Streaming services have been rising in popularity over the last few years, as more and more people are switching over from traditional forms of entertainment. For most people, the television simply does not cut it anymore because it does not come with obvious advantages of a streaming service.
To begin with, you can access a streaming service whenever and wherever you want as long as you have Internet access. Secondly, streaming services offer you a wider variety of shows to explore, unlike the television where content is restricted by channels.
Thirdly, a streaming service helps to keep track of your progress when you are watching something and allows you to resume from there whenever you please. In today's era, television has become an at-home luxury, which helps you to take advantage of streaming services better. Netflix revolutionized the media industry, and the effects have been far-reaching.
What Can You Expect?
If there is one technology company that hates being left behind, that is Apple. The company has managed to make a name for itself in every possible major tech category. The reason why users appreciate Apple so much is because it designs both its software and hardware products with class and sophistication while maintaining simplicity. You will never feel overwhelmed and at a loss of what to do when you are using an Apple product. As a company, one of Apple's greatest achievements is to have built an empire of loyal fans who stand behind them no matter what new venture they are taking.
Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime have been making waves in the market for a very long time, and Apple has finally decided to join in the industry. For all those who are not aware, Apple TV is all set to make its entry and give other streaming services a run for their money.
Introduction of the Apple TV
Apple Inc last Monday introduced their new television-watching app just a few days back, and the reviews so far have been positive. When Apple launches a product, it ensures that the quality is top-notch. The app can be used with all Apple devices. However, you should be aware that you may not be able to use the app with all Internet-connected TVs. It can be incompatible with certain TV-s, so you should test it out for your model before investing in the app.
Apple introduced this app with the hope of earning more revenue by reselling other companies' programming. Moreover, it is suspected that Apple will release its own original shows later this year. Having its very own streaming app will help them get the best value for their freshly produced content.
Apple redesigned the Apple TV app to suit the needs of modern men and women who are used to a part of the streaming media era. They have aimed to solve a few of the major problems that we face when trying to stream media using a service. For example, a common grievance is that customers are left handling multiple remotes when a show's past seasons are available on streaming sites like Hulu or iTunes, but the current episodes are only watchable on cable or as an added purchase. Customers do not like to feel like they are being stretched thin between the television and the streaming service.
Features:
The Apple TV will be available in over a hundred markets, which just goes on to show how wide the company's reach is. The app consolidates many of those services in one place so that viewers can have an easier time when they are trying to watch something they love. They will be able to view live or on-demand movies, news, sports, and TV shows with just one single search. Moreover, the app will also provide personalized recommendations which will allow users to broaden their reach and explore new content.
Apple is walking in the steps of cable providers like Comcast Corp, who are trying to simplify TV watching for the modern man who does not stand for any nonsense.
In order to increase the number of users, Apple has also introduced a feature in the app which will allow them to sign up and pay for any channel which they are not already subscribed to without having to go through the hassle of creating new passwords. Users will not even have to download any additional apps to avail of this service. As of now, the early partner channels include HBO, Starz, Tastemade, and Showtime. Apple has announced that more channels are supposed to join in the near future.
The officials at Apple are not willing to comment on the economic aspect of how the channels will operate yet. However, people who are familiar with this particular service are saying that Apple will earn a cut of the subscription fees whenever customers sign up for a channel through the Apple TV app.
Apple earns a large amount of money from its services business. According to FactSet data, the total sales value of Apple, including the sales from the App Store, the iCloud, and other businesses, stood at $11.45 billion in the last fiscal quarter.
In the beginning, the Apple TV app will be accessible on all Apple devices and even the 2019 Samsung Electronics Co Ltd smart TVs. You might be able to make the app work with some 2018 models as well. Customers who have particular TV models from Vizio, LG, and Sony will be able to use the TV app with the help of AirPlay 2 later this year.
The television app is also supposed to allow users to look for a show across multiple services with just one click. They will also be able to use Siri to give the necessary voice commands. The recommendations made by the app will be based on manual curation by editors as well as a viewer's watching habits.
Apple TV will have certain disadvantages. For example, Netflix has mentioned that it will not be one of Apple's channels. You will be able to get Netflix search results in the app, but you will have to exit in order to watch content.
