The new device, which goes by the model number C71KW-400, is being described by these documents as “the new AT&T/DirecTV Wireless 4K OTT Client.” A user manual published as part of the filings specifies that the device won’t be able to interact with any of DirecTV’s existing Genie hardware, and hints at a future hardware product called HS27.
Helpfully, the manual also supplies a definition of OTT as “the delivery of video via the internet directly into user-connected devices, allowing access to services anywhere, anytime, on any device.” The device is based on Google’s Android TV platform, and a screenshot shows images of Google’s YouTube and Google Play Movies services running on the device. There’s also access to Google’s Play store, which presumably means that consumers will be able to install Netflix, HBO Now, Hulu and other video apps as well.
However, the new hardware doesn’t feature any DirecTV Now branding, but instead just uses the DirecTV brand. This means that it will likely be made available to new or existing subscribers of AT&Ts or DirecTV’s traditional TV service.
