Apple is still working on last-minute deals with content providers for streaming video ser...
Apple's expected video service is still missing a few hold-outs, but the company is petitioning hard for big names to come on board sooner rather than later.
While the reveal of the video service on March 25 is probable, it will be light on Apple-created content. For other services, Apple is reportedly facing a March 15 deadline to sign deals to have content providers available for launch.
Wednesday's report by Bloomberg also notes that premium cable TV networks like HBO, Showtime, and Starz are expected to ultimately make a deal with the company. However, the trio are holding out until the last minute to extract maximum concessions out of Apple before doing so.
The holdouts aren't a new revelation, but the reason why is. On February 13, rumors were already circulating that HBO was still in negotiations for service inclusion.
The March 25 event will reportedly be a star-studded affair, with appearances by people such as J.J. Abrams, Jennifer Garner, and Steve Carrell to commemorate the unveiling of Apple's original video content project. The video production effort has seen the investment of at least $1 billion so far into TV shows and movie productions.
As well as the video service, Apple is also expected to launch Apple News magazines, a paid subscription that allows users to read digital magazines from their Mac or iPad.
There is a possibility that new hardware will arrive at the event, including new iPads, AirPods, the AirPower charging mat, or even a new iPod touch. Rumors have gone back and forth on those though, and some products like the "AirPods 2" may not launch until this fall.
While the reveal of the video service on March 25 is probable, it will be light on Apple-created content. For other services, Apple is reportedly facing a March 15 deadline to sign deals to have content providers available for launch.
Wednesday's report by Bloomberg also notes that premium cable TV networks like HBO, Showtime, and Starz are expected to ultimately make a deal with the company. However, the trio are holding out until the last minute to extract maximum concessions out of Apple before doing so.
The holdouts aren't a new revelation, but the reason why is. On February 13, rumors were already circulating that HBO was still in negotiations for service inclusion.
The March 25 event will reportedly be a star-studded affair, with appearances by people such as J.J. Abrams, Jennifer Garner, and Steve Carrell to commemorate the unveiling of Apple's original video content project. The video production effort has seen the investment of at least $1 billion so far into TV shows and movie productions.
As well as the video service, Apple is also expected to launch Apple News magazines, a paid subscription that allows users to read digital magazines from their Mac or iPad.
There is a possibility that new hardware will arrive at the event, including new iPads, AirPods, the AirPower charging mat, or even a new iPod touch. Rumors have gone back and forth on those though, and some products like the "AirPods 2" may not launch until this fall.
Comments
But I do think it is unfair for Netflix/Spotify/Deezer to have to compete with Apple and Amazon with these services.
It's not "unfair" that Netflix chose a similar approach of being a one trick pony of "just" video streaming, but in contrast to popular opinion I predict they will eventually have to sell out and be part of a package to survive. Again, it's not unfair that companies like Amazon, Apple and Google, and Disney and others, are better positioned to offer a package to consumers that includes video and music with other benefits. Consumers will leap for packages that offer greater value and convenience than maintaining multiple subscriptions and duplicate offerings. Apple is well positioned to offer such a package.
And Apple angered the news publications by demanding 50% of the profits, and you know they are doing the same with the video content partners. No one needs HBO, Showtime, or Starz to be on an Apple streaming service when people that want those channels already receive them either through their cable provider or through them directly, HBO Now and Showtime Now. I already pay for HBO and Showtime with my cable package, so Apple adding them to a streaming package offers me absolutely nothing. Streaming has the major downside of internet outages and buffering issues if the network is busy.
And why why is it unfair for them to compete? Is it unfair for Target/Walgreens/grocers to have in-house brands competing with outside brands? In-house brands don’t have to pay slotting fees to access the shelves, so that’s an “unfair” advantage, and these generic in-house versions are always cheaper than the name brands. So what?
Telling that your first assumption is a pearl clutching narrative about Apple failing by catering to to Wall Street over delighting the customer, despite, um, never doing this, and being known for not doing so; rather than assuming the rumor is inaccurate.
Yes, worrying! Concern! Fear! Uncertainty! Doubt!
Internet outages are a major disadvantage? LOL! Where are you living, man? I live in a city and depend on the internet for my livelihood. Works just fine.
But but but that’s just Disney TELLING YOU WHAT TO WATCH! laugh...isn’t that what you chided Apple for? Yyyyeah....