The Basics
DIRECTV NOW is a streaming service from AT&T. With plans starting at $35/month, cord cutters can connect with the DIRECTV brand without an annual contract, satellite, or the fees that come with a cable package. AT&T customers continue to benefit from a reduced monthly cost with the AT&T Unlimited plan.
A major draw to the DIRECTV NOW platform is access to live TV, and a viewer experience that feels similar to watching with cable. The channel guide looks better and is easier to use than those on many other platforms. Users can favorite channels and create a customized guide, making it even easier to find something to watch.
With the ability to stream on two devices simultaneously, the family can enjoy live and streaming content separately or together. A good variety of news, sports, entertainment, movie, and kids programming with each package ensures that the whole family will find shows and movies they love.
Device Compatibility
DIRECTV NOW works with most major devices, listed here:
- Apple TV
- Google Chromecast, 2nd gen and higher
- Amazon Fire TV
- Fire TV Stick
- Roku
- iPad, iOS9 and higher
- iPhone, iOS9 and higher
- Android 4.4 and higher
- Chrome 50+
- Safari 8+
Choosing a Package
DIRECTV NOW has four package options:
- Live a Little – 60+ channels, $35/month
- Just Right – 80+ channels, $50/month
- Go Big – 100+ channels, $60/month
- Gotta Have It – 120+ channels, $70/month
With any of the available packages, you can also add the following premium channels for an additional fee.
- HBO, $5/month
- Cinemax, $5/month
- Showtime, $8/month
- Starz, $8/month
New Features and Updates
Since our last guide to DIRECTV NOW, the company has made some big (and small, but useful) changes.
The most talked about update is the True Cloud DVR. The beta version of the feature is now available to all subscribers on computers, mobile devices, and streaming devices. True Cloud DVR is easy to use. Just choose a program and click the record button. You’ll have the option to record a simple episode, all episodes, or all new episodes. Manage your recordings in the My Library section. Each subscription comes with 20 hours of storage time per month, with recordings being stored for 30 days.
Look for more updates with the DVR feature in the upcoming months. Soon, you’ll be able to record 100 hours of content and save it for 90 days, for an additional monthly fee.
Along with this huge update, DIRECTV NOW has improved the viewing experience with a few smaller updates. You can now bookmark your favorite shows to easily find, watch, and record them later. You’ll also notice changes to navigation options and the search feature, plus more on-demand content, all in an effort to make it faster and easier to find what you’re looking for.
Users will be happy to know that they’ll still have access to the 72-hour rewind feature as well. If you miss an episode of your favorite show (and forgot to record it with the new DVR feature) you can jump back to select episodes that have aired within the last 72 hours to catch up.
Those who use their DIRECTV NOW subscription on the go will appreciate another new feature. You can now access local channels when traveling, as long as the location you’re in supports the service.
Finally, for families that need more flexibility with viewing content, the service made another much requested update – the ability to add a third simultaneous stream for an additional $5/month.
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