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Apple TV 4: Video streaming service Periscope reportedly developing app for the new hardware

We have reported many times that the new Apple TV is getting an App Store. The new A8-powered box combined with a revamped software interface will enable developers to make apps and games for the new hardware, set to be announced at tomorrow’s iPhone 6S/Apple TV/iPad event. TechCrunch is reporting, via sources, that Periscope, the video live streaming app for iPhone and Android, is working with Apple in advance of the unveiling to create a custom Periscope app for the new Apple TV.

Although we can’t confirm the report, it does seem like a natural fit for a TV app. Akin to a live YouTube, you can imagine users opening Periscope on the Apple TV and browsing live streams from users. Periscope is also owned by Twitter, a company known to have a close relationship to Apple. This makes it a logical fit for Apple to partner with ahead of the announcement. Unfortunately, the TechCrunch piece is lacking in detail but there is a chance we could see Periscope demoed on stage tomorrow. Apple will want to evangelize the Apple TV platform to developers as well as advertising to customers, so some number of app demos for the Apple TV 4 are almost a given. We would expect Apple to show off at least one demo of a game running on the new hardware as well.

Apple’s Hey Siri event starts at 10 AM PT tomorrow. The event will feature the announcement of the new iPhone 6S / iPhone 6S Plus, new iPads, Apple Watch accessories, iOS 9 details as well as the unveiling of the brand new Apple TV product. Read all about the event in our roundup.

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Comments

  1. Nicholas Sample - 9 years ago

    I’m thinking a gaming focus for the app because if they strike first it would be a good advantage of some great exposure to steal thunder from youtube gaming and others like twitch

  2. Scott (@ScooterComputer) - 9 years ago

    “[Periscope] does seem like a natural fit for a TV app.” Not with the Vertical Video it currently shoots, looks like crap on a 16:9 display.

    I’m hoping that Apple steps up in short order and crushes the 9:16 crap at the API level, where it should have been nipped from the start. Vertical orientation shooting should result either in 4:3 (the approx screen viewport afforded above the keyboard) or left/right frame-clipped 16:9. 9:16 just makes no sense.

    • PhilBoogie - 9 years ago

      What’s? There are still idiots out there shooting video in portrait orientations? Looks like Smartphones made people more dumb.

      youtube com/watch?v=Bt9zSfinwFA

      • Admin - 9 years ago

        You’ve obviously never used Periscope before 😑

      • PhilBoogie - 9 years ago

        Likely never will use it either. When I have something to share I just call that person and describe what I’m seeing. “Imagination is more important than a video”. Or I can simply send a video over iMessage.

    • Scott (@ScooterComputer) - 9 years ago

      Outside of my criticism of the vertical video issue (which Periscope has, apparently, acknowledged as an issue), I DO believe Periscope and Meerkat et al are going to be a great app for Apple TV. Perhaps revolutionary. YouTube was a revolutionary shift; and the next shift will be live “podcasting”. Take everything that “television” does, and find the internet analog. The disruption of the mainstream media, and it’s advantages, will be complete when citizens can report, opine, and hold interactive sessions that can be watched at any time…exactly what Periscope brings. Imagine: science shows. Sports reporting. Tutorials. Live, interactive, yet instantly archivable.

    • finngodo - 9 years ago

      Periscope already announced that 16:9 video is coming.

  3. nattybumpercar - 9 years ago

    Woo-hoo! This is nifty news to me. Periscope is a super-blast – and it seems like this is a great platform to get the content in front of more people. (I’m excited to see what they’re cooking up!)

  4. godrifle - 9 years ago

    just give me all my streaming services on one box please: Netflix, Amazon, HBO, Showtime, NFL, Sunday Ticket.

  5. Phil Weissburg - 9 years ago

    You never bother to tell people what Periscope is? You have forgotten Journalism 101: Who, What, When, Where, Why,.

  6. dr3459 - 9 years ago

    Periscope adds video game live streaming on Apple TV?…That’s what really makes sense because I don’t see a camera being added to Apple TV and just a stream viewing app for Apple TV doesn’t make much sense.

Author

Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Benjamin Mayo

Benjamin develops iOS apps professionally and covers Apple news and rumors for 9to5Mac. Listen to Benjamin, every week, on the Happy Hour podcast. Check out his personal blog. Message Benjamin over email or Twitter.