Group streaming is still far too chaotic. The demand for this position has increased significantly in the past year, but the possibilities are still too limited. It’s time to explore the future of streaming together.
Stream together: 1, 2, 3 … chaos
Stream and chat with a group remotely. Group streaming is still in its infancy. What will the future bring us? And what are the best options? In this article we break it down for you.
At the moment, only Amazon Prime Video and Disney Plus offer the possibility to stream together. Other popular streaming services in the Netherlands, such as Netflix, HBO and Videoland, do not offer their own solution for easy viewing together. Families and groups of friends therefore have to settle for Google Chrome extensions, such as TeleParty (formerly Netflix Party), Disney Plus Party, scener and TwoSeven. Only then is it possible to watch a series or film synchronized with friends. Thanks to this synchronization, there is at least one source of chaos less: viewers no longer have to count down and then (just not) simultaneously play to push.
Synchronization is not the only thing we expect from group streaming. We also want to be in touch with our friends. VideoParty and the aforementioned group streaming extensions offer a chat function, but is that enough? It is a shame to frantically search for an emoji during a plot twist, when one change of look via a video chat is enough. For the time being Scener and TwoSeven are the only extensions that offer the possibility of video chat.
I see, I see: the future of streaming together
Streaming together has become a necessity over the past year. Hopefully, that need will not be there forever. One day we will be able to watch our favorite series together again. The only question is: will group streaming remain relevant? The answer is yes.
Now that we’ve discovered the possibility of streaming together on a large scale, I expect it to be a regular feature within it on demand landscape remains, provided the quality improves. Within this (much needed) quality improvement there are opportunities for television manufacturers and game consoles
From laptop to TV
Many laptops cannot match the image of a television. You only get a really good movie experience with a large and clear screen, right? Unfortunately, TVs do not offer the possibility to stream and chat together. Due to the absence of a built-in camera, microphone or keyboard, televisions lack the desired functions. As long as most televisions do not have a built-in camera, it is also possible to add an external webcam to your picture tube, but handy is different.
The right hardware also includes a suitable extension. Now it is already possible to stream synchronously via the TV with Plex Watch Together, but chat and video features aren’t there yet.
A TV with camera, microphone and streaming extension is therefore a desirable situation. The technology is already there, it’s just a matter of putting it together and putting it on the market.
What is the role of the game console?
Game consoles already play a major role in streaming via television. Add to that the fact that voice chats are very common in games and you have a good foundation for group streaming.
It’s just waiting for an application that supports streaming together with a Playstation or Xbox. Developing a group streaming app is a relatively easy way to make streaming together a bit more enjoyable. In addition, Netflix is incredibly popular on consoles. This together results in a simple addition.
The power lies with the maker: the streaming services
Ultimately, all power lies with the streaming service itself. Streaming services may decide to no longer allow third parties to provide a group streaming service. They can block the content for third parties and tinker with hardware themselves. This will be the least advantageous scenario for the consumer. The exclusivity will result in a less rosy picture of the costs.
Ultimately, we hope to get back to the couch with our friends soon, but philosophizing about what the future of group streaming can bring us (and costs) is never wrong. The ball is now in the court of television and game console manufacturers and the streaming services. Ultimately, combining forces will ensure better quality. Scener is already a small step forward from this.
What is the best way to stream together?
For those who are now looking for a group streaming solution, the advice is to use Scener. This is because the application allows streaming of various services and is the only one that has a video chat function. Scener is also unique, because it was created in collaboration with streaming service HBO. However, this does not mean that the application is exclusive to HBO users. Content from other streaming services can also be synchronized to your heart’s content.
How do you see the future of streaming together? Share your thoughts about group streaming in the comments below.
These are our streaming tips from May
Netflix makes a large stack of new series and films available every day. On iPhone we look ahead every month at the new offer with the best tips.
Our New to Netflix guide for May will keep you up to date on the must-see series and movies. We also share our tips for Apple TV Plus and Disney Plus.
Check out previous streaming tips here
- April 2021 streaming tips: Just Say Yes and Shadow and Bone
- March 2021 Streaming Tips: The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
- February 2021 Streaming Tips: News of the World and Billie Eilish
- January 2021 streaming tips: Lupine and Headspace
- December 2020 Streaming Tips: The Prom and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina