This past decade has seen a monumental change in the way we consume traditional media. With the recent and incredible advances in 360 cameras and augmented reality, it’s easy to forget that ten years ago, we were just learning how to stream videos onto our computers. We’ve truly made great strides in visual entertainment lately, and one of the major catalysts of this transition is undoubtedly, YouTube. The revolutionary company rattled the cage from the get-go, prompting the geniuses at Google to swoop in and shell out $1.65 billion for the service way back in 2006.
The acquisition has led to continued dominance for both brands, with YouTube strictly at the centre of influence and power in the world of online entertainment. Aside from the parent company and search engine, YouTube has consistently ranked as the top visited website in the entire world. With this all in mind, it makes a hell of a lot of sense to hear that YouTube is once again changing the internet landscape.
In a statement released earlier today, Google executives announced that YouTube will be launching a live TV streaming service very soon. The move will allow users a budget-friendly package of 40 live channels and on-demand programming. “There’s no question that people love TV, from live sports to breaking news to sitcoms and dramas. But the truth is, there are a lot of limitations in how to watch TV today,” the statement reads “[Consumers] tell us they want TV to be more like YouTube. Well, we’ve got some good news! We’re bringing the best of the YouTube experience to live TV.”
There is no word on exactly when YouTube TV will launch, but judging on the statement, we expect it in the very near future. If you’re already throwing money at your computer screen, make sure you’re willing to throw the required $35 for the service. To read about what YouTube TV plans to offer you, follow us after the jump to read descriptions via the official press release.
- Live TV streaming from ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, regional sports networks and dozens of popular cable networks. YouTube TV gives you the best of live TV, from must-see broadcast shows like “Empire,” “The Voice,” “The Big Bang Theory” and “Scandal,” to the live sports you want. YouTube TV includes major sports networks like ESPN and regional sports networks like Fox Sports Networks and Comcast SportsNet, so you can watch your favorite NBA or MLB teams. We’ve also partnered with local TV stations, so you’ll also get sports and local news based on where you live. And YouTube TV offers dozens of additional cable channels, so you won’t miss out on the latest news from MSNBC or Fox News, popular shows and movies from USA or FX, kids programming from the Disney Channel or Sprout, or reality TV from E! or Bravo. You can also add Showtime, or Fox Soccer Plus to your networks for an additional charge. In total, YouTube TV gives you access to more than 40 networks, listed below.
- A cloud DVR, with no storage limits. With YouTube TV, you’ll be able to record live TV and never run out of storage. Your cloud DVR can record as many shows as you want, simultaneously, without using precious data or space on your phone and we’ll store each of your recordings for nine months.
- A service that works great on all your screens. You can watch YouTube TV on any screen—mobile, tablet or computer—and you can easily stream to your TV with a Google Chromecast or Chromecast built-in TV. YouTube TV works on both Android and iOS. And your cloud DVR goes with you, so you can stream your recordings on any device, whenever and wherever you want.
- YouTube Red Originals. With a YouTube TV membership, you can watch all of our YouTube Red Original series and movies right on the new YouTube TV app.
- Six accounts, one price. Every YouTube TV membership comes with six accounts, each with its own unique recommendations and personal DVR with no storage limits. You can watch up to three concurrent streams at a time.
- Half the cost of cable with zero commitments. A YouTube TV membership is only $35 a month and there are no commitments—you can cancel anytime.
