Today, Fox and Disney launched their highly anticipated streaming apps: Fox One and ESPN. And ADWEEK is here to let you know what to expect.
Fox One, which showcases news, sports, and entertainment in one place, is available across web, mobile, and connected TV platforms, starting at $19.99 per month or $199.99 annually. Meanwhile, ESPN’s new streaming service is launching with a deal of $29.99 per month for 12 months in a bundle with Disney+ and Hulu with ads. Plus, on Oct. 2, customers will also have the opportunity to bundle Fox One with ESPN DTC Unlimited for $39.99 per month.
Ahead of the Fox One launch, which is looking to reach the more than 65 million cord-cutters and cord-nevers in the United States, Amit Dudakia, svp, head of product, Fox One, emphasized how the company embraced three core principles for the product: live first, unified experience, and AI where it matters. ESPN’s streamer is also embracing AI, utilizing it for personalization as it brings betting, fantasy sports, and commerce together, using the tagline “All of ESPN. All in One Place.”
To get a better sense of the apps and their functionalities, ADWEEK’s TV, media, and sports deputy editor Bill Bradley and TV reporter Saleah Blancaflor joined forces to test out the platforms and report back on everything from the ad experience to updated features and more.
Here are our honest opinions:
User experience
Saleah: I tried Fox One, and so far, it’s fine. I had some issues with the site and app crashing for me when I tried logging in this morning, and it froze for me a little bit this afternoon. However, it’s understandable to have some kinks on launch day.
When I finally got in, the home screen and interface were pretty straightforward and easy to navigate. I appreciate that Fox broke it out into four sections—For You, News, Sports, and Shows—to toggle between. I also like that it has a section dedicated to its live programming.
Bill: “It’s fine.” What a rousing endorsement. Uh, same with ESPN. I wasn’t prompted with an offer or anything through my normal Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN bundle account, so I assumed I was grandfathered in. After watching ESPN+ for a while (and thinking it was the new app), I realized, “This isn’t right.” Due to errors on the Hulu website, it took over an hour to switch my subscription to the new bundle with ESPN Unlimited. Eventually, I got a person on the live chat who said, “Since it’s a new plan, some issues might be expected.” Yep.