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Variety: ABC is prepping exclusive content for its streaming service
CBS isn't the only major network getting into the exclusive content game. According to Variety, ABC is planning to do the same. The programming will be available through WatchABC and the first show is said to be a scripted project starring stand-up comedian Iliza Shlesinger. You might remember Shlesinger from her Netflix specials. What's more, the network doesn't plan to use the new platform only as a means of keeping its properties to itself, but rather a testing grounds of sorts. If a show does well there, it could make the jump to primetime. If you'll recall, WatchABC provides live TV broadcasts (in some markets) and access to both to new and past episodes of shows, some of which require a paid subscription. Details are scarce on how much of the new exclusive content will require a pay TV plan, but this report follows similar moves by other networks.
DirecTV's new deal lets you watch ABC, Disney and ESPN online
If you subscribe to DirecTV, you're about to get a few more ways to tune in online. As part of a renewed deal with Disney, the satellite TV provider will get Watch ABC, Watch Disney and WatchESPN streaming services in early 2015. You'll also see more viewing features on regular channels, and the two companies will "explore new opportunities" for internet-only offerings. There's no question that DirecTV is a bit late to the party when it comes to embracing Disney's more advanced services, but better late than never, right? [Image credit: Associated Press]
Amazon Fire TV scores live video apps for Disney, MLB and WWE
The launch of Flappy Bird Family last week probably wasn't going to make you rush to buy a Fire TV any time soon, but don't worry -- Amazon has a few more aces up its sleeve. The Android-powered media hub is now getting a slew of extra apps, many of which expand the video selection to areas that Amazon simply can't cover. You can now tune into MLB.tv and WWE Network if you need a live sports fix (real or otherwise), and you can entertain your kids with Animal Planet and Watch Disney. If you're the patient type, you'll also be glad to hear that NFL Now, Watch ABC, A&E and Dailymotion are due later this year. These additions likely won't make you chuck your Apple TV or Roku box, but they might get you thinking about a Fire TV if you'd previously ruled it out.
ABC to stream the Oscars for the first time, but only for select viewers
ABC will be streaming its live coverage of the Oscars this weekend for the first time ever, but there are some important caveats. First, the awards show will only be viewable through Watch ABC on the web or through ABC's iOS and Android apps, both of which require a cable subscription for access. What's more, you'll need to live in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Houston, Raleigh-Durham or Fresno in order to stream the event, since Watch ABC isn't available nationwide. Even then, you'll need a Cablevision, Cox, Charter, Midcontinent, Verizon FiOS, Google Fiber or AT&T U-Verse subscription if you wanna see whether Her takes home best picture. If you don't meet the above criteria for streaming, "The Oscars Backstage" second screen experience will be available to all viewers regardless of their location or service provider. This will pull footage from multiple cameras positioned on the red carpet and in the backstage area. As you might expect, folks with full access can toggle back and forth between the extra content and the live show. Last but not least, Variety reports that highlight clips will be posted to Oscars.com five to 10 minutes after they air. The 86th Annual Academy Awards happens this Sunday, March 2nd at 8:30PM ET/5:30PM PT. [Image credit: Joe Klamar/AFP/Getty Images]
Want to stream ABC shows the day after they air? Better get cable
As the legions of cord cutters continue to grow, companies are looking for any way to keep customers tied to their increasingly archaic (and offensively priced) pay TV subscriptions. ABC is just the latest network to get in on the frustrating practice, by requiring users sign into their cable account if they want to watch shows online the day after they air. On January 6th the change is coming not only to Watch ABC, but Hulu as well. Though, if you subscribe to Hulu Plus you'll still have access the next day. Otherwise you'll have to wait a full week after an episode airs to stream it for free. Of course, ABC is hardly alone in the practice. Fox did the same back in 2011, while premium outlets like HBO and Showtime have limited their streaming services to verified pay TV subscribers since day one (with a few experimental exceptions). The list of participating TV services includes all the usual suspects, including Time Warner and FiOS, as well as new comers like Google Fiber. If you've got any nagging questions you can check out the FAQ at the source or call Watch ABC's customer service at (800) 230-0229.
Apple TV adds Watch ABC, Crackle and Bloomberg apps
Not to be outshined by Google's announcement that more apps were joining the Chromecast revolution, Apple TV today made its entertainment repertoire a bit richer. As 9to5Mac points out, Cupertino's tiny box is now giving viewers access to applications including Bloomberg (which will be streaming news 24/7 as well as offer on-demand content), Watch ABC, Crackle (in HD for the first time) and, for Korean speakers, KORTV. These new additions show that Apple is getting increasingly passionate about its hobby, as over the past months we've seen more and more apps and features become available. It's worth mentioning that being able to enjoy some of these in full depends on the country you're in and whether you have the proper cable subscription. So, power on your Apple TV and let us know in the comments how you're liking the fresh content thus far.
Watch ABC brings its mobile TV service to Android phones
Hey, Android phone users, you can watch Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. on your device now that the Watch ABC app has finally arrived on smaller screens running the platform. Like its counterpart apps for iOS, Kindle Fire and Android tablets, it comes with live streaming and on demand viewing. Location restrictions still apply, of course, and you have to be a subscriber in NYC, Philadelphia, LA, Chicago, Raleigh-Durham, San Francisco, Houston and Fresno. Unfortunately, its list of officially supported devices (below) is disappointingly short, but the network says it should work on more phones running Android 4.0.3 or higher. Perfect, if you're looking to drown your work week sorrows this weekend while watching Rebel Wilson. Officially supported devices: Samsung Galaxy S 2 Samsung Galaxy S 3 Samsung Galaxy S 4 Samsung Galaxy Note Samsung Galaxy Note 2 HTC One Google Nexus 4
Verizon deal brings Watch ABC, Watch Disney to FiOS TV subscribers
Got FiOS TV? Then you can stream ABC and Disney TV shows. Verizon has reached a deal with Disney that offers authenticated access to the full slate of Watch ABC and Watch Disney online services, including Disney Junior, Disney XD and the yet-to-launch ABC Family. There are no quirks or catches involved, and Verizon has also agreed to carry Fusion, a Hispanic-oriented news and lifestyle TV channel launching later this year. FiOS TV subscribers wanting to catch up on their Motive episodes can start streaming today.
Watch ABC app with live TV streaming comes to Kindle Fire, but not Google Play
ABC dipped its toe into live network TV streaming with the Watch ABC app on the web and iOS earlier this month, and now it's followed up with a version for Amazon's Kindle Fire and Kindle Fire HD tablets. Unfortunately, despite the Amazon Appstore listing it's still not in Google Play so other Android devices can't get easy access yet. At launch the press release mentioned Samsung Galaxy hardware will also be supported this summer, but there's no word beyond that. Of course, the same location restrictions still apply no matter what platform, with Watch ABC currently available in NYC and Philadelphia only. Through the end of June anyone in those areas can tune into the live streams, however after that it will require authentication with a participating cable or satellite company. Viewing areas will also start to include into other markets throughout the summer and fall based on ABC's agreements with its affiliates. The Watch strategy has worked well so far for Disney's cable networks (ABC Family is up next), whether its push to bring live network TV to the internet is spurred by Aereo or Nielsen's new ratings, we hope more can watch it soon.
ABC officially relaunches its Player app as Watch ABC with live TV streaming
Just as it revealed in an interview this weekend after months of rumors, the Disney / ABC Television Group has launched Watch ABC as an "open access preview" for New York and Philadelphia residents. Available on the web and as an iOS or Kindle Fire app in place of the old ABC Player, it still offers video on-demand playback of the network's shows, but is the first to add live network TV streaming in those two areas. It will require customers to log in with their cable / satellite TV account details (Comcast, Cablevision, Cox, Charter, Midcontinent and AT&T U-verse are all signed up already) for access starting July 1st, but for now there's no such restriction. ABC is promising a launch in all ABC-owned station markets by the start of the fall broadcast season, though most areas will need to wait for agreements with their local affiliates. Currently scheduled for launch after July 1st are Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Houston, Raleigh-Durham and Fresno, while Hearst Television has already signed on to launch streaming in its 13 markets as well. The app itself should resemble the WatchESPN and Watch Disney services we've seen roll out previously, and AirPlay streaming is disabled. The press release mentions Kindle Fire support, though we didn't see it in the Appstore yet, and it's coming to Samsung Galaxy devices "soon." There aren't any other Android devices mentioned, but hopefully more platforms will follow quickly. Hit the source links below for the app or to watch on the web, and there's a press release after the break with more details.
Charter lands deal for Disney's full streaming, TV services in the first half of 2013
Charter viewers won't have any shortage of TV choices this year -- at least, as long as they like Disney-owned channels. The House of Mouse has signed a deal with Charter to bring its full deck of channels and services to the cable provider in the first half of 2013. The mix includes all national ABC, Disney and ESPN channels as well as their on-demand and authenticated streaming equivalents, such as WatchESPN. The Longhorn Network and local station retransmissions are involved as well. Neither side has mentioned the full terms, although it's cast as a "multi-year" pact; we'll take the uncertainty as long as we get more say in what (and how) we watch.
