Foxtel Launches Low-cost HD Streaming Service Foxtel Now

Foxtel has today revamped, re-envisioned and relaunched its defunct Foxtel Play streaming service with the newly unveiled Foxtel Now, a low-cost platform designed to enable a broader range of existing and potential customers to access the shows they want, when and where they want.

Billed as an "evolution" of Foxtel Play, the service comes set-up cost-free with no lock-in contracts, encompassing HD streaming with a new interface and Google Chromecast compatibility.

Foxtel Now features five entry-level packs: Drama and Pop ($15 a month each or $25 together) plus Lifestyle, Docos and Kids ($10 a month each). Responding to Aussies' demand for Game Of Thrones, both the Drama and Pop packages include the showcase channel, on which HBO's acclaimed series screens.

On top of the entry-level packs, Movies ($20 a month) and Sports ($29 a month) are available, and all things considered there will be more than 16,000 titles readily available through the service's on-demand library.

"Foxtel Now is here and we’re thrilled to share it with customers hungry for the best choice in live sport, new movies, TV and complete seasons," Foxtel chief executive Peter Tonagh said in a statement. "Over the past few months we’ve introduced some fantastic new changes to our subscription streaming service including lowering the entry point to $10 per month and launching on Telstra TV. As part of the evolution of our streaming service, we felt the time was perfect to relaunch the service as Foxtel Now.

"Foxtel Now represents our most flexible and affordable entertainment service and brings with it HD streaming, a great new look and feel and the freedom to jump in and out based on your viewing preferences."

The app will launch tomorrow on PC and Mac for Google Crhome, as well as Telstra TV, iOS, Android and Chromecast. Ports for PS3 and 4, Xbox One and select smart TVs are in the pipeline for the near future, though standard-def is still available across the board.

"From tomorrow, all Australians can watch what they want, when they want and where they want at a price that suits them best, from low-price, no-commitment, HD streaming up to a state-of the art viewing experience via our cable and satellite iQ3 set top box," Tonagh said.

For more information, or to try out a free two-week trial, see Foxtel Now's website.