YouTube TV, Google’s streaming live TV service, has finally been made available for Apple TV and Rokus. The expansion of the service to these TVs, with last October as its initial launch deadline, got delayed to the first quarter of 2018. And while Rokus were the first to receive the service this morning, YouTube TV’s Apple TV launch followed soon after.
YouTube TV, launched in Spring 2017, is a $35 a month subscription service that provides users with an alternative to traditional cable TV, and access to more than 50 networks as part of its initial package, along with purchasable add-ons.
The range of networks made available to users includes local networks like ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC along with major ones like AMC, ESPN, the Disney Channel, Fox News, and Bravo. Following its launch, the app was made available on PCs, phones, and tablets, and one had to cast the app from their phone to a Chromecast in order to watch it on an actual TV. But after today’s launch, the app can now be availed on a long list of devices, including Roku, Chromecast (Chromecast built-in TVs from Vizio and others), Xbox One, Android TV (including Nvidia Shield and newer Sony TVs), Samsung 2016 and 2017 smart TVs, LG 2016 and 2017 smart TVs, and Apple TV. Not only has the service expanded itself to include a wide range of devices, it has also spread to over 80 markets all over the United States, providing service to almost 80% of the US population.
If the wide array of networks made available were not enticing enough, YouTube TV subscribers can also store shows on unlimited cloud DVR, get personalized recommendations, and full grid-style programme guide. The app is also offering a free trial for its new subscribers, just in time to catch the big events like the Oscars and the Winter Olympics.
