Potentially ideal for television networks that want to gain massive exposure in the mobile space, a simple-to-use service that’s accessible on the iPhone and iPad could be a major step towards reaching the millennial demographic that embraces Netflix on mobile devices.
In addition to the mobile space, it’s likely that the service will work on the Apple TV set-top box. That could potentially be a system selling feature for the set-top box within households that want to completely cut the cord from premium cable or satellite television service.
Details on the pricing and structure of Apple’s service are nonexistent at this point as well as any projected release date of the service. While some networks have yet to speak with Apple, sources indicate that the company is showing off a technical demo of the user interface to a select group of television programmers.
Of course, Apple may be late to the game by the time the service actually debuts. Sony is already working on a similar television service that’s entered a testing phase. According to a recent report, Sony’s Internet TV service includes more than 75 channels from nearly all the major networks as well as Viacom and Discovery. The only missing components is Disney for the kids as well as ESPN for sports addicts, but those options can be found on Dish’s Sling TV service.
However, the rumored price for Sony’s service is much higher than Sling TV, potentially $60 to $80 a month for service. When bundling that service with an Internet service subscription, the financial benefits of ditching premium cable or satellite television service are less evident. Assuming Apple can strike a better deal with television programmers regarding cost, an Apple TV service may be more attractive to the end consumer.
