Wuaki.tv predicts "death of browser streaming" as connected devices take over

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TV and movie streaming service Wuaki.tv believes the end could be in sight for streaming content through a web browser, after witnessing a "huge increase" in the number of titles being streamed to smart TVs and other connected devices.

The trend has been fuelled by the number of partnerships between streaming services and manufacturers such as Google, LG, Samsung and Panasonic, with tablets, Xbox consoles, smartphones and Chromecast among popular devices.

Since launching native apps for smart TVs, Wuaki.tv said there had been a 65 per cent increase in movies and TV programmes streamed directly through the sets, while streaming to devices like those listed above was up by a quarter.

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In comparison, the service reported a dramatic decline in streaming through an internet browser; a tenth of all content is streamed to a PC or laptop through a browser and Wuaki.tv believes that will be down to less than one per cent by 2017.

Wuaki.tv content director Simon Horment said: "With smart TVs, devices like Chromecast and native apps being so commonplace, people are streaming movies and TV to all kinds of connected devices and replacing traditional TV channels.

"Native apps give a much better viewing experience than browser streaming, and are often more stable as they are designed for one single purpose. It has long been an industry prediction but one that’s actually coming true."

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Pete Hayman

Pete was content editor on What Hi-Fi?, overseeing production and publication of digital content. In creating and curating feature articles for web and print consumption, he provided digital and editorial expertise and support to help reposition What Hi-Fi? as a ‘digital-first’ title; reflecting the contemporary media trends. He is now a senior content strategist.