“Apple’s tvOS 12 got some attention during the WWDC keynote, but the story that doesn’t seem to have broken the surface is that Apple’s slow and gradual plan to become a key platform provider in the television space is breaking new ground,” Jonny Evans writes for Computerworld.
“Charter Communications is going to offer its Spectrum Cable Customers the option of choosing an Apple TV instead of a traditional cable TV box. Customers will then be able to access live and on-demand entertainment using Spectrum’s future Apple TV, iPhone, and iPad app,” Evans writes. “The new OS (available this fall) will automatically recognize whose broadband network you use when you set your Apple TV up. The system will then automatically sign that Apple TV into all the supported apps you are entitled to within your broadband subscription.”
“This is a super-smart move,” Evans writes. “It’s not just aimed at consumers (though the offer is both compelling and convenient); it’s a viable proposition to cable TV suppliers.”
Read more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: Here’s to more cable / satellite companies wising up and supporting Apple TV 4K!
SEE ALSO:
Apple TV 4K delivers highest quality cinematic experience with tvOS 12 – June 4, 2018
Now if Xfinity would get off their ass and do the same – Don’t know why thy won’t do it.. At least the zero/single sign on.
It’s not so much “getting off their ass” as it is pulling their head from their ass.
They see the Apple TV as a direct competitor and threat to their business. This is the problem with allowing companies that have utility monopolies become vertically integrated with additional products and services.
It’s a shame because there’s plenty of profit in it for them by still providing the pipe, content, and even content packaging, and riding along with superior Apple hardware. When you look at the full cost of X1 hardware for multiple TVs, and think about how the cost of that hardware could’ve otherwise gone towards Xfinity content and services, while providing a better user experience it’s clear that this is all really messed up.
But from their perspective, it means being on a more equal playing field with Netflix and others.
Kevin
Are you able to receive satellite TV service? Then cable video is not a monopoly.
Are you able to get phone DSL? Then cable internet is not a monopoly.
Also are you able to get telephone service from either cable or phone company? Ditto
OTA video? Streaming video via choice of ISP provider? Ditto the ditto.
Unless you are in a very underserved rural area you have more than one choice for video, phone and internet. There is no monopoly at play.
That’s why I said, utility monopoly. Only one company is allowed to access the infrastructure required to cable utility services where I live. That’s not unique.
Comcast offers a streaming service to cord cutting former TV customers in some cities. Not sure if it runs on Apple TV or not.
Xfinity sucks. I despise Xfinity/Comcast.
You should try Directv /s
That will be a huge step forward…..
Yet i still like to see a centrlized/ consolidated inter-app repository of all my favored programing and notification for new favored content.
Without such feature i find jumping from app to app and trying to remember what i have favored where and if there is new content availible to be very frustrating and inefficient.. add on top the inefficiency of each channel/app being in its own ui universe.
At the moment my jurassic dvr does a better job of consolidating and notifying me of what i like to watch .
Why should such basic feature/conveiance be omitted..in such a modern product ?
(And nope.. Apple TV App is no where near )
I know what you mean. You shouldn’t need a DVR at all being able to access any show or being able to “record” it online and having it put in a SAVED folder to your account.
The other thing is being able to view any show as soon as it is available, not when cable networks choose to show it. The whole idea of a TV Guide like schedule is outmoded except in broadcast but certainly not online. WE”LL decide when we’re ready to watch.
This may not be exactly true. Charter-Spectrum recently started offering a streaming option to customers, which appears to be an attempt to compete with DirecTV Now, Sling TV, etc. Under this promotion, users get to pick 10 channels they like and pay around $22/month. Users also get their local channels. If this ‘streaming’ service is what’s coming to Apple TV, it’s not equal to Spectrum’s lineup options via cable. All in all it’s just another live streaming service…with no DVR.
What would be really nice is IF people not in the Charter area could sign up for Charter via the Apple TV and end up getting rid of Comcast!
Cable and set-top boxes are going to be a confusing mess until ala carte is fully implemented, industry disruptions always are.
I’m looking at 2 to 3 years from now.
Been doing this on Roku now (watching live Cable TV), not using cable boxes, for months. Never once had to log in. Works like a charm.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been an Apple fanboi for quite a while now but they’re really late to this…
Still waiting…
1. Smart DVR function, perhaps combined with increased iCloud storage and/or larger local storage.
2. An AppleTV version of Apple Music–lots of TV shows and movies for a reasonable monthly fee.
3. Classic movies, music, operas, plays, and musicals One of the most underrepresented categories on streaming services. Seems like Apple could convince the studios that offering these movies on a streaming service would be found money. And then Apple also gets to play the whole “convergence of liberal arts and technology card” thingie which they love.
4. Better remote
5. Optional USB3 HD storage
This is good but will necessitate an actual useful remote control provided by Apple. The current remote control is not designed for use by a general population. It includes many stupid design elements, like hardly being able to distinguish the touchpad from the other end, and then there is the touchpad itself, not a good choice for a TV remote used by all ages and tech skill levels.
APPLE – scrap the Apple TV remote and provide a good one!!!
My ideal TV setup is to be charged for what I watch. I would still have all the channels available but only pay for the shows that are viewed or recorded.
This is still a long way off but having 3rd party devices like the AppleTV being able to access the entire content and replicate the experience in rooms other than where the set top box resides will be great.
Apple TV is great. I paired it with the YoutubeTV app and cut the cable chord.
How does that work with satellite TV? We get our TV from DirectTV, but we get our internet through Comcast. DirectTV streaming uses the internet, not the satellite.
What disappoints me, is that I dug out an old Apple TV, hooked it up in the Man Cave, and was reminded just how much more efficient the “old” interface was when compared to the new.