Kolkata: Two OTT apps JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar will be merged into a single OTT platform effective today, February 14, according to a blueprint that JioStar has drawn up. Reports say that JioStar, which is a JV between Mukesh Ambani-controlled Reliance Industries and Walt Disney Company, has drawn up plans to combine the two into a new entity, and one of the goals is to ramp up South Indian content from a current figure of 500 hours to about 1,100 hours.
Mukesh Ambani, who is known to come up with disruptive ideas, has drawn up another punch in this platform offering free viewing of all content, with the sole exception of Hollywood movies, for a specified number of hours each month. “The idea is to allow every consumer to sample our content extensively… JioHotstar invites everyone to come and watch their favourite content without the need for a subscription. We want users to experience a full journey, whether it’s a cricket match or a popular TV series,” Kiran Mani, CEO digital, JioStar was quoted in the media as saying.
Auto upgrade for JioCinema subscribers
Nothing changes when they open the new app — was how Kevin Vaz, CEO entertainment, JioStar described the outcome. He explained that the nothing will appear to have changed when subscriber open the new combined app. However, JioCinema subscribers will get upgraded automatically to the premium service. The CEO entertainment of JioStar also said, “Our pricing remains familiar—for example, Rs 149 for mobile subscriptions for a quarter and Rs 499 a quarter for the ad-free experience… This consistency is crucial because it ensures that loyal users do not face any disruption.”
Target to reach a billion screens
Mukesh Ambani, who is also known for planning almost everything on a mega-scale also has a jaw dropping target for this one. The target of the new move is to reach 100 crore screens. The bait: “world class content”. “With our combined content and technology, we’re confident that we can activate a billion screens and offer every consumer a taste of our world-class content,” Mani highlighted to the media. he also added that the merger will not simply produce a merger of two content baskets. “Instead, it’s about integrating diverse technologies—analog, network digital, and the app ecosystem—into one micro app that adapts seamlessly to any device, whether it’s a two-inch smartphone screen or a 200-inch display,” he remarked. There will be something for every segment.
Effective today, February 14 (Valentine’s Day) , JioStar has planned to merge two OTT apps JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar will be merged into a single OTT platform. The idea is to eventually 100 crore screens, which is a typical signature of Mukesh Ambani’s mega-scale plans. Biz News Business News – Personal Finance News, Share Market News, BSE/NSE News, Stock Exchange News Today
