Rest of the Day: DirecTV Launches Nov 30
AT&T is set to launch its new online TV streaming service, DirecTV Now, later this week. It will start at $ 35 a month for over 60 channels without any long term contract and all you need is an internet connection.
- Initially, AT&T will offer four service levels: $ 35 per month for 60 channels, $ 50 for $ 80, $ 60 for $ 100, and $ 70 for $ 120. To attract new subscribers, they will offer a 100 channel plan for $ 35 at launch, and you can stick to this price while you sign up. You will be able to watch videos in the browser and on a variety of multimedia devices, from iOS to Android and Chromecast. More support coming soon for others like Roku. And if you are also an AT&T subscriber on mobile, you can watch videos without your credentials (not the best option if you are net neutral). Gizmodo has a few details on the actual channel listings. [AT&T News]
- Speaking of internet TV, Sling TV is testing a new cloud-based DVR, which will begin testing with Roku users this December. You will be able to record your shows to the cloud to watch anytime on your Roku device, with 100 hours of storage offered in initial testing. You can request an invitation to participate in the beta program here . [Sling]
- Instagram will notify you if someone takes a screenshot with a temporary direct message. This only applies to this particular type of ephemeral direct messages that have been added recently, not the public Stories that disappear after 24 hours. (This may not be a new feature, but so far no one has paid much attention to it.) [The Verge]
- Amazon is trying to solve the problem of counterfeit products. With more than 2 million independent sellers on the site, the scale of the problem makes it harder for the police to work, and they used to leave it up to brands to find cheap imitation goods. They are now working with companies to create a counterfeit registry. [Bloomberg]