Sling TV today (August 31) announced a number of features that will be added to its new app. Those with the new Sling app (available on more devices) will be able to see what is being broadcast on other channels without having to stop what they are currently watching.

YouTube TV has a similar display, but it takes up much of the screen; Sling's new "All Channels" menu pops up in the bottom third of the screen, as shown above. This way, if you don't like what you're watching (but enjoy it so much you can't leave), you can still see what's going on. This should keep Sling at the top of our list of the best cable TV alternatives.

Sling broke the news in a blog post announcing that the new Sling TV app will land in two new homes as well: the AirTV Mini and Android TV. It has already been on Amazon Fire TV and Roku . Sling's post notes that this is not the end of the app expansion." As the new app "will continue to roll out across all supported devices throughout the year.

Another new feature coming to the new Sling app is a "Browse By Channel" row on the home screen. This will allow people to jump directly to the channels they like most and see what is airing now and what will be airing in the future. This is a welcome addition to the app, as in the past, Sling has often focused more on content and programming than on the network.

We checked out the new Sling app on one of our Roku Ultras, but these features are not yet available. We assume they will be rolled out over time.

Slling took a moment to highlight Locast integration for broadcast networks. This has been rolling out since early this summer and is currently available on Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast with Google TV, Tivo Stream HD, Apple Mobile, Android TV, Android Mobile, Sony TV, and AirTV Mini. Roku's absence is noteworthy.

Locast is also a streaming service supported by donations, providing local broadcast networks to viewers in 36 markets representing 55% of the US population. The only problem is that Locast's channels cannot be DVR'd.

The new Sling app strengthens the service as a contender, with the gloss and polish the app needs when YouTube TV and Fubo look so slick. I'm testing Fubo right now and it's pretty neat.

If Locast integration comes to Roku (the most popular streaming device platform) and Apple tvOS (one of Tom's Guide's favorites), Sling TV will become even more competitive. Sling TV is a great alternative to YouTube TV and Hulu. It is an attractive option as is because of its lower price compared to YouTube TV and Hulu, but having a more complete lineup of broadcast channels (Sling Blue has Fox and NBC, Sling Orange has neither) is a big deal.

That said, not being able to DVR Locast content is a major annoyance. However, this can be remedied with AirTV. We are currently testing such a device and look forward to reporting back after we have spent more time with it.