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Sling TV adds local content to its Latino streaming service
Sling TV recently began catering some services to Spanish-speaking subscribers. In June, the company introduced Sling Latino, a standalone package for people who only wanted access to video content in Español. Today, as part of these plans to reach a broader audience, Sling TV announced it's adding local broadcast feeds from Univision and UniMas to its Latino streaming service. This will give viewers the ability to watch programming that's restricted to certain areas, such as local news shows.
Sling TV now works with Google's Chromecast
Just as Google promised, Sling TV has brought its streaming television service over to Chromecast iOS and Android apps. Even better, the company is offering a few deals to sweeten the pot. New customers who prepay for three months of Sling TV's "Best of Live TV" package (worth around $60, in total) are eligible for a free Chromecast. Current Chromecast owners can instead opt for a two-month trial of Sling TV, which you'll be able to sign up for from the Chromecast site today. We found Sling TV to be pretty solid when we first tested it earlier this year, and it's only gotten better over time, as more channels were added and the overall experience improved. The news also puts Sling TV on pretty much all of the major streaming boxes, aside from the new Apple TV. But we hope to see it there too -- even Plex has made its way to the Apple TV already.
Chromecast adds video from Sling TV, NBA and more
Besides rolling out two brand-new devices and a redesigned app, Google is bringing a slew of new video services (and Spotify) to the now 20-million-strong Chromecast ecosystem. Google announced onstage during today's Nexus event that Sling TV is coming in the next few weeks. The NBA and MLS are also adding Cast support, while DirecTV's NFL Sunday Ticket (which already supported Chromecast) is adding a new feature allowing users to scrub through stats and other info on their phones while games are streaming on the TV. Get all the news from today's Google event right here.
Sling TV shows off its improved guide for the Xbox One
As great as Sling TV is, the user interface isn't the best. One of the biggest problems is that it isn't easy to find the content you're looking for, but the company's well aware of this and has been working on a fix. Today, Sling TV announced the first of "several" planned updates to its UI, starting with the app for Xbox One. Aside from bug fixes and under-the-hood improvements to the streaming quality, Sling TV is refreshing the guide on Microsoft's entertainment console -- which should make it less tedious for you to quickly come across the live and on-demand shows you want to watch. For example, when you're browsing the guide and set on a channel, hitting up on the Xbox One controller's d-pad or joystick now brings up all the content available for each network. You'll also find better imagery throughout the app, with a focus on cast, crew and episode artwork.
Sling TV says Comcast/NBC doesn't want to run its ads
Just as Comcast dips its toe in the internet TV business, Sling TV is claiming that the giant is refusing to run ads for its service on NBC stations that it owns. According to Sling TV CEO Roger Lynch (last seen walking off with our Best of CES Overall Winner trophy), the ads are running across other broadcasters, and on NBC stations not owned by Comcast. If the idea was to cut down on the number of people seeing an alternative to the cable setup, that may have backfired since you're reading this right now. Comcast's NBC stations aren't running the ads in three cities (San Diego, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.), but the internet stretches much further.
Sling TV launches a standalone service for Latinos
Last month, Sling TV introduced a couple of channel packs for the Spanish-speaking audience in the US. But now the company's taking that one step further with Sling Latino, a standalone service for people who are only interested in having access to channels en Español. The main package, called Paquete Total, is $12 per month and features 22 of the most popular networks in Spanish, including Azteca America, Galavisión, beIN Sports en Español, Univision, UniMás, Univision Deportes Network, Univision tlnovelas and many more. That said, there is a cheaper option for just $7: Paquete Esencial, which comes with Azteca America, Cinelatino, beIN Sports en Español, Univision tlnovelas and 12 other channels, although it's missing most of Univision's properties.
Sling TV brings its cord-cutter app to Android TV devices
So far, Dish has done an exceptional job of launching its internet television service, Sling TV, on most major mobile and stationary platforms. And now Android TV is the latest to offer support for the cord-cutter app, joining others like iOS, Roku, Xbox One and, of course, Android in doing so. At the moment, Sling TV on Android TV really just means being available for the Nexus Player, although there are many devices launching soon with Google's newly minted ecosystem on board. Sling TV also announced ESPN Deportes (the Spanish version of ESPN) has been added to its channel lineup, which it will be including as part of the Latino-tailored, $5-per-month Deportes Extra pack.
Sling TV targets Latino viewers with latest channel bundles
The content programming spree for Sling TV continues today. Now, the company has announced two $5 bundles intended for the Spanish-speaking community in the US. Deportes Extra is one of them, featuring beIN Sports en Español, beIN Sports (English), Univision, Univision Deportes and UniMas. The other, Peliculas & Novelas Extra, comes with channels like Az Corazon, Cinelatino, De Pelicula, Pasiones and a pair that carry over from the sports-focused bundle: Univision and UniMas. Both packages are perfect for people who like watching football (soccer) and Latin American soap operas, better known as novelas.
Recommended Reading: The internet can't handle streaming big TV events
Recommended Reading highlights the best long-form writing on technology and more in print and on the web. Some weeks, you'll also find short reviews of books that we think are worth your time. We hope you enjoy the read. The Internet's Clearly Not Ready to Stream Big TV Events by Brian Barrett Wired Last weekend's NCAA Final Four provided some of the most-watched college basketball matchups in years -- unless, of course, your Sling TV stream didn't work. The newfangled internet TV service buckled under the weight of a wave of new subscribers looking to opt in for the big games. It was just the latest in a line of live-event-related issues web streamers encountered, and it shows that maybe major television events aren't ready to be viewed on the web. So, Sunday's Game of Thrones premiere should be... interesting.
Sling TV is sorry for messing up your Final Four basketball stream
Dish's Sling TV streaming service got its first big stress test during the NCAA's Final Four games this weekend... and, well, it didn't cope gracefully. The company has apologized after Sling TV buckled during the college basketball semifinals, producing errors and otherwise keeping many people from following the action. Reportedly, a combo of "extreme sign-ups and streaming" triggered the meltdown -- Dish wasn't prepared for the flood of new customers, and had to juggle the load across its networking partners to get things back to normal. That's an auspicious sign for Sling TV's future (there's clearly a lot of demand for live sports online), but let's hope that it's better prepared for the next big wave of cord cutters. [Image credit: Chris Steppig/Getty Images]
Sling TV will have HBO before 'Game of Thrones' premieres
Add another one to the slate of Sling TV options: subscribers to the streaming TV service will be able to get HBO soon. There's no word on an exact launch date, but Sling says it will be in time for the new season of Game of Thrones and Silicon Valley, which launch on April 12th. It's not the (still Apple-exclusive for online providers) HBO Now service, it's just regular HBO, with one live channel and video on-demand access. According to the Wall Street Journal, the deal is the result of negotiations between Sling's owner Dish Network and HBO's owner Time Warner that will also keep channels like TBS, TNT and TruTV on the satellite TV network. Adding the channel to Sling's $20 per month base package with AMC, TNT, ESPN and a few others will cost subscribers an extra $15 once it's available.
HBO, Sony reportedly look for special streaming deals with ISPs
According to the Wall Street Journal, as TV services shift from the traditional outlets (antenna, cable, satellite) to the internet big names like HBO, Showtime and Sony are worried about their services running into congestion and bandwidth caps. A possible way around that, is negotiating with ISPs to have their content delivered as a "managed service", like cable-provided phone service and video on-demand. If you're thinking "isn't that what net neutrality was supposed to stop?" you're not alone -- Sling TV CEO Roger Lynch is quoted calling the potential setup a "mockery" of the rules that will go into effect soon. Even Comcast is reportedly leery of running afoul of the regulations, and it's the one that already got into a dust-up with Netflix a couple of years ago by doing exactly this with its TV app on the Xbox 360.
A&E, History and Lifetime arrive on Sling TV this month
If you're still on the fence about committing $20 a month to Sling TV's "Best of Live TV," the streaming option is adding a few more channels. Before the end of March, A&E, History, H2 and Lifetime will be available on the service that's hoping you'll ditch cable. That handful of channels will be part of the core live TV package, which will tally 20 networks once those arrive. Of course, this means shows like Vikings, Bates Motel, Duck Dynasty and Project Runway are all joining the streaming lineup. In addition to the new channels, Sling TV is adding two new add-on packs that expand the basic channel library. "Lifestyle Extra" includes things like truTV, Cooking Channel and DIY, while the new "World News Extra" provides access to Bloomberg, HLN, and other news networks around the world. If you'll recall, the additional bundles cost $5 per month, and will be offered alongside the "Sports Extra," "Hollywood Extra" and "Kids Extra" packages, bringing the total "Extras" to five. [Image credit: History Channel/Bernard Walsh]
Sling TV's $20 cord-cutter package comes to Xbox One
From the start, Microsoft intended for the Xbox One to be at the center of both games and TV watching. With today's launch of Sling TV on the game console, it can bring those two parts together properly for gamers in the US. With standard cable, the Xbox One relies on its HDMI passthrough and IR blasters (apps for FiOS and Time Warner Cable are either missing channels or have no live TV at all) to make sure you get everything, but with Sling, it's designed from the ground up for internet delivery so there's nothing missing. Its launch on Xbox is just in time, too -- PlayStation's Vue TV service is coming soon and rumors indicate Apple will have something similar later this year.
WSJ: Apple's TV service due this fall with about 25 channels
With the thawing of the spring we have a renewal of an old favorite: Apple TV rumors. After Re/code suggested a month ago that Apple might go its own way Sling TV-style instead of working with cable companies, the Wall Street Journal is reporting similar details. According to WSJ, Apple is negotiating to launch a "slim" package of 25 or so channels for streaming this fall for $30 to $40, but there's a twist: There have so far been no negotiations with Comcast-owned NBCUniversal, thanks to a falling out between the two companies. The rumors go so far as to claim Apple felt Comcast was intentionally stringing it along while it developed its X1 cable box. So far Sling seems to be doing OK without Syfy and the rest, but we'll see if that changes after The Expanse launches. With an Apple TV price drop and similar services either launched or on the way, we'll move the Apple TV rumor alert level up to a still-skeptical (see my reasoning here) chartreuse.
Sling TV now includes AMC and IFC in its $20 cord-cutter package
If you're still hearing arguments against cord cutting, your frenemies are probably saying that you can't watch Better Call Saul, Mad Men and Portlandia without resorting to piracy. Now that IFC and AMC are joining Sling TV's basic $20 a month "Best of Live TV" package, you can shove their words right back into their stupid jerk faces. For the moment, you'll only be able to watch the shows as they're broadcast, but Sling is promising that on-demand services are coming soon. In addition, the long-promised "Hollywood Extra" bolt-on will launch, offering movie content from EPIX and Sundance TV. We'd make a labored pun about you slinging your cable subscription into the trash, but someone else probably already did it.
Sling TV opens its doors to all cord-cutters
If Sling TV piqued your interest after bagging our Best of CES award, you no doubt paid close attention to our recent preview, too. Well, now you can dive right in yourself without jonesing for an invite. Sign-ups for the $20-a-month internet TV service are now open to everyone. If you're still a little shy, then Dish is hoping that a 7 day free trial might help lubricate your decision-making process -- even then, don't forget you can cancel any time. Of course, while we reported that the service seemed fluid and robust during our trial, we're about to find out if that stays true once the service is used en masse. Have at it.
Apple TV rumors point to a Sling TV, PlayStation Vue competitor
It's been about six months since we heard significant rumors about Apple + television and as predicted, here they are again. Re/code is hearing whispers that instead of trying to work with pay-TV companies like Time Warner Cable or Comcast, Apple will have its own over-the-top streaming service in the vein of the just-launched Sling TV, or upcoming services from Verizon and Sony. The rumor suggests Apple will license content directly from programmers, although its last go-round of negotiations suggesting a split in advertising revenue was not well-received. That similar services exist now certainly gives this round of rumors a shot in the arm, but Apple has been considering its next move in the living room for years without doing much. CEO Tim Cook mentioned last week that sales of the Apple TV have crossed 25 million units, and as usual the world is wondering what the company will do with its "hobby." As always, until something is actually announced my advice is to remain skeptical.
'Tron'-like headphones, virtual reality at Sundance and other stories you might've missed this week!
We get it. It's been a busy week. Luckily, we're here to catch you up on the release date of the Apple Watch, VR headsets in Hollywood and all the other cool stuff you may have accidentally glossed over during five days on the daily grind.
Sling TV preview: Does this $20-a-month cord-cutter service work as promised?
Sling TV, a $20-a-month service for cord-cutters, made quite the debut earlier this month, winning our Best of CES award amid a flood of attention from press and customers alike. But can the app really live up to its promise to "Take Back TV"? I've had access to the beta for a few days, allowing me to get an early look before the first batch of invitations for pre-registered customers goes out tonight at midnight ET. As far as I can tell, the answer is both yes and no. Internet TV is finally real, but it has a lot of strings left over from the old days of pay-TV, and not just because it's coming from the folks at Dish Network. Getting must-have content from the likes of ESPN has its costs, and those might make the $20 entry fee higher than you're willing to pay.