Critical Role's Big Upgrade Will Forever Change the Way You Watch the Show
Overview & Key Takeaways
After 2 years, a brand-new update for Critical Role's platform, Beacon, will change Critters' viewing habits forever.
It’s been just over two years since Critical Role debuted Beacon, or Pocket Beacon on iOS and/or Android devices. The streaming platform has been the direct home for all Critical Role content, giving members exclusive early access to campaigns, miniseries, one-shots, and talk shows. The platform also offers ad-free VOD archives, an exclusive newsletter, and additional perks and shows. While there are still plenty of ways to access Critical Role on third-party platforms like YouTube, Beacon is the place to be for early access.
However, there have been two lingering problems with the platform. First, you can't access Beacon on your smart TV. Second, you can’t download content from Beacon to watch offline. Critters (myself included) have been waiting patiently for that to change — and now the wait is over.
Image: Critical Role
As revealed by a funky new trailer from Critical Role, Beacon is getting some brand-new features. You can access Beacon on your smart TV via platforms like Fire TV, Apple TV, Google TV, and Roku. However, as Derek Wheeler writes on the official Critical Role blog, the company plans to keep expanding to other devices as it learns “what smart TV features you need the most.”
Critters can now also download content from Beacon to their iOS and Android devices — meaning you can watch Critical Role content without an internet connection. For frequent travelers, not having to worry about an internet connection to access Critical Role episodes is a relief. All Critters have to do is open the video, tap the new download button, then access downloads from the app menu.
However, Critical Role’s blog suggests keeping the app open while downloading because episodes are so long, and there’s nothing worse than a download cancellation because you switched off the app.
Enabling access to Critical Role content whenever, wherever, and on your TV is a significant step forward. Furthermore, it shows that the company's February hire of Alyssa Zeisler as general manager and her audience-first goal for Beacon has paid off. Considering previous talks about expanding the platform, more features and changes for Beacon may be on the way.
