CNN adds live streaming TV to its Android app, still requires a cable subscription

CNN has finally decided to add a live TV stream to its Android app, but there are still a few caveats associated with the new functionality. Alongside the normal set of clips and content available previously in its app, you can now watch a live stream of CNN or HLN directly from a menu marked as "watch live TV". The caveat, as we mentioned, is that you're still going to be required to authorize with CNN that you subscribe to a cable TV package with one of its partners. It's an unfortunate (but still quite standard) situation for those of us who have chosen to "cut the cord" and don't subscribe to a cable service.

The functionality, once you get it working, does seem to live up to its promise of providing a live CNN stream. Even on a solid Wifi connection it still didn't seem to be very high quality in our time with it, though. Understanding that there are issues, this is still a good start for CNN and hopefully more channels can follow suit.

Andrew Martonik

Andrew was an Executive Editor, U.S. at Android Central between 2012 and 2020.