Apple’s in the process of doubling down on the Apple TV. Following a report that Apple was working on deals with cable networks that would allow for commercial-skipping comes word that Apple is looking to cooperate with TV content providers to bring their own channels to the Apple TV.
Apple just rolled out a new software update for the Apple TV that adds new channels for HBO GO and WatchESPN, as well as Sky News, Crunchyroll, and Qello. The iOS 5.3 release is compatible with both the second- and third-generation Apple TVs, and is available to download now.
The HBO Go app for iOS has today been updated to add some great new features, including support for AirPlay multitasking. Game of Thrones fans will also be able to enjoy enhancements to the interactive experience on iPad.
HBO Go is one of the best TV apps for the iPad. You can stream episodes of shows like Girls and Game of Thrones to your iPad whenever you’re craving some drama. The only problem is you have a cable subscription with HBO to access the app.
While HBO isn’t ready to ditch the subscription model altogether just yet, but the company’s CEO indicated this week that they might make the app available to cord cutters that pay for broadband Internet.
Apparently, the folks who star in HBO’s hit drama, Game of Thrones, are pretty smart, as five of the six castmembers interviewed before the premiere of the first episode of the upcoming third season admit to using an iPhone over an Android. Of course, Rose Leslie, who plays the part of savage wildling beyond the wall, Ygritte, uses an Android device. Figures.
ABC, NBC, and CBS all have their own iPad and iPhone apps that will finally let you watch some of their shows for free. The catch with all of those apps is that you can’t watch a new show until 24 hours after it’s aired.
To take TV network apps to the next level, ABC is reportedly working on a new app that will let cable subscribers stream live network TV to their iPhone or iPad.
HBO has been holding out on embracing the future of technology and AirPlay, but it looks like they’re ready to get serious about customer who want to cut the cord.
While speaking at All Things D’s Dive Into Media conference today, HBO’s Eric Kessler announced that starting today, the company will be enabling AirPlay for HBO Go.
Amid rumors that Apple is in negotiations with cable and content providers for a TV streaming service, a new report claims that HBO will come to the existing Apple TV set-top box later this year.
Apple and HBO are reportedly in negotiations to make the premium channel a dedicated app on the Apple TV, like Netflix and Hulu Plus. The experience would be like that of the HBO Go app that currently exists in the iOS App Store.
When Apple announced that it was bringing movies and TV shows purchased in the iTunes Store to iCloud, every major production house was onboard except Universal and Fox. Due to licensing conflicts with HBO, Universal and Fox were not able to offer video content in iCloud initially. HBO later said that it would be loosening its grip on the studios to allow for licensing agreements with Apple.
It now appears that Universal Studios has been able to start offering its movies in the iTunes Store for re-download in iCloud.
Apple announced that movies are now available for download in iCloud last week at its iPad event. You can now view and re-download video content purchased from the iTunes Store on any authorized device, including the iPhone and iPad.
While nearly all the major Hollywood studios were onboard at the time, Universal and Fox studios hadn’t been able to close a deal with Apple for iCloud availability due to licensing conflicts with HBO. According to a spokesperson for the company, HBO is loosening its restrictions on the studios to let Apple have access to more content, specifically Universal and Fox.