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Those Without Paramount+ Will Need to Download New CBS App

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ViacomCBS is releasing a new CBS app when Paramount+ launches on March 4. While it would be fair to assume the company would launch a new Paramount+ app if both are going to coexist, the opposite is actually what will happen.

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Paramount+ goes live in March and replaces CBS All Access. Although this is not a like-for-like replacement, considering Paramount+ will come with significantly more content. In addition, the pricing of the ad-supported plan will also be slightly lower than the current cost of a CBS All Access ad-supported subscription.

One of the reasons for the lower ad-supported plan price through Paramount+ is the lack of access to live CBS, as well as local stations and affiliates for new subscribers. Which is also the main reason why the company is releasing a new app.

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On March 4, the current CBS app will be rebranded and repackaged as the Paramount+ app. As this is a standalone subscription service, those who get access to CBS for free or as part of a live TV plan will no longer be able to access the existing CBS app. Instead, they will need to download the new app.

Prepare for a new CBS app

With confirmation that a new app is on the way, those planning to stream CBS and local affiliates outside of the Paramount+ (current CBS) app will need to be ready to make the switch. The new CBS app will become available for download on March 4 from the Amazon App Store, Apple App Store and Google Play.

As this is a totally new app, the user will need to sign in again after downloading the app. In addition, device support may also vary. While consumers will still be able to watch through the CBS website, the new CBS app is currently only confirmed as available on the following platforms:

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  • Amazon Fire TV
  • Android mobile
  • Android TV
  • Apple TV (4th Gen and 4K)
  • iPhone and iPad

Notably missing from the list is Roku. ViacomCBS has yet to officially confirm Roku support for Paramount+. However, a number of dedicated CBS Roku channels, including CBS All Access, are available from the Roku Store. Whether any of the existing Roku channels will automatically become Paramount+ channels on March 4, as is the case with the apps on other platforms, remains to be seen. Either way, the list above would seem to suggest Roku users may not need to worry about switching to a new CBS channel.

John Finn

By John Finn

John started Streaming Better to help consumers navigate the live TV streaming and subscription service landscape. John has been editing and writing about technology and streaming for online publications since 2014, and believes the best streaming approach is to rotate between services as needed.

John's preferred live TV streaming service right now is YouTube TV although he does tend to switch live TV services multiple times each year to keep up to date with their changes. Outside of live TV, John also actively streams HBO Max (for the shows), Peacock (for Premier League), and Paramount Plus (for Champion's League). However, John is also currently subscribed to Apple TV+, Discovery+, Hulu, Starz, Showtime, and Shudder.

Contact John via email at john@streamingbetter.com or say hi on Twitter

1 reply on “Those Without Paramount+ Will Need to Download New CBS App”

Hi, what can I do to make my cbs all access app stop buffering? I tried everything that everyone says to do. But it will still do it around 8 to 8:30 pm. And I finally have to quit watching it all together and go to Netflix or prime. I think since I pay 9.99 for the service they should be better.

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