YouTube TV Makes Live Programming Mobile

Techies, students and frequent travelers have more options than ever when it comes to cutting the cord. Video streaming on web 2.0 means we no longer have to pay for hundreds of channels we’re never going to watch; however, for a long time, there were two problems only recently solved: live sports and news.

If you’re a sports enthusiast or news junkie, live television is a must. Networks now stream content through mobile devices, though access to certain channels depends on the service to which you subscribe. CNN, for example, isn’t offered on YouTube TV, the only place you can get CBS Sports and The CW. This mishmash of availability is confusing, so check out CNET’s handy chart to figure out which service is best for you.

Google’s service comes in the form of an iOS and Android app, separate from the original YouTube version, which some people wish were combined into one. As of right now, there aren’t any standalone apps for Android TV, Apple TV, Roku or Amazon Fire, so you’ll have to beam the content from your phone. DVR and on-demand content are available, though different networks have different preferences and rules for watching older episodes, so you might not be able to skip ads for some shows.

On the bright side, YouTube TV allows one $35 subscription to host up to six accounts, three of which can stream simultaneously. Each account has a separate log-in and content curation, so it’s perfect for sharing with friends, roommates and family. The service still has to mature compared to rivals like Sling TV and DirecTV Now, which offer a larger variety of content with different subscription tiers.