Comcast offers cord cutters new platform

Comcast has a new streaming option for customers who have cut the cord.

The company will launch Xfinity Flex, a new streaming platform, for $5 a month on Tuesday, the company announced in a news release.

Xifinity internet customers can use the new service, which comes with a 4K HDR streaming TV box, to tune in 10,000 free movies, rent and purchase shows, and access Netflix, HBO, Showtime, Amazon Prime Video and music with a voice-controlled remote. Flex also will act as a hub to control Xfinity Wi-Fi, mobile and security services.

Xfinity Flex will also stream ESPN3, Xumo, Pluto TV, Tubi TV, Cheddar and YouTube. Music streaming options include Pandora, iHeartRadio and XITE.

Customers will rent the streaming box, which is similar to Amazon Fire Stick, Roku, Chrome and AppleTV streaming devices.

And, in case those cord cutters change their minds, they also can resubscribe to their digital cable lineup and a cloud-based digital video recorder through Flex.

Aha! Now we are getting to the idea behind this device.

Of course, if customers already own another streaming device, or an internet-connected HDTV, they won’t really need this new service, which will cost $60 a year which includes the box. That’s a lot more than a one-time investment in a Fire Stick or Roku Express, which sell for about $30.

Flex is a way for Comcast to get its hand deeper in your pocket.