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NBC plans cable-dependent Apple TV app for second half of 2015

9to5NBC

Despite reports that NBC Universal is not involved in negotiations for Apple’s upcoming subscription TV replacement service, NBC still hopes to arrive on the Apple TV as soon as the second half of 2015, according to a source with knowledge of NBC’s digital roadmap. A recent presentation slide provided by the source shows that NBC wants to launch Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Xbox apps during the second half of this year, following its existing apps for iOS and Android devices. NBC also would like to add new affiliate stations, Nielsen Rating integration, and support for Google’s Chromecast

Yesterday’s report from The Wall Street Journal said that NBC is not involved in negotiations for the new Apple subscription television service due to a “falling-out” between Comcast and Apple, which likely affected Apple’s planned mid-2014 launch of new Apple TV hardware, software, and services. Despite this falling out, it appears that NBC executives still want NBC on the Apple TV regardless of whether it’s included in the $30-$40 service. According to the source, the NBC Apple TV application currently in the works will function similarly to other content apps on the current Apple TV model.

Like some of the Apple TV’s other television streaming apps, NBC’s upcoming app will require a cable subscription, requiring the user to verify an existing cable account. That’s the model NBC hopes to continue this year on the Apple TV if talks for the Web TV service continue to stall. According to the source, NBC Universal is still in negotiations with local affiliate networks across the United States to ensure that cable box customers will be able to verify themselves across the country on the Apple TV. The NBC Apple TV app will allow customers to “tune into local news and syndicated programming” at no additional cost, according to the source.

Yesterday’s report indicated that 25 channels, including ABC, CBS, Disney, and Fox, are in talks for the Apple Web TV service. Currently, Apple TV users can access content from the likes of CNBC, ABC, Fusion, and The History Channel, in a fashion identical to the NBC application currently in development. Apple recently announced a brief exclusivity deal with HBO Now, which will kick off in April. According to sources, Apple is working on a new Apple TV box with a thinner form-factor, redesigned user interface, and upgraded remote controller with improved button tactility.

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Comments

  1. NBC doesn’t have anything good to watch anyway. No loss here.

  2. I’ve cut the cord many years ago so I may be too far removed from the cable world to get it… but who is the target audience for this, whats the purpose??? You can only access the app if you have an active cable subscription… so its NBC’s own system to try to get people away from TiVo and DVRs?? its for families where mom & dad watch on regular tv but the kids watch on them newfangled devices??

    I don’t get it…

  3. Charles Reed - 9 years ago

    I do not understand why NBC insist on having this redundant double service, bullsh*t mentality still. Their thinking needs to evolve. Streaming is the way things are going. Programming options need to be À la carte. Many of us that cut the cord refuse to have an additional cable system just to have streaming on our devices.

    And I refuse to pay extra for the few channels that I watch regularly, but get a ton of crap I never watch. It’s redundant and stupid of them to force this way of business on people. TV/Media companies need to grow up and evolve with the times.

  4. Apple should tell NBC to go take a long walk off a short pier.

  5. thesliceiconic - 9 years ago

    My analysis released on Monday, long before the WSJ article, discussed the possibility of Apple moving towards serving up TV directly, cutting out other providers. Additional future projects are postulated as well.

    http://sliceiconic.com/2015/03/16/apples-future-domination-apple-watch-applebank-and-appleplay/

  6. With this incredibly long delay between AppleTV revisions I pretty much gave up on waiting for that platform and opted for an @AmazonFire TV set-top box. Awesome upgrade to a Roku 2, super fast and way more modern interface. Recently got the 50% off SlingTV deal to buy this thing and I absolutely love it. I have no doubt that the next AppleTV will be super awesome, but Fall 2015 is a long time to wait.

  7. Brian - 9 years ago

    This from the only media company actually dumb enough to partner with Microsoft.

    I get NBC for nothing over digital antenna. But, if NBC doesn’t want me to watch their commercials over the ‘net, I’m happy to oblige. There is always ‘HULU’ If I want to do that… LOL

  8. nsxrebel - 9 years ago

    What does NBC offer that is a must have?? Even their NBC Sports Network SUCKS big time with their pathetic coverage of Formula1 and MotoGP. I download SkySports torrents of the races, WAY better coverage/commentating.

    HBO with much better shows, now offers cable-indepentent content with HBO Now.

    NBC are delusional