Foxtel to ‘revolutionise’ TV with Netflix integration, increased on-demand offering and simplified interface
“Welcome to the new Foxtel experience” was the rallying cry from Foxtel CEO Patrick Delany as he unveiled upgrades and updates in a bid to position Foxtel as a real competitor in the subscription video on demand contest.
The ‘revolution’ includes more on-demand content, a new, simplified user interface, and an integration with Netflix, which places Netflix and Foxtel content side-by-side.
The launch event today aimed to show media buyers, marketers and TV/ content consumers that they really can “have it all” with Foxtel.
“Our aspiration has always been… to put all of our content on demand for our customers, so they can get the most out of our content – the best of TV, live, and on-demand, all in one place,” Delany said, noting the company has been working towards this since 2005, but that Australia’s internet limitations previously curtailed this dream.
“Well today, from now, we can deliver on that promise.”
Delany said the on-demand Foxtel library is now unmatched in Australia in terms of its value and quality.
Despite the apparently unmatched library, Foxtel has also gotten into bed with streaming rival, Netflix, saying the move will simplify the content viewing experience for consumers, who are sick of jumping between platforms, inputs and apps, with different remotes, experiences and expectations.
“Now, Netflix is Australia’s favourite streaming platform. And today I’m able to announce that Netflix has been completely integrated in a very deep way into the new Foxtel experience. So Foxtel and Netflix side by side,” he said, stressing the integration’s simplicity.
New and existing customers (who re-sign a new contract) will be able to get sport and drama on a 12-month contract, including six months of free Netflix, for $58 per month.
The increased focus on the on-demand experience, combined with the Netflix integration, will be supported by a simpler user interface, which will be rolled out across the country in coming months.
“It’s completely fresh in its look and feel,” Delany said. “It’s been simplified. It’s driven by amazingly smart software, and you can discover at the touch of a button 16,000 hours of TV.
“We have made it simple to deliver on the promise of the best of TV and on demand all in one place. Simple, just like TV should be.”
The new interface, however, is a big project, with over 1m households currently using the iQ3 and iQ4 set-top boxes. From today, Delany said, 50,000 of these households will start to get the upgrades, with the software upgrades completed by November.
“It will unlock all of the on-demand content, new interface, and all of the smarts. So this is very, very big in scale, and it’s going to have an immediate impact. 1m Australian households getting the new Foxtel experience, should revolutionise the way things are,” Delany said.
And despite continuing questions about the future of subscription television, and in particular Foxtel, as the world moves towards streaming giants and new consumption habits, Delany was upbeat about the revolution, Foxtel’s longevity and what it can offer consumers.
“That is the Foxtel promise – to put the best of TV and on demand in one place. To make TV simple, the way it should be. To make it great value. And we’ll continue on that journey,” he said.
“Foxtel’s always been a place where we like to put everything that’s the best in one place. The best for our customers. Anything they love, and it doesn’t have to be owned by Foxtel ourselves… That is what makes Foxtel different. Everything is in one place. No one else puts sport, movies, documentaries, kids, comedy, everything, together. And of course it’s the best of the best. That’s our goal, that’s our promise.”
Keeps your friends close and your enemies closer.
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Still not worth the money.
I was paying $40 a month for the full package, still jacked it because there was nothing worth watching on it, it’s all repeats and adverts.
They destroyed the NBN to protect this cash cow and it’s still dying.
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The cord cutting cliff-edge is coming PD.
Foxtel on the bleeding edge as always….overseas Netflix was even integrated into the incredibly clunky Virgin Media box in 2016!!
https://www.siliconrepublic.com/play/virgin-media-horizon-netflix
Plus you missed out “Foxtel’s full-service offering lost about 100,000 subscribers in the first three months of the year, and News Corp was forced to step in and cover debts maturing in April.” Fairfax
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Fox On Demand with the new box doesn’t have ads or repeats? I’ve had Netflix for yonks and I can happily say I always find something quicker on Foxtel than I will on Netflix any day!
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Agree 100%
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Shuffling deck chairs on the Titanic? Too many chiefs, too many offers, too many missed opportunities, too many people coming and going. And then there is Kayo filling the ‘sport’ gap. Why would I use Foxtel if I have Netflix and I can use Kayo only when I need it? Proof me wrong Foxtel.
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Suggest working on the UX. It’s dreadful.
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Doesn’t really matter what FOXTEL do someone will complain and whinge in the Mumbrella articles.
How anyone can find a negative for the consumer here is beyond me. Joisus people, relax
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Conveniently ignoring the innovative competitor that is Fetch TV, who has had Netflix (plus Stan and Hayu for that matter) integration for ages, Foxtel pumps out the untruth that “That is what makes Foxtel different. Everything is in one place. No one else puts sport, movies, documentaries, kids, comedy, everything, together.” Foxtel customers must be a gullible lot.
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I’m convinced all the streaming services are in a competition to see who can have the worst UI. In current pole position is Amazon Prime, followed closely by Stan, but with this news it looks like a new super-contender alliance for “Shithouse Experience” has emerged.
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Exactly.
They could announce they were giving every Australian $1 million and people would still complain
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Spot on with the gullibility. Anyone who actually pays to have ad-laden TV served up to them deserves everything they get.
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Deckchairs. Titanic.
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The IQ4 UX is a game changer for Foxtel. Better than Netflix and light years ahead of Prime. Kicking Foxtel is fun but I reckon this could be a win.
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Stan ($17) + Netflix ($14) = $31 p/m
Foxtel ($58)+ Netfliex ( 6 months free) = $58 p/m
Foxtel doesn’t look like a good deal to me…
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How much sport is in that Netflix + Stan deal Steve?
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The gap is Made up in live sport
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Add in Kayo for $25 p/m and you’re still ahead
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So where does that leave me – I don;t want sport – at all
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Too expensive for most people. If Foxtel want to broaden their base then drop the cost by at least 50% so we don’t feel like were being ripped off. I hope their customer base drops considerably.
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