In addition to the new MacBook Pro models Apple debuted at their media event on Thursday, the company also premiered their new “TV” app, which offers one location to access television shows and movies, be it on an Apple TV or an iPhone or iPad.
“Using apps on Apple TV, iPhone and iPad has become the primary way for so many of us to watch television,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services. “The TV app shows you what to watch next and easily discover TV shows and movies from many apps in a single place.”
Features of the new “TV” App Include:
- Watch Now: Watch Now is where viewers will see their collection of available shows and movies from iTunes® and apps. From Watch Now, viewers can then go to Up Next or Recommended to choose what to watch.
- Up Next: Users can enjoy the shows and movies they are currently watching, including recent iTunes rentals and purchases — all presented in the order they are most likely to watch first. For example, when viewers finish an episode, the next one will automatically appear at the start of the Up Next queue, as will any new episodes as they become available. At any time, users can simply ask Siri to continue watching a show and immediately pick up where they left off.
- Recommended: Viewers can explore a great selection of curated and trending shows and movies, including collections handpicked by Apple’s curators, and dedicated categories and genres such as kids, sci-fi and comedy.
- Library: Viewers can access their entire collection of iTunes movies and TV shows that they have rented or purchased on iTunes.
- Store: If users are looking for something new, they can check out the Store to discover great new content across video services that they have not yet downloaded or are not yet subscribed to, along with the latest releases on iTunes.
Apple also showed off Live Tune-In with Siri. Siri is now aware of which live sporting events are available across tvOS apps, so a user can say something like, “Watch the USC game,” or ask “Which games are on right now?” Siri can then take the user directly to the requested game, show details of available games, and provide live scores of games in progress. Users can also jump directly into live video by saying something to the effect of: “Watch CBS News.”
Single Sign-On for Pay-TV Apps will finally be a reality in December, as subscribers of DIRECTV, DISH Network, and others will sign in just once on their Apple TV, iPhone, and iPad, and enjoy immediate access to apps that are part of their TV subscription.
The TV App and single sign-on will be available in December, as a free software update for fourth-generation Apple TV, iPhone, and iPad customers in the United States. Live tune-in with Siri is available today.
