While Apple’s rumored TV streaming service has fallen by the wayside, AT&T has managed to swoop in with a compelling TV streaming service of its own. Dubbed DirecTV Now, the new streaming service from Ma Bell offers users the ability to enjoy 60+ channels (in 1080p resolution when available) for just $35/month. As far as cable packages are concerned, you’ll be hard pressed to find a deal that offers more bang for your buck than what AT&T is bringing to the table. Of course, users willing to pay more can receive as many as 120+ channels.
DON’T MISS: This is why your iPhone 7’s battery might die in a year
AT&T earlier this week said that its highly anticipated TV service would go live sometime today, and interested subscribers might be excited to know that the DirecTV Now app is now live on Apple’s App Store for iOS and tvOS.
As we highlighted earlier in the week, the 4 DirecTV Now subscription options are as follows:
- Live a Little – $35 / month (60+ channels)
- Just Right – $50 / month (80+ channels)
- Go Big – $60 / month (100+ channels)
- Gotta Have it – $70 / month (120+ channels)
Some of the notable channels available as part of the wallet-friendly Live a Little package include: A&E, AMC, Animal Planet, BET, Bravo, CNBC, CNN, Comedy Central, CSPAN, Discovery Channel, Disney, E!,
For anyone on the fence about subscribing, you might be interested to know that AT&T is giving away free Apple TV devices to new subscribers who commit to a three month subscription. Users willing to commit to a one month subscription will receive a free Amazon Fire TV stick. All told, DirecTV Now is arguably the type of TV streaming service Apple should have launched.
Other devices compatible with DirecTV Now include Android smartphones and tablets, iPhones, iPads, Chromecast and Google Cast. Compatible browsers for the PC and Mac crowd include Internet Explorer, Safari and Google Chrome.
As far as usability goes, each subscription allows up to two simultaneous streams, making it a less than ideal solution for large families with multiple TVs. It’s also worth noting that the service does not include any DVR functionality, though that may be coming as an additional feature later on down the line. Lastly, DirecTV Now users have the ability to sign up for HBO for just $5/month.
