Live Tune-In feature in 4th gen Apple TV hints at live TV feeds
On Friday the 15th, Apple has released an update to owners of the fourth generation Apple TV, which hints at some interesting future developments, concerning Apple plans to stream live TV through a range of third party partner apps.
The “What’s New” screen displayed on completion of the latest update, shows a brand new heading titled Live Tune-In, captioned with the following:
“...Ask Siri to start watching a live channel in one of the supported apps, such as CBS, Disney XD, and ESPN. Try saying “Watch CBS” or “Watch ESPN Live”...”
The blurb is rather self explanatory, however it’s unclear how many apps will be supporting the feature.
It’s also difficult to tell whether the new Live Tune-In feature is an indication that Apple’s plans to start its own online TV streaming service is finally back on track, in spite of numerous setbacks and delays due to the finicky nature of network television rights.
With that said, with or without Apple’s own live streaming service, the new feature will allow existing customers of cable services, as well as online subscribers of individual streaming services, like HBO or CBS, to watch their favorite shows, by simply asking Siri, from their Apple TV remote, which makes the experience a lot more, or even better than flipping through channels on a regular TV.