Apple TV: here is how you turn an industry on its head
A refresh of Apple TV has been long overdue, but rest assured: the massive refresh of this device is coming. Hardware aside, it’s the new streaming service that may come with it, that is making Cable providers very nervous.
While we wait for the September 9th iPhone event, which some have speculated could reveal more details about Apple TV, it’s no secret that Apple has been in talks with content providers directly, to offer a $40 per month alternative to Big Cable, with a selection of 25-30 channels. While some think that this move won’t make a dent into major subscription services like Comcast or Verizon FiOS, increasing numbers of “cord-cutters”, beg to differ. Apple is not a company that likes to gamble, and to date, not a single example of a bad investment can be brought up, which begs the question of how good the new Apple TV streaming service will be in comparison with the $150-$200 per month subscriptions we all love to hate.
What we have now
For starters, let’s take a look at the current selection of channels offered by the typical cable provider. The typical channel line up includes several tiers of channels, usually in the hundreds, however, many of those channels are also available for free, over the air, such as local news channels and public broadcasting, that can be accessed freely by installing any cheap OTA receiver. This reduces the real number of channels warranting a subscription.
What we’ll be getting with Apple TV’s new service
By this token, the ball is in Apple’s court, since the selection of channels offered by the new service will most likely cover all major premium services, like HBO, ABC, TBS, FOX, ESPN and FX and most associated channels and services that can usually be accessed through higher-tier cable subscriptions.
If that wasn’t enough of a blow to Cable TV providers, the soon to be announced refreshed of Apple TV is expected to pack a punch in terms of specs, including bigger storage, DVR capabilities, Siri integration and, possibly, if the rumors are true, a redesigned touch-ID remote, with built-in biometric reader for authentication and parental control operations.
Considering the cost of Apple TV is still lower than the typical initial $100 setup fee charged by cable providers to install an X1 set top box or similar device, as well as a selection of 30 all-premium channels, Apple’s offering, at least on paper is hard to pass up for those looking to cut down on their bills.
Premium entertainment
Another big plus with Apple TV’s new service is the availability of games, although nothing as full-featured as Halo or Crisis, nevertheless Apple TV will run on a full version of iOS 9, which means, most games available on the App Store will also likely play on Apple TV, including many visually stunning 3D aerial combat games, RPGs and more.