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November 22, 2019Swaggy Server Kit
This day's giveaway has ended, but don't fret, there's another giveaway happening November 23rd at 12:00 am PDT.
A decade ago, we launched a game-changing product, evolved from an independently developed home-brew media player app that functioned solely on Xbox, to an app that enables you to enjoy the media you love on any device, no matter where you are. Check out our standout moments and join us in celebrating ten years of Plex!
In the beginning—well, in 2002—there was Xbox Media Center – that home-brew media player application that functioned solely on Xbox.
2002-2007: As it grows in popularity over the next five years (and officially becomes XBMC), some enterprising Silicon Valley minds think “I bet we could get this to run on a Mac Mini—if they could do it on Linux, we’ve gotta be able to do it!”
2007-2008: Meanwhile, on the island of Maui, another inventive young dev, left alone for a weekend while his wife is away, starts hacking and documenting his efforts to do the very same thing.
2008: The top US TV shows are American Idol, Dancing With the Stars, and CSI; Breaking Bad debuts, along with Sons of Anarchy and True Blood. Netflix started streaming video in the US last year.
2008: Hip hop and rap top the charts, with Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, and Rihanna holding the top three Billboard spots. Amy Winehouse takes home 5 Grammys, Taylor Swift is still a country star, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe kicks off with the first Iron Man movie.
January – February 2008: The very first posts of OSXBMC—what would eventually be the Plex blog—are published, giving us updates on the progress of development AND Barkley the dog’s blog debut.
March 2008: Hulu launches for public access in the US. Netflix has been around for a decade, but just started streaming movies last year. And less than 1 million American households rely on the internet to watch TV.
July 2008: As time goes on, our motley crew knows they have to come up with a name—and fast. After hemming and hawing, the first email mentioning Plex crosses the Pacific at 2am on the 19th of July.
Early 2009: Lady Gaga comes on the scene with her first hit “Just Dance”, reality TV continues to dominate, and Spotify begins offering free but limited access to its services after launching in Sweden the last October.
February-May 2009: The small but mighty band of devs working on the Plex passion project opens up the first Plex App Store, letting third party developers create plugins of all sorts.
July 2009: James, one of these devs, writes the framework for developing the plugins, with the first showing up just 24 hours later and 100 available in just 5 short months. The Plex community is growing, and a glimpse into the future is had with this James character.
August 2009: Our founders are approached by the CTO of LG Electronics, who tells them he believes Plex is the future of TV, inviting the two of them to speak in front of a packed auditorium in Seoul. By the end, they have agreed to put an app on LG Smart TVs and announce the following year.
Late 2009: The year rounds out with some big blockbusters; “Avatar” comes out, earning $2.79 billion and title of highest grossing movie while Disney acquires Marvel for $4 billion.
December 2009: Plex hires its first devs! That’s right, they make it official with plugin framework genius JAMES! December 9 also marks the date we officially incorporate: Plex Inc. is born!
January 2010: Our first appearance in (what will become) TechCrunch, talking about building the new media center software from the ground up, totally overhauling everything.
March 2010: Dubbed Alexandria, after the famous ancient library, the new software provides many new capabilities under the hood that will allow developers to build some seriously cool new things.
August 2010: Lo and behold, Plex and Netflix release their iOS apps in the very same month, while simultaneously Netflix starts expanding out of the US, beginning in Canada.
September 2010: The road to total platform domination continues as Plex announces its first Smart TV integration (with LG, unveiled in January 2011), along with Apple TV and Boxee apps.
December 2010: The FCC Open Internet Order bans cable television and telephone service providers from preventing access to competitors or certain websites such as Netflix.
January 2011: Our first Smart TV integration with LG is unveiled at CES. Over the next several months, we launch these apps: Android, Windows, Roku (as a private channel), and Linux.
February 2011: Meanwhile, Amazon Prime members are given access to over 5,000 movies and TV shows without ads for free and Vudu announces the launch of its online streaming service.
April 2011: AND OF COURSE, who could forget the HBO Premiere of Game of Thrones??
July-November 2011: Apple releases Siri and iCloud while Netflix stock plunges from $42.16/share in July to $9.12/share in November as 800,000 subscribers quit after the Quikster debacle.
October 2011: My Plex, our answer to iCloud is released: “Seriously, though,” the founders think, “if Apple is doing it, it must be brilliant. Or different, or something.”
March 2012: Our Roku Channel officially hits the Roku store, positioning itself to be one of the Top Ten Channels for years to come and our most popular platform ever.
March 2012: Spotify announces that its app users listened to 1,500 years of music in three months. The company also unveils 10 million active users total, with 3 million of them paying for the service.
May-June 2012: The Avengers and The Dark Knight Rises are released and Carly Rae Jepsen has the #1 hit with “Call Me Maybe”. In the meantime, we launch the availability of custom art, our new web app, and an app for Samsung Smart TVs.
August 2012: PLEX PASS IS BORN: “We had to launch Plex Pass to get some dev money and see if this dog was gonna hunt”
February 2013: Netflix unveils their first original content, House of Cards, bucking the studios and networks and kicking off an industry-changing strategy.
April 2013: We Rickroll our users as an April Fool’s joke, making our appreciation for Mr. Astley official.
October 2013: We set up our first “official” office— affectionately called PlexHaus—out of a home in Los Gatos with 10 employees. The garage is the Plex Lab, home to all the devices and NASes used for testing. Says one of the founders, “That’s our garage story. Everyone needs one.”
October-November 2013: Spotify makes more than 20 million songs available to 24 million users, Gravity and Frozen premiere, and Blockbuster closes their stores. Meanwhile, we release our Chromecast app, Plex Companion, Plex Home Theater, and our new website launches.
Early 2014: As more devices hit the market, more devices get Plex, including: Fire TV and Android TV; we also launch fan favorite Trailers & Extras.
June 2014: Amazon announces Prime Music, debuts first original content “Transparent,” and adds Prime Photos. Guardians of the Galaxy is also released.
April-August 2015: We launch Plex Music (AND we hit 48 employees!). We also announce that our Roku and Xbox360 apps, which used to cost money, are now free for everyone.
June 2015: Apple Music launches, Prince removes his catalog from Spotify, and YouTube Red launches.
October-December 2015: Our improved home theater PC (HTPC) app, Plex Media Player, is released, alongside our new Apple TV app. Lyrics also launch, kicking Plex Music up a notch.
December 2015: Star Wars: The Force Awakens is released, 10 years after the last Star Wars film, kicking off a new generation of installments and super-fans.
March-April 2016: Our Roku and web apps get significant updates and we unveil our first player-and-server-in-one with NVIDIA SHIELD, as well as our very first Sonos app.
May 2016: Netflix announces it will launch original kids content AND partners with Univision to broadcast Narcos to all its users.
September 2016: We launch DVR, giving Plex Pass users the keys to as much free over-the-air content as their servers can handle.
February 2017: We launch our first Alexa skill, giving Plex users the ability to control playback with just your voice.
June 2017: Live TV joins DVR, giving folks the chance to watch all those over-the-air transmissions on all their devices, live OR recorded.
July 2017: The summer of “Despacito”: it becomes the most streamed song ever, at 4.6 billion plays. Meanwhile, Facebook has 2 billion monthly users.
January-May 2018: We enter the year with virtual reality apps and massive updates to our server and Chromecast apps; in May, podcasts launch, bringing more third-party free content into the mix.
February 2018: Black Panther is released, becomes the fifth Marvel movie to earn $1 billion worldwide, AND becomes the highest grossing superhero film in America, raking in $630.9 million. Avengers: Infinity War is also released, setting a new record for an opening weekend, earning $630 million worldwide.
April 2018: Streaming music services overtake worldwide sales of CDs and vinyl for the first time according to IFPI. Beyoncé is the first black woman to headline the Coachella Music Festival, her performance becoming the most-watched performance ever on YouTube.
October 2018: We launch web shows, yet one more free third-party media type. The Simpsons surpasses Gunsmoke‘s 635-episode count, earning the highest episode count of any series on TV.
November 2018: TIDAL joins the party, bringing streaming music into the Plex family mix. Meanwhile, Drake surpasses The Beatles’ record of most singles on the Billboard Hot One 100, with seven against their five, from his album Scorpion.
Late 2018: Apple becomes the first American public listed company to reach $1 trillion in value. Meanwhile, Ariana Grande releases the music video for her single “Thank U Next”, becoming the biggest ever launch on YouTube Premiere.
March-April 2019: This time we let YOU Rickroll each other!! Our early dreams of giving everyone the power to assault treat everyone to Rick Astley get even more vivid.
March-April 2019: Apple introduces its new TV streaming platform, Apple TV+; news service, Apple News+; and Game of Thrones episode “The Long Night” debuts with the longest battle ever screened, clocking in at nearly 80 mins.
April 2019: We up our music game, improving recommendations, expanding radio options, and introducing Artist TV.
April-May 2019: Our beautiful new interface, UNO, premieres on our big screen apps, blazing the trail for all other apps to follow, while Apple announces it is shutting down iTunes.
June 2019: Avengers: Endgame becomes the world’s highest-grossing film, overtaking Avatar and earning $2.9 billion, and Stranger Things 3 smashes viewing records for Netflix.
August 2019: The Streaming Wars begin. As more and more streaming services are announced, we stake our claim as one place for the media you care about, announcing partnerships with several major studios to provide free, ad-supported movies and TV shows (coming SOON!).
November 2019: As we look back, we also look ahead… reliving the last decade gets us more and more hyped up for the next one. So, join us in celebration as we continue on our road to become the only streaming platform you will ever need! #plexforlife
The last 10 years have been a wild ride, and we are so glad you’ve been along for it. Cheers to the next 10, and the 10 after that!!
As a thank you to all you Plex Pass holders, check back over the next 10 days for chances to win exclusive prizes!! We will be giving away hardware and goodies that correspond to each of our 10 years of existence—each day represents one year and each giveaway shares a connection to that year.
To enter, simply comment on each day’s Facebook post with your favorite Plex memory, the story of how you discovered us, or a pic of your setup—anything that shows your love for Plex. Winners will be selected each day and announced at the end of the 10 Days. Have a monthly or annual sub? Every day for the next ten we will be giving a lucky holder of each a free upgrade to Lifetime!
(Some users have had trouble accessing the Facebook links; if you do, please head to our page and look for the appropriate day’s post!)
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This day's giveaway has ended and, unfortunately, we've come to the end of the road. Thank you to everyone who participated!
NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE DOES NOT INCREASE THE CHANCES OF WINNING. ATTEMPTING A PURCHASE TO ENSURE ENTRY WILL DISQUALIFY YOU IMMEDIATELY. 1. Eligibility: This Campaign is open only to those who comply with the entry instruction on https://plexforlife.plex.tv/ and who are 18 as of the date of entry. The Campaign is only open to legal residents of countries excluding Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, France, Sweden, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Russia, and Taiwan (unless otherwise noted), and is void where prohibited by law. Employees of Plex GmbH, its affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies, and suppliers, (collectively the “Employees”), and immediate family members and/or those living in the same household of Employees are not eligible to participate in the Campaign. The Campaign is subject to all applicable country; state, territory, or equivalent; or local laws and regulations. Void where prohibited. 2. Agreement to Rules: By participating, the Contestant (“You”) agree to be fully unconditionally bound by these Rules, and You represent and warrant that You meet the eligibility requirements. In addition, You agree to accept the decisions of Plex GmbH as final and binding as it relates to the content of this Campaign. 3. Campaign Period: Entries will be accepted online starting on November 22, 2019, 6:00PM PT and ending December 1, 2019, 11:59PM PT. All online entries for each day of the contest must be received by the end of each day November 22, 2019, 6:00PM PT through December 1, 2019, 11:59PM PT. 4. How to Enter: The Campaign must be entered by following instructions for entry provided at https://plexforlife.plex.tv/. The entry must fulfill all Campaign requirements, as specified, to be eligible to win a prize. Entries that are incomplete or do not adhere to the rules or specifications may be disqualified at the sole discretion of Plex GmbH. 5. Campaign requirements: You may enter only once per day of the contest. You must be a holder of an active Plex Pass that has been active since before January 1, 2019. You must provide the information requested. You may not enter more times than indicated by using multiple email addresses, identities, or devices in an attempt to circumvent the rules. If You use fraudulent methods or otherwise attempt to circumvent the rules, your submission may be removed from eligibility at the sole discretion of Plex GmbH. 6. Prizes: The Winner(s) of the Campaign (the “Winner”) will receive the hardware listed for each day, up to $1,000 each in value. Actual/appraised value may differ at time of prize award. The specifics of the prize shall be solely determined by Plex GmbH. No cash or other prize substitution shall be permitted. The prize is non transferable. Any and all prize-related expenses, including without limitation any and all country, state/territory/equivalent, or local taxes, shall be the sole responsibility of Winner. No substitution of prize or transfer/assignment of prize to others or request for the cash equivalent by Winner is permitted. Acceptance of prize constitutes permission for Plex GmbH to use Winner’s name, likeness, and entry for purposes of advertising and trade without further compensation, unless prohibited by law. 7. Odds: The odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. 8. Winner Selection and Notification: Winner will be selected within five (5) days of each day’s close by an internal vote under the supervision of Plex GmbH. Winner will be notified by email or facebook direct message within five (5) days following selection of Winner. Plex GmbH shall have no liability for Winner’s failure to receive notices due to spam, junk email or other security settings or for Winner’s provision of incorrect or otherwise non-functioning contact information. If Winner cannot be contacted, is ineligible, fails to claim the prize within 5 days from the time award notification was sent, or fails to timely return a completed and executed declaration and release as required, the prize may be forfeited and an alternate Winner selected. Receipt by Winner of the prize offered in this Campaign is conditioned upon compliance with any and all country; state, territory, or equivalent; or local laws and regulations. ANY VIOLATION OF THESE OFFICIAL RULES BY WINNER (AT PLEX GMBH‘S SOLE DISCRETION) WILL RESULT IN WINNER’S DISQUALIFICATION AS WINNER OF THE CAMPAIGN, AND ALL PRIVILEGES AS WINNER WILL BE IMMEDIATELY TERMINATED. 9. Rights Granted by You: By entering this content (e.g., photo, video, text, etc.), You understand and agree that Plex GmbH, anyone acting on behalf of Plex GmbH, and Plex GmbH’s licensees, successors, and assigns, shall have the right, where permitted by law, to print, publish, broadcast, distribute, and use in any media now known or hereafter developed, in perpetuity and throughout the World, without limitation, your entry, name, portrait, picture, voice, likeness, image, statements about the Campaign, and biographical information for news, publicity, information, trade, advertising, public relations, and promotional purposes without any further compensation, notice, review, or consent. By entering this content, You represent and warrant that your entry is an original work of authorship, and does not violate any third party’s proprietary or intellectual property rights. If your entry infringes upon the intellectual property rights of another, You will be disqualified at the sole discretion of Plex GmbH. If the content of your entry is claimed to constitute infringement of any proprietary or intellectual proprietary rights of any third party, You shall, at your sole expense, defend or settle against such claims. You shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Plex GmbH from and against any suit, proceeding, claim, liability, loss, damage, cost or expense, which Plex GmbH may incur, suffer, or be required to pay arising out of such infringement or suspected infringement of any third party’s right. 10. Terms & Conditions: Plex GmbH reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Campaign should virus, bug, non-authorized human intervention, fraud, or other cause beyond Plex GmbH’s control corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, or proper conduct of the Campaign. In such case, Plex GmbH may select the Winner from all eligible entries received prior to and/or after (if appropriate) the action taken by Plex GmbH. Plex GmbH reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual who tampers or attempts to tamper with the entry process or the operation of the Campaign or website or violates these Terms & Conditions. Plex GmbH has the right, in its sole discretion, to maintain the integrity of the Campaign, to void votes for any reason, including, but not limited to: multiple entries from the same user from different IP addresses; multiple entries from the same computer in excess of that allowed by Campaign rules; or the use of bots, macros, scripts, or other technical means for entering. Any attempt by an entrant to deliberately damage any website or undermine the legitimate operation of the Campaign may be a violation of criminal and civil laws. Should such an attempt be made, Plex GmbH reserves the right to seek damages to the fullest extent permitted by law. 11. Limitation of Liability: By entering, You agree to release and hold harmless Plex GmbH and its subsidiaries, affiliates, advertising and promotion agencies, partners, representatives, agents, successors, assigns, employees, officers, and directors from any liability, illness, injury, death, loss, litigation, claim, or damage that may occur, directly or indirectly, whether caused by negligence or not, from: (i) such entrant’s participation in the Campaign and/or his/her acceptance, possession, use, or misuse of any prize or any portion thereof; (ii) technical failures of any kind, including but not limited to the malfunction of any computer, cable, network, hardware, or software, or other mechanical equipment; (iii) the unavailability or inaccessibility of any transmissions, telephone, or Internet service; (iv) unauthorized human intervention in any part of the entry process or the Promotion; (v) electronic or human error in the administration of the Promotion or the processing of entries. 12. Disputes: THIS Campaign IS GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES AND CALIFORNIA, WITHOUT RESPECT TO CONFLICT OF LAW DOCTRINES. As a condition of participating in this Campaign, participant agrees that any and all disputes that cannot be resolved between the parties, and causes of action arising out of or connected with this Campaign, shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, exclusively before a court located in California having jurisdiction. Further, in any such dispute, under no circumstances shall participant be permitted to obtain awards for, and hereby waives all rights to, punitive, incidental, or consequential damages, including reasonable attorney’s fees, other than participant’s actual out-of-pocket expenses (i.e. costs associated with entering this Campaign). Participant further waives all rights to have damages multiplied or increased. 13. Privacy Policy: Information submitted with an entry is subject to the Privacy Policy stated on the Plex GmbH website. To read the Privacy Policy, click here: https://www.plex.tv/about/privacy-legal/. 14. Winners List: To obtain a copy of the Winner’s name or a copy of these Official Rules, mail your request along with a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: Plex GmbH 449 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, CA 95030. Requests must be received no later than December 31, 2019 11:59PM PT. 15. Sponsor: The Sponsor of the Campaign is Plex GmbH Hansmatt 32, 6370 Stans, Nidwalden, Switzerland. 16. Facebook: The Campaign hosted by Plex GmbH is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook. 17. By entering the contest, You, the Contestant, have affirmatively reviewed, accepted, and agreed to all of the Official Rules.