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In this day and age of digital technology, we are subjected to the convenience of having everything within our fingertips. Any piece of information, access to goods, and various forms of media, even dating people can be done through the powerful tool that is the smartphone. Let us learn how to use apps to watch television.
A smartphone is pretty much a staple gadget for the great majority of people around the world, going beyond its main purpose of being a tool for communication, primarily. In this day and age, they are a source of entertainment as well. From games, social media platforms, and video streaming apps, everything can be accessed through a device that can fit right inside your front pocket.
Through the many tools and apps that can be used to pass those hours on a long-haul flight or while waiting in line at the bank, we will narrow everything down to three apps to use if you wish to watch television on your phone.
Sony Crackle
Available on both iOS and Android
If you are in search of an app that offers online movies, today’s most popular television shows, and some original programs as well, Sony Crackle would be a good app to start with. This platform offers a wide variety of genres, from an action, sci-fi, comedy, drama, romance, thriller, crime, fandom, horror, anime, and even sports programs.
It is considered to be Netflix’s major competitor, the major difference being that it is free of charge and can be supplemented with other subscriptions. It can be accessed via any means, whether through desktop computers, tablets, and of course, mobile phones. It is also available on streaming outlets such as Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV.
Crackle banners a number of award-winning titles of past years. Through this platform, you can enjoy shows such as Seinfeld, Shaun of the Dead, Stranger Than Fiction, Point Break, and Jerry Seinfeld’s original creation Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.
Pros:
As previously mentioned, accessing Crackle’s content is absolutely free of charge, and is mainly compensated through the advertising revenue it racks up.
Cons:
While the usage of this platform comes with zero cost because it is paid by ads, that in itself is a huge disadvantage. You will likely be interrupted by commercials in the middle of the film or show you are watching, which totals to up to three minutes. The title selection is also very limited, so if you are expecting a deep of a library like Netflix, you will be in for a disappointment.
Pluto TV
Available on iOS and Android
Another major development in terms of entertainment in this day and age of digital technology is Pluto TV. And similar to Sony’s Crackle, this streaming service is also free of charge.
Pluto TV will likely remind you of your very own cable TV back home, except that this one can be accessed absolutely anytime, anywhere, as long as there is a stable internet connection. You can select from a wide variety of content genres, from entertainment, comedies, news, sports, and movies.
On this platform, you will find content from channels such as CNBC, Bloomberg, and MSNBC, as well as sports programs like Glory Kickboxing, Impact Wrestling, World Poker Tour, and coverages from the Big Sky Network. And for entertainment nuts, you will have the pleasure of watching reruns of shows such as Dennis the Menace and Thunderbirds, as well as some other classic shows.
Apart from iOS and Android devices, Pluto TV can be accessed through Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, and the PlayStation 4.
Pros:
Everyone loves free content, and this is what Pluto TV has to offer. Users will be able to access its channels with no fees whatsoever. Similar to Crackle, it makes money through ad revenue.
Cons:
As expected, the major drawback of using this free app would be the ads that can be intrusive as you watch videos.
One thing that makes this platform standout, however, is that it offers a wider variety of content. Apart from videos, radio stations can also be accessed, by means of Dash Radio.
Tubi TV
Available on iOS and Android
If you visit Tubi TV’s official website, you will see its main slogan that encompasses its service into one simple line: Stream anywhere. This platform is available using any platform of your choosing, may it be iOS or Android, Apple TV, TiVo, Chromecast, PlayStation 4, and Xbox. It can also be accessed using Samsung’s Smart TVs, Sony’s Smart TVs, and Amazon Fire TV.
Through Tubi TV, users can gain access to a deep enough library of content, with new material added on a weekly basis. There is also a feedback section where you can voice out your sentiments, whether it be satisfaction or a clamor for some form of improvement.
Of course, comparing it with larger and bigger-named streaming services such as Netflix or Hulu would be a stretch. However, Tubi does have notable titles in its disposals, such as classic films like True Grit, Old boy, and Terminator, just to name a few.
Pros:
Once again, Tubi TV is a streaming service that is free of charge and makes money through ad revenue. So, you can expect the same minor drawback of being interrupted by random ads as you watch one of your favorite shows.
Cons:
While it is available all throughout the United States, Tubi has yet to make its way into Europe. According to its website as of July of this year, the sudden changes in EU laws since the GDPR went into effect in May of this year has affected the platform, as it deals with compliance issues. It did promise that it will be available in other regions of the world sooner than later.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, all three of these platforms bear the same pros and cons of having advertisements play out in the middle of videos. It is also important to note that all these APPs use personal data unless Wi-Fi is available. However, they all get the job done of providing ready entertainment for any smartphone owner on the go, almost anywhere in the world.
