Tim Bajarin:
And I also don’t think they really understand the idea that people want to have access to that content anytime, anywhere and on any device they own.
Tim’s article is just chock full of quotes I could pull out, but for me, this is one of the biggest reasons Apple can take over the industry. Traditional market leaders don’t want things to change and that’s exactly why Apple dominates the music, smartphone, tablet and MP3 player markets.
Apple isn’t afraid to turn a market on its head and introduce a new way of doing things.
In Canada (Ontario at least) Rogers and Bell have made attempts to put their content (live and OnDemand) on iOS devices but their applications are poorly designed.
They require authentication over 3G, have 2-3 splash screens (ugh, the start up time!), and have bugs a plenty.
I would believe that they would take Apple’s help if they came offering a decent deal. I can’t imagine many people use their app’s right now and they have some content they’re willing to offer.
The interesting thing in the Canadian market, however, is that Bell and Rogers also own major networks — Rogers has CityTV and Bell now has CTV. Although ad-supported, the iOS app for CTV is actually quite good. The CityTV one isn’t bad for on-device use, although I philosophically object to their choice to deliberately block both wired and AirPlay video output.
Apple can only take over the industry if they can strike the content deals. For that reason alone, I suspect we’ll end up in a sort of limbo where existing providers keep us in this quagmire of no innovation.
Exactly, when the content makers have exclusive deals with the broadcasters who are also the ISPs…
There are some serious roadblocks to overcome.
With Apple’s cash hoard they should really just buy one or more of the content providers.