The Apple TV may not be as popular as other Apple products, but that doesn't mean that it's going away anytime soon. One analyst speculates that the Apple TV may be getting an update with new features, such as DVR capabilities and a subscription service for TV shows.
It seems that a Piper Jaffray Senior Research Analyst by the name of Gene Munster seems to have said in a note to clients that Apple does plan on putting one of the aforementioned features in the next major revision of the Apple TV. According to Munster, this update may be coming up within the next couple of months.
With ad-based Internet streaming services like Hulu and subscriptions from Netflix doing well, Apple is losing market share. This is why Munster believes that Apple will begin offering more video offerings, and possibly do to it what they did to the music industry.
According to Munster, the 'subscription service' for TV shows, won't be like that of the Season Pass that is already available in iTunes. This will be more like paying a $30-$40 monthly fee for access to a selection of TV shows within iTunes.
“Such a product would effectively replace a consumer’s monthly cable bill (~$85/month) and offer access to current and older episodes of select shows on select channels,” said Munster.
Also with this speculation is the belief that the company will build an Apple connected television that will contain DVR and built-in home media functionality. Munster believes this product to be expected in 2011.
konni
August 21, 2009 at 12:04am
This story is just wrong. AppleTV has subscription service for TV shows and has had for a long time.
Therefore you think, why would Apple put in capability to DVR? So they sell fewer subscriptions? Not likely.About the TV set itselt, thats more likely.
