This week saw Apple finally unveil the latest Apple TV hardware — and a new remote control. Elsewhere, Roku is giving its growing staple of original content a new name. Sony is testing out a video streaming perk for PlayStation Plus users, and Hulu announced NFL Network and NFL RedZone are heading to its live TV streaming lineup later this year.
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.
After Months of Rumors, the Next-Gen Apple TV 4K is Finally Official, Packing New Siri Remote
Apple finally announced its next-gen streaming device. It’s still called the Apple TV 4K, but this newest version gets some updated internals, as well as an HDMI 2.1 port. And perhaps just as significantly: Apple also unveiled a new Siri Remote that’s supposed to be more comfortable and pleasant to use.
Learn more about Apple’s newest streaming gear here.
Apple’s ‘Ted Lasso’ Gets Renewed for a Second Season
The critically acclaimed Ted Lasso will be returning to Apple TV+ with new episodes later this year. Apple announced a second season was on its way during its online showcase event earlier this week.
Check out the details on Ted Lasso’s second season here.
Roku Will Launch ‘Roku Originals’ with Quibi Content
Roku purchased Quibi’s catalog earlier this year and when that content goes live, it’ll come with some new branding: Roku Originals. The name will also be attached to future content as part of the company’s growing efforts to secure exclusive and original content.
Read more about Roku Originals here.
Netflix’s Approach to Curb Password Sharing Won’t be Too Aggressive
Netflix hasn’t come up with an official approach to curbing password sharing, but the company assured customers this week that whatever it ends up doing won’t be too aggressive.
See what Netflix has to say about its current testing here.
Industry Report
What’s the latest on the industry?
Disney’s New Deal With Sony Pictures Means Spider-Man Can Head to Disney+
After reaching an agreement with Netflix earlier this year, Sony Pictures announced a new deal with Disney that opens the door for Spider-Man to join other Marvel superheroes on Disney+. The deal also includes streaming rights for future Sony Pictures releases after their initial runs on Netflix.
Check out the new deal between Sony Pictures and Disney here.
Hulu Will Add NFL Network and NFL RedZone to Live TV Lineup By August 1
Hulu announced this week that it will add NFL Network and NFL RedZone to its live TV streaming lineup later this year. Football fans will soon have year-round football coverage and the company said it expects to add the new channels in time for the start of the 2021 season.
Learn more about Hulu’s NFL deal here.
Sony May Be Adding Movie Streaming to PlayStation Plus
Sony is apparently looking for ways to boost the value proposition of its PlayStation Plus subscription service. And this week, we learned the company is testing a new video streaming option that gives PS Plus users free access to a collection of Sony Pictures content. It’s only a test (in Poland) for now, but we’re keeping an eye on the company’s plans for the future.
Read more about Sony’s video streaming tests here.
Netflix Now Has 208M Global Subscribers, Will Spend $17 Billion on Content in 2021
In its Q1 earnings announcement, Netflix shared that it now has 208 million paid subscribers. And while that’s a substantial total, it doesn’t quite meet projections for the quarter. Netflix pointed to a lighter content schedule at the start of 2021 (in part due to COVID-19’s effects on production), but promised a busier release schedule in the second half of the year.
Check out Netflix’s Q1 results here.
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