Plex’s one-stop navigation
Plex rolled out a new update, called Plex Discover, which features one navigation window that makes it easier for users to search for any title across all their streaming services. The search function works by entering a movie, show, actor, or director and Plex tells you where it’s available to watch. If it is from a service the user subscribes to, the content can launch from Plex, saving time and eliminating the need to move in and out of apps. Plex is also debuting Plex Universal Watchlist, which creates a customized watchlist for all the movies and shows the viewer is interested in, across all platforms. It’s an easy way to keep track of anything you want to watch and Plex will also show you newly available titles from your Universal Watchlist when they are on one of your services.
The NPD Take:
- Plex, as with other FAST services is looking to differentiate. Where others, such as Pluto TV, are adding a broader content array, Plex is focusing on UX.
- Plex is going up against the large platforms such as Roku and Google TV that offer similar features. The bet here is that their avid, early adopter base, will embrace Plex for this and it will ultimately deliver a valuable data set and as such viewers into the Plex FAST eco-system.
FuboTV sunsets base tier, increases price
On May 1, FuboTV will be moving Starter Plan customers to a $70/month, 115-plus-channel "Pro" tier and will sunset their base plan of $64.99. The Pro tier will be the new entry point for new customers. Customers who have signed up for FuboTV through Roku, are not affected at this time; nor are existing "Pro" and "Elite" customers. With the upgrade users get increased cloud DVR storage (up to 1,000 hours of HD) and expanded household simultaneous streams (up to 10 now). They're also getting some sports networks such as NBA TV, MLB Network and NHL Network and a few extra entertainment networks like GAC Family and Magnolia Network included.
The NPD Take:
- Price increases are the norm and with FuboTV now comparably priced with other leading vMVPD services, they will have to continue to rely on their sports content to attract and maintain customers.
- FuboTV is integrating value-added components like sports betting into the mix to gain higher margins.
Peacock’s Sunday morning MLB Package
Peacock will stream a package of 18 Sunday morning Major League Baseball games starting in May. The games will be surrounded by a pre-game and post-game show and will start at 11:30 a.m. for the first six weeks and at noon the following 12 weeks. The first Peacock game will feature the Chicago White Sox vs. Boston Red Sox on May 8 which will be simulcast on NBC. Peacock has been increasing the amount of sports it carries with the Olympics and the Super Bowl in February and Premier League soccer, Notre Dame football, the NTT IndyCar racing series, and WWE wrestling.
The NPD Take:
- As sports continues its migration to streaming. Peacock has been aggressive in its approach, providing an alternative for fans who may or may not have cable.
- The early start time gives Peacock an exclusive window when no other MLB teams will be playing which could expand reach and increase ad revenues.