The Console That Replaces Cable

Your PlayStation 5 is a gaming beast. But it’s also a surprisingly capable streaming box. Most people know about Netflix and Disney+. Fewer realize the PS5 can pull in over 100 live TV channels — completely free.

No subscription. No hidden fees. Just a solid internet connection and a few minutes of setup. It’s the kind of thing that makes you wonder why you’re still paying for cable.

What You Can Watch for Free

The lineup is more impressive than you’d expect from a free service. You’re not just getting old reruns and infomercials. There’s real, current content here.

• The Walking Dead — Catch up on the zombie apocalypse or rewatch your favorite seasons.
• UFC fights — Live events and replays for fight fans.
• News channels — Stay informed with major networks broadcasting 24/7.
• Classic movies — A rotating library of films across genres.
• Kids’ programming — Dedicated channels to keep the little ones entertained.
• Documentaries — Nature, history, and science content.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg. The full channel list is extensive, covering everything from cooking shows to vintage sitcoms.

How to Set It Up on Your PS5

Getting started takes less than five minutes. Here’s the quick breakdown:

1. Turn on your PS5 and head to the Media section from the home screen.
2. Find the free streaming app — it’s usually featured prominently.
3. Download and install it. The app is lightweight and won’t eat up much storage.
4. Launch the app and browse the channel guide.
5. Start watching. No account creation required.

That’s it. You’re in. The interface is clean and responsive, designed to work well with a controller or a remote.

Why This Beats Traditional Streaming Services

Subscription fatigue is real. Between streaming price hikes and fragmented content libraries, cord-cutting has become a headache. This free option on PS5 sidesteps all that.

You get live TV, which is something most on-demand services don’t offer. Sports, news, and events happen in real-time. That immediacy matters for UFC fans who don’t want spoilers.

The best part? It’s genuinely free. Not a trial period. Not a freemium model with paywalls everywhere. Just free.

Is the Quality Any Good?

You might expect grainy video and constant buffering from a free service. That’s not the case here. Most channels stream in HD, and the picture quality holds up on a big screen.

Audio is solid too. Whether you’re watching a fight or a drama, the sound comes through clear. The PS5’s hardware handles the streaming effortlessly, so you won’t notice any lag or stuttering.

There are occasional ads, sure. That’s how the service stays free. But they’re not intrusive, and they’re nowhere near as frequent as traditional TV.

What About the Competition?

Other consoles have similar apps. But the PS5’s implementation feels more polished. The integration with the system’s UI is smoother, and the app launches faster than on older hardware.

If you’re a PlayStation owner, this is a no-brainer. You already have the console. Why pay for another service when you can get this for nothing?

For those who want even more options, there are other free streaming apps for consoles worth checking out. But this one stands out for its channel count and content quality.

Final Thoughts: Cut the Cord, Keep the Content

The days of needing a cable subscription to watch live TV are over. Your PS5 can handle it all — gaming, streaming, and now live channels.

Whether you’re a Walking Dead fan, a UFC enthusiast, or just someone tired of paying for content, this free option delivers. Set it up once, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

The Clock Is Ticking on Disrupt 2026 Side Events

TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is barreling toward San Francisco’s Moscone West from October 13–15. More than 10,000 founders, investors, and tech’s sharpest minds will pack the halls. But the real action? It spills well beyond those three days.

That’s where the Disrupt Side Events program comes in. From October 10–16, you can host your own gathering — a dinner, a workshop, a VC office-hours session — and get it promoted directly to Disrupt’s massive audience. The catch? The application deadline is this Friday, September 4, at midnight PT. Yes, that’s days away.

If you’ve been sitting on an idea for a meetup, now’s the time to move. Here’s everything you need to know.

Why Bother Hosting a Side Event?

Side Events put you in the driver’s seat. Instead of hoping you run into the right people in a crowded expo hall, you create the room where conversations happen. Your brand, your agenda, your crowd.

Here’s what you get:

• Direct access to thousands of the most curious and capable people in tech.
• Real relationships with potential partners, investors, and future collaborators — not just business cards.
• Full control over your narrative. You decide what to showcase and how to frame it.
• Buzz that lingers long after the event ends, thanks to promotion through Disrupt’s official channels.

Approved Side Events are listed on the official calendar and pushed out through Disrupt’s marketing. That’s free exposure to an audience that’s already primed for innovation.

What Kind of Event Can You Host?

Pretty much anything that fits your vision. Past Disrupts have seen industry roundtables, intimate dinners, casual happy hours, deep-dive workshops — you name it. The format is yours to design.

One recommendation: aim for the evenings of October 13–15. There’s less competition for attention, and the post-conference energy is perfect for real conversations. Just make sure your event is open to both Disrupt attendees and the broader public.

What You Need Before Applying

Don’t wing it. The application form asks for specifics, so have these locked down first:

• A venue in the Bay Area — this is strictly in-person, so location matters.
• A title, description, and venue details ready to paste in.
• A quick read of the Side Events Host Guide and the Side Event Host T&Cs so there are no surprises.

If you hit a snag, the Side Events team is just an email away. They’re genuinely helpful.

Who Should Apply?

Venture capitalists looking to spark dialogue. Companies launching something new. Community builders with a point of view. If you have a following, a network, or just a killer idea for bringing people together, this is your shot.

There’s zero cost to apply and zero cost to participate. The organizers prioritize events that add real value for founders, investors, and the startup ecosystem — but beyond that, you know your community best.

So here’s the bottom line: the deadline is September 4 at midnight PT. The application takes minutes. The payoff could define your quarter.

Apply now. Tell them what you want to build, who you want to reach, and what you need logistically. They’ll handle the rest — and you’ll be at the center of the Bay Area’s biggest tech week.

You’re Probably Ignoring These Windows Built-in Tools

Let’s be honest: Windows is a crowded operating system. Between the Start menu, the taskbar, and the endless settings panels, it’s easy to miss the good stuff. But tucked away in plain sight are some genuinely powerful features that most people never touch.

These aren’t obscure registry hacks or third-party downloads. They’re native, free, and already sitting on your machine. Here are four hidden Windows features worth your attention.

1. The Secret Power of the Windows Key Shortcuts

You probably use Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V without thinking. But the Windows key itself opens a whole world of shortcuts that can shave seconds off your daily workflow.

Try these:

• Win + V – Opens the clipboard history. Copy multiple items, then paste any of them later. It’s a lifesaver for research or data entry.
• Win + Shift + S – Launches the snipping tool for quick screenshots. You can capture a region, a window, or the whole screen.
• Win + D – Minimizes everything and shows the desktop in one keystroke.
• Win + L – Locks your PC instantly. Essential for privacy when you step away.

These shortcuts are fast, reliable, and work across most versions of Windows. Once you start using them, you’ll wonder how you managed without.

2. God Mode: One Folder to Rule Them All

If you’ve ever dug through the Control Panel or the Settings app looking for a specific option, you know how tedious it can be. God Mode fixes that by putting every administrative tool in one place.

Here’s how to enable it:

1. Right-click on your desktop and select New > Folder.
2. Name the folder exactly this: GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}
3. Press Enter. The folder icon will change to a control panel-style icon.

Open it, and you’ll see hundreds of settings and tools, from backup and restore to device manager and power options. No more hunting through menus. It’s one of the best Windows productivity tips for power users.

3. The Hidden ‘Quick Assist’ Tool for Remote Help

Need to help a friend or family member with their PC? You don’t need a third-party remote desktop app. Quick Assist is built into Windows 10 and 11.

Search for “Quick Assist” in the Start menu. You’ll get a code that the other person enters on their machine. Once connected, you can see their screen, take control, or just chat.

It’s secure, free, and doesn’t require any installation. For a quick fix, it beats downloading TeamViewer or AnyDesk. This is one of those Windows built-in tools that deserves more attention.

4. Storage Sense: Automatic Disk Cleanup

Running out of disk space is a classic Windows problem. Storage Sense is the built-in solution that works automatically.

You’ll find it under Settings > System > Storage. Turn it on, and Windows will periodically delete temporary files, empty the recycle bin, and clean up downloads you haven’t touched in a while.

You can configure how aggressive it is. Set it to run daily, weekly, or only when disk space is low. It’s a set-and-forget feature that keeps your drive from filling up with junk.

For more ways to keep your system lean, check out our guide on freeing up disk space in Windows.

Why These Hidden Windows Features Matter

These four tools aren’t flashy, but they solve real problems. They save time, reduce frustration, and keep your system running smoothly. The best part? They’re all free and already installed.

If you’re looking for more ways to get the most out of your PC, explore other Windows tips and tricks we’ve covered. You might be surprised at what else you’ve been missing.