This week, we saw Walmart’s affordable Android TV streaming devices officially go on sale. Elsewhere, Paramount+ shifted over to its $4.99 ad-supported pricing plan and fuboTV finally arrived on LG smart TVs. On the gaming front, Microsoft is aiming to offer Xbox Game Pass through smart TVs and its own streaming stick, while Google’s Stadia is set to arrive on a number of devices later this month, including the Chromecast with Google TV.
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.
Paramount+ Launches $4.99 Tier, Will Add 1,000 New Titles This Week
This week, the cheaper, ad-supported pricing tier on Paramount+ officially moved from $5.99 per month down to $4.99. The move has been expected since even before the streaming service rebranded from CBS All Access. The $5.99 plan inherited from CBS All Access lived on for a time, but the switch has been flipped just in time for a big influx of new titles.
Learn more about Paramount+ pricing and its big summer content plans here.
WWDC 21: tvOS 15 Adds Spatial Audio, SharePlay, ‘Hey Siri’ Support
Apple shared its plans for the latest and greatest versions of its various software platforms, including tvOS, which powers the company’s Apple TV streaming gear. The upcoming tvOS 15 will let users connect HomePod minis to use as their main speakers. AirPods Pro and AirPods Max users will also be able to enjoy private listening mode with spatial audio support.
Check out what’s coming to Apple’s tvOS here.
fuboTV Launches on LG Smart TVs
Live TV streaming service fuboTV finally arrived on LG’s webOS smart TV platform. The app is now available on TV models from 2018 onward, giving LG owners direct access to the sports-focused streaming service.
Find out more about fuboTV’s arrival on LG smart TVs here.
Google Stadia Landing on Chromecast with Google TV, Shield TV, and More June 23rd
Google’s game streaming service Stadia is set to arrive on the Chromecast with Google TV on June 23rd. What’s more, several other Android TV devices are also joining the party, including Nvidia’s Shield TV line and new budget options from Walmart.
Check out the full list of devices receiving Stadia support here.
Sling is Integrated Into ‘Live’ Tab on Google TV
Sling TV users now have more direct access to their live content through Google TV. While the app has been available for a while, this latest update allows users to integrate their Sling TV content directly into Google TV’s Live tab.
See how to display your Sling TV channels in Google TV’s Live tab here.
Hardware Spotlight
A look at the latest streaming and cord-cutting gear
Walmart Officially Releases Two Onn Streaming Devices for Under $30
This week, Walmart officially announced a pair of budget-priced streaming devices that we’ve been tracking for some time now. The onn-brand gear offers 1080p and 4K streamers, each retailing for less than $30.
Find out more about Walmart’s new streaming devices here.
Industry Report
What’s the latest on the industry?
Sinclair Aiming for $23/Month Streaming Plan for Bally Sports in 2022
According to news reports this week, Sinclair is considering a streaming option for its Bally Sports regional sports network. The company is aiming to launch the service in time for baseball season in 2022, with a targeted price of $23 per month.
Learn more about Sinclair’s sports streaming plans here.
Microsoft Plans to Offer Xbox Game Pass Through Smart TVs, Dedicated Streaming Stick
In a press briefing ahead of the big E3 video game conference, Microsoft shared that it’s working with companies to offer its Xbox Game Pass subscription service on select smart TVs. The company is also developing its own dedicated streaming stick to offer access to Xbox Game Pass without a console.
Check out the latest on Microsoft’s ambitious game streaming plans here.
Deal Alert
Save some cash with these current and upcoming deals.
Follow Cord Cutters News for Amazon Prime Day 2021
With Prime Day 2021 fast approaching, Cord Cutters News is tracking all the latest streaming deals, including several discounts ahead of the big sales event. You can follow along through our Prime Day 2021 hub to stay up-to-date on all the latest deals.