plex.tv
We constantly have different sources of media vying for our attention. This might be an understatement, as we are basically inundated with these different sources of media. Technology has become so integral to our daily lives that it has become an extension of ourselves.
We are always taking in some form of media, even if we aren't consciously aware of it at all time - be it music, movies, tv shows, pictures, videos, podcasts, website, social networking, etc. - and most of these activities and pleasures are inconveniently spread across numerous platforms and devices and operating systems. Wouldn't it be nice if there was a single piece of software that enabled us to easily access all of our media without having to open up a million different apps and windows and tabs and screens all the time?
Fortunately, there is a software suite available for use. It is called a software suite and there are many different ones to choose from. Picking the right one is just a matter of figuring out which layout we like best, which enables us to consume the media that we want to see in the way that we want to see it, and which one will be the most affordable!
Do you want a software suite that can keep up with you? One that works, flawlessly and dependably, no matter where you are or what device you're using it on? Plex can do just that! With newer programs like Plex, turning any device into a smart TV is simple. So whether you're on your phone, laptop, desktop computer, tablet, or watching your favorite binge-worthy series on TV, Plex has everything you need to stay entertained.
History
In December 2007, Plex creator Elan Feingold built a DIY media center app for his Apple Mac computer. Plex's genius then kicked in--Feingold decided to port the popular XBMC media player into his app.
Feingold also noticed how much progress Cayce and Scott were making with porting XBMC to Mac OS X, contacted them directly, and offered support and funding for their project.
In January of 2008, Feingold, Ullman, and Olechowski teamed up together to get working on the project. The trio founded Plex Inc. in December of 2009, but this was much to the dismay of many popular streaming platforms.
Plex initially created apps for servers like Hulu and Netflix, but many streaming services were not pleased with this. Hulu, for instance, changed their HTML so that Plex could no longer parse it. This controversy led to Plex no longer offering Hulu and Netflix as part of their app.
That being said, Plex has managed to create good relationships with content production companies. As of November of 2019, for example, Plex announced a list of 19 production companies with whom they would be partnering, including big names like MGM, Lionsgate, and Legendary. Plex has also partnered with Tidal in 2018, offering music and podcast streaming to their milieu. In August of 2019, Plex also announced that it had struck a deal with Warner Brothers which opened the floodgates for a ton of television content.
Plex is a great example of a tech company that faced many challenges years into having already established a business model. Despite these challenges, Plex was victorious and relatively unscathed in the end. It turns out that Plex didn't need Netflix or Hulu to find success after all! Today, Plex makes the lives of hundreds of thousands of users so much easier by offering a ton of content and a means by which to access their own files in the cloud, all from one convenient place.
Design
I think Plex has a really cool design. It's sharp and professional. It stands out and I love the gray and yellow theme it uses (a rare color combination for a tech brand, it seems). It just looks great. There's a certain 'physicality' to it, if that makes any sense, with the way Plex is designed- it almost feels like there's a kind of matte finish to it. It's a calm, minimalist design that won't disappoint.
I recently set up Plex and it couldn't be any easier. Picture Netflix and iTunes somehow having a software baby together. The result would be Plex. You can browse your media - movie titles, series, albums, etc. - by recently viewed, ?on deck,? or by genre. This is the main screen of Plex. To the left of this browser window, you'll also find an iTunes-esque navigation menu. From here, you can browse by media type: music, movies, pics, videos, podcasts, etc. Even create playlists of any sort of content you like! It is a truly powerful layout.
Content
So, the content of Plex is basically just a matter of what accounts you link it to and what content you choose to add to it. You can think of it as a sort of personal media library/streaming service aggregator hybrid. Anything you want to access (save for your Netflix and Hulu accounts), you can add to Plex.
Plex offers a huge selection of free movies that you can watch without having to pay or subscribe. Just dive right in and enjoy thousands of titles from all over the world!
Plex has teamed up with Tidal to give users a seamless streaming experience with access to up to 60 million songs and additional podcasts. No more switching between apps to access different types of content - you can go from your favorite episode of The Office to a photo album of your anniversary, to bumping your favorite Jay Z album without ever leaving Plex's media center.
plex also offers the ability to stream live television and DVR your favorite shows. Again, for free! As long as you have a compatible antenna, Plex can allow you to access local TV channels and stream live programming. They also offer plenty of web channels to choose from - be it GQ, PC Gamer, Conde Nast, or Engadget - now you can enjoy all your favorite web series on the big screen by browsing these sites almost as if they were cable TV channels.
Desktop and Mobile Experience
Plex is a great app across all devices - users have rated it 4 on the Google Play Store, 4.7 on the Apple App Store, and 4.1 on the Roku App Store. I think people who complain about it being good no matter which device they use are being a little nitpicky in my opinion.
Pricing and Plans
Yep, we've already talked about how great Plex is- it's a free service with lots of features AND a paid subscription version too!
Plex offers advanced audio options like a discount on Tidal, advanced audio mixing options, hybrid caching, silence compression, and higher-quality album artwork and artist bios. It also offers premium photos with auto-tagging, timeline viewing, and automatic uploads. Lastly, Plex provides a theater-like movie and TV experience with cinema trailers before the main event and extras like actor and director interviews, and behind the scenes features.
If you want Plex Premium, it will cost you $4.99, $39.99, or a lifetime subscription for $119.99 a month, year, or lifetime.
Suggestions that I have for Plex
It would be great if Plex could rectify their relationship with Netflix and Hulu. However, I doubt this will happen because it is probably not in the best interests of Netflix or Hulu. But hey, a guy can dream!
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