Quibi is the latest streaming service launched in an increasingly crowded market – and possibly the strangest to date. Instead of relying on large franchise names or extensive catalogs with old content such as Disney Plus, Peacock or HBO Max, Quibi uses a mobile-first strategy. The “fast content” can be viewed in a maximum of 10 minutes, and each content can be seamlessly switched between different vertical and landscape versions.
Would you like to try it out? Here's everything you need to know about getting started with Quibi:
What does Quibi cost?
Quibi offers two subscription levels: an option for $ 4.99 a month with "some ads" and a plan for $ 7.99 a month without ads.
There is also a 90-day free trial for those who sign up at Quibi.com before the end of April, for those who want to try the service (and check the content) before subscribing. In addition, T-Mobile customers with multiple lines can use Quibi for a whole year free of charge. (This offer is valid from April 6th to July 7th.)
Where can I buy Quibi?
Initially, Quibi will only be available in the United States and Canada, although the company has already announced that it will expand to other countries in the future.
Picture: Quibi
What devices can I use to view Quibi?
Due to Quibi's mobile orientation, you can only view smartphones. (Both Android and iOS apps are available, although they are designed only for phones, not tablets.)
How long does a Quibi show or movie last?
Quibi shows are much shorter than traditional television or films. Each episode (or "chapter" for the resolved films) lasts between five and ten minutes. It was supposed to be a very different experience than regular streaming shows, but Quibis unlucky is that it still offers content of a quality level that fits the main films and shows, only in a much shorter package.
How does the whole rotating video work?
Quibi's biggest feature (or gimmick, depending on who you ask) is the rotation video "Turnstyle". Instead of committing to landscape videos like traditional entertainment or vertical videos, as popularized by social apps like Instagram Stories or TikTok, Quibi promises that the entire content will be designed for both display formats to better suit mobile users and commuters.
On a practical level, this means that you can effectively stream two copies of a Quibi show at the same time – one in vertical and one in landscape format – so the app can theoretically switch seamlessly between the two when you turn your phone. According to Quibi, these videos consume up to 20 percent more data than conventional videos in a single orientation.
(Remember: if the rotation lock is activated on your phone, turnstyle will not work.)
Are there multiple user profiles?
Nah. Quibi's logic here is that the only place you see it is on your phone. This is not the type of shared device (like a TV) that profiles would require. So if you plan to share a single Quibi account, you should take this into account.
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Picture: Quibi
What shows are there on Quibi?
Quibi starts today, April 6th, with around 50 shows and films that mix original films with screenplays, reality shows without screenplays, and daily news. The full list of starters can be found here.
At the start there are four original films "Lighthouse", which are divided into smaller chapters: a remake of The Most Dangerous Game (with Liam Hemsworth and Christoph Waltz), Survive (with Sophie Turner and Corey Hawkins), Flipped (with Will Forte, Kaitlin Olson, Arturo Castro, Eva Longoria and Andy Garcia) and When the street lights come on (with no one you've probably heard of).
There are also 19 unwritten series to start, including Murder House Flip, Chance the Rapper & # 39; s new version of Punk’d and more.
Finally, there are Quibi's "Daily Essential" news programs that are updated daily – some at 6:30 a.m. ET, some at 12 p.m. ET, and a batch at 6 p.m. ET – to provide fresh content all day long .
(Disclosure: Vox Media, which owns The Verge, has signed a contract with Quibi to produce a Polygon Daily Essential, and there have been early discussions about a Verge show.)
It is expected that more and more content will be published in the coming days and weeks.
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Picture: Quibi
Can I share a Quibi account with friends and family?
Technically, yes, but only one of you can watch at the same time. Quibi allows only one simultaneous stream.
Can you watch quibi shows offline?
Everything on Quibi can be downloaded locally to your device so you can see when you're not connected to the internet. Offline content works just like streaming and can freely switch between horizontal and vertical orientation for content.
How do I register / download Quibi?
Visit Quibi.com to sign up for the free 90-day trial, and then download the Quibi app for Android or iOS to view.
