This week, we saw Netflix trying out ways to reduce password sharing, fuboTV testing new plans, and Roku getting into the exclusive content game. Elsewhere, we learned more about parental controls on Google TV and Disney announced a new deal with the NHL.
Here’s what happened in the world of cord cutting and streaming.
Breaking News
Here are some of the top streaming stories from the past week.
HBO Max Will Launch Ad-Supported Tier in June
Ahead of its Investor Day event, AT&T announced that it’s planning to offer an ad-supported version of HBO Max this June. The streaming service should also launch in areas of Latin America and the Caribbean around the same time.
Check out the latest HBO Max expansion news here.
Netflix is Trying a New Tactic in Preventing Password Sharing
This week, a Netflix user spotted a new login prompt that might be part of a new test from the streaming service. Could it be a signal the company is looking to more actively discourage password sharing? Time will tell!
Learn more about Netflix’s latest test here.
ESPN+ Content is Now Available Through Hulu
We heard it was coming and now it’s here: Hulu users now have direct, in-app access to ESPN+ content. Now, those who subscribe to both services can access a range of sports content without leaving the Hulu app.
Read more about the new app integration here.
Cord Cutters Guide to March Madness
We’re fast approaching the start of the NCAA Division I Women’s and Men’s basketball tournaments, also known as March Madness. To help you follow along, we’ve put together a guide on our site, as well as a video deep dive you can check out here.
Follow along throughout March Madness with our guide here.
Locast Expands Its Local TV Service to Cleveland, OH
Locast, the streaming service offering free access to local channels, announced its 30th market this week, with the addition of Cleveland, OH. In all, some 70 channels are now available via Locast in 17 counties within the Cleveland market.
Learn more about Locast’s latest addition here.
WWE Network Launches on Peacock March 18: What to Know & A Limited Time Deal for Fans
This week, we learned a lot more about WWE Network’s launch on Peacock later this month. There’s a lot of content on offer, though it’ll depend on which Peacock plan you’re on.
Check out all the wrestling content coming to Peacock here.
Google TV Introduces Kids Profiles
Google announced it’ll soon add kids profiles to its Google TV platform, giving parents more control over what their kids can and cannot access. Features include screen time allotments and ways to control which apps your children have access to.
See what Google TV kids profiles are all about here.
The Roku Channel Will Exclusively Premiere ‘Cypher’ Series March 19
Roku is getting into the exclusive content game with the premiere of Cypher, a new series coming to The Roku Channel on March 19th. The premiere could be a sign of things to come from Roku, as we learn more about the company’s plans for original content.
Learn more about Roku’s new series here.
Industry Report
What’s the latest on the industry?
Disney Makes NHL Deal, Brings Out of Market Games to ESPN+
Disney announced a multi-year deal that will bring NHL content to several of its channels, including streaming options like ESPN+ and Hulu. The deal includes dozens of streamed games and the addition of NHL.tv’s out-of-market streaming to ESPN+.
Check out the details of Disney’s deal with the NHL.
fuboTV is Testing New Plans with a Small Group of Users
We learned this week about a few new test packages from fuboTV. There’s no word yet if any of these plans will be officially added to the streaming service’s lineup, but we’ll keep an eye out.
Learn more about fuboTV’s latest tests here.
Deal Alert
Save some cash with these current and upcoming deals.
Get 50% Off Your First Year of Paramount+: Limited Time Deal
ViacomCBS has another deal available for anyone interested in checking out the company’s new Paramount+ streaming service, formerly known as CBS All Access. The deal includes a 50% savings on your first year with an annual subscription.