An industry peer passed along a fascinating invite soliciting existing DirecTV Now customers to test a new AT&T Android streaming set-top first uncovered by Variety. As to why this box needs to exist, I can’t quite say… given the great options AT&T and DirecTV already leverage, like the similarly Android-powered Amazon Fire TV. But AT&T/DirecTV suggest it’s possibly designed to improve performance (and they did cut off first gen Fire TVs for whatever reason):
We built a streaming device to give you an even better experience. And we’d like you to be a beta tester so you can help us make sure we do just that.
Another thought I had is that this box might target cord cutters with AT&T Internet that might receive some preferential network treatment from the mothership, but I haven’t yet confirmed my pal’s provider. Will update when I do. In any event, as a new AT&T wireless customer I can say I’ve been enjoying my (free) slim Watch TV. bundle… that is missing a Roku app. Perhaps this new streamer will also provide access to that service.
On the hardware front, this is our first closeup of the remote. And I wonder if the button centered below the navigational pad suggests Google Assistant voice control. The number keys are also curious – does that indicate some sort of AirTV-esque over-the-air channel integration or a DirecTV Now guide revamp?
Given what’s described as a 6-month beta test, it may be awhile before we learn more.
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Is this hardware related to AT&T's announced plans to have a full, complete mirror of the DirecTV (satellite) service? AT&T has stated it wants out of satellites, even having said, "We didn't buy DirecTV for its satellites." It will take some time, but AT&T wants to sheppard its satellite subscribers to VirtualMVPD--DirecTV via internet/streaming--ASAP, like yesterday. This Android TV device could also have popular apos like YouTube, et al. And OTT apps like other entertainment streaming services with the internet delivered DirecTV at the center with no need to switch to a Roku or Fire TV. Maybe that's what this device is about.
HKJ above is on the right track. I've been following this story since Variety broke it last year. Based on lots of comments from AT&T's top brass since then, they're going to take the new OTT cloud-based platform they've deployed for DTV Now and use that to also power a flagship-level OTT service that they will position on the same level as DTV satellite and Uverse TV, looking to transition their customer base to OTT over time. I expect those two legacy services to get very little marketing love from AT&T, with all the attention on their OTT services.
To appeal to traditional TV subscribers, they're going to provide the STB currently in beta testing. It will feature a customized UI centered on their TV service (Android TV Operator Tier) with a full-fledged remote with 0-9 keys. DTV service won't be siloed away inside an app but will be the main home screen UI. It will also have Google Assistant voice search and access to Android TV apps in the Google Play store. The new service will retain channel numbers but have a UI similar to DTV Now. But I expect fuller channel packages, a no-compromise cloud DVR, Sunday Ticket, plus limited 4K HDR. Might only roll out in an area when they have all the locals there on board. Tying the new service to this specific piece of hardware should improve reliability and support while also reducing account sharing. Pricing will be more expensive than DTV Now but a little less than satellite since it will have lower customer acquisition costs (self-install with cheaper hardware).
What's really intriguing is the possibility that they use this box, dubbed the C71, as the next-gen Genie Mini too, for satellite customers. The current Mini is the C61. The user manual filed at this FCC for the C71 says it may be used in conjunction with the HS27, which sounds like the next-gen satellite home server. The current one, the HS17, contains satellite tuners and DVR hard drive and acts as a hub for C61s hooked up to TVs around the house. So perhaps they do the same thing with the C71 and HS27. DTV could have one model STB for all their flagship customers, whether they use a dish or a broadband connection to access service. As far as that goes, it's possible that they may also sell or rent the C71 to DTV Now customers too, although from a marketing standpoint that might really blur the distinction between it and the forthcoming OTT service.
It only makes sense if the box gets some sort of QOS fast lane on AT&T broadband. I confirmed with my buddy -- he doesn't have AT&T, so they're obviously testing additional scenarios.