Two notable apps have launched on Google’s Android TV platform. WatchESPN offers access to sports, whereas the new stand-alone Starz subscription service offers access to a catalogue of TV series and movies.
WatchESPN on Android
Google’s Android TV operating system has had a quite slow and problematic start in its first year but in recent months Google has addressed many issues and more apps are starting to appear.
One of the new additions is WatchESPN, which offers access to live sports from the EPSN network. The app also includes short-form video clips and on-demand content. The parent company of ESPN, Disney, promises to bring more apps to Android TV in the near future.
- “This agreement with Google enhances the value of being a video subscriber to our networks,” said Sean Breen, SVP, affiliate sales for Disney and ESPN; “We will continue to work with both traditional providers and new entrants to distribute Disney/ABC and ESPN networks in new and unique ways.”
The WatchESPN app is available on Android TVs from Sony and Sharp as well as media players such as Nvidia Shield, Nexus Player, and Razer Forge TV. It will also be available on select Philips and RCA TVs at a later date.
Starz on Android TV
Starz recently launched a stand-alone streaming service on Apple TV and Chromecast, and the app is now available on Android TV, too.
Starz offers access to TV series such as Outlander and Power as well as movies such as Avengers: Age of Ultron and later this year Star Wars: The Force Awakens. It is available as a stand-alone service for $8.99 per month.
The app is available on Android TVs from Sony as well as the Nexus Player, according to the company. The Nvidia Shield box was not highlighted but we would be surprised if it was left out.
Google will host this year’s I/O conference later today and could talk about future plans for the Android TV operating system.
- Source: ESPN &
