Google’s live TV service launches on Apple TV and select Roku devices just in time for the Super Bowl that takes place on February 4.
Live TV via YouTube
Google launched YouTube TV, a subscription service for live TV channels, in April 2017 as a competitor to PlayStation Vue, Sling TV, and Hulu’s live TV as well as conventional channel bundles.
YouTube TV offers access to ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, Disney, ESPN, FX, USA, and other networks (50 channels in total) for $35 per month, with additional channels available for $5-15 dollars. It also offers unlimited DVR storage plus access to YouTube Red.
The app is now available to download on Apple TV (tvOS). Curiously, the app for Apple TV has subscriptions available as in-app purchases, meaning that Apple will get a cut of subscription revenue on its platform. Many competitors have opted not to offer subscriptions as in-app purchases due to this revenue-sharing setup.
It is also available on select Roku devices. Supported devices are all Roku TVs, Roku Ultra, Stick, Stick Plus, Express, Express Plus, Premiere, Premiere Plus, Roku 4, 3, and 2. It is not clear why the app is missing on some models but the fragmentation will likely disappoint some users.
The service was already available on Android TV, Chromecast, mobile devices, PC browsers, and select Smart TVs.
YouTube TV is a new take on the classic live TV paradigm. It is estimated to have about 300,000 subscriptions, which pales in comparison to more popular on-demand services. In the last quarter of 2017, Netflix signed up close to 300,000 subscribers per day.
