Upstart streamer Philo, which launched on a handful of devices in November 2017 and has expanded to many others in the year since, gave Android TV users an early Christmas gift this week with a launch on the platform.
Philo is a $16-a-month SVOD service with live and on-demand programming from cable networks like A&E, AMC, Discovery, Hallmark and HGTV, and digital networks like Cheddar, Tastemade and PeopleTV.
With Philo’s launch on Android TV — the TV platform for Sony Bravia smart TVs and Nvidia Shield devices — the service is now available as an app for Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, iOS, Android and Android TV.
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Philo is also rolling out its Guide feature for Apple TV users in time for the holidays. With the update, Apple TV users will find a completely revamped Guide that allows users to scroll quickly through live and upcoming programming, see live previews of shows that are currently airing and record upcoming shows without leaving the Guide.
Philo has positioned itself as lower-cost alternative not only to $100-a-month satellite and cable plans but also as a lower-cost alternative to $40-a-month vMVPDs like DirectTV Now, YouTube TV and Hulu with Live TV. Philo’s base package currently includes 43 cable and digital channels for $16 a month and an expanded lineup of 56 channels is $20 a month.