Apple polls customers for feedback on streaming video & Apple TV

Apple is hunting for feedback on streaming video, presumably to help decide on a future direction for the Apple TV and/or video in general, AppleInsider learned on Thursday.

A email survey sent to AppleInsider first asked about a recent iPad purchase, but then launched into a series of questions about streaming video. These included which devices were being used for streaming, and several about the Apple TV, among them satisfaction and when a fourth-generation unit was bought.

Hardware appears to be the focus of Apple's interest, since a later question asked about the likelihood of buying another streaming media player.

Until recently the company has put relatively little emphasis on the Apple TV, referring to it as a "hobby" and only updating it periodically, instead of annually like Macs and iPhones.

The fourth-generation model has been treated more seriously though, with upgrades like Siri and a native App Store, plus much more extensive marketing. The survey could be meant to gauge things like the overall success of the Apple TV and the best time to launch a fifth-generation model.

In May, one report suggest that Apple's rumored Amazon echo competitor could instead be just an upgraded Apple TV with its own microphone and speaker array. No timetable was given, though other rumors have hinted at 2017.

It's not clear what else Apple would change. One possibility might be 4K support, since iPhones already support shooting in that resolution.

41 Comments

llahnoraa 3 comments · 8 Years

About 8 years ago

I received an email today. Just submitted the latest survey to 'em.

ireland 17435 comments · 18 Years

Bring down the price of ATV4 in Europe and it would be more popular here. I think it currently starts at €179. Seeing as these don't sell in smartphone quantities I think Apple should reduce the price and target market share Apple TV growth over large per unit hardware profits, with a goal to profiting from app sales and services longer term on this device.

zroger73 787 comments · 13 Years

My survey focused more on software and how I actually use my Apple TV. It didn't ask about future purchases. Some questions may depend on answers to previous questions or not all surveys are the same.

TurboPGT 355 comments · 9 Years

ireland said:

Bring down the price of ATV4 in Europe and it would be more popular here. I think it currently starts at €179. Seeing as these don't sell in smartphone quantities I think Apple should reduce the price and target market share Apple TV growth over large per unit products with a goal to profiting from app sales and services over hardware.

Cost isn't an issue. It's already within reach at sub > $200. Apple TV requires a paradigm shift in the individual away from cable, to streaming. To really take advantage of it, it needs to be the primary, or only, thing you use.

mj web 914 comments · 16 Years

Make it 4K and redesign it with some J-IVE"wow" factor and I'll upgrade from my old "hobby" ATV, which wasn't nearly as ugly as the current stubby model.