Apple TV Fell to Fourth Most Popular Streaming Media Device in U.S. in 2014

[aront]

Apple has the best phone, tablet, computers and brand. What about that.

Soon you'll have to remove 'computers' from your list. Have you not been paying attention to the Mac Mini debacle, the long delayed Mac Pro and resulting trashcan, single port laptops, soldered memory across the board, higher prices, etc.? Definitely Apple computers are next to fall victim to the new 'Apple direction'.

So you're left with phone and tablet. Like I said, Apple is no longer focused on making or producing the best products/services.

 

[macUser2007]

Apple should have had apps a long time ago....

Live TV? Meh, I don't care and will probably not use it, even if it was free.

But apps? Yeah! And not the neutered version of Plex, as in Android TV (which is why I returned it).

And I really the voice search works with all apps, not just the iTunes cr@p (which I hope we get the option to hide). And that I can use my phone, not just the remote control.

 

[blackcrayon]

Soon you'll have to remove 'computers' from your list. Have you not been paying attention to the Mac Mini debacle, the long delayed Mac Pro and resulting trashcan, single port laptops, soldered memory across the board. higher prices, etc.? Definitely Apple computers are next to fall victim to the new 'Apple direction'.

Yet the Macbook Pro, MacBook Air, and iMac (their biggest selling set of computers) have continued to get great reviews... Sounds like the sky is hanging on after all!

 

[nando87]

Soon you'll have to remove 'computers' from your list. Have you not been paying attention to the Mac Mini debacle, the long delayed Mac Pro and resulting trashcan, single port laptops, soldered memory across the board. higher prices, etc.? Definitely Apple computers are next to fall victim to the new 'Apple direction'.

They're the only brand growing on the market, what are you talking about troll.

 

[pentrix2]

How can Google only have 19 percent vs Apple's 17 percent when clearly the charts shows Google has almost twice as much market share. I love how this stuff is spun here at MR. lol

I can't speak for everyone but I can only speak for my own experience. Out of 20 friends, none of them have Apple TV. Half of them have Google Chromecast while the other half is some Roku and Amazon FireStick. I agree I just love how MacRumors always make Apple like it's doing great when it's not really in reality...just my opinion

 

[Dominicanyor]

I have been thinking about getting an Apple TV. Now should I wait for the new one in September or it does not really matter if I get the one from the store right now?

 

[dampfnudel]

I have been thinking about getting an Apple TV. Now should I wait for the new one in September or it does not really matter if I get the one from the store right now?

Wait.

 

[aront]

They're the only brand growing on the market, what are you talking about troll.

Seems you have trouble with reading comprehension and proper use of grammar and punctuation, so not surprising you're having difficulty following along.

Did you not read and comprehend the word 'soon'? Do you know the difference between a question and a statement? Hint: Questions end with a question mark.

 

[nando87]

Seems you have trouble with reading comprehension and proper use of grammar and punctuation, so not surprising you're having difficulty following along.

Did you not read and comprehend the word 'soon'? Do you know the difference between a question and a statement? Hint: Questions end with a question mark.

The whole problem comes from the fact that I use actual data and you use what it seems to be a crystal ball.

Do you understand it now ?

 

[Dargoth]

I brought 500 Roku players for my employee's as a "extra" bonus. They all love it. Also, brought another 50 Roku players to give away last Christmas to friends and family. They all love it too. Planning to buy another 700 Roku players this Christmas to give away to my employees. Not bad in a year able to grow my company by 200 employees. Hopefully in couple of years will have 1,500 employees and Roku players for all as well...

You brought 500 Roku players for your employee's what?

 

[krazifour]

Apple has just waited way too long for this refresh. Sadly, people are moving on but I am still hopeful for a solid new Apple TV.

 

[nebo1ss]

I would like to have a single streaming box for everything. Now I have to use an HTPC running Kodi for local files on my NAS via SMB, an AppleTV 3a for Airplay and a Roku for choice of streaming channels.

Does not need to be that complicated. I run Plex server on my HTPC which also runs AirPlay server. All files on my NAS are available through Plex client which can run on multiple devices including the HTPC. I can AirPlay to the HTPC server no Apple TV needed. Plex client also support many streaming channels but I also have a chrome cast which supports all channels I need and also can run the Plex client.

 

[aront]

The whole problem comes from the fact that I use actual data and you use what it seems to be a crystal ball.

Do you understand it now ?

You still seem to be having a bit of difficulty with comprehension and grammar, but you go on thinking you're right if it makes you feel better. Ignorance is bliss.

"Do you understand it now ?"

No, I don't understand your sloppy grammar. Sorry.

 

[KPandian1]

Apple ... the great "penny wise, pound foolish" co. of the late '90's, at it again!

While buying Beats!

Remember the lowly all in one computers, and the first iPod - where is that vision with the Apple TV? It is less than $100, but, a gateway to so much more.

AT&T iPhones did not morph into a giant Verizon (though, they should've bought AT&T then); the cable decks are stacked. Apple TV should get the nose into the tent and then dream big!

 

[Boatboy24]

They've really missed the boat. Unless they can do something completely disruptive in the next 12 months, they're done with TV. It's just too late.

 

[prowlmedia]

I brought 500 Roku players for my employee's as a "extra" bonus. They all love it. Also, brought another 50 Roku players to give away last Christmas to friends and family. They all love it too. Planning to buy another 700 Roku players this Christmas to give away to my employees. Not bad in a year able to grow my company by 200 employees. Hopefully in couple of years will have 1,500 employees and Roku players for all as well...

Why would your employees want another Roku? Ok some would. Most will think you just had a load left over. Get them a kindle! Or a gym membership

 

[steve123]

Are there any leaked parts yet for the new Apple TV? Lots of these articles are presenting its launch as a fait accompli, but if we aren't seeing parts then I would assume it is still a fairly long ways off.

I agree. If the supply chain has not leaked by now, I do not believe there is an AppleTV forthcoming in September.

 

[prowlmedia]

I can't speak for everyone but I can only speak for my own experience. Out of 20 friends, none of them have Apple TV. Half of them have Google Chromecast while the other half is some Roku and Amazon FireStick. I agree I just love how MacRumors always make Apple like it's doing great when it's not really in reality...just my opinion

When you post stuff you really need to keep a track of what you've written you know. Cos we can see all your spurious posts. Shouldn't all your friends have roku's as you've apparently bought 500, 700 or 1500 to give away? Yet you apparently berate people buying and apple watch instead of feeding starving people. Who are you man?!

What I don't get is who do you people work for? Those Russian anti PR agencies? Samsung? Or Roku this time? It's just plain weird how you think people are remotely swayed by you gibberish.

 

[macs4nw]

Roku is FOCUSED while TV is a "hobby." No surprise.

The sad part is that with focus, TV could be a very hot product for Apple. And Apple certainly has the financial and human resources to far outdo relatively small companies like Roku if they would just get with it.

In the meantime, I applaud success going to those that focus on growing such products, getting deals done to make them more and more useful and so on. I'd much rather get all Roku benefits from Apple (and within the ecosystem) but that mostly depends on higher-ups inside Apple deciding to give this the attention it needs. If tiny Roku can do it, certainly mighty Apple can too.

I suspect Apple haven't been sitting on their hands when it comes to the TV. They undoubtedly have had big plans for a few years now, involving content creators/distributors, that have not panned out so far putting their vision for that device sort of in limbo. I'm sure the lack of progress with those talks has frustrated Apple to no end.

Of course they could have done some things with it, such as an App Store, processor upgrade, etc., but my guess is they had their mind set on more dramatic improvements for a radically new TV.

Apple needs another salesman who can sell ice to the eskimos, so to speak. I'm still optimistic that in time those difficult content negotiations will prove fruitful and we as consumers end up with a different, and better way to access all that's out there for us. I believe time is on Apple's side, and there'll be increased pressure on the content camp as newer technologies become available.

 

[HenryDJP]

NO surprise ... it's all about iPhone, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone, and iPhone.

Now is about the right time for you to take a chill pill.

Seriously, if you were running a multi-billion dollar company and if one of your products was kicking Azz in sales constantly then you would put forth more focus. Please don't deny it. Anyone saying that they would prefer to put forth the same efforts on all products even if they aren't making as much money as the top producer is not a good business person.

 

[samcraig]

Apple has long been dragging their feet on AppleTV. Perhaps it was because they were more focused on content negotiations instead of releasing updated hardware and an updated OS with an App Store - which is really what most people wanted this whole time. Both my Apple TVs mostly collect dust these days. I use them to rent from iTunes because I have a ton of credit. But between Roku and Chromecast, no need to fire up the Apple TV besides that. The most "offensive" (from a consumer point of view) is that the OS has really sat idle for several years. There's not much wrong with the hardware. I have a tablo now because I cut the cord. What would have been nice is for Apple to have their Apple TV hook up to an external antenna, plug in a hard drive and provide DVR capabilities. They could then charge a nominal fee, if they wanted, for the program guide.

They really missed the boat on several things. I believe developers (some I know) were told that the Apple TV would have Apps back at the end of 2013/first Q of 2014. That obviously didn't happen.

 

[samcraig]

Now is about the right time for you to take a chill pill.

Seriously, if you were running a multi-billion dollar company and if one of your products was kicking Azz in sales constantly then you would put forth more focus. Please don't deny it. Anyone saying that they would prefer to put forth the same efforts on all products even if they aren't making as much money as the top producer is not a good business person.

Actually - I would love that one pillar of my business was doing so well and I would ensure that it continued to do so. At the SAME time, I would also want to make sure my business wasn't built solely or majorly on one pillar - because if something happens to that product/line - no more company. So to counter your post - I would say it would be/would have been prudent to invest in other areas. They certainly spent a lot of money and resources on the Apple Watch. Sure higher risk and higher reward, perhaps - but I would still put money and resources towards a known and popular product.

 

[prowlmedia]

I agree. If the supply chain has not leaked by now, I do not believe there is an AppleTV forthcoming in September.

No parts were leaked in the watch. A case drawing a few hours before. Either they are using existing production methods in which case they can just update the run and have shipments in 2 weeks or possibly gone US based which is happening more and more.

The sales numbers will still be well below iPhone so probably all handled in one factory

 

[steve123]

I think Apple is patiently waiting for content makers to come. This seems obvious. I think what is less obvious is that the content industry is still making money and increasing revenues with no threats to revenue growth on the horizon. I would have thought piracy would have taken a big bite by now but pirating video is much more difficult, mostly because of the size of the content. It is difficult to move around easily. Recall years ago when Apple got the music industry to agree to iTunes. Limewire was rampant. Nobody paid for anything. Copying music took no effort. ITunes really did save that industry and I do not think Apple gets credit for that.

Streaming has had a positive impact on reducing video piracy. If you can stream something for a reasonable amount then no need to steal it. So the arrival of streaming has neutered the need for the industry to work with Apple. However, I still see darkling clouds. Cord cutting. As cord cutting continues to ramp, content providers are going to eventually get hit because one of their proverbial cash cows is going to disappear, namely bundling channels nobody wants to pay for together. Cord cutting has been slow but it is accelerating and I suspect we will begin to see the financial impact on the content providers soon. When that happenns, it should enable some innovation to happen.

BTW, Steve Jobs' secret weapon was Plex.

 

[AppleScruff1]

But Apple makes the most profit, and that's all that counts. Especially for the consumer.