Apple TV And Online TV Service Will Be Released This Year

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Mar 24, 2015
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The much rumoured and long awaited news has been finally released by Apple Inc. (AAPL, Financial) that in June this year, Apple TV launch would be announced at the Worldwide Developers Conference. The technology leader is planning to launch an online TV service including 25 channels in collaboration with its broadcasters. These include names like ABC (ABC, Financial), CBC and Fox (FOX, Financial). Apple is also in talks with Walt Disney Co. (DIS) after successful tie-up with HBO recently. The service is expected to be priced at $30 to $40 per month, would be available at Apple’s iOS operating systems including iPhones, iPads and Apple TV set top boxes and might be launched by September this year.

Apple TV: The Roadblocks so far

Apple TV, also termed by some as Apple’s ‘Hobby device’, is still under a lot of speculation whether it will finally be launched officially in time or not.

Apple has been in talks with content owners since 2009 but nothing has worked out till recent times. The tech giant had tried to negotiate with CBS and Walt Disney in 2009, and in 2012 was also stated to be developing a ‘cloud’ based DVR system designed to store TV shows online and for live streaming. However, nothing eventually did materialise. The Wall Street Journal also claims that Apple had been in talks with content giants as well as cable service providers like Comcast Corp (CMCSA, Financial)Â and Time Warner Cable Inc (TWC)

Apple intended to sell content directly to consumers through the web. This way, TV would get its own interface and brand a new user experience. However, this was not acceptable to many for obvious reasons despite the fact that viewers in any case were turning to web based content more and more. But now it appears that the company has finally crossed all roadblocks and all the efforts put in will finally reap. This could be possible as Apple has now turned its focus on TV content providers instead on TV pipe owners.

Until now, Apple’s only venture into TV was Apple TV box which allowed consumers to watch web TV on their conventional TV. It was not selling the programming yet on the Apple TV box which now is not a distant dream. Recent tie-ups with HBO and Re/Code could make the claims even more believable. The New York Post has given its own theory on how all this could finally be possible for Apple Inc. They say that things could work out after Apple agreed to share its viewer’s data with the content providers which might include demographics and also what the viewers are watching. This in turn will help the programmers to set target advertisements for Apple TV consumers.

What Apple TV will offer?

Quite similar to sling TV (Dish’s web based video on demand service) or even a PlayStation, the Apple TV will be rolled out with 25 bundled channels. The service will be charged between $30- $40 per month allowing customers to watch certain channels from anywhere. The recent HBO deal has been a big grab for Apple as it promises its customers HBO’s entire catalogue of shows and films at $14.99 per month from April 10 onwards. This service is exclusive to the Apple TV, iPhone and iPad consumers for 3 months.

Currently, Apple TV has a rectangular tile interface for functioning of iTunes radio and iMovie Theatre, as well as third party services like Netflix (NFLX, Financial). If all goes as planned, Apple shall be adding a new tile giving access to the package of those 25 channels.

Apple TV might also offer ‘cloud’ based DVR feature allowing its customers to store TV shows online and in streaming of live shows. Speculations are also doing rounds about Apple TV turning to a full-fledged TV set, a gaming device, and a cable set top box set, or even all three. Apple TV’s older version was launched in March 2012 and was charged at $99 per month with 1080p video support and redesigned software. Bloomberg has claimed about the next generation TV to have an even faster processor and an upgraded user interface. It could also have its own full-fledged app store and might also work as a gaming console. It might also have an in-built TV tuner and a wireless router as well.

Concluding note

Will it or won’t? The big question is whether Apple TV will be launched this year or not will be to watch out for. Difficult so far, but Apple TV’s journey finally seems to be coming to an end and it could be a new beginning as well. Its competitors like Dish Network Corp. (DISH, Financial) opened Sling TV for its consumers; Sony (SNE, Financial) too is planning one soon on similar lines. The concept that Apple TV has spun around looks already popular and followed by many. Nothing is confirmed or has been officially promised yet from Apple’s end but surely, both Apple and consumers are looking forward to Apple TV’s arrival now which is anticipated to be this June.