Elon Musk has launched the beta version of X TV, a new multimedia platform that aims to compete with established streaming giants like YouTube. X TV offers several features, such as Replay TV, which allows users to replay up to 72 hours of shows, and Startover TV, which lets viewers start live shows from the beginning if they join late. Additionally, X TV offers Free Cloud DVR, enabling users to record up to 100 hours of content at no extra cost.
Currently available on Android TVs, X TV is expected to expand to other platforms like LG, Amazon Fire TV, and Google TV soon. According to Musk, the launch of X TV is part of his broader vision to transform the X platform into a comprehensive media hub, reducing users’ need for external media players. The app’s listing on the Google Play Store indicates it will offer a wide range of live channels, including movies, music, news, sports, and weather.
“The beta version of 𝕏 TV is out,” Musk announced on the X platform. He also mentioned, “It’s available on LG, Amazon Fire TV, and Google TV, with more integrations coming soon.”
The launch of X TV is set to intensify competition in the streaming industry. YouTube, which has dominated the video streaming market in Kenya, faces growing competition from platforms like TikTok, especially with its ‘TikTok Live’ feature. X TV could potentially disrupt the market by attracting users with its diverse content offerings and new features.
In Kenya, the X platform has already gained popularity as a news-sharing and civic engagement tool, with features like X Spaces gaining recognition. Recently, the Kenyan President hosted an X Space following protests, highlighting the platform’s influence. If X TV succeeds, it could challenge YouTube and other platforms, particularly in the area of digital advertising, where spending by Kenyan companies continues to rise.
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According to the Communications Authority of Kenya’s Audience Measurement and Industry Trends Report for April-June 2024, Facebook and WhatsApp are the top social media platforms in Kenya, with X ranking behind TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. However, X TV’s success could change this dynamic, offering a new platform for users and advertisers alike.