Funimation and Sony partner for ad-free streaming service

Major anime distributor Funimation is entering the streaming service business, the company announced today. A press release names its new FunimationNow platform as the company's next big venture, with Sony joining as a co-partner.

"FunimationNow subscribers will enjoy ad-free, HD streaming of Funimation's expansive library of over 400 simulcast and catalog titles, both subbed and dubbed," the company said in the release, citing "early February" as the platform's launch window. Anime devotees will be able to access shows like Dragon Ball Z, Attack on Titan and Cowboy Bebop both online and through a set of redesigned iOS, Android and Kindle apps. Funimation will also launch the service on Apple TV, Amazon Fire and Windows 10.

These apps will arrive first, with the full streaming website ready in May. FunimationNow will come to PlayStation and Xbox consoles in May, too.

A free trial is available to new subscribers, who can sample the streaming selection for a full 30 days. At the end of that period, you'll have to sign up for a membership. Funimation has opened registration for the one month trial now, which will give you access to the apps when they arrive as well as the content that's currently available on the site.

Funimation has long offered its large collection of shows to interested viewers online, albeit largely behind a paywall. Different subscription tiers are available for either $4.95 (subbed anime-only) or $7.95 (the all-access option).

This is the latest arena Funimation has thrown its hat into, following last year's launch of Funimation Films. Dragon Ball Z, arguably its biggest and best-known license, has also dipped its toe into new waters recently, starring in a pair of car commercials for Ford.