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Apple's TV app gets live and on-demand shows with PS Vue integration
PlayStation Vue, Sony's sneakily growing video service, has earned the distinct honor of being the first streaming TV provider to be integrated into Apple's TV app. Subscribers will now be able to watch live and on-demand content through the TV app on Apple TV, iPhone and iPad, instead of only in the PS Vue app.
Microsoft pulls 'Minecraft' for Apple TV due to low demand
You probably didn't have a hankering to build Minecraft worlds on your Apple TV, and Microsoft has quietly acknowledged that reality. The company recently started notifying players that it had stopped updating and supporting the Apple TV version of the game on September 24th in order to "reallocate resources to the platforms that our players use the most." To phrase it differently, there weren't enough people playing to justify the investment. The game will continue to work, including Marketplace purchases, but you won't see new features. It's not available in the App Store, either.
Apple's original shows may be free for device owners
Apple's long-in-the-making streaming video service might not cost you anything. CNBC sources have reported that Apple's offering will revolve around a revamped TV app where original programming will be available for free in addition to previously rumored paid "channels" for third-party services like HBO and Starz. Apparently, that's a reason why Apple is interested in family-friendly shows -- it doesn't want to raise hackles by offering racy and violent material at no charge.
Apple may enlist UK telecom giant BT to jumpstart its TV strategy
Apple has been laying the groundwork for its entry into TV services for a while. Now, however, it might recruit one of the UK's largest telecoms to help out. The Daily Telegraph sources have claimed that Apple is in "early discussions" with BT to distribute Apple TV devices to EE broadband customers. Each media hub would come pre-loaded with apps for BT Sport and third-party channels. Apple and BT have both declined to comment, but there are reasons why an alliance would make sense.
Apple releases watchOS 5 with fitness upgrades and smarter Siri
If you have an Apple Watch and aren't determined to buy Series 4, your upgrade is here. Apple has released watchOS 5 right on schedule, promising big updates to fitness and Siri as well as a few apps that were arguably overdue. You now have automatic workout detection , competition with friends, advanced run tracking and expanded workouts that include hiking and yoga. Siri, meanwhile, no longer needs to wait for "hey Siri" when you raise your wrist, and the Siri watch face both provides more info (including Siri Shortcuts) and third-party app support.
Apple TV adds Dolby Atmos audio on Monday
We're getting more than just new iPhones at Apple's big event. Today, the company put a date on its tvOS 12 update that will bring the promised support for Dolby's Atmos audio technology. When Apple announced the feature at WWDC earlier this year, it also said people who owned movies in iTunes that have Atmos soundtracks available would have their copies upgraded for free. Tim Cook didn't mention the zero sign-on technology that's also a part of tvOS 12, so we'll have to see if that's ready for a wide launch next week or if it's still waiting for more testing (or agreements with more cable TV providers and channels). Apple TV owners can expect the new software release on Monday, September 17th, dropping along with the HomePod update that will add new features and additional languages for Siri.
Verizon's 5G Home internet and TV service launches October 1st
Today Verizon announced it's launching "the world's first commercial 5G broadband internet service" on October 1st. 5G Home service uses the next generation wireless technology to offer home internet service without a cable or fiber hookup. Residents of "certain neighborhoods" in Houston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles and Sacramento can pre-order access beginning on Thursday to get their service free for the first three months. Priced at $50 for people who already have Verizon wireless and $70 for those who don't, it's promising speeds of "around 300 Mbps" up to 1 Gbps, with no data caps. Beyond the "First On 5G" marketing push, Verizon is also branding its service as being built on a "5G Ultra Wideband Network" because of its spectrum holdings, fiber connections and small cell base stations. A video angle comes courtesy of Apple and Google. The package includes three months of free access to YouTube TV, plus a free Apple TV 4K or Chromecast Ultra. "White glove" installation is free, as well as a free router and "router upgrades" due next year, plus a promise that customers will get first dibs on 5G Mobile devices once those hit the market.
Verizon looks to Apple and Google for live TV over 5G
Following a rumor last month that Verizon could partner with Apple or Google for TV tie-ins on its rollout of 5G wireless internet, the company announced it has deals with both. The 5G Residential Broadband service it will offer in Houston, Los Angeles, Sacramento and Indianapolis will offer promotional packages with an Apple TV 4K box, and a tie-in with the streaming YouTube TV service. While Verizon did not announce details, according to Bloomberg sources customers will either be able to choose a free box or a free subscription. The report indicates customers can also choose streaming packages from the NFL, NBA or (the Verizon-owned parent company of Engadget) Oath. Indianapolis is a new addition to the list of cities where 5G will launch later this year, initially for fixed receivers before mobile devices begin to roll out in 2019.
HQ Trivia comes to your living room on Apple TV
Game shows got their start on TV, so it would only make sense that a modern variant like HQ Trivia would be playable on a TV, right? Right. Accordingly, Intermedia Labs has released an Apple TV version of HQ Trivia that brings the live, win-real-money experience to a bigger screen. It'll seem very familiar if you've played the mobile, but the game is unsurprisingly well-suited to TV -- Scott and other hosts don't have to be squished into the confines of a phone display.
Apple users can watch Hulu's 'Castle Rock' premiere for free
Apple is helping to promote Hulu's Castle Rock in a surprising way: By offering the premiere episode free on the Apple TV app. It'll be available to iPhone, iPad and Apple TV users in the US later today, and it'll be there exclusively for two weeks. It's a smart move for both Apple and Hulu. Castle Rock -- based on Stephen King's rich universe of stories -- is one of the most anticipated series this summer, and early reviews have been incredibly positive. By offering the first episode for free, Apple can get more people to pay attention to its TV app, while also encouraging viewers to pick up a Hulu subscription to keep watching.
Verizon looks to Apple or Google for live TV over 5G
Verizon may be looking for some help launching its 5G home internet service with a bang. Sources talking to Bloomberg have claimed that Big Red is looking to team up with either Apple or Google to provide a streaming TV service when its fixed 5G broadband launches later in 2018. Although talks are still young and could easily go south, the insiders said it would either draw on YouTube TV or "Apple TV" (a service, not the device) to provide live programming. That last part is a head-scratcher, since Apple isn't expected to launch a video-focused service until roughly March 2019 -- Verizon might have to be patient.
Apple TV’s zero sign-on ends frustrating pay-TV logins
It was 18 months ago that Apple brought the single sign-on feature to the Apple TV, the idea being you only have to enter your info once, rather than logging into supported apps individually. Today at WWDC, Apple announced a feature that has you doing even less. With "zero sign-on," the apps of pay-TV providers will automatically log you in, as it were, if you happen to be one of their broadband customers, too. Zero sign-on will be switched on later this year with Charter Spectrum (and its Spectrum TV app) as the first supported network, but expect others to follow suit.
How to watch Apple's WWDC keynote
It's already that time of year again: WWDC, Apple's annual developer conference. You can peep it live, as it happens, right here from wherever you are at 1PM Eastern/10AM Pacific. New this year? You'll be able to watch the keynote in Chrome and Firefox in addition to Safari and Microsoft Edge. It's like the future! Now, Apple says that for the "best" experience you should use one of its own devices (or Microsoft Edge). Of course, you can still watch on your Apple TV if you feel so inclined.
DirecTV Now's revamped apps open up access to cloud DVR
AT&T is acting on its promise to roll out next-gen DirecTV Now service in the spring. The telecom giant is launching a revamped experience that not only includes new apps, but an updated beta of its cloud DVR service that's available to everyone. All subscribers get 20 hours of recordings that last for up to 30 days. If you need more, an extra $10 per month gives you 100 hours of video that lasts for up to 90 days.
Apple may be adding video subscriptions to its TV app
Apple could be taking a page from Amazon's playbook. According to Bloomberg, the Cupertino-based company will start selling subscriptions to video services via its Apple TV app. This is similar to how Amazon's Channels feature works, where users can add HBO, Starz and Showtime to their Amazon Prime Video subscription.
Hulu's new guide provides fast access to live TV
Hulu has gradually improved access to its live TV service over the past year. Now, however, it's ready for a proper overhaul. The streaming provider has launched a new live TV guide that promises speedier access to channels. If you have an Amazon Fire TV, a recent Apple TV, a Nintendo Switch or an Xbox One, you can quickly see what's airing (including your most recently viewed channels) and either watch or record them. You'll also find a lightning bolt near the home icon that jumps directly to live TV on the last channel you watched. Needless to say, that could prove a time-saver if you're a sports fan who usually returns to the same channel.
Vudu update brings 4K Disney movies to Apple TV
When the Apple TV 4K arrived, there was one glaring omission in its movie catalog: Disney. No matter how much you wanted, you couldn't (officially) see the latest Marvel or Pixar flick in its full glory. If you live in the US, though, you now have a viable alternative. An update to Vudu's Apple TV app has enabled 4K HDR support, opening the door to watching Disney's movies at maximum quality if you live in the US. You're not going to get Dolby Atmos audio (the Apple TV just doesn't support it), but that's fine if you don't need to be fully immersed while watching The Last Jedi.
Apple's big push into original TV could start next March
Apple's original TV programming has been lackluster so far, to say the least. Planet of the Apps? Don't bother. Carpool Karaoke? Not much better. But the company isn't giving up and, according to The New York Times, has a major expansion in the works. Since October, Apple's top brass has bought 12 projects — nine of which have been green-lit for a full series — with a budget that will soon exceed $1 billion. The new slate of shows will reportedly launch somewhere between March and summer 2019, which is aggressive considering that most premium shows take a year to shoot.
Eddy Cue said everything you'd expect about Apple's video strategy
For a session about "Curation in Media," there wasn't a whole lot of talk about Apple News at Eddy Cue's SXSW panel today. Instead, moderator and CNN senior reporter Dylan Byers steered Apple's senior vice president of internet software and services through a wide range of topics, from today's acquisition of magazine platform Texture through Apple Music (it now has 38 million subscribers), free speech, live TV, health care and the company's recent foray into video content.
Scientology is launching a TV network with streaming options
Scientology's relentless marketing push is evolving for the modern era. Hollywood Reporter has confirmed that the organization is launching a TV network on March 12th, and it'll include the virtually obligatory streaming apps. In addition to broadcasting on AT&T's DirecTV, it'll also offer streaming through mobile apps (at least iOS), Apple TV and Roku devices. It's not certain what the network will offer online as of this writing, but there will be on-demand clips in addition to live fare.
