Foxtel unveils the future of television

FOXTEL has finally released its new Now Box out into the world. Here’s what you need to know about the low-cost device

Couple laughing

WORLD, meet the new Foxtel Now box. The shiny-new low cost device that is your gateway to the huge catalogue of Foxtel Now content in high definition, free-to-air channels and other streaming services including Stan.

The box:

Possibly the best part about the Foxtel Now box is that there’s zero installation. You just plug it into your TV and start watching. The design is beautiful; slick and impossibly compact, there’s none of the hassle of switching between inputs and devices.

news.com.au tech expert Matthew Dunn says, ‘the biggest draw is the awesome $99 price point and that the box will work for anyone. You need a Foxtel Now account to activate it, but a free two-week trial will do the trick and all the non-Foxtel features will keep working without a Foxtel Now subscription.’

What it gets you:

Through this one simple device, you can access Foxtel Now, YouTube, Stan and a world of apps and games from the Google Play Store. It also has a built in HD tuner that delivers all your free-to-air and includes catch-up apps from the ABC, Seven and Ten.

The Now box also comes with built-in Chromecast functionality, which lets you 'cast' movies, music and photos from Android or iOS mobile devices, PCs or Macs directly to your TV.

Foxtel Now box gives you direct access to rent or buy movies, shows and music from a library of thousands of options from Google Play and also play your favourite Android games, reimagined for TV, with a gamepad, which you buy separately.

Foxtel CEO Peter Tonagh says, 'for the first time, Australians can watch Foxtel on their TV with a Foxtel designed set top box that is completely powered by the internet offering a no lock-in contract, affordable and flexible way to see Foxtel's exclusive content both locally produced and from the world's best entertainment brands.’

'Foxtel Now has already proven to be a hit with customers, offering the most flexible and affordable way to experience the best choice in live sport, new movies, TV and complete seasons.’

What you need to know:

You don’t need an active subscription to use the Foxtel Now box, just a Foxtel Now login and to get the most out of your box you can subscribe to Foxtel Now from $10 per month.

The Foxtel Now device retails for just $99 and became available from November 10.

If you've got a Foxtel home subscription you'll still need to pay for Foxtel Now in order to watch Foxtel on this new streaming box, you can't use the Foxtel app (previously Foxtel Go) on this box because it's not in the Android TV section of the Google Play store.

When it comes to data, Foxtel has confirmed that watching Foxtel Now on Foxtel's box doesn’t count towards your monthly download limit if you're a Foxtel Broadband customer.

How to play:

• You need a Foxtel Now login when you first set-up the device. If you don't have a login yet, you can sign up to Foxtel Now here.
• Plug your box into a power source and plug the HDMI cord into your TV.
• Connect the box to a Wi-Fi connection or directly to your modem with the ethernet cable.
• Now it's time to turn on your TV and the Foxtel Now box and you'll be guided by the on-screen setup.

Originally published as Foxtel unveils the future of television