Once you’ve experienced the magic of wirelessly sending video from an iOS device to a second-generation Apple TV, you’ll likely become eager to do the same with other consumer electronics. As it turns out, Apple may be exploring that very possibility soon enough.
MacRumors is reporting that Apple is looking at its options for licensing the AirPlay technology to other consumer electronics companies, which would allow the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad to wirelessly stream video content direct to HDTVs and presumably other media streaming boxes. Currently, the technology is limited to Apple’s own $99 Apple TV, but licensing AirPlay to others would make it more widely available.
“Under the plan, Apple would license its AirPlay software to consumer-electronics makers that could use it in devices for streaming movies, TV shows and other video content, said the people, who asked to remain anonymous because the plans haven't been made public,” a report from Bloomberg reveals.
“Apple now only licenses AirPlay for streaming audio. Devices that could be used for video may be available this year, one of the people said. An expanded AirPlay would let users stream programming wirelessly from an Apple mobile device to a TV that carries the technology. That may spur wider use of Apple's services and devices in consumers' living rooms.”
One such licensor is Pioneer, who incorporates wireless audio streaming from iOS devices into their home theatre receivers. Bloomberg claims that the company pays Apple $4 per AirPlay-enabled component sold, although there’s no indication if Cupertino will want more for video streaming.
Another company with a stake in AirPlay’s success is BridgeCo, the chipmaker who has partnered with Apple on the wireless technology. With the living room still unclaimed by any one consumer electronics company, further adoption of AirPlay outside of Apple would be a boon for the company’s iTunes content -- including media purchased or rented on the iTunes Store, naturally.
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