Flixed Newsletter 2 - June.17/2019

Flixed Newsletter - Does Cord-Cutting Require New Devices? Find our, and MORE!

Issue 30: June 17, 2019

You've asked, we've answered. This week, we've covered a very basic cord-cutting question for newcomers: "Do I nee da new device after I cut the cord?" The answer is probably no, but you may need to dig into the details before you go out and buy a fancy new streaming service.We also have some raw data on streaming service price hikes that reveal just how much prices are going up!Read on to find out more in this week's Stream Report.

.Interested in sharing Stream Report with a friend? Send them here!

Cord-Cutting Tip of the Week:

Do I Need a New Device After I Cut the Cord?

One question many new cord-cutters often raise is related to devices. This is completely understandable. Traditional cable TV always requires you to have a cable TV box in at least one room.

The great thing about cord-cutting, however, is that you're also device cutting. Internet TV streaming services, like

or 

, don't require any extra equipment. If you're a regular computer user with a mobile device (most of us have multi-purpose smartphones these days), you already have two devices that you can use to watch your new streaming service. 

What Devices Can I Use to Stream Live TV?

You'll find that every live TV service has different device support. At a high level, every service currently on the market supports desktop and laptop computers running Windows or MacOS. Additionally, every service works with iOS and Android smartphones or tablets. That's where the universal similarities end, however. Some streaming services have apps available for gaming consoles, like the Xbox One or PlayStation 4, while others work on select smart TVs from device makers like LG and Samsung.

On rare occasions, you can even use virtual reality headsets, like the Oculus Rift, to watch your live internet TV streams. You won't find many services that use odd devices such as that, however, and every service focuses primarily on easily-obtained, low-cost devices you either have at home or can acquire easily.

What Streaming Devices Do You Recommend?

From our experience, the best streaming devices for cord-cutters include:

  • Amazon Fire TV Stick

  • Roku

  • Apple TV

The Amazon Fire TV Stick is an all-around great device to help watch your streaming services on your TV.

 It has a great amount of versatility with a large number of available apps. Every streaming service on the market has an app for this device right now. The Alexa-enable voice remote is also a major plus for finding the content and channels you want.

The Roku is an extremely popular cord-cutting device.

There is an insane number of variations, making it easy to find exactly the device to help fit your needs. This TV-plugin device has a fairly restricted app library, however, so it's not the best for those who like to tinker and mod their streaming devices.

If you're already an Apple product user, the Apple TV is a no-brain.

It integrates immediately with your pre-existing Apple account. You'll also get Apple's renowned attention to detail, as this device works well plugged into your TV, and streams with high-quality audio and video.

More Details on Streaming Service Device Support

To learn more on exactly what devices each streaming service supports, use the following links:

This Week's Streaming Guide

1. Don't Miss the NBA Draft This Week on THURSDAY

The Raptors took the win in the NBA Finals. Now, sit back and enjoy the ride as the NBA moves into draft season. You can watch the NBA draft on ESPN, which is available through Sling TV and other low-cost services. -

2. ABC's New Drama 'Grand Hotel' Premieres TONIGHT at 10 PM

The setting: Miami. The plot: The last family-owned hotel in the city, with a family that can't seem to contain its children's hard-partying ways. ABC's new drama

Grand Hotel

may or may not be giving a nod to Paris Hilton, but you'll have to watch to find out. Either Hulu with Live TV or an OTA antenna is your lowest-cost options to get ABC without cable.

 

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Streaming Deals

1. Get 40% Off Your Sling TV Subscription 

Sling TV is still offering a heavy discount for new subscribers.

-

2. Sign Up For Sling, Get a Free Roku

 is currently giving away a free Roku Express to all new subscribers who prepay for one month of service. -

3. Sign Up For Sling, Get a Free Indoor Antenna and Air TV Bundle

is currently giving away a free indoor antenna and an Air TV Bundle to all new subscribers who prepay for three months of service. -

4. Get $5 Off Your First Month of Philo

Use coupon code "R9RFWJVG" at checkout to get $5 off your

. -

5. Get $15 Off Your First 2 Months of DirecTV Now

Use code "15OFF2" to get $15 off your first two months of DirecTV Now. -

News and Industry Developments

1. Analyst: Disney+ to Have 130 Million Subscribers by 2024

Analysts are being particularly bullish on the upcoming Disney+ streaming service. One analyst is now predicting the new service, set to launch this September, will reach 130 million subscribers by 2024. For its part, Netflix has around 140 million subscribers, which means at least one analyst believes Disney+ will in customers twice as fast as Netflix. -

 CNN

2. See Every Major Services' Price Hikes from 2015 to Now

Last week we reported streaming service prices are on the rise. This week, we've got some data to show to back it up. Here's every major live TV streaming service price hike since 2015, as well as price increases at Netflix since 2010.

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