Streaming players have peaked, CNN’s streaming plan
This week on TechHive: How streaming devices became boring
Earlier this week, images of a new Roku Ultra leaked online, and the most notable thing about the device is how unremarkable it looks.
As reported by Cord Cutters News, the supposedly new Roku Ultra seems almost identical to the one from three years ago. The remote also looks similar to the current model, except it has a Guide shortcut and a mysterious rocket button instead of two programmable keys.
This isn’t a criticism of Roku. Instead, reading about the leaked Ultra is a reminder of how all streaming devices–sticks, dongles, and set-top boxes–have plateaued on the hardware front. Even internally, it’s hard to foresee any major improvements for Roku’s next streaming box–or any competing player for that matter. For better or worse, streamers have become dull.
Read the full column on TechHive →
Weekly rewind
CNN’s new streaming plan: CNN is taking a second stab at streaming with “CNN Max,” a round-the-clock live channel that’s being included with Max (formerly HBO Max) at no extra charge. The channel will debut on September 27 with all Max plans, including the $10 per month ad-supported tier.
CNN Max won’t mirror CNN’s cable feed. Instead, it’ll be a mix of popular CNN shows and original programming on its own custom schedule, and it will still omit some CNN content. Contractual obligations with TV providers are a likely factor here, but Warner probably doesn’t want to cannibalize its cable audience, either.
Still, it’s a more ambitious plan than the failed CNN+, which avoided any overlap with the cable channel and shut down just a month after launching. CNN’s also going further than rivals Fox News and MSNBC, which have offered some on-demand cable shows through Fox Nation and Peacock, respectively, but haven’t rolled them into full-blown live feeds. Perhaps that’ll change as cable subscriptions keep plummeting.
AT&T’s wireless internet: AT&T is finally joining T-Mobile and Verizon in offering wireless home internet. The “Internet Air” service is now available in 16 U.S. markets for $55 per month, or $35 per month for AT&T wireless customers, with expected download speeds between 40 and 140Mbps.
For comparison, T-Mobile’s home internet service costs $50 per month (or $30 per month with Magenta Max, with advertised speeds between 72 and 245 Mbps. Verizon doesn’t disclose 5G home internet speeds, but charges $50 per month, with a $5 to $15 per month discount for some wireless p lans.
Cable and fiber internet are better options if the price difference isn’t significant, but wireless alternatives should still be adequate for streaming, and can be installed more easily in more places. The extra competition could also help keep traditional internet providers in check.
More catch-up
- YouTube TV’s live guide gets a minor facelift.
- Netflix’s last DVD subscribers get to keep their discs after September 29.
- NFL Sunday Ticket student pricing revealed: $109 for the season, plus $10 for Redzone.
- Shocker: As streamers raise prices, more people are canceling.
- TCL launches a free streaming service for its TVs. (Need more free options? Here are 28 of them.)
Save more money
On the topic of streaming boxes, I haven’t seen any deals on the Apple TV 4K in a while, so let me point out that you can always get them for cheap by going used, refurbished, or open-box. Back Market, for instance has the 2021 Apple TV 4K for $90, and you may find similar deals on eBay. It’s a simple way to save on what I think is the best high-end streaming box around.
Other notable deals:
- Fanduel is giving sports gamblers $100 off Sunday Ticket.
- The latest Paramount+ codes are BILLIONS, BIGBROTHER25, or THECHI. Learn how to get it for free.
- See more up-to-date deals on the Cord Cutter Weekly website.
Thanks for reading!
Got cord cutting questions for me? Just reply to this email to get in touch.
Until next week,
Jared