This week on The CultCast: Everything you need to know about the new 16-inch MacBook Pro! Plus, our first impressions of this hot new machine. And we discuss Disney+, and why it may beat Netflix and Amazon as the best streaming service today.
Our thanks to Squarespace for supporting this episode. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.
Disney+ is off to a smashing start in its quest to dominate the streaming wars.
After launching on November 12, the Mickey Mouse company revealed this morning that it has already surpassed 10 million sign-ups. That makes the “millions” Apple TV+ pulled in during its first week look pretty weak.
The Disney+ app is officially available to download through the App Store. The subscription service features an extensive back catalog plus new shows, including the Star Wars spinoff The Mandalorian.
And, just like that, the streaming war just got a whole lot more intensive!
Apple TV+ hasn’t even launched yet, but already investment gurus are seeing cartoon-style dollar signs in their eyes.
According to Morgan Stanley analysts, Apple TV+ could be a $9 billion-per-year business by 2025. That’s a whole lot of $4.99 sign-ups!
Apple TV+ and Disney+ both launch next month, but the iPhone-maker’s streaming video service will cost less.
Even so, Disney CEO Bob Iger says he’s unconcerned.
Disney is ready to tap into Verizon’s massive customer base to give it a massive influx of viewers for its upcoming streaming service Disney+.
Verizon revealed today that all of its customers will receive 12 months of Disney+ for free starting on November 12. The offer matches Apple’s own 12 free months offer for Apple TV+ to customers that buy a new Apple device.
Netflix warned investors that the upcoming launch of Apple TV+ and Disney+ could generate “modest headwinds” when it comes to new subscriber growth. Despite the warning, Netflix shares surged in after-hours trading today after it reported better-than-expected earnings.
In a letter to shareholders, Netflix didn’t sound too worried about the upcoming streaming wars. The company pointed out that it’s already been competing against streamers and regular TV for over a decade now.
Disney+ and Apple TV+ may not have made their debut yet, but their influence is already showing up in the market place. Netflix, the established guard of streaming content, recently launched a new strategy to hook subscribers.
For one of its new shows, Netflix is offering the first episode for free — even if you’re not a Netflix subscriber.
Disney CEO Bob Iger finally spoke about his recent resignation from Apple’s board of directors in an interview with Mad Money host Jim Cramer.
Iger resigned from Apple’s board earlier this month. As many people speculated, Iger says he felt it was time for him to step aside because of Apple TV+.
Netflix CEO Reed Hastings almost sounds excited about the increased competition his company is about to face from the biggest tech companies in the world.
After basically creating the entire TV streaming market, Netflix is about to go up against new services from Apple and Disney. In an interview with Variety, Hastings admitted it’s going to be a whole new ball game in just a few months, but Netflix doesn’t plan to change much.
