AT&T’s DirecTV Now rolls out cloud DVR feature

DirecTV Now, the over the top (OTT) video streaming offering that was launched by AT&T back in November of 2016, has now started rolling out its cloud DVR (digital video recorder) feature. The second biggest wireless carrier in the United States had been conducting trials on cloud DVR since 2017 (it refers to its feature as True Cloud DVR), and it has certainly taken its sweet time before finally officially launching the functionality.

One can argue that AT&T’s DirecTV Now might have some catching up to do when it comes to cloud DVR. The feature, after all, has since become a basic inclusion among most live TV service providers of today, including familiar names such as YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, and Sling TV, just to name a handful.

It should be mentioned that officially speaking, the True Cloud DVR feature on DirecTV Now is still in beta. The feature, however, is now made available across iOS and tvOS users. AT&T has also taken the opportunity to debut a few other interesting features, which include full support for extra streams, an expanded on-demand catalog, and improved access to local channels for those in the go.

Going back to DirecTV Now’s True Cloud DVR feature, it will grant customers 20 hours of recording free of charge, plus support fast forwarding and rewinding capabilities, and save programs for up to a month’s time. It goes without saying that 20 hours is hardly mind blowing, but with regards to expanded storage, AT&T has plans to make this option available as a paid upgrade. Later this year, users will have the option of spending ten bucks on a monthly basis in order to store a hundred hours of content for up to three months. The 100 hours storage for 90 days is the only extra paid option, of course. Customers also get to pay more in order to enjoy a third stream for $5 per month. 

Apart from the new features, AT&T is also boasting a new revamped interface for the DirecTV Now mobile app. The focus now is more on displaying the customer’s most watched programs and favorite content. On top of that, the app now lets users view their current stream while exploring other potentially interesting titles.

The redesign should already be experienced by iOS and tvOS users, as well as those using supported Internet browsers. As for those customers who own Android powered mobile devices, Rokus and Fire TVs, the roll out should get to them in the next few weeks. For more deals, explore AT&T offerings at MyRatePlan now.