Telefonica slashes support, leaving thousands of smart tvs in the dark
Telefonica is pulling the plug on its Movistar Plus+ app for a significant chunk of older Smart TVs, a move that’s leaving thousands of subscribers with a frustratingly outdated streaming experience. The operator’s prioritizing newer devices, effectively abandoning a vast swathe of its customer base.
A calculated cut: the tech behind the switch
For months, Movistar Plus+ has been a mixed bag – promising fresh channels and a free tier, yet consistently struggling with compatibility. Now, the reality is hitting home: thousands of Smart TVs, dating back over a decade, are no longer supported. This isn’t a bug; it’s a deliberate strategy, according to Telefonica, citing the prohibitive cost of maintaining support for such a diverse ecosystem of hardware – hundreds of brands, operating systems, and versions.
The company’s reasoning is brutally pragmatic: attempting to patch and maintain code across that many platforms would require an investment of millions. It's a clear signal that Telefonica is doubling down on a more streamlined, modern approach to streaming, mirroring Netflix’s own strategic shift.
The fallout: a forced upgrade
Users are being presented with a stark choice: shell out £9.99 a month for Movistar Plus+ and a compatible device – an Amazon Fire TV or Google Chromecast – or accept a message of error and a diminished service. The operator is directing users to a QR code embedded in error messages, linking to a help page detailing the affected models. Samsung models from 2016 onwards with Tizen, LGs from 2016 with Full HD or better, Hisense with VIDAA 4.0, Android TV 6.0 or higher – those are the lucky ones. Even TiVo OS devices are included, though with a slightly narrower timeframe.
Telefonica initially issued an ambiguous email in March, citing “technical limitations” preventing updates. However, the cut-off date of April 6th is now firmly in place. The operator is offering a package for £9.99 that includes football, series, and cinema – a compelling proposition for those willing to upgrade.
The compatibility list: a snapshot
Here’s a breakdown of the models currently supported: Samsung: 2016 and newer with Tizen. LG: 2016 and newer with Full HD or higher resolution. Hisense: Models with VIDAA 4.0 or higher. Android TV/Google TV: 2015 and newer with Android TV 6.0 or higher. TiVo OS: Panasonic, JVC, Daewoo, and Telefunken models from 2021-2024 with TiVo OS and Panasonic/Sharp models from 2025. Titan OS: Philips models from 2021 onwards.
Ultimately, Telefonica’s decision highlights a wider trend within the streaming industry – a ruthless prioritization of newer Technology and a calculated abandonment of legacy systems. It’s a cold, efficient move, but one that will undoubtedly leave a significant portion of its customer base feeling increasingly isolated.