DAZN’s sneaky tactics, Verizon’s new Netflix deal
This week on TechHive: DAZN’s sneaky tactics
Unless you’re a big fan of boxing, you might not be too familiar with DAZN. The sports-oriented streaming service, which launched in 2016, is best-known in the U.S. for its partnership with boxing promoter Eddie Hearn (and, formerly, Canelo Alvarez). It has also expanded into more niche sports such as pool and darts.
Even if you don’t care about such things, DAZN deserves notoriety for one reason: It tries to lock customers into one-year contracts using sneaky sales tactics. DAZN also has an unusual 30-day notice requirement when cancelling its standard monthly plan, leading to excess charges beyond the current billing cycle.
This kind of consumer-hostile behavior was unheard of when streaming services were positioning themselves as friendlier alternatives to cable. Hopefully DAZN’s policies aren’t a sign of where things are going as streamer services become desperate to raise revenue.
Read the full column on TechHive →
Also on TechHive: I reviewed the new Walmart Onn 4K Streaming Box, which is mostly the same as the 2021 version, but replaces Android TV with Google TV. At just $20, it’s a great value for an external streaming player, especially if you’re into the Google TV menu system. Read the full review for more details.
Weekly rewind
Roku on Google TV: The Roku Channel app is now available on Google TV devices (like the aforementioned Walmart Onn box) and Android TV devices. It provides yet another source of free streaming content, including some original programming that other free services lack.
While it was originally exclusive to Roku devices, the Roku Channel app has gradually expanded to Samsung TVs, Fire TV devices, iOS, Android, and the web. Support for Apple TV boxes remains notably absent.
Fox Now no more: Fox is discontinuing its Fox Now app, which offered on-demand access to the network’s shows. While some episodes required a pay TV login, others were available for free (albeit a week after the original broadcast).
If you get Fox as part of a pay TV package, this shouldn’t be a big deal, as you can likely get the same content through your TV provider’s own streaming apps. But the Fox Now app’s demise does eliminate one way to stream network TV content without a big bundle. Fox’s website still works, but otherwise Hulu’s on-demand service will be the cheapest unbundled option for accessing Fox’s primetime shows.
More catch-up
- Netflix extends profile transfers to existing accounts, not just new ones.
- Spectrum will offer standard TV packages without regional sports this fall.
- The tvOS 17 public beta is available if you want to try some new Apple TV features.
Save more money
Verizon customers can currently get one year of Netflix and Starz for $75 total. Just sign up for a year of Starz (for $75) through Verizon’s +play subscription store, and you’ll get a year of Netflix Premium (normally $240) for free, even if you’re already a subscriber.
Some caveats: This only works if you haven’t redeemed Verizon’s Netflix freebies before, and existing Starz subscribers will need to cancel before they can get this offer. Also note that billing will go through Verizon’s +play system, as I’ve written about before, and you’ll need to cancel both services to avoid being auto-billed for another year at the end.
Other notable deals:
- Roku device deals: Express 4K+ for $27, Streaming Stick 4K for $34, Streambar for $90.
- The latest Paramount+ codes: CHALLENGEPOD, TVCLASSICS, or WARP. Learn how to get it for free.
- See my Big List of Streaming Deals for more ways to save.
Thanks for reading!
Thanks to Cord Cutter Weekly reader Veronica S., whose unfortunate experience with DAZN prompted this week’s column. Got your own story ideas, questions, or cord cutting concerns you’d like to share? Just reply to this email to get in touch.
Until next time,
Jared