A new update to Oculus TV adds ESPN, Sling TV, and FOX NOW. Oculus TV is an app on the Oculus Go standalone VR headset which provides a virtual TV. All 3 new services are USA-only.
Additionally, from now until January 15th purchasing an Oculus Go in the US will also give you $80 of Sling TV credit, which can be used towards any of their subscription packages. The credit must be redeemed by January 31st.
ESPN includes on demand content and studio panels. With an ESPN+ subscription, you can watch live MLB, NHL, MLS, international soccer, college sports, boxing, tennis, rugby and more. Sports is arguably the most important content for any TV platform- ESPN is a major addition to Oculus TV.
Sling TV is a streaming based TV service available on many platforms. Channels available in its various packages include Disney Channel, CNN, USA, Cartoon Network and Discovery. Sling also offers a cloud DVR service.
FOX NOW allows viewing shows like The Simpsons, Family Guy, Hell’s Kitchen, and Empire. By logging in with your TV provider, you can watch FOX Sports.
When Oculus TV was first announced at Facebook’s F8 conference back in May, the company claimed that it would get a social viewing feature so you could watch these shows with your friends. That hasn’t materialized yet, and no statement on the timeline for that has been given. In fact, the wording has even been removed from the original announcement post. The lack of social means Oculus TV doesn’t take advantage of one of VR’s main strengths. But regardless, the ability to use the Go as a portable big screen TV is compelling in itself.
Correction: We fixed an error regarding the dates for the Sling TV credit and some small typos.
