This week, AT&T completed its spin off of DirecTV, leading to some new branding for existing streaming options. HBO Max started offering free episodes of key titles to help entice potential users to sign up. Over in Europe, Google started testing a cheaper tier of its YouTube Premium plan. Meanwhile, ViacomCBS touted reaching 42 million streaming subscribers.
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’s IMDb App is Now Available on iOS and Android
This week, iOS and Android users finally got a dedicated app for Amazon’s free streaming service, IMDb TV. The service offers a host of ad-supported movies and TV shows and this week continues Amazon’s efforts to bring the app to more platforms.
Check out the details of the IMDb TV app here.
Also this week, several other apps started appearing on various platforms, and you can check out some of those posts here:
- BET+ Streaming App Launches on VIZIO SmartCast
- Discovery+ is Coming to VIZIO SmartCast
- HBO Max is Now Available on LG Smart TVs
HBO Max is Offering Episodes of Popular Shows for Free In-App
HBO Max has started offering free previews of several of its top streaming shows within its app. Potential subscribers can access a curated selection of free episodes before signing up for a plan.
Learn more about HBO Max’s free content here.
ViacomCBS Reports 42 Million Subscribers Across Streaming Services
ViacomCBS reported its second quarter earnings this week, and shared the company’s latest streaming service progress. The company said it’s added 6.2 million subscribers for the quarter, raising their overall total to 42 million.
Read more about ViacomCBS’ latest numbers here.
Newly Updated Vudu Will Be the Official Movie and TV Store on Roku
A new Vudu app is replacing FandangoNOW as the movie and TV store on Roku devices. The move comes after FandangoNOW agreed to purchase Vudu to create a bigger, better platform.
Check out the details on the move to an updated Vudu here.
YouTube is Testing a ‘Premium Lite’ Subscription for Ad-Free Viewing
Google is currently testing a newer, cheaper version of its YouTube Premium plan. The new option, currently testing in parts of Europe, offers ad-free viewing, but without the full slate of Premium perks.
Find out the latest on YouTube’s Premium Lite test here.
Exclusive: Sling TV and DISH Will Add Country Music & Lifestyle Channel Circle Network
Country music and lifestyle channel Circle Network is coming to Dish and, eventually, Sling TV. Dish subscribers should have access by the now. Sling users, on the other hand, should expect the channel to arrive in the coming months.
Learn more about Circle Network coming to Dish and Sling TV here.
Industry Report
What’s the latest on the industry?
AT&T Completes DirecTV Spinoff, Will Launch DirecTV Stream
AT&T completed its spin off of DirecTV and will roll its streaming offerings under a new name: DirecTV Stream. The existing AT&T TV plans will reportedly continue on at their current prices.
Check out the details on the new DirecTV here.
ViacomCBS and Cox Sign Distribution Deal Including Networks and Streaming
ViacomCBS announced another distribution deal, this time with Cox Communications. Like its earlier deal with Charter, this new agreement includes both traditional TV channels as well as the company’s suite of streaming services.
Learn more about the deal between ViacomCBS and Cox here.
Deal Alert
Save some cash with these current and upcoming deals.
Prime Student: Get Premium Video Channels for Just $0.99/Month During Back to School Deal
This week, Amazon expanded on its Prime Student deals, adding new discounts on Prime Video Channels. The deal includes premium channels as low as $0.99 per month.