Here’s our weekly wrap-up of news related to the entertainment and tech industries.
Disney & ESPN Channels Coming to PlayStation Vue
Sony’s PlayStation Vue has only been around since March 2015, but the over-the-top television service has managed to secure streaming rights to a wide selection of popular networks including TBS, Fox Sports, and CNN among others. Now, the company announced Vue will soon add Disney and ESPN channels to the lineup, including live feeds from local ABC stations. Read more
CBS To Launch New Star Trek Series on CBS All Access
Perhaps the biggest news in broadcast television this week was that a new Star Trek series will be coming in 2017. Only, the new addition the sci-fi franchise will not exactly follow tradition, as CBS plans to only offer the new series through it’s subscription-based CBS All Access service. The $5.99 per month service is alluring to cord-cutters, but those paying for TV may call CBS out for double-dipping. Read more
iPhone & iPad Users Get Weather Channel App Update
Weather Channel addicts will find the new iOS app loaded with new features, including a new a Dynamic Home Screen that changes based on your current location, weather, and time of day. From 6-11 a.m. weekdays hosts Al Roker, Ari Sarsalari, and Domenica Davis will providing breaking weather news and more. And, iPhone 6s+ users can utilize 3D touch within the app. Read more
Chromecast Users Can Now Use Sling TV App
Sling TV launched a supporting app for Google Chromecast that lets Sling subscribers stream live and on-demand programming to their TVs through the app for Android and iOS devices. And, Sling has said they will add support for Windows and Mac laptops in the near future. New customers who sign up for Sling TV can get a free Chromecast device by prepaying for 3 months of the “Best of Live TV” package. Read more
Plex Launches Native App for Apple TV
Apple TV’s new app store promises a horde of apps in a wide range of categories, but existing apps are also getting updated to support the new open platform as well. Plex is one of them, with a simple way to stream music and videos, as well as view photos, on Apple TV-connected screens. The app will require the latest media server to work, however, for computers or network-attached storage devices. Read more
YouTube Adds VR to Android App
YouTube launched two new Virtual Reality features to their Android app for phones. The first solution can be used with Google Cardboard for full, 360-degree views. The second, and less appealing, are converted flat videos to provide a VR experience. Read more (Multichannel)
