Vizio today announced that select models of its Smart TV sets will soon pick up support for Apple's HomeKit platform for the connected home and the AirPlay 2 media-streaming protocol.
Recent Vizio Smart TVs will get support for AirPlay 2 and HomeKit
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AirPlay 2 & the iTunes Movies and TV Shows app are coming to Samsung Smart TVs
An unexpected news came Sunday from Samsung Electronics ahead of CES 2019 as the South Korean conglomerate announced that its Smart TV sets will soon pick up support for Apple's AirPlay 2 media streaming technology, as well as a new iTunes Movies and TV Shows app.
Hulu’s considering offering skinny sports and news TV bundles
Hulu is thinking about offering stripped-down, less-expensive bundles for its over-the-top (OTT) video streaming service. In an interview with The Information, Hulu CEO Randy Freer says the company is considering offering packages that focus solely on news and sports, not entertainment.
PlayStation Vue now supports Apple’s TV app for iOS and tvOS
If you're a subscriber to Sony's PlayStation Vue over-the-top (OTT) service, we've got some great news for you. The internet television service now supports Apple's TV app, according to MacRumors.
Report: Apple video service will mix free original content with subscription channels
Cupertino plans on introducing a new digital video service beginning next year. The cost to Apple device owners will be zero, according to CNBC.
In what’s being described as part of a new digital TV strategy, Apple has decided to marry original content and subscription services from so-called legacy media companies. In doing so, owners of the Apple iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV will find the new content available for free, according to “people familiar with the matter.”
As part of the unannounced service, Apple plans on introducing subscription “channels” that will allow users to sign up for online-only services like HBO Go and Starz.
By offering its original content for free, Apple hopes to appeal to broader audiences. It will do so by only airing "PG-rated" shows.
CNBC also explains:
Apple is also looking for "tent pole" franchises that could serve as linchpins to a paid Netflix-like subscription service down the road, two of the people said. Think "Game of Thrones," but without the sex and violence.
Apple currently has dozens of original TV shows under development, including ones starting big stars like Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston. In total, the company plans on spending $1 billion to get its project off the ground.
CNBC expects Apple to announce its plans early next year.
For Apple to release these series for free to Apple device owners is an interesting move. Still, I'm not sold on its possible decision to only produce family-friendly fare. Interestingly, if you look at the list of series Apple is committed to producing, not all of them sound family-friendly in my opinion. This could suggest that CNBC is wrong on this point or perhaps Apple plans on putting some of its edgier content elsewhere.
Earlier today, WarnerMedia announced that it would introduce a new direct to consumer video service in late 2019. The unnamed product will compete with Netflix, Amazon Video, and Disney's upcoming service.
What do you think? Are you surprised to hear that Apple might offer its original content for free?
Apple’s “Carpool Karaoke” series is back for Season 2 on Friday, available for free via TV app
Following August 2018's debut of Season 1, Season 2 of “Carpool Karaoke: The Series” is arriving this Friday, October 22. Apple's show about apps and their makers is based on the “Carpool Karaoke” segment made popular by “The Late Late Show With James Corden”.
YouTube TV now lets you skip ads on most channels
Google is finally addressing one of the biggest complaints about its YouTube TV over-the-top (OTT) video streaming service. In doing so, subscribers are going to see far fewer ads.
Refreshed Fire TV costs $10 more, but brings 4K & Dolby Atmos support, 3 HDR formats
Online retail giant Amazon on Wednesday took the wraps off of its updated Fire TV HDMI dongle, which now supports 4K video output, Dolby Atmos surround sound and three major formats for high dynamic range video: HDR10, HDR+ and Dolby Vision.
An Apple TV with coaxial cable port was once created, but never released
Much to the dissatisfaction of the folks who had worked hard on a version of Apple's set-top box that could integrate with cable services, that Apple TV product never saw the light of day.
By 2025, Apple’s original video streaming business could equal Netflix
At last count, Apple has over 20 original video streaming projects in development. Despite this, the iPhone maker has yet to announce how it plans on distributing these shows or when they will begin rolling out to the public. Even without knowing this information, a team from Morgan Stanley suggests Apple's foray into video production could prove successful relatively quickly.
A running list of Apple original TV shows and series
In this article, we’re offering a running list of Apple original TV shows and series that are likely to arrive in the coming years. As more details emerge, we'll update this post.
Sarah Jones, Joel Kinnaman & Michael Dorman to star in Apple’s sci-fi drama
Apple's upcoming science-fiction space drama series from “Star Trek” veteran and “Battlestar Galactica” and “Outlander” developer Ronald D. Moore has reportedly cast actress Sarah Jones and actors Joel Kinnaman and Michael Dorman.