Discovery Plus, the popular streaming service, is finally getting the overhaul it needs. Warner Bros. Discovery announced on Wednesday that it's migrating the service to the same technology used by its flagship streaming service Max, which should offer improved app and video performance.
The company says Discovery Plus will have a more "refined" homepage and navigation, along with better content recommendations. The video player will also now allow users to switch between episodes and content recommendations. This update is a welcome change, especially considering the current video player's laggy performance.
Other improvements include the ability to sign into the app using a QR code, as well as a way to share show recommendations through text or social media on mobile. These features will undoubtedly enhance the overall user experience, making it easier for subscribers to discover and engage with their favorite content.
The update comes as a relief to Discovery Plus subscribers, who have been waiting for improvements to the service. Even after the launch of Max, which folds in a lot of Discovery Plus content, the standalone app has largely lagged behind. This update could at least help justify the $1 price hike Discovery Plus rolled out earlier this year, bringing the ad-supported plan to $5.99/month and the ad-free plan to $9.99/month.
The move is seen as a strategic effort by Warner Bros. Discovery to strengthen its position in the highly competitive streaming market. By leveraging the technology used by Max, Discovery Plus can offer a more seamless and enjoyable experience for its users, ultimately driving user retention and acquisition.
The implications of this update are far-reaching, as it sets a new standard for streaming services to prioritize user experience and performance. As the streaming wars continue to heat up, it will be interesting to see how other services respond to this move. For now, Discovery Plus subscribers can look forward to a more refined and enjoyable streaming experience.