(Editor’s Note 01-21-2022: Updated story to change from Ford Explorer to Ford Expedition based on an update to the Fire TV blog post.)
This week, we covered the major cord cutting and streaming headlines from CES 2022. Elsewhere, Sling TV changed up its intro deal and DIY Network rebranded itself. We also have a brand-new free streaming service to discuss, and the latest subscriber numbers from HBO and HBO Max.
Here’s what happened in the world of cord cutting and streaming.
CES 2022
The biggest streaming and cord cutting stories from the annual tech show
Highlights from CES 2022
It was another mix of virtual and in-person events for this year’s iteration of CES. As expected, major TV makers showed off their latest hardware, and emerging standards like NEXTGEN TV found homes in more and more devices. We published several daily videos throughout the week and you can check them out below.
- CES 2022: Samsung Is Eyeing NFTs and Prepping a Remote That Charges Via Your Router’s Radio Waves
- CES 2022: LG’s OLEDs, Samsung’s QD-OLED Tech, New Roku TVs, and ATSC 3.0 Gear from Tablo
- CES 2022: New NEXTGEN TVs, Sony’s TV Lineup, Fire TV in BMWs, and More
Samsung’s New QD-OLED Screen Tech Pops Up in Sony’s Latest TV
One of the most interesting bits of tech news from CES 2022, was Samsung’s new QD-OLED screen. It’s an updated approach to the well-regarded OLED displays we’ve seen in the past. And this new screen tech is showing up in Sony’s latest Bravia TV as well.
Learn more about Samsung’s new screen tech here.
Tablo is Introducing a New DVR for ATSC 3.0
As expected, ATSC 3.0 — aka NEXTGEN TV — was featured in more products at CES 2022, including Tablo’s latest Over-The-Air DVR. The new quad-tuner device is expected to arrive in the spring.
Check out Tablo’s latest OTA DVR here.
Fire TV’s Push Into More Cars Includes BMW’s 31-Inch, 8K ‘Theatre Screen’
Amazon’s Fire TV is looking to make a name for itself in the automotive world, including 2022 editions of several well-known models like the Ford Expedition and Chrysler Pacifica. BMW also showed off a high-end display that uses Fire TV to power a cinematic experience for future luxury vehicles.
See where Fire TV is headed next here.
Roku TV Was the Number 1 Smart TV OS in the U.S. in 2021
Roku used CES 2022 to tout its success as a smart TV platform during the past year. It also announced Sharp will be making new HD and 4K TVs with Roku’s software built in.
Read more about Sharp’s upcoming Roku TVs here.
Breaking News
Here are some of the top streaming stories from the past week.
The Roku Channel is Adding Over 3 Dozen Movies & 3 More TV Shows to Its Free Streaming Lineup
Free streaming platform The Roku Channel is adding more than three dozen movies to its lineup for January, including a few exclusive options. You can check out the full list in our post linked below.
See what’s in store for The Roku Channel here.
DIY Network will Relaunch as Magnolia Network on January 5, 2022
This week saw DIY Network rebrand itself as Magnolia Network. The newly renamed channel will carry a number of popular DIY options. The linear TV launch follows Magnolia Network’s forays into digital, including content on Discovery+.
Learn more about the DIY Network rebrand here.
Byron Allen’s Free Direct-To-Consumer Video Streaming SPORTS.TV Launches
We have another free streaming service to talk about, this one coming from Byron Allen’s Allen Media Digital. It’s called SPORTS.TV and it currently offers more than 60 ad-supported channels offering news, sports, movies, and more.
Check out the SPORTS.TV launch details here.
Industry Report
What’s the latest on the industry?
HBO Max & HBO Reach 73.8 Million Subscribers Globally
We’ve got the latest numbers for HBO and HBO Max and they paint the picture of solid growth during the fourth quarter of 2021. Overall, HBO and HBO Max ended the quarter with 73.8 million users worldwide.
See the latest subscriber numbers here.
Sling TV Replaces Its First Month for $10 Offer with a 3-Day Trial
Sling TV’s longstanding deal to receive your first month for $10 is currently unavailable. At the moment, new users can take advantage of a three-day free trial, but we’ll keep an eye out for any new deals from Sling TV.
Learn more about the latest discount offer changes from Sling TV here.
Deal Alert
Save some cash with these current and upcoming deals.
Select Fire TVs Are on a Major Sale Right Now
The new year is bringing with it some new deals, including discounts on several Fire TV models. As always, deals are subject to change, but at the moment, you can pick up a 75-inch Omni series Fire TV for $200 off.