DIRECTV vs Kodi

BBC launches YouTube channel in US and UK

The BBC announced the launch of its main BBC News YouTube channel in the US and UK, expanding its existing footprint in Australia, Kenya, Nigeria, and Poland. The channel offers live coverage of breaking news, politics, business, technology, culture, and sports. The BBC aims to reach younger audiences who increasingly use YouTube for news, citing an Ofcom report showing one in five young viewers using the platform first on smart TVs. The move is part of a broader strategy to adapt to changing consumption habits and promote BBC platforms. The channel is available alongside existing distribution via DIRECTV, YouTube TV, BBC.com, and the BBC app.

• BBC launched its news YouTube channel in US and UK on October 15, 2026.
• The channel expands BBC's YouTube presence from Australia, Kenya, Nigeria, and Poland.
• An Ofcom report cited by the BBC shows one in five young viewers use YouTube first on smart TVs.

DIRECTV Rolls Out Custom Multiview on Osprey Boxes

DIRECTV has officially announced the rollout of its customizable Multiview feature, 'Build Your Own Multiview', which allows select streaming subscribers to watch up to four eligible channels simultaneously on one screen. The feature, building on the existing curated Multiview experience, is initially available on Gemini and Roku devices, with Android TV, Fire TV, Vizio, LG, Apple TV, and Tizen TV to follow. Users can add, remove, and swap channels in real-time, with options for 2, 3, or 4 channels. Eligible channels include major sports networks such as ESPN, FS1, NFL Network, NBA TV, and local broadcast networks during live events. The launch is timed for the busy sports season, enhancing fan control over viewing experiences. This addresses a key limitation of the previous preset Mix Channels and curated sports multiviews, offering greater personalization.

• DIRECTV's Build Your Own Multiview allows watching up to four channels simultaneously.
• Feature initially available on Gemini and Roku streaming devices, with broader rollout planned.
• Users can personalize layouts with 2, 3, or 4 channels, adding, removing, and swapping in real-time.

DIRECTV App Adds Variable Playback Speeds

DIRECTV has started rolling out an update to its mobile streaming app that introduces variable playback speeds for cloud DVR recordings. The feature, currently available on iPhone via version 5.0.136, offers speed options of 0.5x, 0.75x, 1x, 1.25x, and 1.5x. This addresses a long-standing user request for more efficient viewing of news, sports, and series recordings. The update also includes smoother navigation, quicker replay actions, picture-in-picture refinements, and updated recommendation surfaces. Android builds list similar changes, but independent confirmation of the exact speeds is pending. The absence of a 2x speed option is noted. DIRECTV has not yet provided details on broader device rollout.

• DIRECTV releases mobile app update version 5.0.136 for iPhone.
• New playback speeds: 0.5x, 0.75x, 1x, 1.25x, 1.5x for cloud DVR recordings.
• Feature currently only confirmed on Apple devices.

Kodi 22 "Piers" Beta 2 Released

Announcing the second Beta release of Kodi 22 "Piers"! A lot of polish has come together for the features added in Beta 1. HDR support is drastically improved, including HDR screenshots. International language support is also improved, especially for JSON-RPC consumers.

Kodi to Close at Least 19 Stores, Future of Others Uncertain

German non-food discounter Kodi is shrinking its store network as part of its ongoing restructuring. From 144 current stores, 19 are definitely closing, all in North Rhine-Westphalia. Negotiations are ongoing for 56 other locations, while 69 stores are confirmed to remain open. The company filed for self-administered insolvency in July, and wages are secured until September. Store closures are expected to begin after the formal insolvency opening in October. This is the second major downsizing for Kodi, which previously went through a protective shield procedure in 2024. The parent company also acquired the insolvent discounter Mäc Geiz in February, which itself filed for insolvency in May.

• Kodi will close at least 19 stores, all in North Rhine-Westphalia.
• Negotiations continue for 56 stores; 69 stores are to be retained.
• Kodi filed for self-administered insolvency in July 2026.