Apple Announces Universal TV App for 'Unified TV Experience'

[BJMRamage]

This is what I was hoping to have for several years. At least a "recently watching" so I can easily pick up on a TV show or Movie I was watching on the MBP or iPhone.

finally. oh and terrific it doesn't come to 3rd Gen. I also wish they had a lower price-point starter model.
[doublepost=1477593849][/doublepost]I love how curated is short for ... we picked stuff we want you to buy

 

[2010mini]

Does it have Plex support too? And when will it come to other countries?

Fat chance. Apple will not support "user sourced content"

 

[Gratatica]

I agree that you can search for Netflix shows but that won't be integrated into this new app which has the sole purpose of integrating all of your viewing choices. The answer for me is to wait and see what happens I guess.

What exactly are you hoping the relationship between this app and Netflix would be cause as far as I can tell it's going to work just fine with Netflix. Like others have said amazon instant is the only high profile app that hasn't jumped onto Apple TV yet. Which is disappointing

 

[i hate phones]

I agree that you can search for Netflix shows but that won't be integrated into this new app which has the sole purpose of integrating all of your viewing choices. The answer for me is to wait and see what happens I guess.

Do we know if this is a Netflix choice or an Apple choice for Netflix not to be included? This seems more geared to content you can access with a cable subscription... perhaps it will be expanded and netflix will be included in the future.

As for Prime... I wish amazon would just make an app already. I know they don't like apple's terms, but aren't they the same on iOS and they have an iOS app...

 

[jdillings]

Until this app is integrated into tvOS, the adoption and use of the app will be very low. People don't need another app.

 

[2010mini]

I'm confused what the purpose of this app is suppose to be. Right now, if I want to browse for shows, I have to launch a channel app (like CBS or ABC) and find the show I want to watch. So with this app, I look for the show I want and it points me to the app I need?

yes. It directly plays the content you want in the apps it is available.
[doublepost=1477594067][/doublepost]

Do we know if this is a Netflix choice or an Apple choice for Netflix not to be included? This seems more geared to content you can access with a cable subscription... perhaps it will be expanded and netflix will be included in the future.

As for Prime... I wish amazon would just make an app already. I know they don't like apple's terms, but aren't they the same on iOS and they have an iOS app...

I believe Netflix declined. Maybe because Netflix is the only app that has user profiles.
[doublepost=1477594144][/doublepost]

Until this app is integrated into tvOS, the adoption and use of the app will be very low. People don't need another app.

It is integrated. It was mention it is coming via tvOS/iOS software updates

 

[twinlight]

The tv app is a huge yawn and obviously us only

It looks good with a controlled stream of tweets.. will probably be a total mess with real tweets.

 

[i hate phones]

I was really hoping for a TV Guide section showing whats on all the Live stream channels I can access through my cable subscription... Its too hard to keep track of what apps offer live streams and which don't and then to have to look elsewhere to even see whats on at the moment.

Or maybe you could just ask Siri "What's on right now?" and she would show you your live streaming options similar to the what other games are on example.

 

[jdillings]

It is integrated. It was mention it is coming via tvOS/iOS software updates

Is it? In the demo, it clearly shows an icon which would suggest you need to open the app. It needs to be integrated so that you don't need to open the app. Have notifications or something in the top shelf saying a new episode is available when you turn your Apple TV on. If I want to see what new episodes are available on say HBO, why would I open this app which would then open the HBO app instead of just opening the HBO app to begin with?

 

[lzyprson]

What's interesting is that it will not support netflix, but WILL support Hulu... Here's an article from a couple months back that could have something to do with Apple's plans for the TV app...


Hulu's Newest Owner Makes It a Major Threat as a Streaming TV Service
Time Warner recently acquired a 10% stake in Hulu and agreed to include its networks on the latter's upcoming service.

Adam Levy
(adamlevy)
Aug 7, 2016 at 9:44AM

IMAGE SOURCE: HULU.

Hulu is planning to launch an over-the-top streaming television service in the first half of next year, and it just brought on one of the most important partners in the cable industry. Time Warner (NYSE:TWX) disclosed that it purchased a 10% stake in the streaming video service with the release of its second quarter earnings results. Time Warner will join Walt Disney (NYSEIS), Twenty-First Century Fox (NASDAQ:FOXA), and Comcast's (NASDAQ:CMCSA) NBCUniversal as a minority owner without a board seat.

As part of the deal, Turner's portfolio of cable networks will be available for live streaming and on-demand via Hulu's upcoming streaming service. However, the agreement doesn't include any additional on-demand streaming rights for Hulu's on-demand-only service that currently has 12 million subscribers.

 

[i hate phones]

Is it? In the demo, it clearly shows an icon which would suggest you need to open the app. It needs to be integrated so that you don't need to open the app. Have notifications or something in the top shelf saying a new episode is available when you turn your Apple TV on. If I want to see what new episodes are available on say HBO, why would I open this app which would then open the HBO app instead of just opening the HBO app to begin with?

The point is so you can see the shows you're watching across a bunch of different apps, so you don't have to check each one separately... and who knows, maybe if you put the tv app in the top row and highlight it, shows will show in the top bar? IMO Apple would need to redesign the home screen, or have some shortcut to access notifications since they currently just pop on the screen and then disappear into oblivion..

 

[2010mini]

Is it? In the demo, it clearly shows an icon which would suggest you need to open the app. It needs to be integrated so that you don't need to open the app. Have notifications or something in the top shelf saying a new episode is available when you turn your Apple TV on. If I want to see what new episodes are available on say HBO, why would I open this app which would then open the HBO app instead of just opening the HBO app to begin with?

Yes it is a separate app. Do you only use HBO? If so then this feature is not for you. The top shelf is not big enough to give you all the info this has. If you use more than one app on the Apple TV for content, this app consolidates them all.

 

[SkippyThorson]

So it's News Stand for viewing apps. It's a glorified smart folder.

I'm confused what the purpose of this app is suppose to be. Right now, if I want to browse for shows, I have to launch a channel app (like CBS or ABC) and find the show I want to watch. So with this app, I look for the show I want and it points me to the app I need?

That's how I understand it. If that's all, that's unfortunate.

 

[2010mini]

I just don't get it. As someone who has owned a Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV, I don't understand why I would want to get this if I can't search for Netflix and Amazon Prime. Ok, if you are one of the few people who aren't prime members, fine. But considering Prime and Netflix are putting out so much good original programming, what does this Apple Tv feature do for me. Amazon is updating their interface to allow equal search and promotion capabilities for Netflix and Hulu so this seems to me like a much better option. Renting or buying movies on iTunes is useless to most as you can do this on other devices as well. I want to love this feature but without Prime and Netflix, its fairly lame compared to what Amazon Fire is offering, in my opinion.

Netflix refused to support this feature for now. Amazon refuses to support the Apple TV period.
[doublepost=1477596897][/doublepost]

So it's News Stand for viewing apps. It's a glorified smart folder.



That's how I understand it. If that's all, that's unfortunate.

Please tell us how you would make this better?
[doublepost=1477597003][/doublepost]

Is it? In the demo, it clearly shows an icon which would suggest you need to open the app. It needs to be integrated so that you don't need to open the app. Have notifications or something in the top shelf saying a new episode is available when you turn your Apple TV on. If I want to see what new episodes are available on say HBO, why would I open this app which would then open the HBO app instead of just opening the HBO app to begin with?

This pic shows the top shelf give you "up next"

 

[Sandybox]

One big FU to the rest of the world then.....also looking at UK pricing for the new macbooks it looks like FU to anyone other than the well heeled is Apples new strategy.

 

[2010mini]

One big FU to the ROW then.....looking at UK pricing it looks like FU to anyone other than the well heeled is Apples new strategy.

Ummmm could you perhaps explain this post in detail? Currently it reads like an incoherent rant.

 

[2457282]

This was the only thing that seemed half way interesting at the Hello Again event. And still I need to wait until December to see how it really works, because it was not clear to me. And reading the comments, it seems I am not alone in the confusion.

 

[jdillings]

This pic shows the top shelf give you "up next"

View attachment 668485

Thanks. I must have missed it. I'm excited for it again.

 

[Max Portakabin]

I just don't get it. As someone who has owned a Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV, I don't understand why I would want to get this if I can't search for Netflix and Amazon Prime. Ok, if you are one of the few people who aren't prime members, fine. But considering Prime and Netflix are putting out so much good original programming, what does this Apple Tv feature do for me. Amazon is updating their interface to allow equal search and promotion capabilities for Netflix and Hulu so this seems to me like a much better option. Renting or buying movies on iTunes is useless to most as you can do this on other devices as well. I want to love this feature but without Prime and Netflix, its fairly lame compared to what Amazon Fire is offering, in my opinion.

On the Fire Stick, its baked into the OS. I don't have to go an open another app.

Seriously, WTF is going on at Apple?

 

[Sandybox]

Ummmm could you perhaps explain this post in detail? Currently it reads like an incoherent rant.

Probably due to my disbelief at the ludicrous presentation today. Judging by the reaction on the forums so far I am not the only one.

 

[TallManNY]

How about just allow my Time Warner App which runs great on my iPad to be an App on AppleTV? That is what I really want. And I'm skeptical that it is Time Warner hold off on this.

 

[BlandUsername]

I want this app for macOS. It annoys me that my iMac, which has a big screen for a bedroom, is such a terrible media viewer unless I connect an Apple TV to it (is that even possible?). All because macOS thinks you should use iTunes to play your content, and iTunes is a complete piece of garbage.

I also tried using a Mac mini connected to a TV. But it's the same problem. macOS is a terrible htpc operating system. Playing content in it is cumbersome. Every proper mac computer should be able to do, in full, everything an Apple TV is capable of.

I will agree there, The having to open a web browser for NHL, amazon prime or sling is a Pain in the rear, Opening Itunes for my movie library or vlc. But here is the convenience of not having to wear the glasses and still see the tv/applications typing on a huge screen.

 

[AppleMad98004]

Nothing but a glorified TV guide without the two biggest non/cable services Netflix and Amazon..... This and their new hardware.... Not good.

 

[Lancetx]

How about just allow my Time Warner App which runs great on my iPad to be an App on AppleTV? That is what I really want. And I'm skeptical that it is Time Warner hold off on this.

But of course it is Time Warner. They can release a tvOS app just as easily as they can an iOS app, but they want for you to continue to rent their cable boxes so they can pocket more money, that is why.

 

[Superdrive]

But of course it is Time Warner. They can release a tvOS app just as easily as they can an iOS app, but they want for you to continue to rent their cable boxes so they can pocket more money, that is why.

TWC is dragging their feet for some unknown reason, possibly an exclusive deal with Roku? I have a Roku stick that works in place of a TWC box at home. Also note, the TWC app does not allow AirPlay...not an Apple restriction.