AppleInsider StaffThe functionality was added overnight to the Apple TV set-top box, and does not require a software update. Previously, users could not purchase content directly from the Apple TV, and it needed to be downloaded to a computer on the user's local network first.
Now, Apple's new iCloud functionality which allows the re-downloading and streaming of TV episodes has been brought to more users outside of the U.S. Customers in the U.K., Australia and Canada can now access their iCloud library of TV shows, and stream that content directly to the Apple TV without downloading it to a Mac or PC.
The functionality originally came to Apple TV users in the U.S. in early August in the form of a software update. The purchasing and streaming options were expanded shortly before Apple opted to abandon its plan for 99 cent rentals of TV shows, citing lack of consumer interest.
The Apple TV was redesigned in a major overhaul in 2010, giving the $99 hardware a smaller footprint and basing its operating system on the same iOS platform that powers the iPhone and iPad. But in recent months, speculation has grown that Apple's next move will be to build a full-fledged television set for release in late 2012.
Malcolm Owen
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20 Comments
I still don't understand why anyone would pay to watch a TV show.
I still don't understand why anyone would pay to watch a TV show.
So you just have your local channels you get for free, then? Around here they're called the "Farmer Five".
Having said that, there's really not much good on TV anymore; you're right.
So you just have your local channels you get for free, then? Around here they're called the "Farmer Five".
Having said that, there's really not much good on TV anymore; you're right.
Yes, HD over the air. Mostly though I think I would only watch a lot of the shows if they paid me to do so.
So you just have your local channels you get for free, then? Around here they're called the "Farmer Five".
Here in Toronto, I get about 15 HD channels for free with my HD antenna (luckily I still had an old antenna tower on my yard).
But yeah, the original poster obviously isn't considering the fact that, if you pay for cable, you're paying for TV shows. I personally watch so few TV shows, that the cost per show with a cable subscription would be much higher than just paying for the individual shows. Plus you don't waste time with commercials.
Agreed.
So you just have your local channels you get for free, then? Around here they're called the "Farmer Five".
Having said that, there's really not much good on TV anymore; you're right.
Here its called "peasant vision" and its only 4 - and one of those is french.
I pay like 60 dollars for basic cable to watch maybe 2 or 3 channels. I would save a ton of cash in the pay-per-episode model, because I only watch about 2 shows.
The only thing keeping me going is sports, which I watch less and less of, and my wife, who watches whatever crap about non-celebrities singing and dancing is around.