What is the future of streaming series and movies together?
‘Group streaming’ is still too chaotic. The demand for this position has increased significantly in the past year, but the possibilities are still too limited. It’s time to explore the future of streaming together.
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Streaming together: 1, 2, 3.. chaos
Stream and chat remotely with a group. ‘Group streaming’ is still in its infancy. What will the future bring us? And what are the best options now? In this article we break it down for you.
Currently, only Amazon Prime Video and Disney Plus offer co-streaming capabilities. Other popular streaming services in the Netherlands, such as Netflix, HBO and Videoland, do not offer their own solution for easy viewing together. Families and groups of friends therefore mainly have to settle for Google Chrome extensions, such as TeleParty (formerly Netflix Party), Disney Plus Party, Scener and TwoSeven. Only then is it possible to watch a series or movie synchronized with friends. Thanks to this synchronization, there is at least one less source of chaos: viewers no longer have to count down and then (just not) simultaneously play to push.
Synchronization isn’t the only thing we expect from group streaming. We also want to be in touch with our friends. VideoParty and the mentioned group streaming extensions offer a chat function, but is that enough? It is a shame to frantically search for an emoji during a plot twist, while one exchange of views via a video chat is enough. For now, Scener and TwoSeven are the only extensions that offer video chatting.
I see, I see: the future of streaming together
Over the past year, streaming together has grown from a novelty to a necessity. Hopefully, that need will not be there forever. One day we will be able to watch our favorite series together again. The only question is: will group streaming remain relevant? The answer is: yes.
Now that we have discovered the possibility of co-streaming at scale, I expect it to become a regular part of the on demand landscape will remain, provided the quality is improved. Within this (much-needed) quality improvement lie opportunities for television manufacturers and game consoles
From laptop to TV
Many a laptop cannot match the image of a television. You only get a really good movie experience with a large and bright screen, right? Unfortunately, TVs do not offer the option of streaming and chatting together. Due to the absence of a built-in camera, microphone or keyboard, televisions lack the desired functions. As long as most televisions do not have a built-in camera, it is also possible to add an external webcam to your picture tube, but it is useful otherwise.
The right hardware also includes a suitable extension. Now you can already stream synchronously via the TV with Plex Watch Together, but chat and video features aren’t there yet.
A TV with camera, microphone and streaming extension is therefore a desirable situation. The technology is already there, it’s just a matter of merging it and putting it on the market.
What is the role of the game console?
Game consoles already play a major role in streaming via television. Add to that the fact that voice chats are very common in games and you have a good foundation for group streaming.
It’s just a matter of waiting for an application that supports streaming together with a Playstation or Xbox. Developing a group streaming app is a relatively easy way to make streaming together a little more enjoyable. Netflix is incredibly popular on consoles. This together results in a simple addition.
The power lies with the maker: the streaming services
Ultimately, all power lies with the streaming service itself. Streaming services may decide to no longer allow third parties to provide a group streaming service. They can block the content for third parties and tinker with hardware themselves. This will be the least advantageous scenario for the consumer. The exclusivity will result in a less rosy picture of the costs.
Ultimately, we hope to be back on the couch with our friends soon, but philosophizing about what the future of group streaming can bring (and cost) us is never wrong. The ball is now in the court of television and game console manufacturers and the streaming services. Ultimately, joining forces will ensure better quality. Scener is already a small step forward in this regard.
What is the best way to stream together?
For those who are now looking for a group streaming solution, the advice is to use Scener. This is because the application allows streaming from various services and is the only one that has a video chat function. Scener is also unique, because it was created in collaboration with streaming service HBO. However, this does not mean that the application is exclusive to HBO users. Content from other streaming services can also be synchronized to your heart’s content.
How do you see the future of streaming together? Share your thoughts about group streaming in the comments below.
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