Comcast Launches New Streaming Box

Comcast said Thursday that it will launch a $5-a-month streaming platform for internet-only customers, targeting consumers who have ditched traditional pay TV for online video streaming.

According to to philly.com, the new service, called Xfinity Flex, will let customers access their subscriptions to such streaming services as Netflix and Amazon Prime, as well as 10,000 free movies and shows, including live TV from ESPN3 and other networks. It will come with a 4K HDR streaming box and a voice remote. The service will debut March 26.

Xfinity Flex is Comcast’s response to an ongoing trend of consumers dropping traditional cable TV for less expensive internet-based streaming services. Comcast lost about 371,000 cable subscribers last year, according to market research firm MoffettNathanson.

The product is similar to Comcast’s X1 video platform for cable subscribers. It aggregates streaming services that customers pay for, such as HBO and Showtime, and free ad-supported live TV services such as Cheddar and Pluto TV. Consumers can also rent or purchase movies through the service and listen to music on such applications as Pandora.

Xfinity Flex will eventually allow customers to instantly upgrade to traditional pay-TV service, because the equipment will already be installed. The platform will also let customers manage internet-connected devices, such as security cameras, from the TV screen. Xfinity Flex is available only for customers within Comcast’s footprint.

An Amazon Fire Stick and Roku Streaming Stick have similar capabilities, letting consumers access streaming services on one platform. Those products cost roughly $40 upfront and don’t have an ongoing rental fee like Xfinity Flex.