Presto launches streaming app for Samsung smart TVs, takes fight to Netflix and Stan

PRESTO is taking the TV streaming battle into the lounge room, launching an app for some smart TVs and promising more to come.

Streaming battle comes to smart TVs

EXCLUSIVE: Australia’s streaming television battle continues to intensify, with Presto launching directly on smart TVs today.

The Foxtel-backed streaming service launched its app on Samsung’s Smart Hub app store, allowing Presto to be used on Samsung smart TVs from 2012, 2013 and 2014.

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Presto’s move into smart TVs follows its launch on Google’s Chromecast device for viewing on TV screens, and after it launched its app on a host of Google Android and Apple smartphones in February.

Presto and On Demand director Shaun James said the service would launch on more Samsung TVs and other screens “over the coming months” so its TV and movie subscribers could watch entertainment on the largest display in the house.

On demand ... Foxtel Presto is one of several TV-streaming services competing for Australian audiences. Source: Supplied.

“The big-screen experience for Presto has proven to be incredibly popular since we arrived on Chromecast, and we’re thrilled to announce direct availability on a range of Samsung smart TVs,” Mr James said.

The Australian streaming TV service, which offers monthly TV and movie subscriptions for $14.99, is locked in a battle for customers with Fairfax-backed Stan and multibillion-dollar import Netflix.

Experian Hitwise data, published last month, showed Netflix web traffic topped the three, followed by Presto and Stan. ABC iView and Yahoo!7 also ranked highly.

Presto is a joint venture of Foxtel and Seven West Media. News Corp owns 50 per cent of Foxtel.