MUMBAI: A new television-watching app for its devices and some internet-connected TVs has been rolled out by Apple recently, according to various reports. It was also mentioned that the launch is an attempt to gain more revenue from reselling other companies programming and, later this year, its own original shows.
Its aim is to solve some of the headaches that have emerged in the streaming media era. It will be available in more than 100 markets to pull many of those services together to show viewers where they can watch live or on-demand movies, TV shows, news and sports via a single search, or through personalized recommendations.
The app also will allow users to sign up and pay for channels they do not already subscribe to without creating new passwords or downloading additional apps. Early partner channels include HBO, Starz, Showtime and Tastemade, with more expected to join in the future, Apple said.
A show's past seasons, for example, might be available on Hulu, Netflix, or iTunes, while current episodes require cable or purchase, leaving customers juggling multiple remotes.
According to the report, Apple will take a cut of the subscription fees when customers use the Apple TV app to sign up for a channel.
Initially, the app will be available on Apple devices plus 2019 Samsung Electronics smart TVs and some 2018 models. Later this year, customers with certain Vizio, LG, and Sony TVs will be able to use the TV app using AirPlay 2.
Apple's television app will also aim to let users search for a show across multiple services in one shot, including by using Siri, the company's voice assistant. The app will make recommendations based on a mix of curation by human editors and a viewer's watching habits.
There will be some limitations, however. Netflix has said it will not be included in Apple's channels, which means programming on Netflix will appear in search results but viewers will need to exit the Apple TV app. And so far only three pay TV providers are supported in the Apple TV app - Charter Communications's Spectrum, AT&T's DirecTV Now and Sony's Playstation Vue.
The app also will serve as the home this fall for the Apple TV+ subscription service, which will include original shows from Steven Spielberg, Oprah Winfrey and others.
