Samsung TV Plus could be coming to non-Samsung TVs, starting with TCL's lineup. Samsung TV Plus is a free streaming service that comes with Samsung smart TVs and even some of its smart monitors. The streaming service offers a mix of live TV stations as well as TV shows and movies on demand. Unlike other popular streaming services such as Prime Video and Netflix, Samsung TV Plus doesn't require a subscription. Users don't even have to create an account to use it. However, there are ads, just like on live TV.
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Samsung is reportedly in talks with other TV manufacturers, including TCL, to pre-install the Samsung TV Plus app on their TVs. This way it can grow the user base for the service. The information was reported in Janko Roettgers' LowPass newsletter (first spotted by The Verge) in which he disclosed that Samsung was already in talks with some of its rivals in the TV market. While Roettgers mentions that TCL is one of the TV brands Samsung recently talked to, it is not known if the app will ship with TCL's 2023 smart TV lineup, given that there's no official confirmation from the brand yet.
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Samsung TV Plus Has Hundreds Of Live TV Channels
For a service established in 2015, Samsung TV Plus isn't doing badly. Samsung provides up to 1,800 live TV channels, 500 of which were added just in 2022. Those in the U.S. can watch more than 200 channels, and according to information provided to investors in 2022, it has 17.4 million active monthly users in the region. By bundling the app with TVs from its rivals, Samsung can reach even more users.
Previously, users needed a Samsung TV to watch Samsung TV Plus, but in 2020, it brought the service to smartphones and tablets before releasing a web version in 2021. So technically, users of non-Samsung TVs can stream Samsung TV Plus on their TV if they have a browser installed. However, an app should provide a better experience. Speaking of which, Samsung TV Plus recently received a visual makeover that includes a dark theme. Samsung also added new and popular shows such as Top Gear and NCIS.
Prior to Samsung deciding to partner with other brands for its TV Plus app, it reportedly tried to get them to license some of its exclusive channels in which it had invested millions of dollars, but that didn't work out. Meanwhile, the company has already licensed its Tizen OS operating system to other brands in select countries. With that, it can still bundle the Samsung TV Plus app with non-Samsung TVs and TV boxes.
