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Sling starts beta testing an updated app with Amazon Fire TV owners
Currently available to select individuals who access the streaming TV service through Amazon Fire TV devices, the highlight of the redesign is an updated personalization engine that powers a refreshed home screen.
Sling's 'Watch Party' group streaming feature works with live TV
Sling TV just launched a “Sling Watch Party” feature in beta, meaning you can now connect with friends and family via video or text chat while you watch live TV together. Sling Watch Party allows customers to invite up to three guests to share a TV viewing experience.
AirTV Anywhere allows you to watch and record local channels remotely
If you’re already a Sling TV customer, local programming will be accessible alongside your Sling TV channels in the Sling TV app -- no need for a separate app.
Sling TV offers free viewing during primetime hours
Sling TV's promo lets you watch television for free after 5PM, provided you're willing to sign up.
Sling TV raises its prices but adds a few more channels
Sling TV is a worthy choice for viewers who want live TV -- the service offers plenty of channels, doesn't lock customers into long-term contracts and is one of the cheapest options out there. But now it might be a little bit harder for Sling to convince new subscribers to join, as the company increased the monthly price of its two base packages -- Sling Orange and Sling Blue -- from $25 to $30 a month. Customers can still save by bundling the two together for $45, up from $40.
Dish's smaller AirTV 2 can hide while it streams local TV
Dish has unveiled a new version of its AirTV media box, and it's good news for those who want their over-the-air broadcasts in a subtler package. The AirTV 2 once again shares up to two streams of OTA material with the devices in your home, but it's now smaller, subtler and overall sleeker. You'll have a better chance of tucking the box away where it won't command attention. The device also boasts improved connectivity, although you're still looking at an 802.11ac WiFi connection.
Sling TV's Cloud DVR can finally record ESPN
You no longer have to worry that you'll miss out on a big sports extravaganza just because you're a Sling TV subscriber. The cord-cutter service has switched on Cloud DVR for key ESPN channels, including the main channel, ESPN2, Desportes, Bases Loaded, Goal Line, ACC Network and SEC Network. There's a good chance you can catch that big college basketball match game if you know you'll miss the live match. This doesn't extend to digital-only channels like ESPN3, ACC Network Extra and SEC Network+, however, so you'll still need to tune for some programming.
Sling TV now streams on Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max
Sling TV users now have another way to stream their content. Beginning today, Sling TV is available on Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max. Users can control Sling with built-in voice controls on those devices, and on Nest Hub Max, they can pause and resume content on Sling using gesture controls -- hold up your hand and look at the device to pause.
Sling adds a 'Micro Guide' and simpler search to Xbox and smart TVs
Sling is giving its living room interface some decidedly useful tune-ups, including one designed to stay out of your way. Its app for LG TVs, Samsung TVs and the Xbox One now includes a "Micro Guide" that won't obscure as much of what you're watching while you're trying to find out what's next. There are channel filters at the top to help you quickly pick a movie or otherwise shift categories.
The best streaming services for cord-cutters on a budget
Even though there are dozens of video-streaming services to choose from, thankfully they're not all the same. And for those of you who may be on a budget, like students, that's a great thing, because it means you can likely find one that suits your needs. Whether you're trying to save money or simply don't care to have a cable subscription, there are plenty of standalone streaming services for watching TV, movies and sports, both live and on demand, that aren't too expensive.
Sling TV's sports add-on just got more expensive for some users
Sling TV is once again raising prices, and you won't be thrilled if you're a sports enthusiast. New customers for the Sling Orange package now have to pay $10 per month for the Sports Extra channel bundle instead of the previous $5. Existing customers will see the rate hike take effect from August 1st onward. That's the same price that Sling Blue customers were already paying for Sports Extra, but it also means you're looking at a minimum of $25 per month when you combine the sports pack with any base plan.
Sling adds social TV and movie viewing to its Oculus Go app
If you can't be with your buddies to yell at the screen at the same time during a game or watch a movie together, Sling has a new social watching option in store for you. The co-watching feature is rolling out in beta on Oculus Go -- Sling arrived on the virtual reality headset in December.
Sling TV adds personalized recommendations, starting on Apple TV
Sling TV is introducing an arguably overdue feature for insatiable viewers: personalized recommendations. As of January 17th, Apple TV users will receive custom-tailored suggestions for live and on-demand programs, whether it's a channel, a movie or a sports match. You can find it in the My TV section in a carousel alongside favorites.
Sling TV debuts free streaming option on Roku
Sling TV is trying a new way to reach potential users with a free option of its streaming platform. Through a "browse as guest" option, newcomers to Sling will be able to check out episodes from some shows (including Billions, Shameless and Ray Donovan) at no cost, though it seems only one episode is available for each of those series. You can also subscribe to standalone channels, such as Showtime, without having to pony up for a Sling package. Sling is rolling the feature out on Roku starting today, and plans to bring it to more devices in the future.
Sling TV rolls out improved UI features on Apple TV
Apple TV users are getting some new Sling TV features that will make it easier to find and watch shows. Sling said the updates are geared towards being more "content-centric" and they include changes to the main guide, content information views and remote capabilities.
Sling TV, ESPN and Fox Now arrive on Oculus Go
Back in June, Oculus launched Oculus TV, a way for you to watch shows and movies from a string of partners on a virtual 180-inch display. Now, Sling TV, ESPN and Fox Now are joining the fray, so you'll have more ways to watch live TV, sports and movies through the wireless headset.
Sling adds Discovery, Science to its lineup
Sling TV's line up of available channels is getting bigger. The streaming TV service is adding nine new channels from Discovery Networks that offer live and on-demand content, including the flagship Discovery Channel and MotorTrend. The best news for Sling subscribers: some of the channels will be added to your package for free.
The best ways to stream live sports
If you're a sports fan, there's nothing quite like kicking back on the couch, cracking open a cold one and watching your favorite team rise triumphant over the other guys. For the longest time, it was thought that the only way to have such an experience was via a TV coupled with a cable or satellite subscription. That's because, for the most part, sports are best enjoyed live, and watching live TV hasn't always been the province of cord cutters. Things have changed in the past few years, however. Not only can you now stream most live sports on your computer or your smartphone, but you don't even need a cable or satellite provider to do so, which can potentially save you plenty of money. Yet the process is less easy than you'd think -- it depends a lot on what sport you're into and which teams you support -- and there are occasionally local blackouts to contend with as well. But with the cord-cutting movement gaining momentum recently, it's now a lot easier to watch live sports online than it's ever been, as long as you know what to look for. For the purposes of this guide, we decided to focus on the five major sports that are most often watched live -- American football, baseball, basketball, ice hockey, and domestic and international soccer -- though we also offer information about other sports like tennis and golf where relevant.
Sling TV adds à la carte channels, free shows and a rate hike
Sling TV pitches itself as a service for cord cutters, but there's always been one holdover: you've had to subscribe to a bundle of channels you don't necessarily want. Today, though, even that requirement is going away. Sling has introduced a new "experience" that offers access to some content without a bundle-based subscription. There are now certain channels and services available à la carte, for starters. You can subscribe to services like Showtime ($10 per month), CuriosityStream ($6) and the NBA League Pass ($29) on their own. The variety is rather low with just eight channels available so far, but Sling promises more in the months ahead.
Sling TV expands Cloud DVR to Chromecast, Xbox One and smart TVs
Sling is expanding its Cloud DVR service to more devices. Now, you can use the DVR with the Chrome browser, Chromecast, Xbox One, LG Smart TVs and 2016 and 2017 models of Samsung Smart TVs. The company has been rolling out the service to more devices since last year. With the $5 per month service, you can record up to 50 hours of TV shows and movies, record multiple programs at once and protect certain recordings from being deleted. There are some limitations to the service. You can't, for example, record live content on Disney and ESPN channels -- you can see the list of channels that can't be recorded here.
