A new report claims that Google’s YouTube division is working on an internet-based cable TV service called “Unplugged”. The service could be a rival for Dish Network’s Sling TV and the upcoming effort from Hulu, among others.
According to Bloomberg:
The project, for which YouTube has already overhauled its technical architecture, is one of the online video giant’s biggest priorities and is slated to debut as soon as 2017, one of the people said. YouTube executives have discussed these plans with most major media companies, including Comcast Corp.’s NBCUniversal, Viacom Inc., Twenty-First Century Fox Inc. and CBS Corp., but have yet to secure any rights, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the talks are private.
The report adds that Google has been developing this service since 2012, but the company has been working harder on it in the past few months. Google launched its no-ad video subscription option, YouTube Red, in 2015. The service, which also includes a number of exclusive shows and films, costs $9.99 a month with a 30 day free trial.
