Verizon has begun offering its Stream TV connected television device to its 5G Home subscribers but, at least for now, the box is missing a major feature.
Stream TV is a $69.99 Android TV-based box with support for 4K streaming, Google Chromecast and Google Assistant along with apps including Disney+, YouTube TV, HBO and Starz. But the box does not support Netflix, the most popular streaming service in the U.S.
Verizon addresses the absence on its FAQ page for the device.
“We're always evolving the features and functionality of the product. We'll share more updates as we have them,” a Verizon spokesperson told FierceVideo.
Stream TV is also available for free to new Verizon 5G Home subscribers in Sacramento, Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago and Indianapolis. The promotion, which runs through the end of year, also offers the option of a free Amazon Fire TV Stick, Fire TV Cube or an Apple TV (unless you live in Chicago.)
RELATED: Verizon tests its own streaming device named Stream TV
The official launch of the Stream TV devices comes after earlier this summer Zatz Not Funny unearthed an FCC filing with details about the device.
Verizon is pushing out its proprietary device at a time when its also partnering with third-party streaming services to entice subscribers. New 5G Home subscribers can get a free month of YouTube TV. Verizon is also offering a free year of Disney+ to its unlimited wireless and in-home internet subscribers.
Verizon’s streaming device launch and video service partnerships arrive as the company has been steadily losing traditional video subscribers. The company now counts approximately 4.2 million Fios video connections after losing 220,000 subscribers over the previous nine months.
Verizon’s pay TV peers have also recently launched streaming devices. AT&T will be shipping a similar Android TV device with its upcoming AT&T TV linear television service. Comcast earlier this year began offering to its broadband-only subscribers Xfinity Flex, a streaming device/smart home hub.