DirecTV Now, a US-only subscription streaming television service owned by carrier AT&T, is about to raise prices across all its packages by $5, effective of August 1.
AT&T is raising prices across all DirecTV Now packages come August 1
Apps
Video Resizer, YourApparel, AdLottery, and other apps to check out this weekend
This week's edition of our Apps of the Week roundup features a video editor and resizer, an app that helps you select outfits, and an app that pays you to watch ads (if you're lucky). And as usual, we've picked two great new games for you to check out.
Cosmic-Watch once again captures our universe in stunning detail
Back in 2016, we positively reviewed the Cosmic-Watch app for iPhone and iPad. Priced at $4.99, the universal app shows you the relationship between time and the cosmos using stunning 3D graphics. Now, the app is out with its most significant update since first launching and, yes, it’s out of this world.
Apple Maps lane guidance expands to Croatia and Slovenia
Apple Maps customers in Croatia and Slovenia can now use a lane guidance feature.
Skinny AT&T WatchTV live streaming service arrives on iOS and Apple TV
AT&T has officially launched the company’s new live streaming service, WatchTV. Available to AT&T customers on iOS and Apple TV, the service is a free add-on for those using one of the company’s newest cellular plans, Unlimited &More, and Unlimited &More Premium. It's also available to non-AT&T wireless customers for $15 per month.
Announced earlier this month, the WatchTV offers over 30 channels that you can live streaming, including breaking news and film channels. It doesn’t include sports programming. There’s also 15,000 titles you can watch on demand.
With an Unlimited &More Premium plan, you can also add one of several premium services to your subscription plan for free, including HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, Starz, Amazon Music Unlimited, Pandora Premium, or VRV.
WatchTV comes with three limitations, besides the lack of sports programming. First, it doesn’t offer a cloud DVR feature. Second, you can only stream on up to two devices at the same time. There’s also no local channels.
Besides iOS and Apple TV, WatchTV is available on Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Google Chromecast.
Who's this for? AT&T also owns DirecTV (and DirectTV Now, of course), so it's worth wondering why the company's launching something like WatchTV.
Back in May, just before receiving U.S. approval to buy Time Warner, AT&T CFO John Stephens explained: "AT&T Watch would be a very low end, very thin collection of products."
On this point, I would agree, although I'm certain confusion will still reign, given the increasing number of live streaming packages out there trying to get your business. Still, skinny bundles are gaining in popularity, so AT&T's move does make sense.
For more information on WatchTV, AT&T invites you to its website. You can download the WatchTV app from the App Store.
Will you be sampling AT&T's newest offering? Let us know below.
Chart: TechHive
Samsung will unveil Note 9 on August 9
Samsung earlier in the week sent out press invites for its upcoming annual Unpacked press event that is scheduled to take place on Thursday, August 9, at 11am ET.
DC Universe is a new video streaming service for super fans
Warner Bros. is unleashing a digital subscription service for its biggest DC Comics fans. DC Universe will offer all-new live-action and animated series, classic TV series, and films, and more, the new service arrives for iOS and Android users in beta format in August followed by its official launch in the fall.Â
The best iPhone apps for outdoor allergy sufferers
If you suffer from outdoor or seasonal allergies, then you know how difficult it can be. You need to be prepared for that certain time of year and those high counts in air.
Having an allergy app on your mobile device can help. You can see what’s coming and what’s happening at the moment. Plus, if your allergies seem to be changing over time, you can see what’s in the air causing your sniffles.
Get ready, Pokémon Quest arrives on iOS and Android
There's a new Pokémon game ready for your attention. Pokémon Quest is launching today, June 27, around the world on iOS and Android devices. The game launched first on the Nintendo Switch late last month.
Internal app store of third-party gaming titles is apparently coming to Snapchat this fall
Snapchat is reportedly gearing up to launch an internal app store of gaming titles this fall.
The iTunes Remote app gets revamped and updated with iOS 12 & iPhone X support
Apple hasn't forgotten about iTunes Remote, a dedicated iPhone and iPad app for remote control of desktop iTunes from anywhere in your home. A new updated that dropped yesterday brings out an all-new look along with a brand new app icon and full support for iOS 12 and the edge-to-edge Super Retina display on iPhone X.
Enhance your Mac experience with the new Parallels Toolbox Packs
Parallels, primarily known for offering Windows-on-Mac software solutions, has introduced three new tools for 2018. Each of the new Toolbox Packs can enhance the daily Mac experience and cater to a different type of user.