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Disney's bringing its own streaming service to the UK
Disney doesn't need any help distributing its content in the UK. Despite recently inking a new deal with Sky, the company has decided to strike out on its own with a new, standalone streaming service called "DisneyLife." It'll launch in November on Android and iOS -- with Airplay and Chromecast support -- and set you back £9.99 per month, in return for thousands of Disney Channel TV episodes and hundreds of Disney-related albums, books and movies. According to the Financial Times, that includes the entire Pixar collection and many Disney classics including The Jungle Book and Snow White.
BBC iPlayer now offers personalised suggestions after each programme
Across its TV, radio and online operations, the BBC produces a ton of new content every day. Making sense of it all on iPlayer and ultimately finding something to watch can, therefore, be a little daunting if you have specific tastes and interests. Thankfully, the BBC seems to have noticed and is now rolling out recommendations on iPlayer. So if you're signed in with a BBC ID, you'll see a carousel at the end of each programme filled with suggestions based on your iPlayer history. It's a small change, but one that should increase the amount of time people spend on iPlayer -- always handy for the BBC as it defends the licence fee -- and also help some of its niche content to find a larger audience.
Hacker drama 'Mr. Robot' hits the UK via Amazon Prime Video
Britain is fast-approaching winter, and as temperatures plummet we're all a little more inclined to stay indoors and binge-watch TV shows at the weekend. If you're looking for some TV inspiration, you might want to check out Mr. Robot, which dropped on Amazon's Prime Video service in the UK today. The show follows Elliot, a cyber-security engineer that works as a vigilante hacker by night. It's already built up quite a following in the US, but until now there hasn't been a way to watch it legally in the UK. The first season is only 10 episodes long, so it should be a little easier than The Walking Dead to binge-watch over a weekend. If streaming them all back-to-back sounds a little much though, there's always Beasts of No Nation, the first feature film by Netflix, that can act as a palette cleanser.
Sky to show 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' first after UK cinemas
Sky knows that more and more UK families are shying away from building costly DVD and Blu-ray collections and embracing on-demand services like Sky Movies and Now TV. To be the best, you need the best streaming catalog though, which is why the company is extending its current deal with Disney. The new multi-year agreement means that Disney flicks will continue to premiere on Sky Movies and Now TV's Sky Movies Pass in the "first pay TV window" -- before streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, in other words. It'll cover family-favourite Inside Out and, perhaps more importantly, the next instalment in the Star Wars franchise. So once the lightsaber mayhem has left UK cinemas, that means Sky will be one of the first places to let you watch it all again at home. We suspect most fans will make an exception and buy a physical copy of The Force Awakens, but if you're a parent or a casual movie fan, it's good to know Sky's got you covered.
The BBC is making an iPlayer app just for kids
When the BBC announced a new children's service called iPlay, many people were quick to call it an "iPlayer for kids." That description isn't entirely inaccurate, as it will include some of the broadcaster's child-friendly programming -- but that's on top of educational and creativity tools, as well as content produced by other "trusted organisations." It's an important point of differentiation, because the BBC announced today that it's also working on a dedicated children's version of iPlayer. Details are scarce, but the BBC says it'll be a standalone app that makes it easier for little ones to find their favourite CBBC and CBeebies shows, as well as discover news ones "in a safe environment designed just for them." The move is hardly surprising -- Netflix and YouTube have already released child-friendly versions of their video streaming services, and Sky plans to do the same early next year. iPlayer is incredibly popular in the UK, and essentially free too -- whenever the little ones are starting to get restless, this could be an indispensable app for parents.
Amazon gets hacker drama 'Mr. Robot' as a UK Prime exclusive
Netflix has a large roster of exclusive TV shows and documentaries to attract new subscribers, so to compete, Amazon has started doing the same for Prime Video. The latest show to join its UK library is Mr. Robot, a 10-episode thriller about a cybersecurity engineer turned vigilante hacker. Think Batman, if he decided to do all of his crimefighting with code instead of fisticuffs and gadgets. The show isn't technically an original -- it aired earlier this year on the USA Network in North America. It's never been shown (legally) in the UK before though, so it could be an important exclusive for Amazon come October 16th. The company has had limited success with its originals -- Transparent is the only show to achieve true breakout success -- so picking up proven series in this manner could be smart. The deal with NBCUniversal means Mr. Robot will also be a streaming exclusive for Amazon in the US, Germany, Austria and Japan. It's an uphill battle, but with a Top Gear successor on the horizon Amazon is slowly accruing the firepower needed to launch a legitimate offence.
TVPlayer app streams 25 UK pay-TV channels for a fiver a month
For a long time, "premium" TV channels were locked behind expensive satellite and cable subscriptions in the UK. If you wanted to watch National Geographic, for instance, you had to pay a little extra for a special channel pack. But viewers want choice, flexibility and cheaper prices, which has forced TV operators to start "unbundling" their most precious channels and shows. It's a positive trend, but many channels are still difficult to find as part of cheaper, standalone monthly subscriptions. Now, this is where TVPlayer comes in. The company already offers free streaming for free-to-air (Freeview) channels, and now it's preparing a paid "Plus" package: for £5 per month, you'll be able to stream 25 pay-TV channels including National Geographic, History and the Discovery Channel.
Showtime's cord-cutter service launches in July on Apple
Showtime's standalone streaming service was tipped back in November, and now it appears we may be close to the official reveal. Variety reports CBS is prepping to announce the subscription option to temp those who've cut the cord as soon as this week -- six months after CEO Les Moonves discussed the service's 2015 arrival on an earnings call. Update: The service is official, and scheduled to launch in "early July" -- definitely in time for the new seasons of Ray Donovan and Masters of Sex on July 12th. Just like HBO Now, it's coming to Apple's iOS products first (Apple TV, iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad) and the web via Showtime.com. For now, any word on additional platforms and providers is "coming soon." It's just called "Showtime" and access to the app will cost $10.99, although there will be an initial 30-day free trial. That's not long enough to wait for the (once again featuring David Lynch) Twin Peaks revival, but should be good for a Dexter binge if you're so inclined.
Aereo app finally arrives on Android
It's taken a while for Aereo's Android app to see the light of day, but it's finally hit Google Play today as promised. Subscribers to the service will now be able to watch live TV streamed to handsets and tablets running Android 4.2 or higher -- provided they live in one of the company's markets, of course. The software is currently in beta, so don't expect a bug-free experience. If your love of television outweighs your fear of software testing, hit the link below to grab the application.
Season 3 of Downton Abbey arrives as an Amazon streaming exclusive: members get their Dowager Countess fix for free
We knew season three of Downton Abbey was coming to Amazon Prime Instant Video as an exclusive, but it looks like those episodes have arrived on the subscription streaming service one day ahead of schedule. Starting today, Prime members can watch all three seasons of the Masterpiece Classic drama at no additional charge. Not signed up? Hold your binge-viewing parties now, because Prime Instant Video will soon be the only subscription streaming site to offer the show, period.
Comcast fires back over Xfinity TV on Xbox 360, says no way, no how it's violating net neutrality
Complaints by Netflix's Reed Hastings and a handful of politicians must have rankled Comcast CTO Tony Werner, as he just posted a particularly detailed explanation of why Comcast believes the Xfinity TV app on the Xbox 360 isn't violating net neutrality. We'd previously heard the argument that the Xfinity app's traffic is simply being routed through Comcast's internal network and isn't the same as the Internet data of Netflix, but Werner now contends that the Differentiated Services Code Point (DSCP) tags that some think are breaking FCC rules by favoring Xfinity video are really just necessary switches. They're not prioritizing traffic, they're setting it aside, the claim goes. Of course, Hastings and others believe that setting Xfinity video aside is prioritizing, and Comcast's point of view sidesteps the practical reality that watching Netflix, Amazon Instant Video or iTunes will lead you closer to that ever-present 250GB cap while Xfinity doesn't. The FCC during its rulemaking warned against special private services being used as end-runs around neutrality concerns; it's up to the agency to decide whether or not that's true here, or whether Comcast is just offering its usual service in a new way.
DirecTV Everywhere brings streaming movies, TV shows to Android right now, iPhone keeps waiting
DirecTV's still-in-beta "Everywhere" streaming package only arrived on the iPad a month ago, and now the company has updated its app for Android phones with access to the same set of video-on-demand streaming movies and TV shows for viewing wherever subscribers might be. Interestingly this feature is arriving on Google powered devices before it hits the iPhone (neither one so far has added the in-home live TV streaming feature from the iPad app, however the iPhone does have a player for the Nomad transcoder which Android and the iPad lack), in opposition to the usual trend of video streaming apps from cable and satellite TV providers, often for DRM and compatibility reasons. On Google Play the app was still installable on our various tablets and phones alike, although YMMV on what happens when you select the "Watch on Phone" tab to stream from HBO, Cinemax, Starz, Encore or DirecTV Cinema. Of course the usual DVR scheduling and remote control features are still present and accounted for, so hit the link below to grab the free app and try it out yourself.
NimbleTV streams cable content to 'any' device, launching 'in the next few months'
With services like Aereo TV taking a similar streaming approach -- and getting sued in the process -- NimbleTV won't have an easy road ahead, but the outfit's willing to take its chances. The startup plans to launch its subscription-based offering to the public within the next few months, allowing future users to stream cable content to unspecified devices at any time and from anywhere on the globe -- all thanks to Nimble's cloud-based software. However, unlike some of its competitors, NimbleTV will give customers the ability to select channel packages based on personal preferences, though that'll depend heavily on the TV providers going along for the ride. While the service will only be available in the US and India at first, the company does plan a broader launch at some point in the future. No word yet on how pricing will play out, but there is a NYC-only beta (just as Aereo did) which you can join now by giving the source below a quick click.
Walmart to unleash its Vudu magic on South America, Europe, Asia
Walmart's Vudu service will be dipping a toe in foreign waters for the first time, with a planned expansion that could see it landing in as many as 30 new countries. Mexico will be the first to get the service -- some time in June -- before it continues in a southerly direction toward other Latin American states. The rest of the expansion will cover Europe (including the UK and Ireland) and Asia, but won't happen until later on in the year. While Netflix has already beaten a path away from US shores, Walmart clearly hopes its strong retail presence (5000 stores in 26 countries) will help it earn more than just a tourist visa.
Lovefilm Instant UK lands on LG Smart TVs, shrinks postmen's movie collection
As the streaming TV wars hot up in the UK, Lovefilm is steadily strengthening its arsenal: its Instant streaming service is already available on 175 devices, and now you can add LG's April-2011-onwards Smart TVs to that list. Despite the Korean tellies already having over 250 apps, Lovefilm claims its software is the first for streaming movies and TV; and if that's not good enough for you, it even works with LG's Magic Motion remote à la Harry Potter. UK viewers who might have been tempted by Netflix's streaming-only proposition will now have a harder decision to make, especially now that the Amazon-owned service has a competitively priced (£5 to Netflix's £6) Instant-only package. Got an LG and want to know more? Then scoot on over the break for the full PR.
TWCable TV 2.0 iPad app getting a bugfix update by the end of the month
Time Warner Cable just rolled out v2.0 of its TWCable TV live TV streaming iPad app, adding remote control and DVR scheduling features while controversially blocking jailbroken tablets, but there's already another new version on the way. A post on the TWCableUntangled blog points out some known issues and troubleshooting tips, if you've been affected by crashes, incomplete results in the HD listings or other issues they should be resolved in the new version. Don't expect any change in the official policy against jailbroken devices, but those who believe their iPad has been incorrectly singled out are encouraged to contact the company with various information on their tablet.
ITV Player apps launch, bring streaming TV shows to Brits on iOS and Android
UK broadcaster ITV is following the lead of competitors like the BBC and Channel 4 by releasing mobile viewing apps for iOS and Android over the last few days, bringing catch-up service to WiFi-connected mobiles. So far the release includes a version optimized for the iPad, but no native Honeycomb app just yet. Other restrictions include requiring Adobe AIR on Android (just like ESPN's app) and geographic restrictions on some of the content. Still, the apps are free so to our friends across the pond, we can't share our barbecues and fireworks today, but there are Market and iTunes links below so you can catch up on some Coronation Street.
Sony's Qriocity video-on-demand services goes live in Europe
Sony said it was coming, and come it has. Just in time for expatriated Americans basking in the glory of being paid in pounds to enjoy over "Thanksgiving," Sony has flipped the switch on its Qriocity on-demand movie service. The UK launch marks the European debut of the service (we're also hearing that it's like 'across Europe'), offering "hundreds" of pay-per-view streaming flicks to those with a network-enabled BRAVIA TV, Blu-ray player or Blu-ray home theater system. We're told that the library consists of material from Fox Home Entertainment, Lionsgate, MGM, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Starz Digital Media, The Walt Disney Company, NBC Universal and Warner Bros., with both new releases and heralded classics up for grabs. Rental prices for SD content start from £2.49 for library content and £3.49 for new releases, while HD content start respectively from £3.49 and £4.49. Not exactly free, but it's a small price to pay to keep that keister planted on Turkey Day.
Hulu Plus drops price to $7.99 a month, adds Roku support for official launch
There you have it, good people of the internet, the rumored Hulu Plus price drop has indeed been enacted, though it's a little smaller than some might have hoped. The formerly $9.99 subscription service has now dipped to $7.99 per month -- enough to get you to jump on board? Maybe the one week free trial will help get you there, but don't fret if you're already subscribed -- Hulu's got you covered with a refund for the difference from the preview price to the current one, which will be applied in your next billing cycle. Isn't that nice? Also good to know is that the list of devices you can enjoy your Plus experience on has been expanded by one, adding Roku's hardware as previously planned. You'll find the full press release after the break. [Thanks, Adam S. and Alwyn]
Hulu Plus now available to all PS3 owners in the US, Europe lets out a wistful sigh
Yes indeed, the expected wide availability of Hulu Plus on the PlayStation 3 has just been enacted, allowing any US PlayStation Network member to get streaming with Hulu's premium offering. Until now, you needed to be a paying member of Sony's PlayStation Plus club to qualify, but that requirement has now finally been dropped. Check out our experience with Hulu Plus on the PS3 if you still need help deciding whether the $9.99 TV streaming service is worth your hard-earned greenbacks. Those of us unlucky enough to be living on another continent will just go drown our sorrows with another round of Black Ops mayhem. [Thanks, Robert]
