Apple Unveils Apple TV+ and Apple TV Channels

Apple has unveiled Apple TV+, a streaming service full of original shows, movies, and documentaries. This will be Netflix without the filler, with Apple going all-in on original content you’ll only be able to watch through Apple TV+.

Streaming Services Switch to Original Content

When streaming services first took off, they were filled with old shows people wanted to watch again. However, now, with Netflix and Amazon leading the way, streaming services are packed with original shows you can’t see anywhere else.

The idea is to make a subscription to Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Hulu an essential rather than a luxury. And Netflix in particular has spent a small fortune on original content in the hopes of retaining existing customers and enticing new subscribers.

And now Apple is joining the party.

Apple TV+ Bags a Host of Celebrities

Apple is pitching Apple TV+ as “the new home for the world’s most creative storytellers”. Once launched, the service will feature a host of “exclusive original shows, movies and documentaries”. And the line-up of actors and directors involved is impressive.

Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, J.J. Abrams, Jason Momoa, and M. Night Shyamalan, are among the big names who have signed up to star in, direct, or produce original content for Apple TV+.

Details on the content is thin on the ground at this stage, but Spielberg will be rebooting Amazing Stories and Aniston and Witherspoon will be starring in a drama called The Morning Show. Apple is rumored to be spending billions on this original content.

Apple TV+ is due to launch in the fall. It will be available in 100+ countries, be completely ad-free, and offer downloads for offline viewing. You’ll be able to access Apple TV+ through the new Apple TV app on iOS, macOS, smart TVs, and streaming devices.

Apple TV Channels Steals Amazon’s Idea

The one thing Apple hasn’t disclosed is the price of Apple TV+. It could be that the company is still working out how much it needs to charge to claw back the amount of money it’s investing. After all, Netflix keeps raising prices to pay for original content.

Apple also revealed a new version of the Apple TV app, plus Apple TV channels. The latter means you’ll be able to subscribe to premium services such as HBO and Showtime all within the app. In the same way you can using Amazon Prime Video Channels.

Read the full article: Apple Unveils Apple TV+ and Apple TV Channels

from MakeUseOf https://ift.tt/2HEn2Lb
via IFTTT