Apple Announces Universal TV App for 'Unified TV Experience'

[Rigby]

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?

I hope it will be like a global watch list across your apps. For example, I watch some shows from HBO Now, some from Netflix, and some on Hulu. It can be hard to keep track of them across multiple apps. What I hope this TV app will do for me is present all the shows in one place, show me new episodes as they are released, and keep track of watching progress for each show. And hopefully sync all that over iCloud you you can use this across multiple Apple TVs (and iOS devices).
[doublepost=1477601409][/doublepost]

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

Who said it won't include Netflix?

 

[BruiserB]

So does that mean that "single sign on" is also delayed until this releases? End of December? Guess we'll be updating our ATVs on New Year's Eve.

 

[frifra]

Well, this here and the new MacBook Pro with the emoji bar.

Many paths lead to rome but apple seems to be off track - maybe they should not have relied on apple maps .

 

[oneMadRssn]

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.

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.

Netflix refused to support this feature for now. Amazon refuses to support the Apple TV period.

Do we know for a fact Neflix isn't supported? I thought that was just a rumor. Apple's website doesn't seem to have an exhaustive list of partners for this.

 

[jdillings]

Who said it won't include Netflix?

Apple is launching its new TV guide tomorrow — but Netflix won’t be a part of it
http://www.recode.net/2016/10/26/13428290/apple-tv-guide-netflix

 

[Rigby]

Apple is launching its new TV guide tomorrow — but Netflix won’t be a part of it
http://www.recode.net/2016/10/26/13428290/apple-tv-guide-netflix

That would be disappointing, if true.

I can sort of see why some providers wouldn't take part though. Essentially the TV app has the potential to completely hide their brands under an Apple UI ...

 

[2010mini]

I hope it will be like a global watch list across your apps. For example, I watch some shows from HBO Now, some from Netflix, and some on Hulu. It can be hard to keep track of them across multiple apps. What I hope this TV app will do for me is present all the shows in one place, show me new episodes as they are released, and keep track of watching progress for each show. And hopefully sync all that over iCloud you you can use this across multiple Apple TVs (and iOS devices).

That is exactly how it was shown to work

 

[Sakurambo-kun]

US only, much like the rest of the Apple TV. I had hoped that the fourth gen might see a change of direction, that Apple might have invested in a globe and finally realised there are actually other countries out there. It seems I shouldn't have got my hopes up.

That said even if this new app existed outside the US what would it show? UK content providers have stayed well away from the Apple TV, and tried new app, rather comically, doesn't include Netflix.

Still no Amazon too I see. This product is a train wreck.
[doublepost=1477603674][/doublepost]

That is exactly how it was shown to work

Except that it doesn't support Netflix. Or work in any country which isn't called America.

You couldn't make this stuff up.

 

[mpollux_ork]

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 have a suggestion for you: PLEX. It works beautifully with the mac, and if you upgrade to Apple TV the app is gorgeous.

https://www.plex.tv/

 

[Richard28]

With more people buying smart tv's this little hockey puck is going the way of the dinosaur.

And Why the hell would anyone outside the USA ever want one of these? It's a joke.

Amazon and roku make their devices work worldwide and include loads of content... or you buy a new tv and bang! All the content is there, preloaded and at no extra cost!

The Apple ecosystem is beginning to unfold in front of my eyes..... pathetic!

 

[2010mini]

US only, much like the rest of the Apple TV. I had hoped that the fourth gen might see a change of direction, that Apple might have invested in a globe and finally realised there are actually other countries out there. It seems I shouldn't have got my hopes up.

That said even if this new app existed outside the US what would it show? UK content providers have stayed well away from the Apple TV, and tried new app, rather comically, doesn't include Netflix.

Still no Amazon too I see. This product is a train wreck.
[doublepost=1477603674][/doublepost]

Except that it doesn't support Netflix. Or work in any country which isn't called America.

You couldn't make this stuff up.

Netflix made that decision. And in the presentation they said starting in the US.... Not US only.

BTW how is it Apple's fault that Amazon made a business decision to not support Apple or Google?

 

[ipedro]

What we've witnessed today was the birth of the video counterpart to Apple Music. This is far bigger than what people are giving it credit for. It's the beginning of the end of TV shows and movies in iTunes, paving the way to the end of iTunes itself. This may have been the most underestimated announcement of the event. It's going to have far reaching implications in the future as Apple begins to flesh it out.

- The TV app is not just on AppleTV. It's on iOS and will likely make its way to the Mac in the next update. That alone demonstrates its importance in Apple's roadmap. It fills the roles now occupied by iTunes and the Video app on iOS.

- There's already a Store. While right now it's a place to find other video content apps and to direct you to buy or rent on iTunes, it appears to set the ground for a place where you'll buy your TV shows and movies from Apple and other providers.

- The TV app also sets the groundwork for a TV subscription service. Pay one price like you do for Apple Music and watch anything by participating content providers. From a business standpoint, it can follow the Apple Music model where Apple pays the content owner a share of the profits on a per play basis. That's likely the reason why Netflix is not a part nor will Amazon. This is their future competition. An Apple TV subscription service will eat their lunch.


- iTunes will now have had all of its components delegated to appropriate apps. Apple Music to listen to and subscribe to music, The App Store for buying and managing apps, TV for watching and buying (or subscribing to) tv shows and movies, and iCloud for backing up devices. I will not be surprised to see iTunes gone in the next couple of cycles. First on iOS and tvOS, then inevitably on macOS as Apple Music comes to that platform in an independent app.

I believe that what we're seeing here will come to be recognized as a major announcement that at the time seemed to be just an app announcement.

 

[Macaddict16]

What we've witnessed today was the birth of the video counterpart to Apple Music. This is far bigger than what people are giving it credit for. It's the beginning of the end of TV shows and movies in iTunes, paving the way to the end of iTunes itself. This may have been the most underestimated announcement of the event. It's going to have far reaching implications in the future as Apple begins to flesh it out.

- The TV app is not just on AppleTV. It's on iOS and will likely make its way to the Mac in the next update. That alone demonstrates its importance in Apple's roadmap. It fills the roles now occupied by iTunes and the Video app on iOS.

- There's already a Store. While right now it's a place to find other video content apps and to direct you to buy or rent on iTunes, it appears to set the ground for a place where you'll buy your TV shows and movies from Apple and other providers.

- The TV app also sets the groundwork for a TV subscription service. Pay one price like you do for Apple Music and watch anything by participating content providers. From a business standpoint, it can follow the Apple Music model where Apple pays the content owner a share of the profits on a per play basis.

- iTunes will now have had all of its components delegated to appropriate apps. Apple Music to listen to and subscribe to music, The App Store for buying and managing apps, TV for watching and buying (or subscribing to) tv shows and movies, and iCloud for backing up devices. I will not be surprised to see iTunes gone in the next couple of cycles. First on iOS and tvOS, then inevitably on macOS as Apple Music comes to that platform in an independent app.

I believe that what we're seeing here will come to be recognized as a major announcement that at the time seemed to be just an app announcement.

I agree that it seems like there is more to this planned that isn't available yet. Still kinda surprised that they spent 20 min of a Mac keynote to talk about it. That being said, I am pumped to try out the App when it comes out!

 

[2010mini]

What we've witnessed today was the birth of the video counterpart to Apple Music. This is far bigger than what people are giving it credit for. It's the beginning of the end of TV shows and movies in iTunes, paving the way to the end of iTunes itself. This may have been the most underestimated announcement of the event. It's going to have far reaching implications in the future as Apple begins to flesh it out.

- The TV app is not just on AppleTV. It's on iOS and will likely make its way to the Mac in the next update. That alone demonstrates its importance in Apple's roadmap. It fills the roles now occupied by iTunes and the Video app on iOS.

- There's already a Store. While right now it's a place to find other video content apps and to direct you to buy or rent on iTunes, it appears to set the ground for a place where you'll buy your TV shows and movies from Apple and other providers.

- The TV app also sets the groundwork for a TV subscription service. Pay one price like you do for Apple Music and watch anything by participating content providers. From a business standpoint, it can follow the Apple Music model where Apple pays the content owner a share of the profits on a per play basis.

- iTunes will now have had all of its components delegated to appropriate apps. Apple Music to listen to and subscribe to music, The App Store for buying and managing apps, TV for watching and buying (or subscribing to) tv shows and movies, and iCloud for backing up devices. I will not be surprised to see iTunes gone in the next couple of cycles. First on iOS and tvOS, then inevitably on macOS as Apple Music comes to that platform in an independent app.

I believe that what we're seeing here will come to be recognized as a major announcement that at the time seemed to be just an app announcement.

Finally someone who gets it. The moment I saw what was in this app, I knew it was a roadmap to a tv service.

 

[ipedro]

I agree that it seems like there is more to this planned that isn't available yet. Still kinda surprised that they spent 20 min of a Mac keynote to talk about it. That being said, I am pumped to try out the App when it comes out!

It does seem kind of tacked on to the Mac event, specially considering that Hello Again is clearly a Mac reference. It was probably not ready when they announced tvOS 3 and iOS 10. Recall that it was speculated that a TV service would be announced but dropped last minute because of a breakdown in negotiations.
[doublepost=1477614535][/doublepost]

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.

You got that part right. You just don't get it. Stick around for a while and it'll all make sense.

 

[SBlue1]

just sayin

http://gizmodo.com/apples-new-tv-app-is-worthless-without-netflix-and-amaz-1788297251

 

[Macaddict16]

just sayin

http://gizmodo.com/apples-new-tv-app-is-worthless-without-netflix-and-amaz-1788297251

I don't know if I would say worthless. Definitely would be better with one or both of those services, but now I only have to look through 2 or 3 apps for shows vs dozens. Seems like a step in the right direction to me.

 

[boston04and07]

What we've witnessed today was the birth of the video counterpart to Apple Music. This is far bigger than what people are giving it credit for. It's the beginning of the end of TV shows and movies in iTunes, paving the way to the end of iTunes itself. This may have been the most underestimated announcement of the event. It's going to have far reaching implications in the future as Apple begins to flesh it out.

- The TV app is not just on AppleTV. It's on iOS and will likely make its way to the Mac in the next update. That alone demonstrates its importance in Apple's roadmap. It fills the roles now occupied by iTunes and the Video app on iOS.

- There's already a Store. While right now it's a place to find other video content apps and to direct you to buy or rent on iTunes, it appears to set the ground for a place where you'll buy your TV shows and movies from Apple and other providers.

- The TV app also sets the groundwork for a TV subscription service. Pay one price like you do for Apple Music and watch anything by participating content providers. From a business standpoint, it can follow the Apple Music model where Apple pays the content owner a share of the profits on a per play basis. That's likely the reason why Netflix is not a part nor will Amazon. This is their future competition. An Apple TV subscription service will eat their lunch.


- iTunes will now have had all of its components delegated to appropriate apps. Apple Music to listen to and subscribe to music, The App Store for buying and managing apps, TV for watching and buying (or subscribing to) tv shows and movies, and iCloud for backing up devices. I will not be surprised to see iTunes gone in the next couple of cycles. First on iOS and tvOS, then inevitably on macOS as Apple Music comes to that platform in an independent app.

I believe that what we're seeing here will come to be recognized as a major announcement that at the time seemed to be just an app announcement.

Absolutely spot on. It'll be really cool to see how future hardware and software updates expand on this. I agree that this is the beginning of something that has the potential to be very, very useful.

I still have a few questions though - did anyone catch if we'll be able to find live content in this app too, or just on demand stuff? Also, has anyone heard if this will integrate with Plex and/or the Computers app on the Apple TV, or what will happen with non-iTunes content that's currently saved locally on iOS devices? I know this stuff just might not be publicly known yet, but I'm super interested in finding out...

 

[mariusignorello]

Hopefully they release tvOS 10.1 beta next week. That should have the new features.

 

[E.Lizardo]

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.

Agreed! And I'd also love to be able to shop the Atv app store on my computer as you can with the Roku.It's a much better experience than using the remote,plus I can't read some of the fine text on one of the cvs connected to my Atv.

 

[liquidsuns]

How people can complain about this app is beyond me. It's exactly what we've been asking for. It's a watch list/unified discovery platform and lays the ground work for Apple removing movies and tv shows from iTunes (which is ever closer to just not being a thing anymore).

Netflix and Amazon not being a part of it is not Apple's fault.

 

[2010mini]

Absolutely spot on. It'll be really cool to see how future hardware and software updates expand on this. I agree that this is the beginning of something that has the potential to be very, very useful.

I still have a few questions though - did anyone catch if we'll be able to find live content in this app too, or just on demand stuff? Also, has anyone heard if this will integrate with Plex and/or the Computers app on the Apple TV, or what will happen with non-iTunes content that's currently saved locally on iOS devices? I know this stuff just might not be publicly known yet, but I'm super interested in finding out...

Integrate with Plex? Not happening... Plex caters to a very tiny percentage of the market. Since Steve Jobs changed Apple TV from local to cloud storage with the ATV 2, Apple has kept on that same model.

 

[2010mini]

just sayin

http://gizmodo.com/apples-new-tv-app-is-worthless-without-netflix-and-amaz-1788297251

Their opinion. We've been over the Amazon issue too many times. Everybody here should know by now that Amazon doesn't want to support Apple or Google. Period.

Netflix though surprised me as they have worked with Apple for a long time. Hope they support this soon.

*edit*
According to this article Netflix is "exploring" supporting the TV app.

https://www.engadget.com/2016/10/27/the-new-apple-tv-app-is-tv/

Hopefully they do it before launch.

 

[ErikGrim]

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

This. So much this. How is this a US only feature? Why no Plex? Why no Netflix? Why was this spent so much time on?
[doublepost=1477636301][/doublepost]What is so frustrating about this whole thing is that it SHOULD have been a core feature of tvOS from the start, with a dedicated button and mandatory support. Ball. Dropped.

 

[Sakurambo-kun]

Netflix made that decision. And in the presentation they said starting in the US.... Not US only.

BTW how is it Apple's fault that Amazon made a business decision to not support Apple or Google?

Amazon is on pretty much every platform except the Apple TV. Perhaps Amazon are just being unreasonable, but it seems more likely that other platforms have all reached a mutually beneficial agreement. Apple are the odd one out here.

As for the US only thing, I base that on my experience of the Apple TV so far in the UK. Siri search works only for iTunes and Netflix even now, and UK content providers have no interest in supporting the platform. The few UK streaming apps there are clearly rush jobs and are far, far inferior to the same services on any other platform. None support siri, top shelf, or any other Apple TV feature.

There's probably give and take required to populate streaming devices with content. Deals, sweeteners, promotional agreements and so on. Apple has no interest in doing what it takes to make the Apple TV a success outside of the US (and even there the lack of Amazon is frankly insane). The platform is on its last legs, and I see nothing from Apple to indicate that they intent to turn it around.

Not that it matters to be frank, smart TVs are pretty damn good now (especially LG's platform) so the need for a dedicated streaming box is shrinking fast.