The Roku Channel is on Fire
Amazon Fire users can now access The Roku Channel on their devices. While this new arrangement may come off like the odd couple, partnerships between Roku and Amazon date way back over a decade. Indeed, Amazon Video was the second channel launched on Roku, only following Netflix. As Roku expands deeper into the services arena, distribution beyond their own platform is critical.
The NPD Take:
- For The Roku Channel to keep growing ad revenues it needs distribution on key TV-connected devices such as Fire TV.
- It’s another sign that ad and service revenues are more attractive than device sales or maintaining walled gardens.
YouTube TV + Chromecast
YouTube TV is looking to attract new subscribers to its live TV streaming service by offering a free new Chromecast with Google TV device. This offer is available to new users that subscribe to the live TV service for at least one month between Oct 15 and Dec 31. The monthly cost of YouTube TV is $64.99 only $15 more than purchasing the new Chromecast outright. To support the success of Chromecast, Google has added a voice remote, new UI and is now bridging the hardware with their TV service.
The NPD Take:
- It’s well a timed launch of the new device and service promo as streaming accelerated significantly this year and shows no sign of abating going into the holiday season.
- Roku, Amazon and Tizen reach many more U.S. TV households than Chromecast and Android TV. Google needs the new device launch to be successful in order to continue to compete for ad and subscription revenues in a market that is now defined by household reach.
Tubi News Goes Live
Fox Corporation-owned free-ad streaming service Tubi launched a new “News on Tubi” feature. The programming now includes live local Fox news TV stations and several other syndicated news outlets. Global and regional news channels are expected to launch later this month. News on Tubi will be available on Android, Amazon Fire TV and Roku platforms. This is Tubi’s foray into live programming.
The NPD Take:
- The strategy for Fox’s Tubi acquisition is coming clear in that it’s a platform asset that is being modified to distribute the company’s primary content asset, News.
- Engagement is the largest challenge for free streaming video services. And, News is among the best programming options to attract a daily user base. This offers Tubi a competitive advantage in a crowded space.