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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.
Roku will start streaming ESPN and Disney Channel content later this month
Roku's streaming boxes will offer up live TV shows, events and video from ESPN and Disney later this month, providing you've got the appropriate subscriptions from the right "linear network". ESPN viewers will get ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN3, ESPN Deportes and ESPNEWS through the WatchESPN channel. Both Goal Line and Buzzer Beater will also be coming to Roku... when it's the right season for 'em. At the same time, anyone who has a video subscription from "an affiliated provider' will be able to pick up Watch Disney, Watch Disney Junior and Watch Disney XD programming. In short, it's pretty similar to what Google Fiber subscribers picked up not too long ago.
Google Fiber TV subscribers get Watch Disney and WatchESPN streaming
You'd think that Google Fiber would embrace streaming TV services when internet video is practically its reason for being, but it has lagged behind many conventional providers. It's about to catch up, however: Google has just enabled Watch Disney and WatchESPN access for its TV subscribers. As elsewhere, customers who sign in can stream 11 channels of live broadcasting as long as they have both a supported device and a broadband connection. Disney's service will be available for all Google Fiber TV users, so those in Austin and Provo can look forward to one more treat when Google lights up their neighborhoods.
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.
WatchESPN streaming reaches AT&T U-verse subscribers
U-verse subscribers often have some bandwidth to spare; it's only fair that they make the most of it with some streaming sports. Appropriately, AT&T and ESPN have just flicked the switch on WatchESPN support for those who subscribe to U-verse TV service. As always, viewers can tune into live and on-demand content from a computer, an Xbox 360 (with an Xbox Live Gold subscription) or their Android and iOS devices while on the road. The sports partnership is also just the start: AT&T notes that all flavors of Watch Disney should be coming "soon," giving the little ones something to stream in between football matches.
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.
Cartoon Network's iPhone and iPad app adds a live TV feed, for authenticated customers
Cartoon Network announced plans to join the TV Everywhere party with a live internet feed of its channel (for authenticated cable / satellite customers) during upfronts and now the updated v1.8 app has arrived on iPhones and iPads. The feed can also be streamed with Flash on the channel's website (we tried it on an Android 2.3 device and logged in but couldn't get it to play), although the only differences we noticed were that the website feed was slightly ahead of our cable box and iOS was a few seconds behind, but with slightly higher picture quality. All in all it's very similar to the WatchESPN experience (which ABC expanded upon last week with Watch Disney, Watch Disney Jr and Watch DisneyXD apps, though the full experience is only currently available to Comcast customers), and should satisfy all those who have been missing the Toonami experience when they're away from home. Take a peek after the break for a preview trailer, shot of the login screen and press release.
