The week in over-the-top provides a recap of recent news related to streaming initiatives in the U.S. from various networks and platforms.
Top News
* Walt Disney Co. unveiled additional details about its upcoming Disney+ streaming service that is set to debut Nov. 12. Disney+ will offer unlimited downloads; ultra-high-definition viewing experience with up to 4K Ultra HD video playback in Dolby Vision ultra-vivid imaging, HDR10 and Dolby Atmos immersive audio on supported devices for available programming; ad-free viewing; concurrent streaming and multiple languages, among other features, according to an Aug. 23 news release.
* Netflix Inc. is testing a new "Collections" feature that will show titles curated by people on the company's creative teams, TechCrunch.com reported Aug. 23, citing screenshots shared online. The feature, which is being tested on iOS, will organize content into factors such as genre, tone, story line and character traits.
In other platform news
* Corus Entertainment Inc.'s Corus Studios struck a global streaming partnership with Netflix. As part of the partnership, Canadian original series "Rust Valley Restorers" is now available on Netflix, the company said Aug. 23.
* YouTube TV began offering AMC Networks Inc.'s subscription streaming services Acorn TV and UMC as add-on channels to subscribers, according to an Aug. 22 statement. A subscription to Acorn TV's add-on channel costs $6 per month, while UMC's add-on channel is worth $5 per month.
* Netflix will premiere the third season of adult animated comedy "Big Mouth" on Oct. 4, Variety reported Aug. 21. The second season of documentary series "Abstract: The Art of Design" will begin streaming on the platform Sept. 25, according to the report.
* Apple Inc. is eyeing a November launch for its streaming platform Apple TV+, Bloomberg News reported Aug. 20. The company is reportedly considering a monthly subscription fee of $9.99 for the service. Apple is allocating about $6 billion for original content on Apple TV+, London's Financial Times reported Aug. 20, citing sources.
* In more Disney+ news, Disney will launch the direct-to-consumer service in Canada and the Netherlands on Nov. 12, the same day it bows in the U.S. The new multiplatform streaming service will launch in Australia and New Zealand a week later, on Nov. 19. Disney+ will debut in the U.S. for $6.99 per month, or $69.99 annually, on a stand-alone basis, or for $12.99 per month when bundled with ESPN+ and the basic subscription video-on-demand service from Hulu LLC. Disney+ will offer content from Marvel, Pixar, Disney, National Geographic and the "Star Wars" franchise.
* Altice USA Inc. struck a deal to offer CuriosityStream LLC, a subscription video-on-demand service, to all Optimum and Suddenlink customers. The carriage deal will provide Optimum and Suddenlink video and broadband customers with complimentary access to CuriosityStream content, according to an Aug. 19 news release.
* Roku Inc.'s TV and movie streaming service, The Roku Channel, is adding a new kids and family content offering. The "Kids & Family" offering includes shows, movies, live linear and short-form video from various free and paid kids' channels, the company said Aug. 19. Users with premium subscriptions can view subscription-based kids and family content from Roku partners, including Hopster, Noggin and Zoomoo.
* Google LLC's YouTube LLC is making its original programming free and ad-supported for all viewers after Sept. 24, TechCrunch.com reported Aug. 19. YouTube Premium subscribers will be able to watch the content without ads.
* AT&T Inc. launched its live TV service AT&T TV in 10 test markets in California, Kansas, Missouri, Florida and Texas, Deadline.com reported Aug. 19. AT&T TV, which offers an over-the-top bundle of channels with a cloud DVR service, is expected to be rolled out across the U.S. by year-end.
* Warner Media LLC's upcoming streaming service HBO Max picked up an original comedy with the working title of "Let Them All Talk," according to an Aug. 19 report by The Hollywood Reporter. The film, directed by Steven Soderbergh, stars Meryl Streep and Gemma Chan.
* Netflix is working with U.S. filmmaker Kevin Smith to create a new animated "He-Man" series for the streaming platform, Variety reported Aug. 18. Smith will be showrunner and executive producer for the new series, dubbed "Masters of the Universe: Revelation."
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