This week, we learned about yet another major content deal — this time involving Amazon and MGM. It’s a deal that has many speculating about the future of many well-known film and TV franchises. Meanwhile, Sling TV unveiled its newest app, which boasts a revamped look and feel. Philo also announced a price hike and HBO Max is prepping a big expansion into Latin America and the Caribbean.
Here’s what happened in the world of cord cutting and streaming.
Breaking News
Here are some of the top streaming stories from the past week.
Amazon to Acquire MGM for $8.45 Billion
Another week, another major content deal. This week, we learned that Amazon and MGM have entered into a definitive merger agreement. The deal, if approved by regulators, would see Amazon pay $8.45 billion to acquire MGM’s staple of thousands of movies and TV shows. It’s a deal that could have some major long-term effects on well-known film franchises as well as TV shows currently available on Prime Video’s streaming rivals.
Check out the details on Amazon’s deal with MGM here.
Philo is Raising Its Price to $25 Per Month
Low-cost live TV streaming service Philo announced its first-ever price hike is incoming. New subscribers will soon be asked to pay $25 per month instead of the original $20 monthly fee. That increase does come with a perk, however, in the form of an upgraded DVR feature.
Learn more about Philo’s new pricing details here.
Sling TV Launches New Sling App With Updated Look & Improved Features
Sling TV showed off its newest app, which comes with a completely overhauled interface. The new look and feel sports more visual variety and significant changes throughout. The update is coming first to select Fire TV users before launching on other platforms later in the year. You can also check out our hands-on preview of the new app here.
See what’s new with Sling TV’s latest app here.
The New Peacock App Update Finally Allows User Profiles
The latest Peacock app update adds a much-requested feature. Starting this week, users on iOS and Android should have the ability to create multiple user profiles within a single account. You’ll also be able to customize each account with familiar avatars from shows like The Office, Saved By The Bell and more.
Learn more about Peacock’s new user profile features here.
HBO Max Will be Available in Latin America in June
The global expansion of HBO Max will start in Latin America and the Caribbean this June. The streaming service shared more details about what users can expect when it launches in 39 territories starting on June 29th.
See what’s in store for HBO Max’s expansion here.
Roku Expands Exclusive Content Collection in Deal to be the Free Streaming Home of Saban Films
Roku’s latest streaming rights deal will bring several Saban Films titles to the company’s free streaming service, The Roku Channel. The lineup kicks off with Echo Boomers on June 15th, with more films to follow.
Check out the details on Roku’s latest deal here.
Industry Report
What’s the latest on the industry?
James Bond Films Will Still Hit Theaters First, Producers Say
The deal between Amazon and MGM has many speculating about the future of the James Bond franchise and whether future films could head straight to streaming. However, Eon Productions, which co-owns the franchise along with MGM, says they’re still eyeing theatrical releases for 007.
See what the producers had to say about James Bond’s future.
Disney+ is Removing Certain Titles to Fix Upload Issues
If you were looking for certain titles on Disney+ only to find the missing, it might be because the streaming service has opted to pull some content to fix uploading errors. It’s likely those shows will return soon, however.
Learn more about the affected titles on Disney+ here.
Deal Alert
Save some cash with these current and upcoming deals.
Fire TV Devices Are On Sale, Starting at $25
Several of Amazon’s Fire TV devices are currently on sale for Memorial Day weekend. The Fire TV Stick Lite (full review) is down to $24.99, for example. Meanwhile, several Fire TV televisions are also discounted this weekend.