After expanding to Utah, Miami, Houston, and Dallas this summer, Aereo—the contentious streaming service that lets you stream local broadcast television over the web—is ready to invade its next big market: the Android nation. After months of promises, Aereo for Android will finally land in Google Play on Tuesday, October 22.
The new Android app will be free, the service costs $8 per month to start, and available only to users in the seven metropolitan markets where Aereo service is available. You’ll also need a fairly modern Android smartphone or tablet to use the device as Aereo for Android will only be compatible with Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and up.
The first version of the app will be a beta release, so while you may finally be able to stream Fox NFL Sunday on your Galaxy Tab, you may experience some technical hiccups.
Aereo did not release any screenshots of the upcoming Android app, saying that we’d get our first look at the app on its release date. Presumably, Aereo for Android will look similar to the iOS app already available for the iPhone and iPad.
Growing in the face of adversity
AereoDespite mounting legal challenges from broadcasters and entertainment companies, Aereo continues to push its service forward.
Most recently, the company rolled out to Dallas, then announced plans to roll out its service to Columbus, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and San Antonio and a number of other cities before the end of 2014. Aereo originally planned to launch in 22 metropolitan markets before the end of 2013.
Chicago was supposed to see Aereo service in September, but the company opted to delay its roll out, citing technical issues during beta testing in the Windy City.
The company’s most recent legal troubles surfaced in Utah where Fox, CBS and other broadcasters are suing Aereo over copyright infringement. Aereo went live in Utah in August.