“Apple Inc. is weighing an expansion of its AirPlay audio service to include streaming video from an iPhone or iPad to television sets, according to two people familiar with the project,” Cliff Edwards and Adam Satariano report for Bloomberg.
“Under the plan, Apple would license its AirPlay software to consumer-electronics makers that could use it in devices for streaming movies, TV shows and other video content, said the people, who asked to remain anonymous because the plans haven’t been made public,” Edwards and Satariano report. “Apple now only licenses AirPlay for streaming audio. Devices that could be used for video may be available this year, one of the people said.”
“An expanded AirPlay would let users stream programming wirelessly from an Apple mobile device to a TV that carries the technology. That may spur wider use of Apple’s services and devices in consumers’ living rooms,” Edwards and Satariano report. “Apple and electronics makers may both benefit from expanding video capabilities beyond Apple TV. Streaming video from Apple mobile devices to TVs and other products may reinforce the use of iPads and iPhones to download more video sold through Apple’s iTunes Store, while also enticing consumers to buy new home-theater gear.”
Edwards and Satariano report, “Apple doesn’t typically license its software to other manufacturers, though it has made an exception with AirPlay for audio. Apple licenses the technology to electronics companies including Pioneer Corp. and D&M Holdings Inc., which use the technology to stream music to speakers and receivers. Companies pay Apple $4 for each device sold that carries AirPlay, according to two people who are familiar with the arrangements, though not authorized to speak about them. Those licensing agreements prevent video from being streamed, even though the technology is there to do it, one person said.”
Read more in the full article here.
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Readers “Brawndo Drinker” and “Travis L.” for the heads up.]