In this week's collection of recent cord-cutting news items from around the web: Everything coming to Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon in June 2019; the days of getting a cheaper cable bill by threatening to leave may be over; Pluto Latino to launch for U.S. Hispanic Market on July 1; Netflix is nearing subscriber peak in the U.S.; WarnerMedia streaming service likely to cost $16-$17 monthly, with HBO and Cinemax; Disney Plus streaming service Release date, price, shows and movies to expect; and more!
The Days of Getting a Cheaper Cable Bill by Threatening to Leave May Be Over
Bloomberg relates the story of a Charter Communications customer who tried to negotiate a better price. "His previous provider, Time Warner Cable, had extended a cheap promotional rate several times so May wouldn't cancel. But that was before Charter took over the company. When he called this time, the rep wouldn't budge on the 29% jump for his bundled TV, internet and phone service. So May cut the cord." Bloomberg says that this "experience reflects a growing trend, as pay-TV companies pull back discounts they've used for years to retain video subscribers. With internet service growing faster and more profitable, subscribers like May are becoming expendable."
Hulu & YouTube Tipped To Win The Live TV Streaming War
Android Headlines discusses a Business Insider report that "by 2022 Hulu will be the leading force overall thanks to a tidy 35-percent live TV streaming market share. Although in second place, YouTube will be some way behind with a 21-percent market share by the same time."
Viacom to Launch Pluto Latino for U.S. Hispanic Market on July 1
"Pluto TV Latino, an ad-supported streaming platform that features Spanish-language channels, will launch July 1," according to Viacom CEO Bob Bakish and reported by Hollywood Reporter. "Viacom paid $340 million for Pluto TV, the streaming video upstart, in January and has aggressively used the acquisition to bolster Viacom's network of brands. The Spanish-language Pluto Latino, which previously had been set for a summer 2019 launch, will first target the U.S. Hispanic market before it is rolled out to Latin America and other international markets next year."
Netflix Is Nearing Subscriber Peak in the U.S.
"Netflix may not have much more room to grow in the United States — particularly as new rival streaming services from Disney and WarnerMedia are poised to hit the market, according to a new research report," saysVariety. The article quotes a report from consulting firm PwC, which states that "Netflix appears to be nearing its peak subscriber point in the U.S."
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WarnerMedia Streaming Service Likely to Cost $16-$17 Monthly, Bundle HBO and Cinemax
Also from Variety, we learn that "WarnerMedia's entry into the streaming wars may not just be built around HBO — it will reportedly include the premium service bundled in the initial baseline package. The AT&T-owned media company is looking to launch the still-unnamed WarnerMedia subscription VOD service at a price point of $16-$17 per month and is likely to bundle together HBO and Cinemax along with Warner Bros. TV shows and movies."
Disney Plus streaming service: Release date, price, shows and movies to expect
"Disney is betting big on its 2019 streaming service called Disney Plus," says Cnet. "The service is meant to be a homebase to stream all things Disney. It'll be the place to watch all its big-budget theatrical films from Pixar, Star Wars and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Avengers: Endgame -- the blockbuster behemoth that has surpassed a record $2 billion box-office haul -- will be available to stream on Disney Plus starting Dec. 11." Cnet attempts to answer the question of whether the Disney Plus streaming service is worth paying for - "The details that we know so far are below, but basically: If you love Star Wars or Marvel movies or you have kids, you may find yourself considering yet another subscription before the year is out."
Everything Coming to Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon in June 2019
"As May slips into June and the sun gets hotter and the storms get stormier," Nerdist tells us that "it’s the perfect time to binge watch a whole lot of great television when you should be outside enjoying nature. Luckily, Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon all have plenty of weird and wonderful offerings coming over the next month." Nerdist provides a few recommendations - which include "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" on Netflix, "Species" on Amazon, and "Vox Lux" on Hulu - also includes a full list of new offerings on all three services.
Watch Sling TV with Your Friends on Oculus Virtual Reality Headsets
"Ever wish you could watch your favorite shows or sports games (hello, NBA Finals!) with your friends and family, even though they may be thousands of miles away?" asks Sling TV. "Now you can, with a new Oculus early beta feature called co-watching, which has started rolling out to Sling TV customers on Oculus Go virtual reality headsets in beta. Sling TV customers using an Oculus Go virtual reality headset can now co-watch TV with others, no matter the distance between them." Click here for instructions.
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