During a recent earnings call relayed by CNET, Time Warner CEO Jeffrey Bewkes said he believes Apple will launch an Internet-based television service and that Apple is "very forward-thinking" when it comes to TV.
"We think Apple is very forward-thinking about television," he said, noting the computer maker's deal with Time Warner as the launch partner of streaming service HBO Now. "It's no surprise to anyone that Apple would be interested in launching a TV product."
It is not clear if Bewkes has insider knowledge regarding Apple's television plans, but Apple and Time Warner have been entwined in deals several times in the past, most recently with the HBO Now deal. Apple and Time Warner, HBO's parent company, partnered up for the HBO Now launch, with Apple's Apple TV and iOS devices being some of the first to offer the HBO Now service.
Aimed at cord cutters, HBO Now is priced at $14.99 and offers all of HBO's content without a cable subscription. Beyond HBO Now, Apple and Time Warner have discussed television many times in the past and have attempted to establish content deals, but those have yet to materialize.
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Apple's ongoing difficulties establishing content deals with companies like Time Warner have spanned several years and have repeatedly delayed its television efforts. Apple's inability to convince cable companies and content providers to change the status quo has also caused Apple to scale back on its ambitious television plans.
Apple may have begun having more luck getting companies on board with its television plans, however, as recent rumors have indeed pointed towards the imminent launch of a streaming television service and possibly a new set-top box. Apple's new service may include content from CBS, Fox, Walt Disney, and more, with approximately 25 channels available at a cost between $30 and $40 per month.
Apple's rumored streaming television service may make an appearance in June at Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference.
Top Rated Comments
At 125 a month for basic HD cable and internet when I watch 12 of those channels, I would love to cut the cord...
Cut the cord!
1. call the cable company and cancel the tripple play, downgrading to internet only
2. Get an atenna to watch over the air digital tv stations
3. Get an apple TV box to buy or rent seasons of what every you want
4. Get a Hulu or Netflix account if you want a buffet approach
I do this and really get everything I want.
1. Broadband only can still run $40-$100 depending on speed and how long one has been a customer.
2. Assuming one lives close enough to do so; many do not
3. These costs are starting to add up
4. Ok, by now one is pretty close to that original cable bill.
1. I pay $37/month
2. one time-cost of $40. I live in a city and get 20 channels over the air. Granted in rural areas it will be less. But I believe that the major networks do cover a significant portion of the country.
3. one time cost of $79 for the apple box. Movie rentals are about $6, and I rent about 2 per month
4. I pay $8/month for Netflix
Total cost - $120 one time fees and $45/month to support all my viewing pleasure.
Not having to pay Comcrap wads of cash -- priceless. :D
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In HD?
OTA signals are 1080i HD in most areas.