In a bid to take on Netflix and Stan directly, Foxtel has rebranded its IPTV based services into one single product called Foxtel Now.
Combining Foxtel Play, the live Internet streaming of its traditional broadcast channels, and its ever growing on demand library, Foxtel aims to give cord cutters a simple and easy to understand package that fully divorces the company's IPTV products to its cable and satellite offerings. This latest rebranding effort follows the demise of Foxtel backed Presto, a more of standard subscription streaming service that failed to compete with the likes of Netflix and Stan (and now, Amazon).
Starting at $10-$15 per month, Foxtel Now is priced at the same price points as the previously Presto plans and represent the cheapest way to get into Foxtel at the moment. For $10, users can choose from the Doco, Kids or Lifestyle packs, and for $15, they can get the "Pop" pack, which includes the most popular channels on Foxtel including all HBO drama content, or the more dedicated Drama pack that also includes HBO content, plus BBC and complete seasons found on the Box Sets channel.
In other words, there is now a way to watch Game of Thrones for only $15 a month!
In addition, there are also premium packs, for Movies and Sports, that must be purchased with one of the starter packs.
With over 16,000 on demand titles currently available, subscribers to Foxtel Now will also get to instantly stream any on demand content that already belongs to any of the packs they currently subscribe to (for example, if you subscribe to the Drama pack, you'll able to stream any BBC or HBO content on demand, plus complete series of shows featured as part of Box Sets).
Support for devices is still growing, but when launched this week, it will already be available on PC/Mac via the Google Chrome browser, Telstra TV, iOS and Android mobiles and tablets, and Chromecast. Subscribers can still also use the Foxtel Play app, available on multiple devices and including on the PS3/PS4, Xbox One, but only in SD (a Foxtel Now app for these devices will be coming soon).
Speaking at the launch event, Foxtel CEO Peter Tonagh described Foxtel Now as an evolution of the company's streaming ambitions.
“Foxtel Now represents our most flexible and affordable entertainment service and brings with it HD streaming, a great new look and feel and the freedom to jump in and out based on your viewing preferences,” said Tonagh.
Those interested in seeing what Foxtel Now offers can sign up to a two week free trial on the official Foxtel Now website.
