Lifestyle and Flash apps binned as Binge consolidates Foxtel streaming offering

The “Lifestyle” streaming app didn’t even make it’s second birthday, RIP Lifestyle. Launched as a spin off of the Lifestyle Channel and related content out of both Binge and Foxtel content offerings the dedicated Lifestyle app will now be retired as all that content shifts back to Binge as it moves to become a “one-stop” streaming service for “entertainment, lifestyle, reality shows and live news”.

When Hubbl launched in early 2024 Foxtel pushed it’s vast app offering, while introducing the new Lifestyle app for an additional $8 a month which allowed many people to “stack” an extra streaming app into the Hubbl “Stack and Save” option and actually make it potentially as little as $3 a month. As we reported recently, that option to save has since been removed from Hubbl.

But in a country overwhelmed by streaming services, a rationalisation under new Foxtel owners DAZN means the company is going to focus on Binge as their streaming player up against Netflix, Disney+, Stan and others.

In addition to the end of Lifestyle, the Flash News app will also be retired, with news channels added to Binge permanently.

Foxtel’s CEO Hilary Perchard says  “These changes make sense for all subscribers. For BINGE subscribers, they receive more value and choice with a larger selection of live news channels. For our FLASH and LifeStyle subscribers, they now have their news and lifestyle together in one place, alongside the world’s best movies, TV shows and documentaries. 

“By simplifying our apps, we can also accelerate improvements to the BINGE customer experience by leveraging our parent company, DAZN’s, technology platform and product development capabilities. 

“At a time when subscribers want greater simplicity and more value, these are the right changes at the right time,” he said. 

Hoping to entice customers back to Binge, they are also currently offering a Black Friday deal for returning customers of just $2 for one month (expires December 8).