The developments in streaming announced this week are as diverse as the many streaming services. Check it out, streamers!
This week has seen many improvements from some of the streaming services. It seems like no two streaming channels are developing in the same way, either. From studio space to additional local affiliates and more, this is a big week for these entertainment providers. Check out this week’s latest developments. Maybe your favorite streaming service is among the many with good news to announce this week.
Amazon Expands Studio Footprint
Amazon recently announced plans to expand its TV and movie studios in Culver City, CA. This move is expected to give the company the space needed to expand its teams and better serve Prime members. The company expects to move into its new Culver Studios digs by the end of the year. It also expects to hire people in a variety of departments that include creative, technical, marketing, and legal. Amazon also recently announced plans to increase its investment in original content, though didn’t say how the new studio space might factor into that decision.
Daring Moves by DIRECTV NOW
Is your local CBS affiliate not available on DIRECT NOW’s live TV service? You’ll still be able to watch your favorite CBS programs. AT&T, which recently added DIRECTV to its family of services, now offers CBS content on demand. DIRECTV NOW also lets you stream content from The CW. In the meantime, AT&T continues to develop affiliate arrangements with other networks. As a result, 12 NBC affiliates owned by Hearst TV now are available on DIRECTV NOW.
fuboTV Adds FOX Affiliates
fuboTV recently notified subscribers that new Nexstar-owned FOX affiliates will be added to its live TV streaming service. The streaming service made this announcement on Monday. Nexstar owns about 40 FOX affiliates across the country, and these local stations are being added to fuboTV over time. In addition to the Nexstar-owned affiliates, fubo also has 67 FOX affiliates. It also has several CBS, Telemundo, and NBC locals added to its live TV streaming service.
Netflix Nixes Another Original Series
This week’s Netflix news isn’t so much of a development as it is a step back. It’s not much of a surprise, considering the circumstances. The streaming service was set to make the sixth season of House of Cards its final season. The streaming network recently announced that it has suspended production of season six pending the outcome of sexual assault allegations against Kevin Spacey, the show’s star. If Netflix decides to opt out of House of Cards completely, at least fans got five season versus the one and done of Gypsy.
What’s New at PlayStation Vue
PlayStation Vue users get to keep their MGM HD station after all. On October 19, Sony announced that it was removing MGM HD, its 24/7 movie channel, from the PlayStation Vue lineup. Apparently, corporate decision makers had a change of mind and/or heart. Sony recently reached out to subscribers to state, “We are emailing to notify you that the MGM HD channel will remain in PlayStation Vue. Thank you for being a valued PlayStation Vue subscriber.” I wonder the reason for the switch?
In other PlayStation Vue news, it appears that the streaming service won’t be getting a dedicated Adult Swim channel after all. Despite users finding an Adult Swim channel listing in their guides, this apparently was a mistake. Adult Swim continues to be a part of the Cartoon Network. Searches for the Adult Swim channel will show nothing playing. PlayStation Vue does offer additional on-demand Adult Swim content from shows that include Squidbillies, Family Guy, and American Dad.
YouTube TV Updates
YouTube TV’s apps are no longer limited to mobile devices. The company recently announced its app for Android TV, Smart TVs, and Xbox One. This puts an end to casting the service to a supporting device from your mobile device. Viewers will be able to enjoy YouTube TV on Android TV such as Nvidia Shield and the Xbox One family of devices. This move is likely expected to make YouTube TV more competitive against Hulu, DIRECTV NOW, PlayStation Vue, Sling TV, and similar streaming services. The app has not rolled out at the time of this posting.
What’s the Future for Streaming?
I’ve said it before but it bears repeating – streaming services are constantly evolving. While this week’s improvements are impressive, these developments surely are sure to be eclipsed by newer evolutions in the weeks to come. Because of this, I’m sure we’ll see you again next week with another Streaming Saturday report.
