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Apple to launch 25 channel Web TV service in autumn

by Mark Tyson on 17 March 2015, 12:06

Tags: Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL)

Quick Link: HEXUS.net/qacpzh

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A report published by The Wall Street Journal reveals that Apple is planning to launch its own Internet-based TV service. The Cupertino tech goliath is said to be in talks with major broadcasters to offer a "slimmed-down bundle" of TV networks across iOS devices including the Apple TV set top box.

People familiar with the matter said that the Apple television service is set to launch in the US by autumn. It will host around 25 channels including a "skinny" collection from flagship broadcasters such as ABC, CBS, Fox and more, whilst leaving out several smaller networks in the standard cable TV package.

Channels under NBC Universal's umbrella, such as USA and Bravo, are unlikely to appear at launch following the disagreements between Apple and NBC's parent company Comcast. Apple and Comcast were in early-stage discussions last year to offer a streaming-TV solution that would allow Apple's set-top boxes to bypass congestion on the web.

The WSJ report claims that Apple plans to unveil official details of the paid service at its WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) in June. The entertainment service will be piped to Apple TV and supported iOS devices at prices ranging from $30 to $40 per month. Apple recently dropped the price of the current dedicated Apple TV device to $69 in the US and £59 in the UK. It also unveiled an exclusive HBO Now streaming service during its Spring Forward event.

Apple to offer gift cards in exchange for your non-Apple smartphone

Sources speaking to 9to5Mac have indicated that Apple will be introducing a new recycling and trade-in program, in the "coming weeks," that will accept non-Apple branded smartphones in exchange for gift cards. The gift cards can then be used against purchases of iPhones.

Apple employees are to start training programs to help them undertake valuations of non-Apple branded smartphones and transfer contacts from the old device to a new iPhone. Synchronisation and backup of any other device data will be the owner's task.

The original iPhone Reuse and Recycle trade-in program began in mid-2013 and has enjoyed some success in getting Apple fans to upgrade to new iPhone models. Adding rival smartphone platforms to the mix should help encourage more people to jump ship, simply thanks to the convenience.



HEXUS Forums :: 10 Comments

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Well competition is good, I like netflix and amazon prime, having another source for content will only be good!

The entertainment service will be piped to Apple TV and supported iOS devices at prices ranging from $30 to $40 per month
Hahahaha. No.
TheAnimus
Well competition is good, I like netflix and amazon prime, having another source for content will only be good!

Hahahaha. No.

Did you think any different? This is Apple. Their devices or no devices. They're the Nazis of business. You must be part of their Aryan Race.
I was expecting as much after the limited-time exclusive they got on HBO last week, assumed that was the tip of the iceberg….


These services should be available from a non-apple web browser, although the prices have put me off already.
Channels under NBC Universal's umbrella, such as USA and Bravo, are unlikely to appear at launch following the disagreements between Apple and NBC's parent company Comcast. Apple and Comcast were in early-stage discussions last year to offer a streaming-TV solution that would allow Apple's set-top boxes to bypass congestion on the web.

I find it very odd for Hexus to portray the issue between Apple and Comcast as bypassing congestion on the web.

The reality is Comcast wanting apple to pay them to not throttle their service on their network which is not about web congestion but them wanting to double dip from the consumer who wants to access the net and content providers like Netflix and YouTube to carry their data because they would rather users use their own VOD service which makes them more than carrying internet traffic.
TheAnimus
….

Hahahaha. No.
Quite.

No shock that that's what they're proposing, though. I just don't buy into the whole Apple cult thing, though, pefsonally. Yet, I kinda understand why many do. Some products (iPod, mainly, for me) are pretty good, though I deliberately went non-Apple for an MP3 player. Others …. okay.

Marketing? Excellent. Full marks.