Google Announces Live YouTube TV Streaming Service, Monthly Plan Set for $35

Launching first in the USA (no word yet on when it will be available here), the service offers live TV streaming from ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, regional sports networks, “dozens of popular cable networks”.

YouTube TV is primarily based on deals with the four big broadcast networks: CBS, Fox, ABC, and NBC. YouTube TV is also working with local TV stations and regional sports networks across the U.S.to provide users with local TV news, weather, and sports. Likewise, the platform will include an unlimited Cloud DVR feature as well, allowing users to record as many shows as they want at the same time with no storage limitations. It will face competition from DirecTV’s service, which launched late previous year and also runs $35 a month.

Hulu and Apple are also looking to launch similar services sometime in the future. Unfortunately, YouTube TV won’t include Comedy Central or MTV, nor will it offer programming from Turner Broadcasting, which includes CNN, TBS, and TNT.

The first rumors related to YouTube TV came back in May 2016, when a Bloomberg report indicated that YouTube would launch a bundle of TV channels called Unplugged.

In addition, subscribers will have access to YouTube Red premium content.

YouTube TV isn’t so different from YouTube proper, aside from a new “Live” tab cataloging shows now airing. You can see all of the networks offered at launch above.

YouTube has announced a new feature through which it will take on cable. Think of Red as a YouTube-ified version of Netflix with Spotify mixed in – it removes advertising, unlocks access to exclusive shows and includes an all-you-can-eat music service. “And complement our dynamic online creators, and have it work as well on mobile as to does on our TV screens or desktops”.

“We’re launching in markets where we can offer full, live local broadcast feeds, but plan to expand as quickly as possible”, Wojcicki‏ said. You can have up to six user accounts, with separate recommendations and DVRs, and up to three users can stream TV at once. But Google’s name recognition, technology and endlessly deep pockets could give its service a competitive advantage.