Streaming technology has transformed the way that we listen to music, watch movies and play games in the last few years. Paramount+ is the latest service of this type to enter the Irish market, so what can we expect them to add to the current streaming options in our country?
The Paramount+ Service Details
This streaming service is dominated by big-name shows like the Star Trek franchise, Halo and Yellowstone. The cost of the service is roughly around €7.99 monthly, but on the plus side, it’s free to anyone who already subscribes to Sky Cinema. Basically, the platform draws together content from the different networks that are currently owned by Paramount, such as SHOWTIME, MTV and Comedy Central.
One of the big advantages of streaming services like this is that the movies and shows can be streamed on a wide variety of devices. This includes the Paramount+ app, Apple TV and Chromecast, among others. On the downside, if you own a smart TV purchased pre-2017, your tech is likely incompatible with this new platform.
For the moment, the service has been launched in Ireland and the UK, with the rest of Europe set to follow shortly. The real question is, with all the cutbacks people are making to their entertainment subscriptions at the moment, how many Irish viewers are even interested in joining up? Well, the most recent figures released by Netflix suggest that they were getting close to one million Irish subscribers in 2020, and the fact that the basic package rose in price to €8.99 earlier this year could mean that some binge-watchers are looking to get their fix at a cheaper price elsewhere.
To be fair to Netflix, they're not the only ones struggling. 2022 has also seen a price hike for the Amazon Price service, due to inflation and increased operating costs. The monthly cost is now €8.99, although Irish customers have some different options depending on whether they signed up for the UK service or through the German marketplace.
How Else Has Streaming Improved Our Entertainment Options?
Our viewing habits aren’t the only things that have been enhanced through the streaming revolution. Gamers can now stream games on cloud services like the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or Google Stadia. In addition, Twitch lets them watch their favourite streamers as they play, turning gaming into an interactive activity that can be easily shared.
The impact of streaming can also be seen in the type of live online casino Ireland now offers. Traditional table games like blackjack, roulette and baccarat have moved online and can be played with a live human dealer streamed directly onto the screen, giving the action added tension and a real-life atmosphere. The selection is increased through the addition of streamed game show-style games like Crazy Time and Deal or No Deal, which wouldn't be possible without this technology.
Streaming has had a positive impact on music too. Spotify revealed a couple of years ago that it had more than 600,000 paying subscribers in Ireland, with Juice WRLD the top artist and Blinding Lights by The Weeknd the most-streamed album in the country at the time. Dermot Kennedy claimed the title of the most popular album with his release titled Without Fear. Take Me to Church by Hozier is the most streamed song by an Irish artist.
The arrival of Paramount+ to Ireland marks a new way for the Irish public to enjoy streaming their favourite movies and TV shows. It faces a challenge in trying to overtake established services like Spotify, but the diversity of streaming options that have flourished here recently suggests that our appetite for streamed entertainment is still growing.
