Disney just provided a list of compatible device for its upcoming video streaming service, Disney+. The list includes nearly every major device on the planet, save for a crucial absence.
Disney+ is due out Nov. 12 in the United States. It costs $7 a month, or $70 if a customer chooses instead to pay annually. Countries such as Canada, the Netherlands, Australia, and New Zealand, will also be able to start streaming Disney+ in November.
Disney has said previously it aims to offer the service in most major global markets within two years of launching. It also revealed just recently a $13-per-month bundle that includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, although its availability remains to be determined.
Disney+ Compatible Devices
Disney also confirmed it has reached global agreements with other companies that will allow customers to access Disney+ on many of the devices they already use on a daily basis. At launch, users will be able to stream on Apple TV, Android phones, Android TV, Chromecast devices, Desktop web browsers, iPad, iPhone, PlayStation 4, Sony TVs, Roku devices, Roku TV, and Xbox One.
No Amazon Fire TV?
The most glaring omission is Amazon's Fire TV line of devices, though this absence might be temporary — there's always the possibility Disney adds Amazon's streaming sticks and media players down the line. Amazon Fire tablets will also be unsupported. As The Verge notes, it might be possible to sideload the app onto incompatible devices somehow, but there's no guarantee of this at the moment. As mentioned, Disney chose these devices thanks to "global distribution agreements in place," which suggests the company couldn't land an agreement with Amazon in time for launch.
Disney+ Content
Apart from being able to access Disney+ on those aforementioned devices, customers will also be able to subscribe directly on several platforms, including iOS. Apple will of course be getting a cut of those subscriptions. Disney also plans to integrate its content with the Apple TV app so movies, original shows, and other programs will appear alongside other suggestions.
Clearly, Disney believes the service will be a big hit, and it's investing a lot of money for it to compete with the likes of Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Part of these efforts is a slate of new content that includes at least four shows in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a High School Musical series, and a project involving Monsters Inc.
That, coupled with the aforementioned Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ bundle that makes the service attractive to people who might not necessarily enjoy Disney's content, is a lever strategy to bring the service to as many people as possible in such a short time.
