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HBO is bringing a cord-cutter streaming service to Spain
HBO's planning to introduce a standalone streaming service in Spain, Bloomberg Business reports. The TV network is said to be eager to take on Netflix across that European region, as it looks to increase its offerings for cord-cutters worldwide. Right now, it's unclear whether this would be a version of Now, the pay-TV-free service HBO announced last April during an Apple event. But, according to the news publication, HBO is expected to launch the service in Spain by the end of the year.
Sling TV redesign makes it easy to find your favorite content
Since launching at last year's CES, Sling TV has focused on supporting more devices and expanding its content portfolio. Now, the cord-cutter-friendly service is revealing a major redesign, one that's all about putting your favorite movies and TV shows front and center, rather than fixating on specific network channels. The new myTV tab, for example, lets you easily access your most recently watched programming and other favorited items, which blends nicely with that newly improved guide. Sling TV says the fresh UI boasts is more contextually aware too, as it can adapt to your behavior based on time of day, location and platform you're using.
Dish's HopperGo is a portable DVR for its subscribers
Along with announcing a shiny new 4K receiver, Dish has revealed a portable device for the streaming generation: HopperGo. Pictured above, this tiny gadget will let Dish subscribers take up to 100 hours of DVR recordings with them anywhere they, well, go. Dish explains the HopperGo turns into its own WiFi hotspot and creates a private cloud, which then allows you to stream shows or movies on an iPad or Android device. The Hopper Go features 64GB of built-in storage, about four hours of battery life and supports up to five devices simultaneously -- the company claims video quality is "optimized for smartphones and tablets."
Tribeca Shortlist movies arrive on iPhone, Roku and Fire TV
Since launching in October, Tribeca Shortlist had only been available on the iPad. But, starting today, the movie-streaming service will expand to iPhone, Roku and Amazon's Fire TV. To make things better, if you're an iOS user, Tribeca Shortlist says its entire film catalog can now be downloaded and viewed offline -- which, notably, isn't something supported by apps like Netflix or Hulu Plus.
Sony's PlayStation Vue internet TV gets Chromecast support
Back in November, Sony said PlayStation Vue would soon start working on the Chromecast. Now, having teased that over a month ago, the electronic company's finally making its internet TV service friendly with Google's $35 dongle. The only caveat is that this feature's only for iOS users right now, since Sony doesn't have a PlayStation Vue app available on Android. There's no word on when, or if, that's going to change, which means you have to own a compatible device if you want to get a subscription.
The ESPN app now streams live sports from WatchESPN
Up until today, if you came across live video content in the ESPN app, you had to be redirected to the WatchESPN application to start watching. But that's about to change. The network has announced that users can now enjoy WatchESPN's streams without having to leave its main ESPN app, with the update rolling out for iOS and Android. "This is just the first step in marrying our two largest apps and two largest mobile audiences," an ESPN spokesperson tells Engadget.WatchESPN is one of ESPN's most popular services, as it allows pay-TV subscribers in the US to enjoy live sporting events on the go. According to ESPN, WatchESPN had an average of 10 million total unique viewers during the months of September and October, marking its highest audience since the FIFA World Cup 2014. As for whether WatchESPN will cease to exist as a standalone mobile app, we're told that won't be the case.
Chill optional: 51 percent of US internet users watch Netflix
Netflix's robust content library has helped it top nearly 70 million subscribers worldwide. Not surprisingly, the majority of those come from the US, where the streaming service has over 43 million customers alone. And, for the most part, people here seem to be fond of it. According to a survey conducted by research firm RBC Capital Markets, and first reported by Quartz, more than half of US internet users say they've used Netflix to watch a movie or TV show in the past 12 months. The study also asked people about what other video offerings they use regularly: YouTube came in a close second, right behind Netflix, followed by Amazon Instant Video, Hulu and HBO Go, respectively.
Garmin's working on an Android streaming stick for your TV
Although Garmin is mostly known for its GPS navigation systems, the company recently started expanding its scope to other things including wearables. Now, according to FCC documents, Garmin looks to be ready to introduce an Android-powered media stick. As Liliputing reports, Garmin's Vivohub 2 (pictured below) is described as a device that can turn your dumb TV into a smart one -- similar to products such as the Google Chromecast or Roku Streaming Stick. Strangely enough, the leaked user's manual suggests the Vivohub 2 runs 4.2 Jelly Bean, which is far from being the freshest version of Android. In addition to that, the stick is said to come with a 1GHz Amlogic AML826 dual-core processor, ARM Mali-400 graphics, 1GB of RAM and support for both Bluetooth and WiFi.
Twitch private messages make their way to mobile
Twitch introduced its private messaging, dubbed Whisper, almost six months ago and now the system is rolling out to mobile. Like normal, a small number of Android users will get the functionality first and Twitch says that once its gathered enough feedback for a full deployment, the feature will hit iOS. If you get the notification to update the app, you're in; otherwise there's nothing else you have to do. The live-streaming service announced some big changes to its video-on-demand section at TwitchCon this year and those are starting to come to fruition, as well. Support for thumbnail editing is live for everyone. Sadly, you can't upload your own images though. Instead, Twitch will auto-generate a quartet of thumbnails for any past broadcasts -- generous! Twitch says that further customization options are coming down the pike. Should you need something to hold you over until then, well, there are always Bob Ross Mondays.
Watch T-Mobile's 'Uncarrier X' live stream here!
T-Mobile is holding another "Uncarrier" event this afternoon to announce, well, nobody quite knows for sure. Set to start at 2PM EST, the tagline for the invitation reads "we never hit pause," which kickstarted the rumor mill. A majority of speculators are saying that the wireless carrier will announce its customers will be allowed to use streaming sites like Netflix, HBO Go and Hulu without it counting towards their data cap. The wireless carrier already offers unfettered streaming of music sites like Spotify and Pandora, so the concept isn't entirely foreign. If these rumors are true, this could be an industry game-changer -- and get net neutrality advocates in a huff because of how unequally it treats data. Video streaming does use up a huge amount of cellular data, though, so this could definitely come in handy if you're looking to watch a TV episode during your lunch break at work. The only way to know for sure, of course, is to tune in.
T-Mobile will reportedly give you free data for streaming video
T-Mobile is known for making bold moves at its Uncarrier events, and it appears the next one might be the biggest yet. According to the often-reliable @evleaks, T-Mobile will soon start offering unlimited, high-speed data for select video-streaming services, including Netflix. He also mentioned HBO, but it's not clear whether that's referring to Go or Now. Either way, the announcement is expected to happen at Uncarrier X, which is scheduled for November 10th in Los Angeles. Interestingly enough, T-Mobile tweeted about the event and mentioned there was "no reason to hit pause now," in what could be considered a hint about the network's upcoming plans. If the rumor's true, this would be huge for people who have capped data services, as it would let them stream movies and TV shows free of worries -- similar to what T-Mobile's been doing with Google Play Music and others.
BroadwayHD streaming service brings the theater to you
There's no doubt live and on-demand streaming services are the future of entertainment. Knowing that, BroadwayHD is launching a new product with video content from over 100 theater performances. The digital service, created by two stage producers, features a vast library of previously recorded shows that are being distributed in a Netflix-esque way. You'll find stage productions like Memphis, Romeo and Juliet, Copenhagen and Jekyll and Hyde, as well as a variety of others in categories including classics, comedy, drama and musicals. BroadwayHD offers an annual access tier for $170, or $15 per month, while two-day rentals can be purchased for $8. At the moment, there's no app for the service, but its mobile site does support both AirPlay and Chromecast -- and you could always watch on your laptop or desktop, of course.
Plex's redesigned desktop media player comes with 4K support
Just as it did in 2012, Plex is once again bringing a new look to its desktop app for PCs. Back then the service focused on offering more of a living room-friendly experience, hence the application being renamed to Home Theater. Now, Plex Media Player intends to keep that going, but with an improved user interface that matches its various TV apps that will "leave all that original code behind." To help, it's switched the media playback engine to mpv, and hired the primary contributor from that open source project as a full timer to help out. Aside from the redesigned and speedier UI, which brings it in line with Plex's smart TV, console and set-top apps, there's support for a "true" 4K interface, multi-channel music tracks and improved compatibility with H.265 video files, among other things. PlexPass subscribers can try out an early preview of the app now, before it releases for everyone later on. According to Plex, Home Theater will continue to be available and open source, though the firm doesn't have any plans to continue developing for it.
HBO Go launching as a standalone streaming service in Latin America
HBO's Go on-demand streaming service is set to launch in Latin America and the Caribbean as a standalone subscription product, the network revealed today. While HBO Go has been available in these areas for pay-TV subscribers, cord-cutters will soon be able to enjoy too -- but with some added benefits. The service is expected to be similar to HBO Now, which is only available in the US, offering access to both live TV as well VOD content. HBO says it plans to rollout the service in Spanish-speaking markets across Latin America and the Caribbean, plus Brazil (Portuguese), by the end of this year. First up: Colombia, with more to follow thereafter.
Amazon lands exclusive streaming rights to more CBS series
If you thought Amazon was done getting cozy with CBS, think again. The online retailer today announced yet another streaming deal with the TV network, which will give it exclusive access to three new summer series through 2018. What this means is you'll be able to watch certain CBS episodes on Prime Instant Video four days after they're first aired, as has been the case with Under the Dome and Extant -- two of the channel's most popular shows. This new licensing partnership includes episodes from CBS' upcoming BrainDead a comic thriller about brain-eating aliens in Washington, DC, plus two more shows that have yet to be disclosed.
Verizon's streaming video service, Go90, launches today
As revealed last month, Verizon is throwing its hat into the streaming ring with Go90. This new service is geared toward none other than millennials, delivering free access to live, as well as on-demand content from iOS and Android devices. Inside the application, which is now officially out of beta, Verizon will offer a variety of programming provided by different TV and online networks -- including Comedy Central, ESPN, NFL Network, MTV, Univision, Vice and many more. Like TechCrunch points out, what makes Go90 different than services such as Sling TV is its main focus on mobile devices, which is definitely an interesting strategy. If it ends up succeeding, though, don't be surprised to see Verizon bring it to set-top boxes and other streaming hardware.
Tribeca and Lionsgate's video-streaming service is now available
It took almost a year to get here, but Tribeca and film distributor Lionsgate have finally launched their paid video-streaming service. Shortlist, as the on-demand product is called, will have a $5 monthly subscription fee and give users access to over 150 "critically acclaimed" movies. Among them are Crash, City of God, Chasing Amy, Fargo and The Producers, to mention a few. Right now, Tribeca Shortlist is only available on the web and for iPad, although we're told it'll be available on the iPhone, Fire TV and Roku later this year, as well as Apple TV and Android in 2016. Tribeca, which is the company behind the Tribeca Film Festival, says the $5 price is set to stay until the end of 2015, but then it plans to increase it to $6. Nevertheless, if you're interested in seeing what it has to offer, you can sign up for a free trial.
EE TV's getting new mobile features and on-demand apps
EE TV is a tough sell at the moment because, in exchange for the rudimentary set-top box, you have to sign up for both EE mobile and home broadband. Freeview DVR, multi-device streaming and some on-demand services are a nice bonus if you happen to be signed up for both anyway, but it's hardly a reason to switch. EE seems to have recognised this, because today it's announcing a software update which puts further emphasis on the mobile part. From August 25th, you'll see a new section in the EE TV app called "My TV," which personalises the guide by showing your favourite shows, channels and recordings. You'll even be able to "Flick" your photos and videos to the TV Chromecast-style.
Chrome add-on helps you watch Netflix with friends
If you've ever wanted to watch Netflix with someone not in the same room as you, here's your chance. Thanks to a new Chrome extension called Showgoers, people can now share a viewing experience from afar by linking their Netflix accounts. It works fairly simple: once the users' info is entered, you click the Showgoers button and it sends an invite to whoever you want to watch a movie or TV show with in real-time. The person on the other end then receives a URL, clicks and, in a matter of seconds, the synced programming will begin automatically -- you can play, pause or start something else anytime. Keep in mind that Showgoers is a public beta, so you may encounter some hiccups along the way. Still, the developer says "it generally works great."
Periscope's live streaming video reaches nearly 2 million users daily
Now that Facebook is getting into streaming (soon for non-celebs too) and even Google/YouTube is taking notice, the folks at Twitter-owned Periscope are publishing some stats to let us know where the bar is for live video apps. In a blog post on Medium, the team says it has grown past 10 million registered accounts just four months after its launch. An accompanying graph shows its number of Daily Active Users has risen to nearly two million people, with a spike showing where it just about doubled in May with the launch of an app for Android. Rival app Meerkat beat it to the punch on Android, but we don't have similar stats on its growth yet. By their measure however, the important stat is "Time Watched", which Periscope reports has risen to over 40 years of video being watched every day. This includes "huge viewership" on the web, outside of its iOS/Android apps, which the daily users stat does not. in a video Q&A, Periscope CEO Kayvon Beykpour says that features coming soon include landscape video support and better tools for handling spam/abuse.
