PlayStation Vue was a cloud-based streaming service that allowed users to stream live TV, movies, and sports without the need for a traditional cable subscription. Launched in 2015, the service quickly gained popularity among cord-cutters and gamers alike. However, in 2020, Sony announced that it would be discontinuing PlayStation Vue, citing a shift in focus towards its core gaming business. But will PlayStation Vue come back?
The Rise And Fall Of PlayStation Vue
PlayStation Vue was first launched in March 2015, initially available in select cities across the United States. The service offered a range of channels, including major networks like ABC, CBS, and NBC, as well as popular cable channels like ESPN and FX. Users could access the service through their PlayStation 3 or PlayStation 4 consoles, as well as through the PlayStation Vue app on other devices.
One of the key features that set PlayStation Vue apart from other streaming services was its focus on live TV. Unlike services like Netflix, which focused on on-demand content, PlayStation Vue allowed users to watch live TV, including sports and news. This made it a popular choice among cord-cutters who wanted to ditch their traditional cable subscription but still wanted to be able to watch live TV.
However, despite its popularity, PlayStation Vue struggled to compete with other streaming services. In 2020, Sony announced that it would be discontinuing the service, citing a shift in focus towards its core gaming business. The service officially shut down on January 30, 2020.
Why Did PlayStation Vue Fail?
So why did PlayStation Vue fail? There are a number of reasons that contributed to the service’s demise. One of the main reasons was the increasing competition in the streaming market. When PlayStation Vue first launched, it was one of the only streaming services that offered live TV. However, over the years, other services like Sling TV, YouTube TV, and Hulu with Live TV entered the market, offering similar features and pricing.
Another reason for PlayStation Vue’s failure was its pricing. The service was initially priced at $49.99 per month, which was higher than many of its competitors. While the service did offer a range of channels, including some that were not available on other services, the high price point made it less attractive to many users.
Finally, PlayStation Vue’s focus on live TV may have ultimately been its downfall. While live TV was a key feature of the service, it also limited its appeal to users who were looking for on-demand content. Unlike services like Netflix, which offered a vast library of on-demand content, PlayStation Vue’s focus on live TV made it less appealing to users who wanted to be able to watch content on their own schedule.
Will PlayStation Vue Come Back?
So will PlayStation Vue come back? While there has been no official announcement from Sony, there are a few reasons to believe that the service may make a comeback in some form.
One reason is the growing demand for live TV streaming services. While on-demand content is still popular, there is a growing demand for live TV streaming services that offer users the ability to watch live sports, news, and other events. This demand has led to the launch of new services like Peacock and HBO Max, which offer live TV streaming in addition to on-demand content.
Another reason to believe that PlayStation Vue may come back is Sony’s continued investment in its streaming technology. While the company may have discontinued PlayStation Vue, it has continued to develop its streaming technology, including its cloud gaming service, PlayStation Now. This technology could potentially be used to launch a new streaming service that offers live TV and on-demand content.
Possible Features Of A New PlayStation Vue Service
If PlayStation Vue were to come back, what features might it offer? Here are a few possibilities:
- Improved Pricing: One of the main criticisms of PlayStation Vue was its high price point. A new service might offer more competitive pricing, potentially with tiered pricing options that allow users to choose the channels they want.
- More On-Demand Content: While live TV was a key feature of PlayStation Vue, a new service might offer more on-demand content, potentially including a library of movies and TV shows.
- Cloud Gaming Integration: A new PlayStation Vue service might integrate with Sony’s cloud gaming service, PlayStation Now, allowing users to access a library of games in addition to live TV and on-demand content.
- Enhanced User Interface: A new service might offer an enhanced user interface, potentially with features like personalized recommendations and improved search functionality.
Alternatives To PlayStation Vue
While PlayStation Vue may not be available, there are a number of alternative streaming services that offer live TV and on-demand content. Here are a few options:
- Sling TV: Sling TV is a popular streaming service that offers live TV and on-demand content. The service is available in two tiers, Sling Orange and Sling Blue, each of which offers a different set of channels.
- YouTube TV: YouTube TV is a streaming service that offers live TV and on-demand content. The service includes a range of channels, including major networks and popular cable channels.
- Hulu with Live TV: Hulu with Live TV is a streaming service that offers live TV and on-demand content. The service includes a range of channels, including major networks and popular cable channels.
Comparison Of Alternatives
Here is a comparison of the alternatives to PlayStation Vue:
| Service | Pricing | Channels | On-Demand Content |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sling TV | $25-$40 per month | 30-50 channels | Limited on-demand content |
| YouTube TV | $50 per month | 70+ channels | On-demand content from YouTube |
| Hulu with Live TV | $54.99 per month | 60+ channels | On-demand content from Hulu |
Conclusion
While PlayStation Vue may not be available, there are a number of alternative streaming services that offer live TV and on-demand content. If PlayStation Vue were to come back, it would likely need to offer improved pricing, more on-demand content, and enhanced features in order to compete with these alternatives. However, with Sony’s continued investment in its streaming technology, it’s possible that we may see a new streaming service from the company in the future.
What Is PlayStation Vue?
PlayStation Vue was a cloud-based streaming service that allowed users to stream live TV, movies, and sports without the need for a traditional cable or satellite subscription. It was launched in 2015 by Sony Interactive Entertainment and was available in the United States until its discontinuation in 2020.
The service offered a range of channels, including popular networks such as ESPN, CNN, and HBO, as well as on-demand content and a cloud DVR feature. PlayStation Vue was available on a variety of devices, including PlayStation consoles, smart TVs, and mobile devices.
Why Did PlayStation Vue Shut Down?
PlayStation Vue shut down in January 2020 due to increased competition in the streaming market and rising costs. The service struggled to compete with other popular streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Sling TV, which offered similar content at lower prices.
Additionally, the cost of licensing content from major networks and studios continued to rise, making it difficult for PlayStation Vue to maintain profitability. Despite efforts to revamp the service and offer more competitive pricing, Sony ultimately decided to discontinue PlayStation Vue.
Will PlayStation Vue Make A Comeback?
There has been no official announcement from Sony regarding the return of PlayStation Vue. However, the company has not ruled out the possibility of reviving the service in some form in the future.
If PlayStation Vue were to make a comeback, it would likely require significant changes to its business model and content offerings. Sony would need to find a way to differentiate the service from other streaming options and offer a more competitive pricing structure.
What Alternatives Are Available To PlayStation Vue Subscribers?
There are several alternatives available to former PlayStation Vue subscribers, including other live TV streaming services such as Sling TV, YouTube TV, and Hulu with Live TV. These services offer similar channel lineups and features, including cloud DVR and on-demand content.
Additionally, subscribers can also consider switching to traditional cable or satellite TV providers, or opting for a combination of streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
Can I Still Use My PlayStation Vue Account?
No, PlayStation Vue accounts are no longer active, and users are not able to access the service or its content. All subscriptions were cancelled, and users were refunded for any unused portions of their subscription.
However, users can still access their PlayStation Vue account information and billing history through the Sony website.
What Happened To The PlayStation Vue App?
The PlayStation Vue app was removed from the PlayStation Store and other app stores in January 2020, following the discontinuation of the service. The app is no longer available for download, and users are not able to access the service through the app.
However, users can still access other streaming services through the PlayStation console, including Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.
Will Sony Launch A New Streaming Service?
There has been no official announcement from Sony regarding the launch of a new streaming service. However, the company has expressed interest in expanding its presence in the streaming market and has explored various options, including a potential partnership with other streaming providers.
If Sony were to launch a new streaming service, it would likely focus on offering a unique content lineup and features that differentiate it from other streaming options.