This week on TechHive: Put Roku’s mobile app to use
Although Roku’s streaming platform is simple and dependable, it’s not the most exciting.
Other platforms such as Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV have leapfrogged ahead in making content easier to find, providing universal guides and watchlists that work across numerous streaming services. While Roku does offer a universal search function, its TV interface is mostly content with shunting you off to individual apps or funneling you into the Roku Channel, where the company can better-monetize your eyeballs through advertising.
That’s why Roku’s recently updated mobile app is so interesting. Unlike the menu system on Roku’s streaming players and smart TVs, it offers several ways to find new things to watch, along with a “Save List” for easier access to the shows you’re already watching. The app is also full of features that make the viewing experience more pleasant. For tips on making the most of the app, read the full column on TechHive.
Weekly rewind
NBC and YouTube make up: After avoiding a blackout with a short-term extension last Thursday night, NBCUniversal and YouTube TV reached a new carriage agreement on Saturday that keeps all of NBC’s channels on board. Neither company is commenting on the terms of the deal, and I haven’t seen any reports from the rumor mill on who conceded what.
As I wrote last week, this dispute felt a bit different from previous ones, partly because NBCU wanted to bundle its Peacock streaming service with YouTube TV—a demand it eventually dropped—and partly because YouTube TV took the unusual step of promising a $10 per month discount if talks fell through. In the end, though, it resolved the same way most carriage disputes do, with little changing besides the vague feeling that prices may creep upward at some point down the road.
DirecTV Stream lands PBS: Speaking of carriage agreements, DirecTV Stream has become the second live TV streaming service to reach a deal with PBS, the other being YouTube TV. Local PBS stations should start trickling onto DirecTV Stream over the next few months, though the full rollout won’t be complete until next year. (DirecTV Stream already offers a national feed of PBS Kids.)
Keep in mind that you can already watch lots of PBS content without a big bundle. Many of its shows are available on-demand through the free PBS app, and a growing number of stations offer a live feed as well. (Check for yours here.) You can also stream a larger catalog of on-demand programs with a PBS Passport membership, which requires a $5 per month or $60 per year donation.
Still, getting PBS through your TV bundle means you can record shows to your DVR, and it may include additional affiliates that the app doesn’t offer. (I count three of them on YouTube TV in Cincinnati.) All of which means PBS is a nice benefit for bundle subscribers, even if it’s not entirely necessary.
Philo’s Google TV tie-in: Philo, a $25 per month bundle of non-sports channels, now integrates with the channel guide on Google TV devices, such as latest Chromecast. That means you can head over to the “Live” tab and see what’s on TV without having to open the Philo app first. That same tab also supports YouTube TV and Sling TV.
If you’re keeping score, the live tab on Fire TV devices still supports more services, including YouTube TV, Philo, Sling TV, Pluto TV, IMDb TV, and Amazon’s Recast over-the-air DVR. But at least Google’s making good on promises to expand its live hub over time. I only wish Roku would do the same with its own live channel guide.
More catch-up
- Netflix’s widescreen cropping is ruining Seinfeld’s jokes.
- Netflix’s “Play Something” shuffle mode now works on Android devices.
- Comcast-owned Sky announces a smart TV for U.K. customers.
- Peacock has the highest cancellation rate of any major streaming service.
- AT&T’s Watch TV skinny bundle is shutting down for good on November 30 after cutting off new sign-ups last year.
Save more money
Once again, Paramount+ has a new discount code that you can redeem for a free month of service. Provided you don’t have an active subscription, you can use the code QUEENPINS at checkout with either the ad-supported or ad-free tiers. Just make sure to cancel a day after signing up to avoid being auto-billed at the end.
Also, Amazon appears to be offering a $5 store credit if you watch a movie or TV show on Prime Video. I haven’t confirmed that this works—Amazon says the credit can take a few days to arrive—but if you’re a Prime subscriber, it’s worth a try.
Thanks for reading!
Calling all DirecTV Stream subscribers: If you’re subscribed to the service formerly known as AT&T TV (formerly formerly known as DirecTV Now), I’m looking for a few folks to check on something for an upcoming story. I’m especially interested in hearing from customers who live in California. Please send me an email if you’re able to help. Thank you!
Of course, you can also email me with questions and comments on other cord cutting matters. Otherwise, have a lovely weekend.
Until next week,
Jared