As reported earlier, Facebook is reported to be working on a video App specifically meant for set-top boxes in order to grab a sizeable chunk in the TV industry and it seems that the company has finally taken the first step in this direction. The social media giant has announced a new Facebook video app for TV, which will roll out soon to app stores for Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and Samsung Smart TV, with more platforms to come.
Through this new video app, users will be able to watch videos shared by friends or Pages they follow on a larger screen. One can also watch, top live videos from around the world, and recommended videos based on their interests. Lastly, the app will also to save a watch to watch later.
“Our video app for TV is a new way to enjoy Facebook videos on a bigger screen. Last year we rolled out the ability for you to stream videos from Facebook to your TV, and today’s announcement expands this capability,” said Dana Sittler, Product Manager, and Alex Li, Engineering Manager, Facebook, in a blog post.
The latest app is line with company’s ambitious plan to take a head-to-head competition with streaming services like Netflix, Hotstar or even Google-owned YouTube. The social media giant is reported to be in talking with multiple media organisations to license a variety of long-form, TV-style video content which will include scripted shows and sports event that would be exclusive to the Facebook. This means that the company is planning to enter the video first business and want to monetize it through generating more video ad-based revenues. However, it would be interesting to see whether this new video app will be beneficial for consumers or not.