streaming video

Read Cult of Mac’s latest posts on streaming video:

Cost of ad-free experience on Amazon Prime Video goes up in January

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Amazon Prime Video
You'll soon have to shell out more money for Amazon Prime Video unless you want to watch ads.
Image: Amazon

Starting in late January, Amazon Prime Video subscribers will need to pay an additional $3 a month to watch without commercial interruptions.

The change leaves Apple TV+ as one of the few video streaming services that doesn’t charge extra to avoid adverts.

Streamers’ dream come true: Elgato launches first 4K60 webcam.

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Attention, streamers: Elgato's new Facecam Pro offers 4K streaming at 60fps.
Attention, streamers: Elgato's new Facecam Pro offers 4K streaming at 60fps.
Photo: Elgato

In a bid to capture the streaming content creator market, Elgato just launched what it called “the world’s first 4K60 webcam” — Facecam Pro. It shoot video in 4K resolution at a smooth 60 frames per second (fps), which previously required a DSLR or other advanced camera setup.

The pricey new camera joins the original Facecam in Elgato’s growing lineup.

Netflix advert-supported plan could cost just $7

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Commercials are coming to Netflix
You'll soon be able to get Netflix at a lower cost by watching commercials.
Photo: Netflix/Cult of Mac

The price of Netflix is going way down … if you’re willing to watch commercials. When the streaming service revealed that it’s prepping an advertising-supported option for subscribers, it didn’t reveal how much it will cost. The price has now leaked out, and it might be 30% to 55% below the current cost.

The new option could debut before the end of 2022.

YouTube TV launches picture-in-picture feature on iPhone and iPad

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YouTube TV
Picture-in-picture support for iPhone and iPad comes to YouTube TV. But not to all YouTube users.
Image: YouTube/Cult of Mac

YouTube TV subscribers with an iPhone or iPad can now watch shows in a small window while another app is open. The feature is rolling out now.

However, picture-in-picture support is not yet available for all mobile users of the YouTube application, as has been promised.

YouTube picture-in-picture may finally be close to full iPhone support

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YouTube picture-in-picture may finally be close to full iPhone support
The long, long wait for YouTube picture-in-picture support for iPhone could be near its end.
Graphic: YouTube

YouTube might be about to follow through on its promise to allow all iPhone users to watch video from its application in a small window while another app is open. The feature is already available for YouTube Premium subscribers, but the testing period expires soon. That suggests picture-in-picture is about to become available for all iPhone users.

When it finally launches, PiP will make YouTube videos easier to enjoy because they’ll allow people to use their iPhone to multitask while also watching.

Apple TV+ share of streaming market just keeps growing

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Appletvpluslogo
Apple TV+ has a growing chunk of the U.S. streaming market. Netflix does not.
Photo: Apple

Apple TV+ garners 5% of the U.S. streaming video market, according to a company that follows the industry. While that makes Apple TV+ a small player, the service started 2021 with just a 3% share, so the year saw significant growth.

Its two largest rivals, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, saw drops in their shares of the streaming market in 2021.

Apple TV+ draws tiny but growing share of US streaming market

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Apple TV+ draws tiny but growing share of US streaming market
Apple TV+ isn’t a big part of the streaming video market, but at least it’s growing.
Chart: JustWatch

Apple TV+ is a small player in the streaming video service competition with only 4% of the U.S. market. Still, it’s beating out some rivals even if it’s well behind the front runners.

The service has reportedly been growing throughout 2021 … not a claim all its competitors can make.

YouTube relents, allows picture-in-picture video on iPhone

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YouTube Picture in Picture is back. At least for now.
Picture-in-Picture video from YouTube will soon be back for everyone.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

YouTube will reportedly soon allow all iPhone users to watch video from its application in a small window while another app is open. This feature has come and gone several times since Picture in Picture support debuted in iOS 14. Now it’s apparently coming back to stay.

HBO Max’s cheaper ad-supported tier won’t include first-run films [Updated]

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HBO Max’s free tier won’t include first-run films
The upcoming HBO Max free-with-ads version can be watched on every type of Apple computer.
Photo: WarnerMedia

You might want to put the HBO Max app on your iPhone after all. WarnerMedia said Friday there’ll be a more affordable version of the streaming service starting in June. But it’ll require watching ads.

And don’t expect to watch movies the same day as they appear in the theaters on the ad-supported version.

Netflix offers free shows for Mac and iPad users

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Use your MacBook to watch Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Apple TV+ or other streaming service.
Free Netflix!
Photo: Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels CC

Netflix made a selection of its popular shows and movies available for free over the weekend. The freebies include hit sci-fi show Stranger Things, Boss Baby: Back in Business and several more.

Watching these Netflix originals doesn’t require signing up with streaming service — but for some strange reason, they can’t be viewed on an iPhone.

Apple TV+ subscribers get 2-for-1 Showtime and CBS All Access bundle

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An Apple TV+ bundle includes a big discount on CBS All Access and Showtime
You can get a real deal on CBS All Access and Showtime with an Apple TV+ subscription.
Photo: Apple

Apple TV+ subscribers in the US can now also add a bundle of CBS All Access and Showtime for only $9.99 per month more. That’s less than half the usual price for these two streaming services.

Subscribers can watch content from all three services online and offline, ad-free and on demand, only on the Apple TV app.

These were the top video steaming apps on iOS in June

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75% of Netflix users have no plans to jump ship to Apple TV+ (right away)
Netflix is continuing its momentum in the age of Disney+ and others.
Photo: Stock Catalog/Flickr CC

There might be more streaming services than ever, but Netflix seems like it’s continuing to maintain momentum in the age of Disney+, HBO+, and others.

According to a new report by Sensor Tower, Netflix was the second-most downloaded iOS app in the App Store. The number one streaming video app? YouTube, of course.

Apple TV+ could pivot to place the focus on movies

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“Greyhound” is a hit, which may inspire many more Apple TV+ movies.
“Set course for more movies!” Greyhound may have inspired a new strategy for Apple TV+.
Photo: Apple

Tom Hanks’ WWII flick Greyhound is the biggest hit Apple has enjoyed so far. And it’s reportedly made the company serious about blockbuster Apple TV+ movies for the first time.

The iPhone maker is supposedly considering debuting a movie each month on its streaming service. And several of those are expected to be blockbusters.

Plex offers free streaming live TV for iPhone, iPad or Apple TV

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Plex Live TV is here to save you money on cable
Plex Live TV includes over 80 free channels, including plenty for children.
Photo: Plex

Plex began offering 80+ free channels of live TV on Thursday. The service is available on many types of Apple devices, and offers children’s programming, news, lifestyle shows and even sports.

There’s a catch, of course. There always is. In this case, it’s commercials. Plex Live TV is supported by advertising.

Latest Tablo over-the-air DVR holds 700 hours of commercial-free shows

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The Tablo QUAD 1TB can hold a crazy amount of TV shows
A new Tablo over-the-air DVR holds about a month of HD shows, and can stream them to your Apple device without ads.
Photo: Tablo/Cult of Mac

A Tablo over-the-air DVR released this week boasts 1 terabyte of internal storage. That’s enough space to hold 700 hours of HD shows. This digital video recorder from Nuvyyo captures up to four shows at once off free local airwaves, then streams them to a phone or tablet without ads.

CBS All Access app adds 100+ Paramount movies to keep you entertained

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CBS All Access now has Star Trek movies to go with its Star Trek shows
CBS All Access now offers a selection of classic dramas, comedies and action flicks from Paramount.
Photo: CBS

The CBS All Access streaming service expanded Thursday, adding dozens of classic movies made by Paramount. Newly added titles include classic films like The Godfather series,Spider-Man and Roman Holiday.

Also appearing today are several Star Trek movies to go with the multiple Star Trek shows that are the highlights of CBS All Access. All of this content can be watched on iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple TV.

Sling TV goes free every night. No strings attached

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Free Sling TV every evening.
Sling TV launched a Happy Hour Across America with free service every evening. And for much longer than an hour.
Photo: Sling TV

Sling TV streaming video service is now available during primetime at no charge. New customers can watch every night from 5 pm to midnight for free.

The company hopes this will help American families staying home during the COVID-19 crisis.

Apple TV+ streams select originals free for a limited time

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apple-tv-plus-free-for-everyone
The free Apple TV+ promotion includes eight original programs, about a third of the streaming services current lineup.
Photo: Apple

Apple followed various other streaming services Thursday, making a handful of its original Apple TV+ shows and movies available for free to anyone with an Apple ID.

Dickinson, Little America, Servant, For All Mankind, Snoopy in Space, Helpsters, Ghostwriter and The Elephant Queen are available now in the United States. In many other countries, the free Apple TV+ streaming begins April 11. It remains unknown how long the shows will be available at no charge.

Watch Epix movies and shows for free through Apple TV app

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Epix is available through the Apple TV app.
Just open the Apple TV app to access Epix streaming content at no charge.
Photo: Apple/Epix

All the streaming content of the cable channel Epix is reportedly free to Apple users until May 2. Original shows like Pennyworth and Godfather of Harlem as well a wide selection of movies are available from Epix through the Apple TV app.

Make the most of self-isolation with streamable documentaries [Deals]

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Curiosity Stream All
Take a tour of our world and more with unlimited access to more than 2,000 documentary features and series.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

One of the few consolations of being cooped up is the time it gives us to catch up on streaming content. But reality TV and movies can only keep us busy for so long before our brains get hungry. With access to more than 2,000 documentaries, CuriosityStream offers some food for thought.