This week on TechHive: Apple TV 4K tips galore
Last week, Apple released a new version of its Apple TV 4K streaming box, with a faster processor and a much better remote control.
While it’s still one of the most expensive streaming boxes you can get at $179, it’s also one of the most powerful, with lots of neat features tucked away behind its slick veneer. And now that the remote has a proper directional pad instead of just one big touchpad, it should be a lot more approachable.
I’m still working on my review of Apple’s new streaming box, but in the meantime, I’ve put together a long list of tips so you can see what’s possible. Most of them apply to older Apple TV versions as well. For the rundown, read the full column on TechHive.
Weekly rewind
Philo’s price hike done right: On June 8, Philo is raising the price of its sports-free streaming bundle from $20 per month to $25 per month, but only for new subscribers. That means you can lock in the current price by signing up before that date, and if you still have Philo’s $16 per month plan (which was discontinued in May 2019), Philo will continue to honor that price as well.
There’s also a new incentive for paying more: The $25 per month package will store your DVR programs for up to a year from the recording date, versus 30 days with Philo’s current plan.
While price hikes are never great news, they’re a regular occurrence for live TV streaming services, whose individual networks constantly demand more money to carry the same channels. At least Philo is rolling with those higher costs in what seems like the fairest way possible.
Amazon’s MGM megadeal: Future Amazon originals could include the likes of James Bond, Robocop, and Rocky if the company is able to acquire MGM for $8.45 billion. As The New York Times reports, both Comcast and Apple were also interested in buying the storied studio, but Amazon was willing to pay about 40% more than other suitors.
The argument for this merger is that MGM needs a well-heeled company to build new movies and shows around its most recognizable properties, and that Amazon has no shortage of resources to contribute. But it also would move us closer to having a tiny number of mega-corporations deciding what movies and shows get made, and I fear a growing emphasis on franchises, sequels, and reboots as a result. It’s a different concern than what I expressed about a potential WarnerMedia-Discovery merger, but a concern nonetheless. (Also, it’s unclear what might become of MGM’s Epix streaming service and cable channels post-merger.)
I wouldn’t it a done deal either way, though. Given broader antitrust concerns around Amazon and other tech giants, an acquisition of MGM could attract more regulatory scrutiny than usual.
A glimpse at the new Sling TV: As teased last week, Sling is launching a major app redesign, starting on Amazon Fire TV devices, and headed to other platforms throughout 2021. High-level navigation has moved from the top row to a sidebar, your DVR library has its own section, and the whole app just looks much slicker overall.
I haven’t had much chance to check it out first-hand yet, but I’m hoping to dive in soon. While exact release timing for other devices isn’t clear, Sling says Roku support is coming over the summer.
More catch-up
- Roku job postings hint at smart home aspirations.
- Fox Nation will stream primetime Fox News shows the day after cable.
- TiVo’s streaming dongle could soon get a better remote.
- Peacock just added support for multiple user profiles.
- Also, Peacock adds live cycling to its sports roster.
Save more money
Once again, ViacomCBS has issued new coupon codes for a free month of Paramount+, including the ad-free version of the service. The latest codes are MAY or SPRING, so you can try either one to see what works.
As with previous codes, these ones probably won’t work on active subscriptions, but they should be valid for returning customers who’ve let their subscriptions lapse. I’ve been redeeming these codes practically every month for about a year now, and was able to re-up my subscription just a few days after my previous freebie expired.
Just remember: Wait until a day after signing up to cancel your subscription. You’ll still get the full month and won’t get auto-billed at the end.
Thanks for reading!
Got questions about the new Apple TV that you’d like me to address in my review? Feeling stuck on other cord-cutting topics? I’ve love to hear from you. Just reply to this email to get in touch.
Otherwise, have a restful Memorial Day weekend.
Until next week,
Jared