The remote control can make or break your streaming experience, which might explain why device makers are offering increasingly better ones, sometimes at an additional cost.

The best streaming remotes do more than just control playback. Many also include remote-finder functions, programmable buttons, and shortcuts to popular features. Some even offer backlit keys or premium materials in their build.

Having reviewed pretty much every streaming player on the market, I’ve become something of a remote control connoisseur. With so many companies now charging extra for their premium remotes—or restricting them to their higher-priced streaming players—I thought it’d be fun to pit them against one another.

Read the full column on TechHive →

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Deeper dives on the streaming business

Long before I started this newsletter—and before most folks were even thinking about cutting cable TV—I was an admirer of Janko Roettgers’ reporting on the nascent streaming TV business. Now, Janko has his own newsletter called Lowpass, where he writes about what’s happening behind-the-scenes in streaming and entertainment tech. (He’s also broken some news on things like Redbox’s demise and Sonos’ streaming TV plans.)

Anyway, Janko and I agreed it’d be cool to introduce one another’s newsletters to our respective audiences. Sign up here to get his Lowpass newsletter every week!

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Weekly rewind

Apple TV update: tvOS 18.1 has arrived for Apple TV streaming boxes, with one notable change: The “Up Next” row in the TV app is gone, replaced by a “Continue Watching” row for movies and shows in progress. Things that you’ve bookmarked to watch later now appear in a separate “Watchlist” row further down the screen.

The split is in line with how most other streaming apps (and streaming device home screens) already work, and it makes sense to me. “Continue Watching” is for when you already know what to watch, and “Watchlist” is for when you’re figuring out what to watch next. (Note that if you set up your Apple TV the way I suggest, the “Continue Watching” row will appear above your apps as well.)

Netflix’s shareable Moments: Netflix is adding a faster way to revisit and share your favorite scenes. While using the Netflix app for iOS (and, eventually, Android), tap the “Moments” button in the video player. Saved moments will appear under the “My Netflix” tab.

It’s a neat idea, but as Fast Company’s Joe Berkowitz points out, sharing a Moment merely links to that part of the video in the Netflix app, and the only folks who can watch it are other Netflix subscribers, limiting the potential for virality. (Also, the feature doesn’t seem to be working at all for me yet.)

DirecTV’s free streams: DirecTV has jumped into the free TV business with MyFree DirecTV, a collection of about 50 round-the-clock streaming channels.

I’m not really seeing the appeal, though. The lineup has plenty of overlap with other free streaming services—meaning, no actual cable channels—but with fewer channels overall, and there’s no DVR like you get with Sling’s Freestream and Philo’s free tier. You also can’t even access the service without handing over your email, whereas free streaming heavyweights Tubi and Pluto have no login requirements at all.

More catch-up

• Fubo adds Chicago Sports Network for area Bulls, Blackhawks, and White Sox fans. (But you can still get it free with an antenna instead.)
• Netflix will get more movies from Universal—in 2027.
• Comcast considers spinning off its cable channel business.

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Save more money

Do you aspire to be someone who is into anime? Now’s your last chance to get two free months of Crunchyroll’s ad-free tier. The offer is for new customers and ends on November 3, with the regular price of $12 per month automatically kicking in after the trial period.

Other notable deals:

• New QVC customers can get the 2022 Roku Ultra for $40 with promo code WELCOME20 or HOLIDAY20.
• Get a year of ESPN+ for $100, down from the usual $120. New and returning subscribers only.
• See more up-to-date deals on the Cord Cutter Weekly website, updated every Friday.

Thanks for reading!

I’m always happy to hear your questions and comments. Just reply to this email to get in touch.

Until next week,
Jared

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