A request that this article title be changed to Apple TV app is under discussion. Please do not move this article until the discussion is closed. |
Developer(s) | Apple Inc. |
---|---|
Platform |
|
Predecessor |
|
Type | |
Website | www |
TV (also known as Apple TV, the Apple TV app, and the TV app [n 1] ) is a line of media player software programs by Apple Inc. for viewing television shows and films delivered by Apple to consumer electronic devices. It can stream content from the iTunes Store, the Apple TV Channels a la carte video on demand service, and the Apple TV+ original content subscription service. [13] [14] On iPhones, iPads, iPod Touches, and Apple TVs it can also index and access content from linked apps of other video on demand services.
The app was released in the United States in December 2016 for iOS and tvOS Apple devices and was rolled out to other countries starting in late 2017. [15] During the course of 2019 and 2020, it was brought to Mac and the third generation Apple TV, [16] [17] and gradually, with certain feature omissions, [18] to non-Apple devices: post-2015 Roku and Amazon Fire TV models, [19] and some newer television models on the Roku TV, Fire TV Edition, Samsung Tizen, LG webOS, and Vizio SmartCast smart TV platforms, with select new Sony Android TV models gaining access in October 2020. [1] [20] [2] [3] [4] [5]
Content from the TV app may also be streamed via Apple's AirPlay 2 protocol from a device supporting the TV app to particular smart television sets from Sony, Vizio, LG, and Samsung. [20] [1]
TV was announced at an Apple media event on October 27, 2016, and was released in the United States on December 12, 2016 with iOS 10.2 and tvOS 10.1, replacing the "Videos" application in earlier versions of iOS. It aggregates television shows and movies from the iTunes Store with content from installed partner apps, and can track progress across devices using the same Apple ID. Only content from Apple's services opens inside the TV app; other content is opened in the linked app. [21]
The app originally contained five sections: "Watch Now", "Sports", "Library", "Store" and "Search". [22] [23] Push notifications for sports scores can be enabled. [24]
TV received a major redesign following Apple's March 2019 media event, which refocused it as a hub for Apple-distributed video streaming. [25] The new version added support for Apple TV Channels and debuted a new icon similar to the Apple TV hardware icon, replacing the previous icon resembling a television. [26]
TV was added to the pre-tvOS 3rd generation Apple TV in March 2019, though this version lacks the ability to link with other video on demand apps. [27] Picture-in-picture and switching between multiple Apple IDs was added in tvOS 13 to fourth generation and newer Apple TVs. [28] [29]
TV supports 4K, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, and HDR10 on the Apple TV 4K. [30] Dolby Vision and HDR10 are supported on iPad Pro and iPhone models [n 2] released in 2017 or later, and Dolby Atmos on 2018 iPad Pro models and iPhones. [32]
TV was released with macOS Catalina on October 7, 2019 as one of three applications created to replace iTunes. [33] [16] It supports Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, and HDR10 on MacBooks released in 2018 or later, while 4K HDR playback is supported on the iMac Pro [34] and other Macs released in 2018 or later when connected to a compatible display. [35]
Apple announced in January 2019 that the TV app would be made available on non-Apple platforms for the first time. [36] [37] The decision to expand to other platforms was cited as part Apple's efforts to expand its service revenues by making video content available widely to the public. [38]
It launched on Roku on October 15, 2019, on models with a 3800 model number or higher, and on the Roku TV platform. [39] [40] [41] It became available on Amazon Fire TV on October 24, 2019, though limited to Fire TV devices released in 2016 or later, and on the Fire TV Edition platform. [42] [43]
The app launched on Samsung TVs on their customized version of the Tizen OS platform on May 13, 2019. [44] [45] [2] It became available on the LG webOS platform on February 3, 2020. [3] It was added to the Vizio SmartCast platform on September 8, 2020. [4]
The app also launched on select 2020 Sony Bravia Android TV models on October 14, 2020. [46] On December 16, 2020, Google announced that the Android TV version of the app would be widely made available to other devices running Android TV, beginning with the Chromecast with Google TV in early 2021. [10]
The app became available on the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 in November 2020, [7] [47] as well as the Xbox One, and the Xbox Series X/S on November 10, 2020. [9]
The features available through the software on non-Apple devices are more limited than those on Apple devices, such as a lack of Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision support, but additional updates have lessened the differences over time. [48] [49]
TV is the portal for Apple's Apple TV+ service, featuring original content created for Apple.
Apple TV Channels is a service that aggregates content from popular video on demand a la carte subscription services and is accessed from the TV app. [13] [14] Announced in March 2019, it is designed to simplify subscriptions by making them purchasable and accessible in one video content hub, so the consumer need not use each service's own sign-up mechanism or view the content through each service's own app or website. [50] [51] It is designed to compete with similar services such as Amazon Channels and Hulu Add-Ons, which similarly make multiple subscription premium networks available in one location. [14] The payment method can also be centralized through Apple's own billing service. [51] Because the content is from paid subscription services, it will be ad-free. [51] Content can also be downloaded to the device for offline viewing, and there is an option to share accounts within families. [51]
Partners include Showtime, Cinemax, Starz, Epix, AMC+, CuriosityStream, Allblk, Mubi and Paramount+. [51] HBO was a launch partner but deprecated their channel following the launch of HBO Max, discontinuing new subscriptions and retaining existing ones for Apple users who registered for the channel before the May 2020 launch of HBO Max (while granting access to HBO Max at no extra charge) until July 22, 2021, when it was discontinued for existing subscriptions. [52] [53] The broad reach of the 1.4 billion Apple devices in use globally induced major services, some of which already have their own content distribution systems, to make deals with Apple. [54]
Netflix declined to be involved with the service, with CEO Reed Hastings saying that they chose not to integrate its service's programming into Apple TV Channels because "we prefer to have our customers watch our content in our service." [54] Netflix would have received little or no data about viewers from Apple TV Channels. [54] AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson, during an on-stage discussion with CNBC's Andrew Ross Sorkin at a fintech event, pushed back on the suggestion that content providers like AT&T's HBO would "not have the same level of access to the data" captured from Apple TV Channels that they currently receive through their own apps and websites to "see what everybody's really watching and be able to make certain decisions", instead insisting that AT&T's digital distribution deals provide it "access to data ... critical to advertising delivery, [ ] critical to marketing". [55] [56]
TV can stream content rented or purchased from the iTunes Store.
The versions of the TV app on iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS can integrate and curate content from supported video on demand apps installed on the same device, and can track progress across devices using the same Apple ID. Only content from Apple's services opens inside the TV app, for other content it will open the linked app. [21] Support from apps varies by country. [57] Support for Netflix is limited; their television shows and films will appear in search results and play, but other features like curation and progress tracking are unavailable. [58]
Region | Date | Ref. |
---|---|---|
United States | December 12, 2016 | [59] [60] |
Australia | September 19, 2017 | [61] |
Canada | ||
Norway | October 31, 2017 | [62] |
Sweden | ||
France | December 8, 2017 | [63] |
Germany | ||
United Kingdom | ||
Brazil | March 30, 2018 | [64] |
Mexico | ||
90 additional countries | May 13, 2019 | [65] |
Amazon Prime Video, or simply Prime Video, is a subscription video on-demand over-the-top streaming and rental service of Amazon.com, Inc., offered as a standalone service or as part of Amazon's Prime subscription. The service primarily distributes films and television series produced by Amazon Studios or licensed to Amazon, as Amazon Originals, with the service also hosting content from other providers, content add-ons, live sporting events, and video rental and purchasing services.
Apple TV is a digital media player and microconsole developed and sold by Apple Inc. It is a small network appliance and entertainment device that can receive digital data for visual and audio content such as music, video, video games, or the screen display of certain other devices, and play it on a connected television set or other video display.
My5 is the brand name of video-on-demand services offered by Channel 5 in the United Kingdom. The service went live on 26 June 2008.
ITV Hub is an online video on demand service accessible through the main ITV website itv.com. The service offers a variety of programmes from homegrown programming to imports across ITV, ITV2, ITVBe, ITV3, ITV4 and CITV. Some sports programming is available to watch again via the service, the 2010 FIFA World Cup and highlights being examples. Some programmes, imports and movies are not currently available due to rights issues, and until the latest version, most children's programming in particular was generally unavailable. Programmes are available for 30 days on the site after being first shown on ITV. The service was originally called ITV Catch Up but was then rebranded 'ITV Player' on 5 December 2008 as part of ITV's aim to create a recognisable and consistent brand for video-on-demand content across the web and TV. ITV Player was also branded as ITV Net Player and referred to as the ITV Network Player in branding and communication around programming intended for consumption across the UK, such as on Virgin Media, before adopting the current name.
A smart TV, also known as a connected TV (CTV), is a traditional television set with integrated Internet and interactive Web 2.0 features, which allows users to stream music and videos, browse the internet, and view photos. Smart TVs are a technological convergence of computers, televisions, and digital media players. Besides the traditional functions of television sets provided through traditional broadcasting media, these devices can provide access to over-the-top media services such as streaming television and internet radio, along with home networking access.
AirPlay is a proprietary wireless communication protocol stack/suite developed by Apple Inc. that allows streaming between devices of audio, video, device screens, and photos, together with related metadata. Originally implemented only in Apple's software and devices, it was called AirTunes and used for audio only. Apple has since licensed the AirPlay protocol stack as a third-party software component technology to manufacturers that build products compatible with Apple's devices.
HBO Go is an international TV Everywhere video on demand streaming service offered by the American premium cable network HBO for customers outside the United States. It allows HBO subscribers to stream selections of HBO content, including current and past series, films, specials, and sporting events, through either the HBO website, or apps on mobile devices, video game consoles, and digital media players. The service first launched on February 18, 2010.
Dolby Atmos is a surround sound technology developed by Dolby Laboratories. It expands on existing surround sound systems by adding height channels, allowing sounds to be interpreted as three-dimensional objects. Following the release of Atmos for the cinema market, a variety of consumer technologies have been released under the Atmos brand, using in-ceiling and up-firing speakers.
Chromecast is a line of digital media players developed by Google. The devices, designed as small dongles, can play Internet-streamed audio-visual content on a high-definition television or home audio system. The user controls playback with a mobile device or personal computer through mobile and web apps that support the Google Cast protocol, or by issuing commands via Google Assistant. Alternatively, content can be mirrored from the Google Chrome web browser on a personal computer or from the screen of some Android devices.
Roku is a brand of hardware digital media players manufactured by American company Roku, Inc. They offer access to streaming media content from various online services.
Amazon Fire TV is a line of digital media players and microconsoles developed by Amazon. The devices are small network appliances that deliver digital audio and video content streamed via the Internet to a connected high-definition television. They also allow users to access local content and to play video games with the included remote control or another game controller, or by using a mobile app remote control on another device.
Google TV is an online video on demand service operated by Google. The service offers movies and television shows for purchase or rental, depending on availability. The service initially launched in May 2011 as Google Movies and was later renamed Google Play Movies & TV following its integration into the Google Play digital distribution service in 2012.
HBO Now was an American subscription video on demand streaming service for premium television network HBO owned by WarnerMedia subsidiary Home Box Office, Inc. Officially unveiled on March 9 and launched on April 7, 2015 the service allows subscribers on-demand access to HBO's library of original programs, films and other content on personal computers, smartphones, tablet devices and digital media players. Unlike HBO Go, HBO's online video on demand service for existing subscribers of the linear television channel, HBO Now was available as a standalone service and does not require a television subscription to use, targeting cord cutters who use competing services such as Netflix and Hulu. As of February 2018, HBO Now had 5 million subscribers.
myTuner Radio, or simply, myTuner, is an Internet/Radio app directory/platform owned by AppGeneration – Software Technologies, Lda a development company based in Porto, Portugal founded by Eduardo Carqueja in October 2010. myTuner Radio has over 50,000 radio stations and one million podcasts from all around the world. On June 7, 2017, AppGeneration announced that its service had over 30 million users and a database with radio stations of 200 countries. myTuner Radio platform is available for the web at mytuner-radio.com, for a suite of mobile apps: iOS, Google Play, Samsung, Huawei, Amazon, Windows Phone; for desktop devices: Web, Windows, and Mac, wearables: Apple Watch and Android Wearables, for connected devices like Apple TV, Samsung TVs, LG TVs, TV sets and set-top boxes with Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku TV and Chromecast, connected cars: Apple Carplay, Android Auto, Bosch mySPIN, Jaguar & Land Rover InControl Apps, and also on home appliances and smart speakers like Alexa and Sonos.
High-dynamic-range (HDR) is a technology for the way luminance and colors are represented in videos and images. It is contrasted with standard-dynamic-range (SDR), which has become the term for older technology. HDR offers the possibility to represent substantially brighter highlights, darker shadows, more details in both sides, and more colorful colors than what was previously possible.
Spectrum TV Stream is an American over-the-top internet television service owned by Charter Communications. The service – which is structured as a virtual multichannel video programming distributor – is only available to Charter Spectrum internet customers. It is designed as an alternative to other competing OTT skinny bundles for cord cutters, offering a selection of major cable channels and on-demand content that can be streamed through smart TVs, digital media players, and mobile apps.
Xfinity Flex is an American over-the-top internet television service owned by Comcast. The service – which is structured as a virtual multichannel video programming distributor – is only available to Comcast Xfinity internet customers. It is designed as an alternative to other competing OTT skinny bundles for cord cutters, offering a selection of major cable channels and on-demand content that can be streamed through smart TVs, digital media players, and mobile apps.
macOS Catalina is the sixteenth major release of macOS, Apple Inc.'s desktop operating system for Macintosh computers. It is the successor to macOS Mojave and was announced at WWDC 2019 on June 3, 2019 and released to the public on October 7, 2019. Catalina is the first version of macOS to support only 64-bit applications and the first to include Activation Lock. It is also the last version of macOS to have the version number prefix of 10. Its successor, Big Sur, is version 11. macOS Big Sur, released on November 12, 2020, succeeded macOS Catalina.
realme is a Chinese smartphone manufacturer headquartered in Shenzhen. The company was founded on May 4, 2018, by Sky Li, who was former vice president of Oppo. It is a spinoff from Oppo who collectively owns it with BBK Electronics.