Google Unplugged Video Service To Launch

Google could be next to roll out a streaming video service – Google Unplugged – as soon as February. Some are calling the launch of the service “imminent.”

According to those close to the issue, the tech giant has struck deals with CBS, Disney, Viacom and 21st Century Fox for the service. And there is indication that Time Warner is also involved in the talks. The new service was planned to be announced during the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas earlier this month, but technical delays and final contracts tied up the true unveiling.

Google Unplugged is slated to be operated by Google-owned YouTube and will be yet another on-demand subscription option among the likes of Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Instant Video, Sling Orange and Vevo. The new service will likely be less expensive than the options available through cable or satellite providers.

Details are still rolling out, but Google Unplugged’s pricing is slated to be less than $40 per month. In comparison, Sony’s Vue charges $45 to $55, and DirectTV Now is running a promotional price of $35 per month with rates eventually upticking to over $60.

At the same time, cable-like streaming services are staying in the competition to fight for consumers attention, literally. DirectTV Now, which is owned by AT&T, launched as a satellite service around Thanksgiving last year, joined the market along with PlayStation Vue (owned by Sony) and Sling TV (owned by Dish Network).

Its competitor Hulu is owned by Fox, Disney, NBC Universal and Time Warner and has plans to launch a cable-like service later this year. And yet another competitor, Amazon, has plans of a live streaming sports event package under the Amazon Prime Video umbrella.