Growing steadily fast even after just launching a few months ago, iflix, Southeast Asia’s Internet TV counterpart for America’s Netflix, is high on the crusade to make cable television in the country extinct. iflix offers its thousands of subscribers access to tens of thousands of entertainment on demand (including anime and koreanovelas) for a low monthly price of P129 per month. The Internet TV service is showing no signs of slowing down. Earlier today, iflix has announced its first partnership with local television network, GMA, to bring subscribers its vast library of local TV programs, documentaries, and feature films.
This partnership introduces more than 1,200 hours of additional content into iflix’s already expansive collection of entertainment. This includes popular TV shows such as My Husband’s Lover, Ang Dalawang Mrs. Real, and Amaya, along with GMA News TV’s top documentary shows like i-Witness and Pinoy Abroad. Notable features films added include classics like Jose Rizal and Muro Ami. This first batch of content from GMA is available now on the service.
Along with the batch of past shows, iflix has also launched another extension of its streaming service called Catch Up TV, which allows subscribers to watch the newest episodes of telenovelas within seven days of their initial broadcast. GMA fan will be able to catch episodes of Half Sisters, My Faithful Husband, Beautiful Strangers, and Pari Ko’y for the first time online using the service.
Going forward, iflix also has several plans queued up in the pipeline. One, they are planning to introduce a download-now-watch-later offline system within the coming month. Two, they’re working on a suggestion feature which will recommend users to more content in their library based on their viewing history. Another short term plan is to implement their partnership with Samsung by bundling their app with Samsung’s device, including the unreleased Samsung Galaxy Tab S2. They are also looking to improve bandwidth usage by reducing data costs of their service and putting up Wi-Fi spots all over the Metro within the coming years. Finally, working closely with Smart, iflix is looking to officially introduce the Google Chromecast, a casting dongle which allows users to cast their phones (iflix content included) to their TVs, into the Philippine market, citing only logistical problems as the main hindrance.
For content, iflix is working on international broadcasting networks to get first run rights to popular shows in other countries. On October 12, the second season of Fargo will premiere on iflix almost simultaneously with the US broadcast. The first ten episodes of this series are already available on iflix’s library.
iflix is poised to be a prime yet low-cost service in entertainment here in the Philippines. It’s only a matter of time before iflix’s big plans are implemented. Those wanting to jump on this wagon before it goes on full steam can do so by subscribing online at P129 per month. Each subscription allows users to access iflix on five devices such as mobile, tablet, computer, or TV, for viewing anytime, anywhere. For more information, go to iflix.com.
