Binge (streaming service)

In August 2018 it was reported Foxtel were expected to announce an entertainment subscription video on demand (SVOD) service. The service, internally code named Project Jupiter, aimed to combat the building competition from streaming services such as Netflix, Stan, and Amazon Prime Video. This new service would complement Foxtel's sports SVOD service which had been given the go-ahead (later launched as Kayo Sports) as well as offer an alternative to traditional satellite and cable Foxtel services.[3] In October 2018 it was reported as Foxtel planned to launch their sports streaming service it was rumoured if the service was a success Project Jupiter would launch in the first half of 2019 to coincide with the final season of Game of Thrones.[4] In March 2019 it was reported Foxtel had green-lit Project Jupiter, however, it would not launch in early 2019 as previously reported as Project Jupiter was believed to still require further testing.[1] In September 2019 it was reported Foxtel had assembled a staff of 40 ahead of the launch who were located within the same facility as sister-company Kayo Sports. It was also noted the service's code name had changed from Project Jupiter to Project Ares.[5]

On 23 May 2020 it was announced the new service would be called Binge which subsequently launched on 25 May 2020.[6]

At launch Binge was reported to offer over 10,000 hours of entertainment, lifestyle, reality and movie content without advertisements,[6] which was expected to expand to 20,000 hours of content within 12 months.[8] Content is sourced from output agreements with production companies including WarnerMedia, BBC, NBCUniversal, FX, Sony Pictures Television, StudioCanal, ViacomCBS, Discovery, Inc., Fremantle, ITV, Endemol Shine Group, Paramount Pictures, A+E Networks, and All3Media.[6][8] A number of Foxtel original productions are also available, however, not Foxtel's full catalogue of programs.[9] Binge also has an exclusive output agreement for HBO Max original productions which will include the Gossip Girl revival, The Flight Attendant, and Raised by Wolves.[10]

Although Binge primarily focuses on offering on-demand content, the service also offers live streaming of 19 Foxtel linear channels with no content blacked out. As a result, there is content available via live streaming which is not available on demand.[11]

As of May 25, 2020, Binge offers three tiers of monthly subscriptions defined by the number of simultaneous streams allowed – 1, 2, or 4 – and the quality of the streamed content from Standard Definition to High Definition. The subscriptions range from $10 to $18.[12]

Hardware supported[13]

The devices on this list are supported by Binge:

• Apple TV - supported on 4th Generation or higher on tvOS 12+
• Apple iPhones and iPads - supported on iOS 12+
• Android Mobiles and Tablets - supported on Android 7+
• Android TV OS - supported on Version 7.0+
• Telstra TV - supported on TTV1 (4200TL), TTV2 (4700TL) and TTV3 (4701TL)
• Chromecast - supported on Chromecast Ultra and latest 3rd Generation +

Software supported[13]

Supported web browsers by platform:

• macOS (10.12+): Safari, Google Chrome or Firefox
• Windows (10+): Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge or Firefox

• Internet television in Australia
• Subscription television in Australia

• Official website