Foxtel has completely revamped its user interface for its iQ3 and iQ4 customers to make it even easier to access their content and has now included Netflix as part of the enhanced entertainment experience.
From today, Netflix will be accessible directly from the new look Foxtel menu so iQ4 customers can enjoy the popular streaming service without switching sources or leaving the Foxtel environment. Foxtel is offering a deal with the Sports, Entertainment and Drama pack for $58 a month with a bonus six-month Netflix subscription.
The redesigned Foxtel interface helps viewers see the new programs on offer and makes it easier to navigate the movies, Tv shows and genres.
It can also offer recommendations based on what you’ve already viewed so you can discover new programs.
The interface is also a shortcut to more than 16,000 hours of TV on demand including entire series that can be viewed whenever you want.
On the Netflix side, viewers who have subscribed to the 4K Netflix service will be able to stream 4K HDR (high dynamic range) Netflix content from the iQ4 box and enjoy the quality on their 4K HDR TV.
Existing Netflix customers who also happen to have the iQ4 box can simply just sign in to their Netflix account once they receive the software update.
There’s also a new remote control which now has dedicated buttons to TV shows, movies, sport and, of course, Netflix.
The new piano black remote control also has illuminated voice control and home buttons which instantly light up when you pick it up.
Foxtel will offer the new remote to new iQ4 customers for free.
Tech Guide understands Foxtel will also send the new remote to loyal customers who have been subscribers for eight years and longer.
For everyone else, the remote will cost $49.
“We want our customers to have the best of TV and on demand in Australia all in one place,” said Foxtel CEO Patrick Delany.
“With our new user interface, accessing Foxtel’s 16,000 hours of TV and on demand content is as simple for customers as one-click on the home button of their existing remote control.
“I can’t think of a better streaming partner to kick off The New Foxtel Experience than Netflix.
“The new customer interface puts two entertainment powerhouses together providing Foxtel customers with access to Netflix service alongside our Foxtel Originals and programs from HBO, FX, the BBC and more.
“More than 1.1 million iQ3 and iQ4 set top boxes are already installed in our customers’ homes.
“Starting today, The New Foxtel Experience simplifies the way iQ4 users can enjoy Foxtel’s incredible range of drama, sport and movies as well as the best of video on demand, with the experience coming to iQ3 users coming shortly after.
“So whether customers crave Wentworth or Orange is the New Black; Lambs of God or Stranger Things; Big Little Lies or The Crown, they will find it, and more, on Foxtel.”
The new Foxtel interface will rollout to iQ4 customers first with software updates pushed out to boxes and remotely managed in the coming weeks and months with iQ3 customers shortly after.
Ray Morgan CEO Michele Levine says the partnership between Foxtel and Netflix will provides benefits for both platforms.
“Enabling the 5 million Australians with household access to Foxtel to view the streaming service through their Foxtel IQ box is a solid defensive measure to help prevent existing Foxtel subscribers ditching the service to move to cheaper alternatives and provides an extra incentive for new users to sign up for Foxtel,” Levine said.
“The proliferation of cheap streaming video services led by Netflix in recent years has provided the biggest challenge yet to Foxtel’s traditional business model and there are more cashed up competitors on the way.
“Nearly 3 million Australians already watch the Australian-owned Stan and services including Amazon Prime Video and YouTube Premium are growing quickly.
“The more Foxtel can be regarded as the ‘gateway’ to video content from the likes of Netflix, and perhaps other rival services in future, the more access Foxtel will gain to detailed user data metrics that will help them tailor their services, and advertising, to individual viewing preferences and the more valuable their service will in turn be to advertisers looking for an audience.”
“For Netflix the ability to link up with Foxtel’s News and Sport services and be a frictionless option for the two million Foxtel viewers who don’t currently access Netflix is an opportunity for growth in a market which may be reaching maturity.”
