Roger Fingas
PBS on Tuesday announced an upcoming 24-hour PBS Kids channel that will air on not just on conventional TV, but also as a live Internet stream for phones, tablets, and set-tops, including iOS devices and the Apple TV.
To tune in, Apple device owners will need only the existing PBS Kids app for iPhone/iPad or the fourth-generation Apple TV. Alternately, people on a laptop or desktop will simply be able to visit pbskids.org in a Web browser. Live streaming will be offered alongside existing on-demand content.
The new channel will debut at an unspecified point later this year. Sometime after that, PBS will introduce integrated games, allowing kids to switch between a show and interactive content.
Aside from the Web and Apple devices, other digital platforms with access will include Android/Android TV, Chromecast, Roku, and Amazon tablets and set-tops.
Though some recent reports have cast doubt, Apple is still rumored to be working on a streaming TV service which could potentially launch in September. If so, Apple could also theoretically include PBS Kids as a default channel. Another possible inclusion is live NFL games.
PBS was the first addition to universal search support on the Apple TV beyond a default batch including iTunes, Netflix, Hulu, Showtime, and HBO. That means that searching for a show through Siri will turn up PBS or PBS Kids as a viewing option, if right app is installed and the network carries the content on-demand.
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3 Comments
More live streaming content is better, right? Although I occasionally wish IPhones and iPads also had over-the-air radio and TV tuners built into them, complimenting their streaming counterparts. It could lessen the dependency on doing special deals with uncooperative radio and TV partners.
Needed this 2-3 years ago when my son was a fan of Curious George. Toddlers of the world can now rejoice, and so can their parents
As a parent of 4, with all being under the age of 6, I am very happy to hear this. I'm sure this app will get a ton of play on my Apple TV and kid's iPads.