TV

WSJ: Google seeking game-changing live TV Internet service

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 16, 2013

I know, I know, Google runs the world's greatest video streaming machine, YouTube, so why wouldn't networks broadcast live TV there, no? Not so fast.

For starters, Google might be interested in marketing a rumored live TV Internet service separate of its other offerings.

Let's also not forget Apple hasn't had much luck persuading networks to license TV channels directly instead of going through operators.

Be that as it may, the search giant is said to has been months into negotiating an over-the-top video service that would let customers stream live TV programming over the Internet, in turn totally bypassing cable operators like Comcast and Time Warner Cable.

There's no question cable-cutters should have a field day when, and if, Google's live TV becomes a reality...

Over 50% of all streaming set-top boxes sold are Apple TVs

Cody Lee ∙ Updated March 15, 2018

According to the latest Frost & Sullivan Consumer Video Devices Market report, the Apple TV currently accounts for more than half of all streaming set-top boxes sold worldwide. That makes it the leader in the space by a long shot, with Roku coming in second at 26%.

The market research outlet posted the report this morning, which details a number of data points including market drivers, restraints to growth, product and pricing trends, and competitive landscape. And Apple's $99 hockey puck-shaped device came out on top...

Apple allegedly proposing ad skipping for upcoming TV service

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

It appears that Apple's long-rumored TV service is alive, and slowly but surely moving forward. According to a new report, Apple has spent the last year seeking rights from cable companies and TV networks for a new Internet television service.

The offering is said to allow users to watch live and on-demand television programming over an Apple-branded set-top box or TV set, and, as claimed by people with knowledge of the project, it could feature the ability to skip TV commercials...

Dish and Southwest Airlines partnership enables in-flight live TV on iDevices

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 2, 2013

If you're a Southwest Airlines customer, starting today you can get free live TV onboard, thanks to the company's partnership with Dish. Free live and on-demand TV is available on all Wi-Fi equipped Southwest flights, which is about three-quarters of the airline's fleet.

Even better, you can watch TV on your iPhone or iPad instead of tiny screens built into seats. They spared no expense so Dish's 'Boston Guy' surprised each of the more than a hundred Southwest Customers with a free iPad 2 in honor of the new partnership...

Food Network brings its top TV shows to iOS

Cody Lee ∙ June 21, 2013

Great news this afternoon for all of you Chopped and Iron Chef fans, you can now watch your favorite TV shows on your iPhone or iPad. Food Networks released a new iOS app today called Watch Food Network and that allows you to watch some of its top programming on the go.

The app support the streaming of some of the Food Networks' most popular shows—including Diners Drive-Ins and Dives and Restaurant Impossible—as well as AirPlay, so you can stream content to your Apple TV, and iCloud sync, so you can always pick up where you left off...

Comedy Central releases Stand-Up app with over 6,000 videos

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 22, 2018

Though they didn't like it at first, TV networks seem like they're finally coming around to the idea of taking their content mobile. Most major networks now have at least part of their programming lineup available, on demand, in their mobile apps.

But the folks over at Comedy Central have taken things to another level. The Viacom-owned station just released an app called CC: Stand-Up, and it includes over 6,000 videos from its vault of both amateur and high-profile stand-up comedy footage...

Apple posts new ‘Music Every Day’ iPhone ad

Cody Lee ∙ May 23, 2013

Apple has started airing a new TV commercial for its iPhone this evening. The ad, which it has also posted on its YouTube channel, is called 'Music Every Day,' and it focuses on the handset's ability to play music.

The spot looks strikingly similar to the 'Photos Every Day' ad that started airing last month. There's a subtle piano backtrack, ambient noise, and people from different walks of life using the popular smartphone...

Microsoft uses Siri to highlight iPad flaws in new Windows 8 ad

Cody Lee ∙ May 22, 2013

It's not unusual to see Microsoft and Apple products pitted against each other in a TV ad. Back in the early 2000s, Apple had success with its 'I'm a Mac' spots. And just recently, MS took on both Apple and Samsung in its 'Don't Fight' commercial.

But this new Windows 8 tablet ad takes the rivalry thing to a whole new level. Using the voice of Siri, Microsoft highlights a number of things that the iPad can't do, that a tablet running its latest OS can. As always, we have the video for you after the fold...

New content deal to bring CW programming to Apple TV

Cody Lee ∙ May 16, 2013

Great news Supernatural fans. The CW television network has reportedly struck a deal with Apple to bring the popular TV show, among other programming, to the Apple TV. It currently has applications out for the Xbox 360 and Windows 8.

The news came during the company's annual Upfront Presentation in New York today, where CW president Mark Pedowitz announced that its TV Now application would be coming to Apple's beloved set top box sometime later this year...

ABC to start live streaming content via iOS apps this week

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

This is kind of interesting. ABC, a TV network under the Walt Disney umbrella, is set to revolutionize its iPhone and iPad apps this week. It's going to be adding a new 'Live' viewing option to the software, which will [obviously] play live programming.

The live stream will work anywhere in a local market—as long as it's supported— the same way an old-fashioned antenna would. And according to The New York Times, this is the first time that a major broadcaster has turned on this kind of technology...

Study finds smart TV adoption growing rapidly, market ready for iTV?

Cody Lee ∙ May 3, 2013

Although we continue to hear reports regarding Apple's work on a full-blown television set, pundits remain skeptical that the project will ever see the light of day. They say the margins are too small, and the demand for internet TVs is too weak for Apple to make a move.

But the latter part of that theory isn't entirely accurate, according to a new report from media research firm TDG. Their studies show that Smart TV adoption is actually growing rapidly around the world, with 25% of broadband households now owning at least one set...

T-Mobile releases new ‘T-Mobile TV’ app for iPhone

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 22, 2018

T-Mobile this week has quietly released a new app for iPhone owners called T-Mobile TV. As the name suggests, the app provides access to the carrier's subscription-based streaming service that offers live and on-demand content.

The service has been around for quite some time now, with an Android version of the mobile app landing in 2010. And it includes a range of programming, including sports, news, and kid channels like Disney and Nickelodeon...