Ryan Lawler at GigaOM:
Apple had long been rumored to be working on a subscription streaming service that would aggregate content from multiple TV networks and compete against more traditional cable and satellite services. That product ended up never coming to market, as Apple was apparently unable to convince enough content providers to join. But no one had publicly confirmed that such an offering was actually in the works until today.
I would definitely pay for this service from Apple. I hope they can convince the networks to take the leap.
A number of individual shows are exceptions to the rule that most broadcast programming is crap.
I think CBS has NCIS which is one show whose episodes we’ve bought on iTunes.
We don’t watch much TV, and we just got rid of our Bright House boxes which saves us $20/mo.
So that’s why Netflix has to increase their prices… to enrich CBS in advance of any revenues they may make. It’ll be a cold day in hell before Apple plays this game.
True ala carte pricing?! Sign my happy ass UP!
I’d need to put pen to paper to see if I could pay for individual series’ at a lower cost than my current cable bill, but if so, it’d be huge win for Apple. Aaand, it could potentially increase the quality of programming, as the networks would be able to see exactly what each program was worth.
People have been talking about Steve’s “I’ve finally cracked it.” comment like it has something to do with the Software/GUI. I don’t believe that for a bit. I’m sure they had that figured out ages ago. I’m more inclined to think he’s talking about cracking the content acquisition problem …a seemingly impossible task.
We can only hope.