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Google could beat Apple to web TV service – report

Google appears to be much closer to launching a web TV service than its big rival Apple, according to Wall Street Journal sources.

The publication says Google has agreed terms with US TV network CBS to carry content for the platform, which will apparently take up a home on YouTube.

WSJ sources also say Google is close to an agreement with Disney and 21st Century Fox ahead of a likely launch in early 2017.

According to the report, the service will be called Unplugged and will be available from between $25 and $40.

Related:  PlayStation Vue review

The company will hope to pick up subscribers looking to break free from traditional cable and satellite services, and will put it into competition with the likes of PlayStation Vue and Sling TV.

This so called ’skinny’ bundle has been the subject of much discussion in the last couple of years.

Reportedly, Apple’s efforts to convince content providers to unbundle their channels for such a proposition has been met with strong opposition.

As such Apple currently appears to be no further along with its plans.

What Google is doing to differentiate itself from Apple in the eyes of the networks remains to be seen.

According to the WSJ, Google Unplugged will be available through YouTube Red, although at an additional cost.

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