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Posts published in “Streaming”

Apple Podcasts now accessible on the Web

August 20, 2024

You can now listen to an Apple Podcast on the web. Apple just launch Apple Podcast on the web, this allows podcast listners to stream full Apple podcast using any modern web browser, using any device, in more than 170 countries.

Apple Podcasts on the web offers a full streaming experience for listeners with its dedicated interface that includes personalization, recommendations, and notifications.

Listeners can sign in with their Apple Account to access their Library, Up Next queue, and subscriptions. The responsive design ensures a consistent experience across all devices. Sharing shows and episodes is easier than ever, and playback will appear as a download in your hosting provider’s dashboard.

Apple Podcasts is not the only web-based podcast players, since music streaming giants YouTube Music, Amazon Music, and Spotify have been offering web version of their service for a long time, as well as start-ups and indie podcasts players.

The introduction of Apple Podcasts on the web could be Apple’s way of growing its userbase and offering its service to other platforms like Android, Linux or any device with a browser.

Users can go to https://podcasts.apple.com, to start listening.

Google TV Streamer Announced

August 8, 2024

Together with the discontinuation of the Chromecast, Google announced the new Google TV Streamer as the Chromecast’s replacement and a smart home hub for your Google Home and Matter devices.

Google did not provide much information on the device’s specifications, but we know it supports “up to 4K HDR @60 fps” videos with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. It will have Wi-Fi 802.11ac (2.4 GHz/ 5GHz) connectivity with Bluetooth® 5.1. It will have 4GB of RAM but only 32GB of storage, which is surprising considering it’s a streaming device.

Google TV Streamer Ports
The device will have a USB-C port for power/data, HDMI 2.1 (Type A), and ethernet for a more stable and reliable connection. Unlike the Chromecast, the new Google TV Streamer will be powered by the Android TV OS.

As a smart home hub, Google TV Streamer supports Matter and has a built-in Thread border router, enabling quick and secure connections for smart home devices like locks and motion sensors. Google TV Streamer is available in two neutral colors: Porcelain and Hazel (exclusively available on the U.S. Google Store). Its low-profile design allows it to fit neatly between your TV and media console, while still providing access to the handy ethernet port.

Beyond hardware, the new Google TV Streamer is AI-powered to personalize and curate content across all your subscriptions in one place. The device can also access your Google Photos to create unique screensaver art using generative AI.

Google TV Streamer is available for pre-order today, August 6, and will be available on September 24 for $99.99 from the Google Store and other third-party retailers.

Melai Cantiveros Bends into Netflix Philippines’ Avatar: The Last Airbender Promotion

February 21, 2024

The live action adaption of Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender is scheduled to be available tomorrow Feb 22, 2024 on Netflix, to help promote the series in the region, Netflix Philippines taps the services of Melai Cantiveros for their Appa Air video promo.

In a 3 mins video (embedded below), Melai who plays as the flight attendant of Appa Air provided a brief explainer of the coming series mixed with her comedic chops. It even featured the Philippines and a couple of its tourist spots like the Coron, Palawan for WATER, Chocolate Hills for EARTH, Mayon Volcano to represent Fire and the Bangui Wind Mills for AIR.

Mabuhay! Momshie Melai welcomes you aboard Appa Air. Now fasten your seatbelts and get ready for mindbending thrills and excitement in Avatar: The Last Airbender, ETA: tomorrow, only on Netflix ! ⬇️

Avatar: The Last Airbender will consist of eight episodes and will premier on Netflix tomorrow, Feb. 22th.

Disney Plus to increase subscription plan in the Middle East

November 4, 2023

Disney Plus, the popular streaming service, has announced a price increase for its subscription fee in the Middle East. The new pricing will take effect starting 21 November 2023. This means all the existing users signed up on or before 17 October 2023 and set to renew every month, will be charged at the revised subscription prices starting 21 November 2023. If the payment fails, the billing retries that happen on or after 21 November 2023 will be billed at the new price.

The monthly subscription fee for Disney Plus in the Saudi Arabia increase from SAR 29.99 to SAR 39.99. The annual subscription fee will now be SAR 354.99. The price increase appears to be part of the company’s plan to “accelerate profitability for the business.”

Below will be the new price plan of Disney Plus subscriptions in the Middle East;

Compare to Netflix’s Standard plan of SAR 43/month, the new SAR 39.99/month price of Disney is still low.

Disney+ and Hulu Subscription Price to Increase this October

August 15, 2023

Disney has announced that it will be increasing the prices of its streaming services, Disney+ and Hulu, in October. The ad-free version of Disney+ will increase from $10.99 to $13.99 per month, while the ad-supported version will remain at $7.99 per month. The ad-free version of Hulu will increase from $14.99 to $17.99 per month, while the ad-supported version will remain at $7.99 per month.

The price increase is effective for new subscribers starting on October 12, 2023, and for existing subscribers starting on November 1 2023.

Disney has cited rising content costs as the reason for the price increase. The company has been investing heavily in new content for its streaming services, including original series and movies, as well as live sports. The price increase is likely to be met with some resistance from subscribers, but it is not unexpected. Streaming services have been raising prices in recent years, as they compete for subscribers and content.

“The strong momentum of our ad-supported plans in the U.S. demonstrates the importance of providing consumers with choice, flexibility and value,” said Joe Earley, President, Direct-to-Consumer, Disney Entertainment. “We are excited to expand that offering in more markets across the globe, including in Europe and Canada, and to launch a new premium duo bundle of ad-free Disney+ and Hulu this Fall, as we take steps toward making extensive Hulu content available via Disney+ later this year for Bundle subscribers.”

Netflix Philippines announces new pricing for Basic and Standard Plan

February 21, 2023
Netflix Philippines announces new pricing for Basic and Standard Plan

Netflix Philippines just announced a new pricing for its Basic and Standard Plan in the country that will take effect this 21st of February 2023.

From ₱369 per month, the new price for the Basic Plan will now be ₱249 per month, and Standard Plan will now be ₱399 from ₱459 per month. The new price changes will apply to both new and current subscribers. The Basic and Standard Plan are basically the same plan except that the Standard Plan will offer Full HD (1080P) resolution, while the Basic Plan only have HD (720P).

The price adjustment appears to be Netflix PH answer to the increasing competition in the country, since subscription to other streaming service available in the Philippines offer a much lower monthly plan.