Movistar plus+ cuts off tvs: compatibility issues loom for subscribers
Movistar Plus+ is once again delivering unwelcome news to its customer base. Following recent price hikes for its Motor and Deportes Total packages, the streaming service is now introducing compatibility issues with a range of televisions, leaving many users facing disruption.
Smart tv blackouts coming in april
The update to Movistar Plus+ will render several Smart TVs obsolete, impacting subscribers starting in April. The operator has begun sending notifications to affected customers, informing them that their devices will no longer be compatible with the latest version of the platform.
This isn't a novel move. Similar to Netflix's recent truncation from thousands of TVs in March, Movistar Plus+ is prioritizing interface improvements and new features, even if it means alienating some users. The service is priced at €9.99 per month and offers access to football, series, and movies, with no commitment.
Specifically, Samsung TVs from 2012-2015, along with Blue Ray BD-K8500 and BD-KM85 models, are explicitly listed as incompatible. LG models from 2016 may experience resolution limitations. Google TV or Android TV devices requiring a system version prior to Android TV 6.0 (2015) will also be affected. While alternatives like Fire TV Sticks and Google TV Streamers exist, they represent an added expense for consumers.
The app will cease functioning on incompatible TVs starting April 1st, requiring users to utilize alternative devices to access the platform. Movistar states the goal is to deliver the best possible user experience, and this move is framed as a necessary step in that direction. The implications, however, are clear: a significant portion of Movistar Plus+ subscribers will need to upgrade their hardware or find a workaround to continue enjoying the service.
The company's decision highlights the ongoing tension between streaming services continually evolving their platforms and the hardware that supports them. This situation underscores the rapidly changing landscape of home entertainment and the potential for consumer frustration when technology outpaces device capabilities. The long-term impact on Movistar Plus+'s subscriber retention remains to be seen.