“Apple TV, ‘wasn’t the first streaming media device in the living room, but it was the most successful in creating a platform for premium content,’ Albert Lai, Chief Technology Officer, Media at online video platform, Brightcove tells AppleHolic,” Jonny Evans reports for Computerworld. “Apple TV is already ‘a must have platform for practically every streaming service,’ he explains.”
Evans reports, “‘Apple TV was an emphatic statement that the television is simply a ‘dumb screen,’ and that the living room experience is defined by being digital, interactive, and device-centric for mobile and streaming media,’ explained Brightcove’s Lai. ‘The power of the Apple TV is that it becomes another touch-point in the company-consumer relationship.'”
“While cheaper streaming devices exist, Apple’s TV offering brings compatibility between Macs, iPads, iPhones and more. This means the shows, films, music and applications you use on one platform can migrate to another, the user is firmly in control,” Evans reports. “And that’s the point. Apple TV isn’t a streaming box, it’s much more than that. It’s a platform for future evolution of software, products and services that can augment your digital experience.”
Much more in the full article – recommended – here.
MacDailyNews Take: We’re enjoying Apple TV immensely, but we’re still waiting for Amazon Prime and 4K capability. Until then, we’re using the Amazon app that resides on and delivers crystal clear 4K content to our Sony 4K Smart LED TVs.
Yes, we want The Grand Tour (in 4K, no less)!
‘a must have platform for practically every streaming service,’
Does any UK user know if Apple TV now plays streaming content from 4oD?
4oD is the streaming catchup service from Channel Four, one of the major UK terrestrial stations. It didn’t used to work with Apple TV and had to be accessed from a Mac instead.
The lack of responses to my question does suggest that Apple TV isn’t used very widely in the UK.
I’ve often suspected that it hasn’t been adopted much over here and while the box itself is great, the available content for users outside of the US is far too limited. After BBC iPlayer, the 4oD service is the next most important streaming service available in the UK and Apple TV doesn’t work with it ( I have to use a Mac instead ). Without built-in access to the streaming services that I actually use regularly, an Apple TV has very limited appeal.
That lack of programming to users outside of the US is precisely why I favour Apple taking over the Formula One motor racing business. If Apple were to make F1 coverage available via Apple TV, they would create a very compelling reason for millions of people outside of the US to finally buy an Apple TV. Once there is a wider user base there would be a proven demand for more content and more content providers would want to get on board.
The electronics manufactures need to make a socket/bracket combo standards that let’s you hang the box you want to use behind the TV. Then let the content suppliers fight it out to be in the socket.
Someone tell Timber to get the lead out!
I’ve given up hope that Apple will make AppleTV a product worth purchasing, at least while Tim Cook remains in charge.
You and me both. Apple just can’t seem to get it right. Other streaming tech companies like Roku or Panasonic or Sony offer solutions that work as well or better than Apple TV — at lower cost, with better resolution, and with less hassle. Can’t think of a single reason to choose an Apple TV.