Dish Network's streaming TV service allows users to stream live and on-demand titles from popular cable channels, including ESPN, CNN and Cartoon Network for a monthly subscription of just $20 per month. While this may seem like a great option for those looking to cut the cord, the look of its user interface did need some work.
Now, the company has created a more personalized experience, announcing a brand new interface at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on Tuesday. To sweeten the deal, Sling also announced that is has added ESPN 3 integration for sports fans.
The new interface, which will start rolling out later this quarter, makes it easier for users to navigate, focusing more on the content rather than the channels.
Along with being able to watch favorite shows live or on-demand, the user will be able to personalize which titles they see and don't see in a new section called "My TV."
My TV features the user's favorite movies and TV series so that they no longer have to search for those titles in the library of content. Sling's new interface will learn the viewer's preferences over time to further filter and display the most relevant titles. That means if the user watches SportsCenter every night, Sling TV will bring this content up front and center in the guide.
The My TV section features a "favorites" ribbon that includes the channels and shows the viewer reports to liking, as well those it automatically detects as a favorite.
The My TV guide will also feature a recommendation engine that recommends shows, movies and sporting events to watch based on previous viewing habits, as well as a "What's Hot" filter ribbon to display content based on what other users are watching at the moment.
Sling TV will now also feature a "Continue Watching" ribbon under My TV so that all paused content can be found in one place.
Overall, content will be more organized with all the available movies, including new releases, titles on-demand and live films, all in the Movies tab, as well as all the available live and on-demand episodes of a particular series in one place.
Sports fans will also be pleased to hear that Sling CEO Roger Lynch also announced ESPN 3 integration, meaning thousands of exclusive live and replayed events will now be able to stream on Sling TV.
Previously, users would have to access ESPN 3 content via the WatchESPN app, but now, content such as Monday Night Football will play directly within Sling TV. With the improved and faster filtering capabilities of the new interface, users will be able to find ESPN 3 games by sport more easily.
Sports fans can also add on the Sports Extra pack with Outdoor Sports, the SEC Network, ESPNU, ESPNEWS and more for an additional $5 per month.
Source: Sling TV
