DIRECTV NOW is beta testing a new streaming player. This Android TV-powered streaming player boots directly into DIRECTV NOW and gives you a cable box like experience in a streaming player.
Yet the more people use the device the more it becomes clear that this device is built for DIRECTV instead of DIRECTV NOW. Now that does not mean it won’t work for DIRECTV NOW. What it means is that AT&T seems to be focusing on using this device for a future DIRECTV streaming version.
This became even more clear when AT&T emailed beta testers yesterday asking them to take the survey. During the survey you will be asked what AT&T services you use, and DIRECTV NOW was not one of the services listed as an option. There was DIRECTV Satellite and other AT&T services like U-Verse but no DIRECTV NOW.
That is not the only reason why many beta testers think the DIRECTV NOW streaming player is really a beta tester for DIRECTV’s streaming service. When looking at all the devices, packaging, and other materials related to the player nothing says DIRECTV NOW but DIRECTV is listed remedially.
Why would AT&T be using DIRECTV NOW customers as beta testers for DIRECTV streaming?
Well both services now use the same back end for streaming. Also, the new DIRECTV NOW app on the streaming player is more like the DIRECTV version even including channel numbers. This allows DIRECTV NOW customers to beta test a new streaming player to power DIRECTV’s new streaming service.
What is AT&T trying to do here?
In short, AT&T plans to move exclusively into streaming at some point in the distant future. The first step is launching a DIRECTV streaming version of DIRECTV Satellite in early 2019. This new streaming player will likely be the backbone of the new service.
Now all AT&T will have to do is mail you this new streaming player. No longer do they have to send a crew to your house that is expensive for AT&T. By moving to streaming AT&T can find huge savings vs a traditional DIRECTV Satellite customer.
Will DIRECTV NOW customers be able to use DIRECTV’s new streaming player? There is no reason they couldn’t yet they do not seem to be the focus of this new streaming player.
Here is our review of the DIRECTV NOW streaming player:
Did you know we now have a FREE app for iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire? Click HERE to download our app.