Swisscom launches new Android box, Disney+ and streaming ‘super package’

Swisscom is launching a combined pay TV and streaming box based on Android TV and has signed up Disney+ as a new streaming partner to coincide with the launch of a new ‘super package’ offering a range of streaming products.

The new TV-Box 5, described as a more compact device that is 35% more energy-efficient than previous models, will launch on October 24.

The box will give Swisscom’s blue TV subscribers access to all Android TV services when signing in with a Google account. The device enables he use of Google Assistant as well as providing access to the Google Play store.

The box, which can be used as a music player or game console, according to the operator, also enables the pairing of headphones via Bluetooth and Chromecast access.

Disney+ will now be available to blue TV customers via a new partnership, giving access to movies and series from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and Star.

The move brings movies including Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, The Little Mermaid and Avatar: The Way of Water as well as series such as Loki with Tom Hiddleston, Criminal Minds: Evolution and The Mandalorian to Swisscom viewers.

Swisscom is carrying Disney’s new ‘standard with advertising’ package priced at CHF7.90 (US$8.79), standard for CHF12.90 and a new premium tier with 4K UHD HDR streaming to four devices simultaneously for HF17.90.

The operator is also launching its own SuperMax package, which combines Disney+, Paramount+, Sky Cinema and blue Max for CHF 24.90 per month, which Swisscom says represents a saving of more than 35% compared to the individual prices.

“For me as a film lover, it’s like Christmas and New Year rolled into one. This is precisely what blue TV has stood for over the past 17 years – bringing together what belongs together for our customers and offering them the whole world of entertainment,” said Dirk Wierzbitzki, head of residential customers at Swisscom.