Before the week ended, Netflix revealed that it’s raising pricing on all its tiers, from Basic to Premium. Meanwhile, Roku added a new section dedicated to Live TV content to its familiar menus, and Sinclair continued its push to develop its own sports streaming service.
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.
Netflix Plans Are Getting a Price Hike Today
On Friday afternoon, Netflix revealed that it raised prices for its various monthly plans. The new rates, starting at $9.99 for the non-HD Basic plan, are now in effect for the popular streaming service.
Learn more about Netflix’s latest price hike here.
NVIDIA Shield Experience 9.0 Update Brings Android 11 to Streaming Devices
NVIDIA’s well-regarded line of Shield TV streaming devices is getting a software update that brings Android 11 to the platform. Other perks include an improved Google Keyboard and more support for Bluetooth headsets.
See what’s new in the latest Shield TV update here.
Roku Adds ‘Live TV Zone’ to Main Menu
Roku’s latest menu update adds a new section dedicated to live TV content, including the company’s own Live TV Channel Guide.
Learn more about Roku’s new Live TV Zone here.
Roku Announces Exclusive Original Docuseries ‘The Fix’ Coming in January
In original content news, Roku continues its push into the exclusive content arena. Its latest debut is a docuseries called The Fix, which explores the impact of drug addiction and the War on Drugs.
Check out Roku’s latest exclusive here.
Plex Adds Three Channels to its Free Streaming Lineup
Plex’s free streaming lineup added a trio of new channels this week, including a channel dedicated to the series Portlandia.
See what’s new on Plex’s free service here.
Frndly TV Adds FMC to Channel Lineup
Frndly TV is adding the family-focused FMC to its channel lineup. The addition marks the first new channel to join the service this year.
Learn more about FMC and Frndly TV here.
Pluto TV Adds 4 New Channels to its Free Streaming Lineup
The free lineup on Pluto TV is growing again this week, thanks to the addition of four new channels. Among the new channels are a pair of BBC Kids options — one broadcast in English and the other in Spanish.
Check out the latest Pluto TV channels here.
Hardware Spotlight
A look at the latest streaming and cord-cutting gear
New Certification Sheds New Light on Samsung Display’s QD-OLED Screen Tech
Following a bevy of attention at CES 2022, Samsung Display is following up with more details on its latest tech — QD-OLED, or Quantum Dot Organic Light Emitting Diode screens. New certification testing suggests the screen is capable of impressive color reproduction and brightness levels.
See the latest on Samsung Display’s new screen approach here.
Industry Report
What’s the latest on the industry?
Sinclair and the NBA Reach Digital Rights Agreement for 16 Teams
Sinclair’s efforts to build out its own streaming service took another step this week. The company announced a renewed deal with the NBA that covers 16 of the league’s teams.
Check out the latest on Sinclair’s streaming efforts here.
fuboTV Acquires Exclusive English Premier League Rights in Canada, Will Carry the Next 3 Seasons
Canadian soccer (football) fans will soon have more content to enjoy through fubo TV. The live TV streaming service announced an exclusive deal to steam English Premier League matches in Canada.
Find out when fubo TV will start streaming Premier League matches here.
Deal Alert
Save some cash with these current and upcoming deals.
Best Weekend Streaming Deals: Save on Paramount+, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and More
We’ve tracked down some of the best deals currently available on streaming devices, as well as streaming services. This week’s deals include discounts on ad-supported and ad-free plans for HBO Max.