This year will mark the entrance of two notable giants, Apple and Disney, to the world of television streaming. Already we see streaming services like Amazon, Netflix, and Hulu collecting millions if not billions – so it’s not shocking that these two blue bloods want into the streaming business. Here’s a heads-up on what you can expect.
Disney+
Everything Disney owns will be migrating to this streaming service – including both classic Disney movies and their contemporary Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars catalogues. Exclusive to Disney+ will also include various original series produced specifically for Disney+. Early estimates have Disney+ coming in at a price that is competitive if not lower than what Netflix charges monthly.
Don’t forget that the Disney acquisition of Fox Studios later this year will also bring new properties into the Disney fold as well as a large chunk of Hulu, which will receive much of the non-family fare in the Fox library.
Disney is expected to reveal Disney+ to its investors on April 11th with an estimated public release in late 2019.
Apple
Apple has remained more tight-lipped about its upcoming service than they are about most iPhone launches – but what we do (think we) know is it is coming soon, possibly in April.
Apple’s strategy is different from other streaming services in that content will reportedly be free, with no subscription fee. There is a catch though – it’s only free on an Apple device like a Mac, iPad, iPhone or Apple TV device.
Apple’s big slate of original entertainment is impressive with the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Ronald D. Moore, M. Night Shyamalan, and the creators of Sesame Street have all signed on to create programs for the service. Meanwhile, Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Aniston, and Steve Carell are just a few of the stars Apple has enlisted to headline its shows.
Some estimates have Apple investing up to $1 billion on original content in 2018.
Check out FairlawnGig’s Quick Start Guide to Streaming to help you get started streaming television shows and movies on the FairlawnGig network.