African streaming service Showmax announced a partnership with QVWi, a South African electronics manufacturer, to launch a range of affordable streaming devices.
Launching on August 1, 2024, it will transform standard televisions into smart TVs, all pre-installed with the Showmax app, including a complimentary two-month subscription to its top-tier Showmax Entertainment package.
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This initiative is Showmax’s first collaboration with a hardware manufacturer to provide pre-installed streaming devices, which, by all accounts, is a major development in the company’s strategy to expand its user base and overcome technological barriers in the African market.
The partnership introduces several new products, including the QVWi Leap TV S2 streaming stick, priced at R999 (~USD$55), which uses Google Chromecast technology to enable streaming on almost any TV with an HDMI port. QVWi will also offer the Leap S3 streaming TV box and a range of smart TVs.
The timing of this announcement is particularly noteworthy, as it comes amid advances toward a likely acquisition of MultiChoice, Showmax’s parent company, by French media giant Canal+ Group. The partnership launch also coincides with a Showmax 12.5% general price hike starting in August.