Apple looking at April launch of video streaming service
Apple's long-awaited video streaming service is set for an April debut, according to a new report, but with some industry stalwarts missing.
Apple is reportedly set to launch the service in April, which has been in the works for some time. Early holdouts are said to include HBO and Netflix, with a new report claiming that saying that the service will resemble the implementation used for Amazon Prime's Video Channels.
CBS, Viacom, and Starz are all said to be on-board with streaming, according to sources familiar with the matter speaking to CNBC. Apple also has a large amount of unique content in varying stages of production.
An Apple release event is predicted to happen at the end of March, with a debut of a subscription news service. Should the April date be accurate, it is likely that Apple will announce its streaming service, and possibly a full subscription plan that analysts have been clamoring for at the same time.
Apple has been working on a push for original video content for some time, including spending at least a billion dollars on the project so far. It is thought that the first shows from the effort will make an appearance in the next few months, but it is still unclear how it will take form.
It has been suggested there could be a subscription streaming service bundle with Apple Music and other content. Other rumors postulate that it could be a free perk for Apple-device owners, with third-party subscription-based streaming services offered alongside it.
While the project remains a partial mystery, Apple CEO Tim Cook did reaffirm the company's commitment during a conference call for its most recent quarterly results. As well as affirming a commitment to the Apple TV, Cook hinted towards its original video content plans.
"We will participate in the original content world. We've signed a multi-year partnership with Oprah," Cook said. "Today I'm not really ready to extend that conversation beyond that point. We've hired some people we have a super amount of confidence in. They're working on that really hard. We'll have more to say on that later."
While the potential service could involve accessing streaming services from other content providers, at one point there was the possibility of Apple offering the streams directly. A few years ago, Apple was reportedly in talks to create just such a service, but evidently it decides against such a move, in favor of creating its own original content.
Apple is reportedly set to launch the service in April, which has been in the works for some time. Early holdouts are said to include HBO and Netflix, with a new report claiming that saying that the service will resemble the implementation used for Amazon Prime's Video Channels.
CBS, Viacom, and Starz are all said to be on-board with streaming, according to sources familiar with the matter speaking to CNBC. Apple also has a large amount of unique content in varying stages of production.
An Apple release event is predicted to happen at the end of March, with a debut of a subscription news service. Should the April date be accurate, it is likely that Apple will announce its streaming service, and possibly a full subscription plan that analysts have been clamoring for at the same time.
Apple has been working on a push for original video content for some time, including spending at least a billion dollars on the project so far. It is thought that the first shows from the effort will make an appearance in the next few months, but it is still unclear how it will take form.
It has been suggested there could be a subscription streaming service bundle with Apple Music and other content. Other rumors postulate that it could be a free perk for Apple-device owners, with third-party subscription-based streaming services offered alongside it.
While the project remains a partial mystery, Apple CEO Tim Cook did reaffirm the company's commitment during a conference call for its most recent quarterly results. As well as affirming a commitment to the Apple TV, Cook hinted towards its original video content plans.
"We will participate in the original content world. We've signed a multi-year partnership with Oprah," Cook said. "Today I'm not really ready to extend that conversation beyond that point. We've hired some people we have a super amount of confidence in. They're working on that really hard. We'll have more to say on that later."
While the potential service could involve accessing streaming services from other content providers, at one point there was the possibility of Apple offering the streams directly. A few years ago, Apple was reportedly in talks to create just such a service, but evidently it decides against such a move, in favor of creating its own original content.
Comments
Apple Music is a complete mess to begin with and needs a complete overhaul in every aspect. If Apple Music is so important to Apple, consideration should be given to investing in the platform. Apple doesn't need personalities from the industry, they need people with real experience from the record retail industry that was in full tilt boogie during the '70's. Apple Music needs to be the ultimate one-source Artist/Music depository. And come on Apple, give me a break, up the damn quality of the stream, owners of the HomePod will thank you! - oh and by the way, they shouldn't have to pay any additional amount for the higher quality stream.
Apple should consider the acquisition of Tidal.
This video streaming service is a complete distraction that Apple doesn't need. Another "me too" move by Apple.
The Tidal acquisition sounded like a good idea 4 years ago.
The bundling of separate apps is going to come later. But I don't really see it being much different than what's available through Amazon, other than the convenience of being billed entirely through your Apple ID account.
I suppose it’s like Amazon Prime where you can sign up for other subscriptions like HBO and then watch through Amazon Prime. I don’t get it either other than perhaps the convenience of having everything all in one place. Though I get why Apple would want it as they’d get a cut of any signups via the TV app.
If you have Spectrum, are you only able to access the shows via the Spectrum TV app and On Demand? Or are you able to also sign in and watch shows on the Network's individual apps as well?
I ask because we currently have AT&T U-verse. I'm constantly getting rejection messages that say "your current subscription does not provide access to this content, blablabla." We then will log in with a family members Xfinity account and we are able to get everything. Frustrating, especially since i have one of the higher tier of channel counts with U-verse. I'm assuming it wouldn't matter as much since it would be consolidated all in the Spectrum App, but some of those apps offer additional content, seasons, etc. Prime example is Disney Channel - my kids can access hundreds of episodes on the Disney Now app with the Xfinity account.
Also - How is the live TV on the Spectrum TV app? Good quality?
Thanks!!
Brian
Netflix not agreeing to it doesn't surprise me, as they don't even support Apple's Apple TV Watch app. This drives me nuts, as the App is super convenient for accessing your recent content.
So what I am guessing is the Apple Service will be similar to Amazon's Service in that it will offer basic content for a particular price, but allow you to add channels for an added on cost. I suspect Apple's version will be visually better, as Amazon's interface and organization is pretty poor compared to other Apps like Netflix or HBO.
I hope Apple offers a plan that includes Apple Music, the video service, and iCloud storage.