Flash Review Australia - what you should know

Foxtel’s latest news-dedicated streaming service has finally arrived. At launch, it already features over 20 leading global and local news sources that are bound to make news streaming in Australia more diverse and relevant. Find out how the new streaming app fares with this Flash streaming review.

What is Flash streaming service?

After the successes of the sports-focused app, Kayo Sports, and the TV and movies-dedicated service, BINGE, Foxtel wants to deliver local and international news in a way that’s never been done before in Australia. For a more concentrated news streaming, Flash houses a diverse range of news sources here and abroad to ensure that everything there is to know about local and global events are thoroughly tackled. Whether it’s politics, business, or any other news that matters to every user, Flash has it covered and delivered straight to your device, at home, at work, or even when you’re on the go.

What can I watch on Flash?

Every news and story here and abroad is delivered via Flash’s unrivalled news access, but Flash isn’t just about news reporting. With its diverse and reputable sources, you can rest assured that you stay up-to-date and connected as Flash brings together the widest range of opinions and perspectives. A highlight in itself, this ensures that Australian users can further delve into any news story backed with both facts and insights.

At launch, Flash announces the following news sources:

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How much does Flash cost?

Unlike BINGE and Kayo’s multiple streaming tier plans, Flash only has one and it costs $8 per month with no lock-in contracts. New customers can try Flash free for 14 days. For under $10 each month, users can access Flash’s deep catalogue of news channels, live and on-demand, providing current news, stories from every part of the globe, and equipped with features that’ll enhance your news streaming experience.

How to watch Flash?

The news streaming app is available on phones (iOS 12+/Android 7+), tablets (iOS 12+/Android 7+), PCs and TVs (Apple TV, Telstra TV, and via Chromecast). Smart TVs aren’t included on Flash’s list of compatible devices yet but considering BINGE and Kayo are available on select Samsung and Hisense Smart TVS, Flash’s smart TV integration may already be in the works.

Flash is supported on Apple TV 4th generation or higher, although it’s only available on the Australian app store, while all versions of Telstra TV support Flash. For Telstra TV users, simply download the Flash News app from the Telstra TV App store. To cast on the big screen using Chromecast, versions that support Flash are Chromecast Ultra and Chromecast 3rd Generation only. It’s important to note that Flash doesn’t support VPN, so if it’s enabled on your device, you will need to disable it in order to use Flash.

User profiles are also supported with up to 5 profiles allowed per subscription, which means you can share your Flash subscription with your household. Each family member can even use their own profile to personalise the content they want to see. However, Flash only allows one simultaneous stream.

Flash features

While it seems that the only thing that’s important when watching news is the content itself, it actually helps a great deal when there are features that can give you more options on how you want to consume news, or any content for that matter. That’s why Flash’s set of features gives users the ability to control their newsfeed, allowing them to watch the exact news they want, when they want it.

Currently, there are two available features: FlashLists and Personalisation. FlashLists is where you save the news you want to watch later. It’s also available for each Flash profile so that each profile is customised to follow specific news and story preferences that the owner sets.

Personalisation, meanwhile, allows users to follow the opinions, topics and news that are relevant to them. There will be more user innovations to be added over time, including FlashPoint (getting every angle of every story) and FlashNav (getting straight to the big moments of stories faster).

For streaming quality, you can check out Flash in both SD and HD. To stream news in HD, all you need is an internet connection of 5 Mbps or higher and a compatible device that supports HD resolution of at least 720p. HD streaming is already part of your Flash subscription. The news streaming app also has a ‘search’ function so it’s easy to look for channels or shows you want to access.

How to contact Flash?

Flash’s newly launched website has all the information you need. The site also has a dedicated chat feature located at the bottom right part of the page. Simply enter your Flash login email to begin. If you’re not a customer yet, you can just leave your email.

Is Flash worth it?

The bottom line in this Flash news review is that if news streaming is part of your day-to-day, Flash is going to be a worthwhile addition to your list of streaming subscriptions. Its functions, both content and features, are news-focused, making it more convenient to stay informed and connected.

At first, it may seem superfluous to get a separate subscription for watching news solely, especially since Foxtel and Foxtel Now include some of these news channels as part of their base Foxtel Plus and Essentials packs. But for those who prefer all their news channels and content in one place, Flash, which also goes beyond news, is worth trying out.

Flash’s channels, features, and functions are also set to grow over time since Foxtel aims to make it a valuable streaming app for every Australian who wants news first and foremost. And for only $8 per month, no lock-in contract, for a subscription that can be shared between 5 people in your household, Flash already offers amazing value.