AT&T Confirms They Are Beta Testing a “New Streaming Video Device” Likely For DIRECTV NOW & DIRECTV


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Today AT&T announced during their 3rd quarter 2018 earnings that they have started beta testing for a new streaming video device. This is the first official confirmation of a streaming player that is reportedly called the Osprey.

In their 3rd quater 2018 earnings statement AT&T said “49,000 DIRECTV NOW net adds with 346,000 net losses in traditional video as company focuses on improving profitability and begins beta test of new streaming video device.”

This new device is likely to be used for both DIRECTV NOW and a new DIRECTV streaming version AT&T announced last year. The device is an Android TV powered streaming player called Osprey. (AT&T is very likely to change the name before release.) It is very likely this will be the set-top box for the reported DIRECTV streaming version. According to reports AT&T wants to offer a streaming version of DIRECTV that will offer the same contracts and channels but without the dish on your house. (Removing the need to send a tech to your house or pay for an expensive satellite in space.) For now, they are likely using DIRECTV NOW to test it and will likely also offer it as an option for DIRECTV NOW customers.

AT&T has previously undergone Alpha testing of the device by asking for AT&T employees to test out the device.

Here is the email that went out to AT&T Employees looking for alpha testers:

As an employee, we appreciate your help in making the best possible entertainment experience.

That’s why we’re inviting you to participate and provide feedback in the Osprey Alpha 3 expansion. As an Alpha 3 tester, you¹ll be able to get a sneak peek of features and functions still in development. Osprey is AT&T’s latest innovative over the top set-top box where you can find all of your entertainment in on place still in develop.

Are there any requirements? One, you’ll need to maintain your active DIRECTVNow subscription.

How do I sign up? Easy, click the following link and fill out the survey: <redacted>

If you are selected as an employee Alpha 3 tester, we’ll send you a timeline of you receiving an Osprey box, instructions on how to get set up and onboarding process.

By participating in this phase of Alpha, you have a chance to win an American Express gift card, DON’T MISS OUT!

Thank you,

Product Validation Team

Here is what the remote looks like: (Credit FCCID.iO)

Now it looks like AT&T is looking to expand their testing as they get closer to releasing their own streaming player. When will it come out? We just don’t know could be this year or it could be next year. For now though we know that this device is officially being tested.

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