“Yesterday, Apple released two additional networks onto Apple TV: CNBC and Fox Now,” Mark Reschke writes for TGAAP. “While both have clips or what often amount to short promo videos of full length shows, neither network ads much value without a key or a cable or satellite subscription. Without a TV subscription service, these, and dozens of other networks, on Apple TV are virtually useless.”
“High value networks such as EPSN, CNBC, HBOGO, ABC, Disney Channel and over a dozen other networks all require TV subscriptions to access popular content,” Reschke writes. “Apple TV is being manipulated by carriers into a cable TV accessory.”
“The cable industry thinking goes like this: If a user has a cable TV subscription, they can puchase an Apple TV and gain network content in a second or third bedroom, adding value to the cable subscription, deepening the dependence on it,” Reschke writes. “More and more channels are appearing on Apple TV, and while it is not doing anything to promote cord cutting, it could be that Apple is setting the stage for a much larger play. The first step is launching an updated Apple TV ‘hockey puck’ product. The new Apple TV would include an app store, and be capable of downloading – or at least – playing 4K (UHD) games via other iOS devices.”
Much more in the full article here.
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