This week, Roku released its Q4 earnings report and we learned about a potential new remote control for the company’s streaming devices. Elsewhere, YouTube TV announced some interesting new features and a premium channel add-on option.
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.
Comcast Delays Data Caps Again, Until 2022
Comcast has again delayed its plan to implement data caps for its customers in the Northeast (and a handful of other regions). While other Comcast customers have had data caps for some time now, introducing them to the Northeast region has been met with criticism and delays.
Read more about Comcast’s latest delay here.
More Fire TV Devices Will Get the New Interface Next Month
The newest Fire TV user interface brings along a significant visual upgrade, but it’s currently only available on third-gen Fire TV Sticks and the Fire TV Stick Lite. But we’re hearing reports that it could be coming to more devices in the Fire TV lineup soon.
Learn more about which Fire TV devices could be upgraded next.
Pluto TV Adds 4 New Channels to Its Lineup
Free streaming service Pluto TV continues to add more content options to its lineup. The latest additions include Smithsonian Channel Selects, which features episodes from a variety of Smithsonian Channel shows. You’ll also see more music channels from Vevo this week.
Find out about Pluto TV’s newest additions here.
Apple TV+ is Now Available on Chromecast with Google TV
Those of you rocking the latest Chromecast with Google TV can now download the Apple TV+ app for your streaming device. You can also use Google Assistant to search for Apple TV content via your voice and we’re expecting more Google TV devices to support the app in the near future.
Read on about Apple TV+ arriving on the Chromecase with Google TV here.
Warner Bros. Releases New Snyder Cut Trailer
Last weekend, Warner Bros. sent out a bit of a Valentine’s Day present to DC fans in the form of a new trailer for Zack Snyder’s Justice League, which is slated to premiere on HBO Max in March. You can catch a glimpse of some of the new footage from this updated, and lengthier version of the film.
Learn more about the upcoming premiere here.
Roku Reportedly Testing ‘Voice Remote Pro’ with Rechargeable Battery
Reddit users spotted a potential new remote control from Roku that swaps in an internal rechargeable battery. The move could be an attempt to cut down on potential waste from alkaline batteries. It’s currently being offered as a test for a handful of users.
Read more about Roku’s latest remote control here.
YouTube TV Adds an Entertainment Plus Add-On
YouTube TV announced a new premium-focused add-on this week. The Entertainment Plus add-on bundles together HBOMax, Showtime, and Starz for $29.99 per month.
Check out the latest YouTube TV add-on here.
YouTube TV Will Add Offline Downloads and 4K Viewing
This week, YouTube TV also announced another add-on will be coming soon, this one offering 4K viewing, offline downloads and more. We’re still awaiting solid pricing and launch details, however.
Learn more about the upcoming add-on here.
Industry Report
What’s the latest on the industry?
Roku Ended 2020 With 51.2 Million Active Users
Roku’s fourth quarter earnings confirm that the company had a busy 2020 overall. The company reported it surpassed 50 million active users by the end of the year and it saw strong growth for its streaming service, The Roku Channel.
Find out more about Roku’s Q4 here.
Roku is Making Moves to Offer Original Content
Potential job listings suggest Roku could be looking into developing its own original content. We haven’t heard anything official, but the possibilities are intriguing.
Learn more about Roku’s possible future moves here.
TikTok Competitor YouTube Shorts Will Launch in the US in March
After successful tests in other countries, YouTube says it will start testing its new Shorts feature in the US next month. The TikTok-like feature allows creators to produce shortform content from their mobile devices.