YouTube’s much-rumored live TV bundle will launch “in the next few months” with more than 40 channels at $35 a month, the Google-owned video portal said today in unveiling the service dubbed YouTube TV. The Internet-based “skinny bundle” will compete with the likes of AT&T’s DirecTV Now, Sling TV and Sony’s PlayStation Vue.
Hulu is prepping a similar service and Apple TV wants to. YouTube’s version was tipped to launch sometime this spring at around a $40 price point.
At launch all four broadcast networks will be available — ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox — and their associated cable channels like ESPN, USA Network and FX. Showtime will be available for an additional fee. The package includes 10 sports networks, MSNBC, CBS News, Fox News, Disney channel, Bravo and E! as well as local channel offerings, and YouTube original TV and film content.
Users can add up to six accounts per subscription, YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki said today in unveiling the first concrete details of the service. Users will be able to record unlimited shows at once with its cloud-based DVR — with no storage limits. Each account will have its own tailored recommendations and its own personal DVR. A voice command function is also in the works.
The major networks air television’s most popular programming, so they are considered must-haves for services that hope to compete with cable and satellite — as well as each other. The challenge is to assemble enough popular programming without running up the cost.
