer is launching a new service called Sling Freestream.

You need a Roku device or an alternative such as Comcast, Samsung, LG, or Vizio to gain access to all Sling Freestream has to offer, but it has a lot to offer: The advertising-supported service offers more than 210 free channels and 41,000-plus on-demand titles.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Sling Freestream is supposed to help more people gain access to more affordable programming across a large variety of their favorite channels and now streaming services. You can access Freestream through the Sling app on Roku devices; rollout is also occurring across Comcast, LG, Samsung, Vizio and Xbox devices. No credit card is required, but users will have the option to subscribe to 50-plus standalone streaming services —such as AMC+, discovery+, MGM+, and SHOWTIME— or add a Sling Orange or Sling Blue base service. (The Sling Orange package has a defining trait separating it from the Sling Blue package: the availability of ESPN. For sports fans who want access to Monday Night Football, hundreds of NBA basketball games and NHL hockey games, and dozens of sports talk shows, the Sling Orange package is probably the way to go. For those who want NBC and FOX, they might decide on Sling Blue.)

Sling Freestream is also committed to growing and enhancing the product over the next few months with additional content and features like universal search functionality, enhanced channel surfing, updated guide filters, and autoplay capabilities.

SLING TV has been an innovator in the live television sphere since it launched in 2015. They have over 2 million subscribers now, using a variety of programs and genre types to encourage customers to switch over from cable TV to live streaming without the hassle of purchasing a bundle of channels. As more people become reliant on streaming services and drop their cable TV packages, SLING TV hopes they can win over new customers with their Sling Freestream service.

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Shawn Laib is a freelance writer with publications such as Den of Geek, Quote.com, Edge Media Network, diaTribe, SUPERJUMP…

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The 10 best Dominican cigars I’ve tried and tested in 2024

Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic.

Every seasoned cigar lover has a preference for where their cigars come from. Cuban and Cuban cigars are the more obvious choices, but there is also Nicaraguan tobacco, Central African, Indonesian, Mexican, Ecuadorian, and Dominican. Some tobacco is even grown in the United States. Each region has a distinct flavor profile that adds a little something extra to the tobacco grown locally, as well as the cigars made there. The Dominican Republic is prized by many connoisseurs because of exactly this -- a rich, unique profile that enhances Dominican-grown cigars. That's in no small part due to the fertile soil and thriving climate of the region, which is ideal for tobacco growth and cultivation. If you've never tried a Dominican cigar, you're in for a real treat, there are some fantastic options out there.
The best Dominican cigars I've tried

Out of all the cigar guides I've put together so far, this one was one of the more interesting experiences for me. I had a great time trying out Dominican cigars, and I've definitely come away with an appreciation for blends made in the region. I'd also like to point out that Corey Suarez helped recommend some of these. If you haven't tried the JR Cigars or Cigars.com concierge service yet, you really should. Here's a little more about all of the best Dominican cigars I've tried:
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The 12 best Connecticut cigars I’ve tried and tested in 2024

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Connecticut cigars are the clear winner for smoking on a hot summer day, in the morning with some coffee, or when you just don't want a swift kick in the teeth (of pepper). There's no shortage of options, either. Connecticut shade wrappers are one of the most prevalent in the world of cigars, and it's certainly the most common natural shade. Maduro is also popular, but the two wrapper types couldn't be any more different. Connecticut wrappers, and by proxy Connecticut cigars, are typically mild to medium in strength and brimming with creamy, smooth flavors. They're composed of tobacco leaves grown in the Connecticut River Valley in the United States -- which is where the name Connecticut comes from. Consistent and flavorful, some of the best beginner-friendly cigars are Connecticut-wrapped, but you should never sell them short. A Connecticut shade cigar can be just as refined, elegant, and premium as any other. If you know where to look, you may even find some of your favorite blends in the category across a wide range of brands and cigar makers.

I'm about to take you on a magical, doughy, and delicious trek through the broad range of Connecticut cigars. In short, here are the best Connecticut cigars tried and tested by a genuine enthusiast of the craft: yours truly.
The best Connecticut cigars I've tried and tested
While the Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper is considered a Connecticut shade, I did my best to steer clear of recommending them for this list. They're better classified as a Maduro shade or darker cigar. That doesn't mean you should avoid them, quite the contrary. But for this list, I wanted to stick to smooth, relaxing smokes that are strong on flavor but not quite so strong on pepper and spice. I also tried not to choose a lot of repeats. If you see your favorite cigar missing, that might be because it was recommended on another list or it just didn't make the cut. If you have any recommendations of your own, I'm always available through social media or email. Without further ado, let's get this thing started.
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This is when the Hulu, ESPN+, Disney+ password sharing crackdown starts

The Disney Plus sign-up menu is displayed

The era of password sharing is slowly but surely coming to an end. Netflix has already begun cracking down on people sharing passwords across households, and now, other streaming services are following suit. Before 2024 is over, Disney Plus password sharing will be a thing of the past.

Disney's streaming services are now preparing to crack down on those who are sharing passwords, and the consequences for doing so could be severe. Users across Hulu, Disney Plus, and ESPN Plus will be warned about password sharing, and if they don't Disney CEO Bob Iger even laid out a timeline for when the crackdown will start, although he didn't get into too many specifics.
Bob Iger says Disney will start its password-sharing crackdown over the summer