We covered the launch of the Apple ‘TV’ app on the Apple TV book last week, (Apple Event Introduces New Mac Book Pro) but we didn’t pick up at the time that the app will not support Netflix or Amazon Prime. Netflix is reported to be available on the Apple TV box, but not Amazon Prime (and the company does not sell the Apple TV box from its store).
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This is more than a minor omission. While Amazon is also keen to sell its own boxes so a clear competitor to Apple, Netflix doesn’t. There was a point when Apple was believed to be close to launching a serious competitor to Netflix and cable operators, but it seemed to have pulled back from that.
It wasn’t clear this week whether Netflix or Apple made the decision about the support. One of the barriers to this kind of service has been a reluctance by some content owners to work with others. However, CBS is reported to be working on a new OTT service with Google. This is said to be a ‘skinny bundle’ and could launch earlier in 2017 with content including NFL sport.
Separately, Netflix said that it is looking for offline streaming for markets where Wi-Fi and broadband is not as convenient in the developing world. At a conference this week, CEE operators cast doubts on Netflix’s chances (CEE to be Difficult for Netflix) (BR)
