Watch ABC app retired from the Windows platform

ABC has officially retired the Watch ABC app from Windows platforms. Users who try streaming content through the app are now greeted with a message informing them that the app has indeed been retired from the platform, but they may continue to watch ABC content through the network's website:
"While we appreciate our loyal Windows community, we regret to inform viewers that we have retired the WATCH ABC app from the Windows platform. You may continue to watch ABC content from the ABC website on your desktop or supported mobile devices."
The Watch ABC app originally launched in October of 2014 and was available on both PC and mobile devices. The app provided on-demand access to some ABC shows, while users in select markets could even stream show live as they aired. There's no word on whether a Windows 10 app is in the works.
Thanks to Dan for the tip!
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Dan Thorp-Lancaster is the former Editor-in-Chief of Windows Central. He began working with Windows Central, Android Central, and iMore as a news writer in 2014 and is obsessed with tech of all sorts. You can follow Dan on Twitter @DthorpL and Instagram @heyitsdtl.
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Jesus H Christ
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Lol. Still on X1 for now although its laggy as hell.
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Based on the battery issues, bugs, freezes, resets, bluetooth problems, heating, reboots, app closures, and on and on - it is slowly getting time to return the 950 to At&t and go join the rest of society. I will hang on a little longer, but wow something needs to change. I need the American airlines app, an app for my bank, and so on.
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Society will fall apart and break down. When that happens, I will laugh at all of you... @-@
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Well despite the loss of this app WP has actually started receiving new apps.
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That is not the case.. W10M has started to receive UWP apps. Or can you tell me about something big we didnt have before
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Like what?
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Switch to a credit union. All banks give a **** about is making money. My credit union is absolutely amazing
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What credit union are you referring?
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I've a 950 too and I'm not suffering from any of the problems you're describing. Moreover, I do have the American Airlines app installed!
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in a chicken basket
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Ships sinking
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Used it a lot >:\
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"you can watch through our website on selected mobile devices"....well you cant on ******** Windows Phone. Seriously, I hate to say it but the ship is sinking even with this universal app crap.
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Windows 10 mobile upgrade just started.
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Yeah alot of sites that use non-YouTube sources works now on mw10
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ABC will be back... You wait and see ;).
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Does this include the Xbox 360 app? We use that from time to time. Someone explain the great cost that must exist to just leave a functioning app, up and serving customers?
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Seriously, it can't be too much. At least they could do the bare minimum to keep it working.
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Who knows it seems like theres a shift to xb1 only apps
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Well, they will be back later this year or early next year.
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How do you know Posted via the Windows Central App for Android
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I'm tired of hearing "they'll be back". You know how many actually come back? ZERO
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People still waiting on Chase to come back
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Yeah, Im one of them. Its the only app fro the "App Gap" that got me. They say to use the mobile site, well I say thats about as useful as saying, Were too lazy to make a steak, just eat scrap cheezeburgers from the dumster behind Mcdonalds..
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Didn't one of the major US banks announce they're bringing their app back as universal? And there's been others but since I don't live in US I haven't really paid too much attention. None of the apps I regularly use have been retired in the first place
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All the major banks and some of the smaller ones have an app on wp in Australia ;)
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Zero? Bro Bank of America is actually coming back, that wasn't a rumour
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When is BOA expected to come back?
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Re: Vaishnavite,
If true, they are following the ridiculous Microsoft "method" to shut down perfectly useful tools long before they have a fully developed replacement. I guess, that way all the existing users can find another developers solution and they (Microsoft /ABC) can start fresh, looking for new users.
Geez. Does this make logical marketing sense? -
Live in reality man. They won't be back.
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LOLOLOLLMAOLOLOLOLLMAOLOLOLOLLMAOLOLOLOLLMAOLOLOLOLLMAOLOLOLOLLMAO... OH MICROSOFT
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Wow :/
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What?
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Let me insert the obligatory "I don't use it so I don't care" remark.......
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Lol! I'm impressed no one said this so far.
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It's probably because this app, unlike Sendtiment (I'm one of the very few who uses Sendtiment-love it!), is actually being used by a lot more people.
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The difference here is that some people actually do use this app (I have in the past, but haven't in a long time), whereas an app that has half the people going "never heard of this app" generally don't have much of a userbase.
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No one uses this app. I installed it and never launched it. Streaming tv isn't as big as some would like to think on phones. Tablets on W10 don't need this either. You can stream from your provider, like in my case Charter, with much more content than the network provides anyway.
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Android apps end of story lol hahaha hahaha
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He who does the same yet expect different result's............................... Microsoft Posted via the Windows Central App for Android
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Same actions same results Posted via the Windows Central App for Android
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This is why I didn't change my icon for a 950
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Exactly why I'm holding on to my 930. And eagerly waiting to replace it with a Z5! I love Windows 10, though. Just testing foreign waters for now. I'll be back once the Surface Phone emerges.
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What does having a ABC app have to do with a 950?
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It has to do in a way that we didn't pay for a brand new device with a dwindling app store... At least that's how I see it.,
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not only ABC the the recent trending. All big apps saying bye bye like the Banks
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Actually the recent trend is everyone is saying hello to Windows 10, even the banks... Thats the recent trend the last 2-3 months.
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Get an iPhone 7 once its out, i will if i ever can afford it
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If money is a problem, buying the latest version of something seems pretty wasteful. That's some weird advice.
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Lol yea
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I would, but I don't like iOS.
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All apple cares about is milking you for your money. "buy the next new thing" they say. Put a Lumia 950 next to a 640 and open up a bunch of apps. Nearly identical. Place an iPhone 4s next to a 5 or 5s and the newer phone is always faster, less buggy and overall behaves better. Apple makes their older phones slower by implementing features that slow it down and kill battery/cause glitches. They charge out of the butt for accessories. They overcharge for crap laptops. They're not ever innovative anymore. I will never buy another apple product until their business practices change.
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For me I solved it differently..
1-I bought a 7" Android tablet (buying a Windows tablet is sheer stupidity)
2-I'm keeping my old WP phone (925), till it falls apart... Then I'm moving to an iOS or Android flagship.. I lost hope for this platform... It will never work and the ride is down hill till rock bottom. -
"buying a windows tablet is sheer stupidity" Sorry but your statement is sheer stupidity. I would much rather a tablet that can do just about anything. Hell on my surface I can play ANY game that my PC can run through steam streaming. Can't do that on your Android tablet. I can run the Adobe suite, missing on your Android. Oh yeah, I can also run every app that your Android can run. All you solved is pigeon holeing yourself into a limited device.
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Probably the same here. Bought an Amazon Kindle 7" and will keep my 928 until it dies since the carriers are getting out of the subsidy business. Wonder how long MS will go before it panics and drops Universal apps for the next plan. I can put my 928 in the drawer with my WP 7.5 and my RT.
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I did the exact thing. I'm just waiting for a certain phone to come out on my phone carrier and then I'm gone. Hate to leave but things are moving way too slow leaving me with little hope for the future of windows mobile Posted via the Windows Central App for Android
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Apple makes their older phones slower by implementing features that slow it down and kill battery/cause glitches This ^^^^^^
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This is the US market. Once apps drop from markets with decent market share then it would be time to worry (at least for me).
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You know what pisses me off? There were great apps like TV Series that let your watch your shows. Then networks like ABC, CBS, etc filed complaints and got the app shut down. Then they turn around and get rid of their app.
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Ya. That is bad.
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True!
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Microsoft needs to let the guy bring his app back. If they go after the app again, declaring the aiding of a monopoly. It's exactly what Google or Apple would do.
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Yep. Bought a 950, lost the app. Fk.
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U can get an Android for the same price and better specs than the Lumia 635. Plus more features and better app store. If this app problem continues I will move back to Android.
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Lumia 635 is still more fluid than Androids twice the price. But App store wise, yeah I agree.
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There is no comparison, Android is far more better then the bullshit we call an OS !
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The second half of your comment makes no sense.
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Re: Jas00555,
Who are you responding to?
Just curious.
Maybe no one? -
Re: Kevin I'm talking to Mohamed. What does he mean by "this bullshit we call an OS". What does he mean? What are we specifically referring to as an OS? Does he mean Windows? Why not just say Windows? It's quite unclear. Or maybe I'm just talking to to one. Lol what an odd thing to say.
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The person was more than likely referring to Windows. They're praising Android in this comment and wishing they could afford an iPhone in a prior comment. They substituted "windows" with "bullshit" to be an insult or jab at MS. That's how I interpreted the comment anyway.
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and then != than
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LOL, that caught my eye too!
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Also he used the phrase "far more better". I love this guy's English man
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I prefer my software not to come from the world's largest tracking, profiling, and advertising company
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I am with you!
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Same here.
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Mohamed, I'm pretty sure you don't use WP platform.
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Why wait? =/
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This is third app in the row in this week which is getting retired from windows store...seriously Microsoft need to do something
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Yes. I am annoyed too.
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One of the ones that left was an exclusive app to Windows Phone and was a small dev. Hardly the end of the road. Plenty of others went Universal. Just trying times. Microsoft can help by getting this OS in order... I'm wondering how much longer this will take. They've had so much time bit still can't seem to get the OS finished and these dev tools are still in beta as well. I've submitted enough feedback to address the glaring bugs on my own not to mention the countless others participating as well. They either don't care, are incompetent, or are very understaffed.
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I wonder if any of you moaners were using the App and supporting its devalopment. maybe they only had 25 people using it and desided to just discontinue it. they are continuing iOS and Android because 100 people use it still because of the larger user base.
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This. Most of the people complaining and saying they are jumping ship because of the loss of this app weren't even using it anyway. They just say "Microsoft needs to do more, I'm getting a different device". Yes, Microsoft needs to do mode, but use your device note efficiently. Half the apps out there aren't worth a damn, and the people that use them would be upset at the company pulling the app, not the OS manufacturer. I'm pissed at Microsoft also, but I understand where the blame actually lies. Microsoft needs to get their OS in gear but if VLC can afford an app, so can ABC, Chase, B of A, Clash of Clans, and Google.
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I agree to most of it..I even agree that "half of the apps out there aren't worth a damn", but please don't tell me you're trying to say we have quality apps! Even though we have some big names, their apps are so poorly featured..and at times you'll find a 3rd party app better than the official one! And you have to agree, iOS and Android do have GOOD quality apps..far better than in Windows Phone 8.1 (even windows 10 lacks in that area)
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I agree with the wp noob
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Exactly.
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*Sigh* that's just sad. Posted via the Windows Central App for Nexus 5x
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Who cares if abc is down lol is not the end of the world. Anyway tell me honestly who watch news if everything could be seems online. Wtf plus facebook bombard every one with ads and news. I used Cortana for news. I wonder who watches news cause I don't lol. Same story again and again.
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It wasn't news, it was tv shows. And a ton of us watch out shows on our phones. This is a huge deal.
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Watch ABC was for tv shows.
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Really? You watch tv shows on your phone? Trust me there wasn't tons of users of this app. If there was it will still be there.
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You know how many people spend tons of time commuting or away from home and get their media (like shows and movies) from their mobile devices? "Trust me", much more than you are making out.
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Yep, the long commute struggle is real. Very real. I don't like when people assume other people's lives. You never know if someone takes the train to work and have that ride to think about. Or they take more than one form of transportation.
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Given I'm often doing 5 hour journeys each way on Saturdays (so ten hours traveling in the day), something like this can be useful. Gives me entertainment while on my journey. And I can't be the only person like that. Fortunately I live in the UK where companies seem to give a toss about Windows.
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Goodbye Windows Phone, Good morning Nexus 5X.
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This seems like an odd thing to be a deal breaker, but whatever works for you.
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It's hard being really into tv and having to use the mobile site instead. I have tried, but sadly, I don't like it.
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If you are really in to tv get a tablet.
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Fair point, but what would I do with carrying a big tablet around? Also if I want to watch, I'll probably need a data plan on it, and I'll rather not. Why not watch on what you have with you?
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Great phone, you gonna love it
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Nice karma...
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Bye. Posted via the Windows Central App for Nexus 5x
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Get a 6P Posted via the Windows Central App for Android on my Lumia 950 XL
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Lol! But yeah, the 6P is a much better deal.
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Pirate Arr, how is this even possible? "App for Android on Lumia 950 XL"
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Actually, I recommend a Nexus 6. You can get one for 220 ish and it has camera stabilization and wireless charging... =)
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I thought it was raining apps?
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Or it's much more nuanced than that and while many apps are being updated, old apps are coming back (like BoA), and new apps that never had a Windows apps are arriving soon (like SiriusXM), there are some apps that have to be discontinued (for whatever their reasons may be). It's not like any of this is a surprise.
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Keep swiping...
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Drop dead abc!!
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i'm in a point right. now that i don't even care
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Me too, i lost my patient for Windows phone :(
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I'm so sorry, Doctor. I know things like that can be hard :(
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Lol
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apply water to the burnt area
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Meh
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Universal App for Windows 10!!!
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Keep dreaming.
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Another reason to go with Android
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F*** ABC! No, seriously, f***em!
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From the number of such articles about apps being retired from WP, it reminds me of the saying - "One step forward, two steps back"
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Sadly, this has been Microsoft's strategy since they dismissed ZUNE. They think something NEW in beta, with half the features and capabilities, is better? Don't get me wrong, I'm a diehard when it comes to respecting what Microsoft can and has, sometimes done, but the truth is the truth, to those of us that pay close attention. Maybe we need a change.
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Just great, come on Microsoft do something I don't like this sinking ship, I've been a crew member thru many ship restorations, I'm sorry but the captain needs to be replaced like now.
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You don't have a rebreather? You can tread water for months, maybe even get a diving bell as a backup...
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I just don't get it. Is no one at MS even accountable to keeping these apps going. Like an app retention dept? I did notice our CBS has 5 reviews so I'm going to go check it out before they yank it.
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For what, hemorrhaging money..? =P
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ABC developed the app, they decide what they want to do with it. It is a Windows app, but Microsoft has no say in its development.
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Has the platform started burning yet? Just curious
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Yes but Microsoft has fire insurance I think. Posted via the Windows Central App for Android
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I got a duel is tablet wish I could get a duel is phone.... Anyone know of any Posted via the Windows Central App for Android
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You challenging someone to a duel?
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Typo there ^ OS > is "I got a duel OS tablet. Wish, I could get a dual OS phone. Anyone know of any"
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I still don't get the duel thing.
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Elephone is supposed to release a dual boot phone Posted via the Windows Central App for Android
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Wtf is going on here?
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The Bachelor is not available to watch on the phone anymore, thank God.
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^^
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All these folks crying should just move on to another platform and be happy.
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But they want to be on this platform and be happy.
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That's quite the predicament, I must say...
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But they're unhappy. No, they all really should just move along. Why be miserable and spread it to others?
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Agree, move along folks ...
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How do people not think of this? If you guys don't like it, *move somewhere else*. There are plenty of Android phones out there, so go nuts. Sure this is a site for the Windows fans, and we like to engage in debates and talk highly about it, but if you want to leave, then leave. We honestly won't hate you for it, and we probably wouldn't even give a crap. Fans usually support their team through even the bad times, and that's what the rest of us are going to do.
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Showing appreciation by retiring an app....wow...that's an appreciation I wouldn't want.
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Man, I still have some faith, but it really looks like our ship is sinking slowly..MS, you NEED to do something, I don't wanna believe that I will go back straight to Android as soon as the S7 gets released..Let's hope you guys gave me reasons not to by then.
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We are nice people. Stay?!
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What's funny is that year after year people say that we MS/WP fans are foolish for always saying "wait until next year"... Yet year after year Android fans say "just wait until Android "L" or now it's"M"... Or the next big thing is the S4, S5, S6, now its the S7. They've all been GARBAGE (reliability-wise). So even though it's this much more mature ecosystem, it's still a garbage OS, and Microsoft's halfassed beta OS still send to hang on somehow. If barely. What is so great about Android that it needs constant hardware improvements just to run normally? They are still not efficient enough and I just wish that W10 was complete so we could compare apples to apple so to speak.
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WP seems to be falling apart every single passing day.
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so I decided Read everyone's negativity comments and frustration comments(majority). Sad part not one person mentioned Hulu plus app(which works like a charm and with Cortana also ). people all of ABC tv shows are on Hulu plus. Only network isn't is cbs but there plenty apps for that(3rd party). Educate self before you rant. Also if Hulu plus 8$ a month can be afforded those apps that stream movies also stream any tv show free.
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I thought this but didn't bring it up. It's true. Hulu is how I watch TV in my phone. No ABC app needed.
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Because I already pay foe those channels with cable for the rest of mt family. Part of that deal is you get to watch your shows through the apps. I dont feel like pumping out another $10 to repay for the shows I am already paying for.
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Actually you should qualify for their tv service provider fee waive if their licensed
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It not a bad thing sure search is broken but who needs it if you setup the queue from a desktop
Guess the only thing lacking from that is live tv try ustvnow -
I don't see interest on this kind of news. Windows press it's a bit depressing sometimes... there are hundreds of new apps everyday, and there are probably dozens of apps that leave too.
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Because we are loosing major apps and that's NOT ok.
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Like ABC wrote: you can get it via website. Stop crying.
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Really? Go try watching a show on your Windows Phone through the website and tell me how it works? So no you can't. Stop talking about stuff you know nothing about.
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Awwww..good riddance Corporate run garbage.
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Bye bye ABC
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I love reading these comments while pooping. Anyone else?
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Hey me too! Windows Central is my crapper app as well :D
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Damn for a minute there I thought are abc had made an app for windows....weres my iView abc Australia??
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Dan here - the one who tipped Windows Central on this. I was in constant contact with ABC/Disney over issues with the app. Under Windows 10, the TV show tiles would be blank - so you had to click random tiles in hopes of finding the right show to watch. This was a platform wide issue and affected my L920, L635 and L640 tester phones. It looks as if the app would have needed serious overhaul to work again under W10 and there just wasn't enough of us to justify the effort. This, the abandonment of Flickr and Engadget apps, and the near constant headaches with W10 and W10 Mobile have me really worried. I'm not getting a new Windows Phone - not with this mass exodus of apps. I just can not do my basic work in the platform anymore. I will continue to test using my current phones, but I'm not investing any more money in the platform. Looks like a new iPhone for me, though I will miss the live tiles and Metro look.
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Same thing with me! The app had major bugs, but you could get the shows to run eventually. Inconstantly contact them about the issues. I wonder if that was their decision....forget fixing the issues, just dump it.
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Thanks for explaining the issue, and for tipping :)
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Next step for Microsoft ?? Microsoft will soon close its Windows Store...
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If apps will continue to go away ms will sink in few years since noone will buy anymore their products and the brand will be in terrible situation
Right now ms brand is no good as most of ppl feel -
US Only problem, who cares besides US folks?
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Exactly.. Here in denmark what we need is the streaming services, and we have that. Watching love tv shows will die at some point so I really dont see this as a problem longterm..
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Windows Central is a worldwide WINDOWS news site, so yes, there are enough of us to "care".
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#ItObamasFault they blame him for everything else in the world right? So why not this. LOL
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LOL
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I actually used this app on my PC. Just watched Galavant the other day.
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Wonder if the rest of the "Watch..." Disney owned apps will follow suit.
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You know instead of complaining on sites like these, write directly to Microsoft. I had a problem w my Xbox One that needed to be repaired that took nearly 3 months to rectify speaking with nearly 20 customer service reps including 3 supervisors. I got fed up and wrote directly to the head of Xbox division expecting no answer. But instead they reached out to me about my complaint resolved my problem quickly and addressed all of my concerns and complaints. The point I'm making is if we as a community start writing directly to the head of the phone unit about the lack of apps, apps disappearing,not being replaced w universal apps, etc. instead of commenting and complaining on sites like these, they may work harder to address our concerns. Many of you have good ideas and articulate your comments well so what you got to lose by doing this?
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Sure..who should I contact and what is his contact info?
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I wrote several times to Brandon that ms should take care more of apps in the store if they care to grow in marketshare
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Who is Brandon and what is his contact?
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I think max is referring to this guy https://about.me/brandonleblanc I see him on Twitter talking to Rubini and Sams, so he must be important.
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Yes, it doesn't matter to me of this app stays or doesn't, I never used it, and probably would never..but the thing is why are developers taking away their apps from our store, but not from Android and iOS? Even those who are making apps for windows aren't much interested to provide the best user experience. Well, even Microsoft wants to prove that "windows is a service" but better on other OSes..Skype does matter to me, and **** it, it's so crappy in 8.1, but the Android app is amazingly great..when Microsoft themselves make such apps for us, what do we expect from others? Wish I had bought a BB10 device..at least I could sideload an Android app, if the two stores didn't have it.. (I don't like Android..I'd rather go for iOS, but its too costly for me..I love BB10, it's the best OS I've ever seen but sadly, didn't find any authorised store nearby)
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Why the hell is everyone blaming every time a app retires Microsoft. Tell me how can a platform grow with such negative comments, Apple with their big name from one side, Google with their advertizing of Android on the other side, and big company who don't give a f*** about WP users. The only one's who are left are loyal WP users and small devs. I mean, if VLC can make a great app, or Rudy make and update multiple apps at the same time and don't complain, how can't this big companies make and update apps like this. Geez, even I, a amateur developer, could make a app like this. It would take time, but at least it would have all features and a pleasing ui.
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Im not blaming them, but they need to fight back. If they are going to pull the tv apps, let TV Series come back and if they complain they need to file monopoly complaints whether or not they win. They cant just sit on their hands.
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This is Microsoft's biggest problem. Why should companies invest in making Windows apps when they already have a web site that works just fine and they would prefer people using it instead. (Facebook, Twitter, Chase, etc.)
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Again...try using that website on your phone. Not happening.
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Over time, the app model will transition to a web model. ABC is an example of this. Why create an app for each platform when a web page will work just fine. Huge cost savings. Web works everywhere, even on televisions and other gadgets. Oh sure apps might be nicer, but consumers don't care. Web is "good enough". Note that the web site needs to consider mobile.
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Exactly. Apps are nothing more than hyperlinks. Besides, the entire "App" thing is an Apple creation designed to trap users and developers in that ecosystem. MS is on the right path w/ universal apps, but web-based accomplishes the same thing (thus the dire need for an IE replacement). I looked into "apps" for my small business, but we will go with web-based applications instead, and maybe investing in phone OS-based app stand ins at best. But for us, why not create a Win 10 universal app -- works on phone, tablet, and pc, so no brainer.
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Lots of unused apps languish in the App Store, and Play Store. As a matter of fact, there are many apps that don't make it in those stores, but they stay because it's not "cool," to delist, from there. It's "cool," to say "**** you," to MS. Look at how many people started saying it on THIS site/comments, once they saw that some people might agree. This is nonsense. You're letting other people dictate that there will only be the two channel's, IOS/Android, that you can have access to? What's wrong with you, Sheep? I, for one, don't trust Google. So, no Android, for me, probably ever. And, I find Apples monetization, of it's platform/users, and I find IOS boring, so, I don't want that lemming bait. I guess I'll be the last man standing, with W10M, because everyone's spine is collapsing, around here. I have the WatchABC app, and I didn't use it on my 635, 1520, Venue 8 Pro, Spectre x360, or 950XL. What I DO use, is WINDOWS, so, if they don't want my custom, then have at it. Since they shaved of MNF, I hardly watch that channel anyway. Sayonara, lames!
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They'll be back...