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Verizon Launches Mobile Data Guzzler in Form of Streaming Video Service

This is all a clever ruse to get you to consume more data.
Image: Verizon

Verizon on Tuesday launched a new mobile video content service, becoming the latest company to try to appeal to cord-cutters and millennials.

The new app called "Go90," is named for the angle users must turn their phones at to watch the new app in landscape mode. Verizon is the latest company to invest in video streaming apps after the success of Netflix and similar services. AT&T has also stated it is working on similar mobile video technology.

Jumping into the crowded streaming market could have a variety of benefits for Verizon, namely getting millennials to devour their parents' data plans with videos. The launch of Go90 comes on the heels of the announcement of "simplified" data plans that allow users to more easily purchase extra data.

Go90 has no subscription fee and will offer 100 to 200 hours of exclusive video content from networks like AwesomenessTV and Machinima. Content partners for the app also include VH1, ESPN, Comedy Central, and Food Network.

A representative from Verizon told Reuters in addition to streaming, the app also allows users to create groups and share videos within social networks of similar interests. Verizon is offering the service to select customers to begin with, and will eventually extend it to iOS and Android and Android users, though some of the content will remain exclusive to Verizon users. Verizon is apparently using ad technology acquired from AOL, which it purchased in June, to fund the app, but has declined to name which major brands will be advertising on the app.