Disney+Hotstar has added a new innovation called #WatchWithYaars or ‘Watch with your friends’ that will allow users to video chat with friends while watching the live stream of the cricket matches on the same screen. IPL 2020 is currently on, and closing in on the finals, and this feature can be used for the ongoing matches.
Earlier in the season, Disney+ Hotstar VIP had added some new features to its interactive WatchN’ Play social feed. Users could share selfies using a feature called ‘Hotshots’ and videos with another feature called ‘Duets’. The ‘Watch with your friends’ is another addition to the platform that wants you to enjoy the matches with your friends for company, virtually.
To use this feature, all you need to do is click ‘start video call’ feature under the live match stream and add your friends. You can add up to five friends to the video chat. The chat will open up in portrait mode and there are options of listening to the sports commentary over the conversation and also options to control the volume for each participant to customise their experience. In case of low connectivity, one can also choose to be part of the conversation using ‘audio only’ option.
To ensure there are no spoilers there is video synchronisation among participants that will make sure that the stream doesn’t lag and everyone watches the exact same feed of the same match, across networks.
Starting with the Dream11 IPL 2020 Playoff matches, all Disney+Hotstar subscribers will be able to use the ‘Watch with your friends’ feature.
Disney+Hotstar VIP’s annual subscription is priced at ₹399 and subscribers get access to two IPL tournaments this year along with Asia Cup and other BCCI tournaments. The plan also gives users access to newly released movies on the platform and some Hotstar Specials shows.
