This week, Roku and Charter Communications made amends following a dispute that lasted several months. Meanwhile, DISH and Sinclair are working to keep over a hundred channels in DISH’s lineup. Netflix and Roku could be working to revive recently canceled shows, and Prime Video users have some fun new avatars to choose from.
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.
Roku Adds Spectrum App Back to Roku Channel Store
Roku and Charter Communications have finally reached a renewal agreement after their initial deal expired back in December. The new deal means the Spectrum app is again available on Roku’s Channel Store.
Check out the latest on Roku’s deal with Charter here.
DISH and Sinclair Reach Short-Term Agreement to Keep 112 Channels on Air
Following the expiration of their most recent deal, DISH and Sinclair have reached a short-term agreement to keep 112 Sinclair-owner channels within DISH’s lineup as renewal talks continue.
Find out more about the short-term deal here.
Locast is Now Available on Vizio SmartCast TVs
Locast users can now access the app via Vizio’s SmartCast platform. The app’s arrival gives users another option for viewing their local channels. You can also check out a list of supported cities in our full post.
Read more about Locast’s arrival on Vizio smart TVs here.
Apple’s Watch Party-Like SharePlay Feature Won’t Make iOS 15’s Fall Launch
This week, Apple announced that it’s SharePlay feature won’t be part of the initial iOS 15 software launch this fall. The feature is somewhat similar to the watch party option that several streaming services have offered in recent months. The shared experience capability should arrive via a software update later in the year, however.
See the latest on Apple’s SharePlay feature here.
Amazon Prime Video Introduces Profile Images
Prime Video users now have more personalization options to choose from for their user profiles. New avatars featuring various characters from Prime Video shows and movies are now available for users to select. Options include characters from Coming 2 America, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, among several others.
Check out how to update your user profile image here.
Industry Report
What’s the latest on the industry?
Roku Originals from Quibi are Platform’s Most Watched Titles, Longer Episodes On the Way
Roku says it’s seeing solid success from its Quibi-sourced Roku Originals content. And the company is moving forward with new seasons of select shows — this time with more traditional episode lengths. The company is also reportedly considering resurrecting Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist as part of its Roku Originals lineup.
See the latest on Roku Originals here.
Netflix Gets Closer to Cementing Deal with Warner Bros for ‘Manifest’ Season 4
Netflix is reportedly nearing a deal to revive the recently canceled Manifest. The streaming service initially passed on the opportunity earlier this year, but appears to be reconsidering the option.
Find out more about Netflix’s potential move here.
ViacomCBS and Comcast Team Up for a New Streaming Service in Europe
Comcast continues to explore ways to expand its streaming presence, including a new collaboration with ViacomCBS that would bring a new streaming service to parts of Europe. The new SkyShowtime service would offer content from a number of brands, including Peacock and Paramount+ Originals.
Learn more about Comcast’s team-up with ViacomCBS here.
Deal Alert
Save some cash with these current and upcoming deals.
The Best Deals in Cord Cutting for August 2021
We rounded up some of the best cord cutting and streaming deals for August 2021 in one handy post. Current offers include discounts on Roku gear, Tablo DVRs, and the Nvidia Shield TV line.
Note: Deals are active and prices are accurate at the time of posting, but are subject to change and will be active for a limited time.