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Filed under: Rumors, Video, Apple

Apple pitching "all you can watch for $30 a month" TV to networks

Apple is already the huge name in the music business with the iTunes Store, and they've made continual inroads into the application, video, and movie markets as well. But what if Apple also became the content provider of choice for TV?

That idea isn't that far-fetched, according to a blog post by Peter Kafka at the Wall Street Journal's All Things Digital. Kafka reports that Apple has been pitching the concept of $30 monthly TV subscriptions through iTunes to TV networks.

You'll note that I said iTunes. That's the interesting point here -- Apple isn't pushing sending content to a particular device, like the Apple TV that Kafka refers to as "underwhelming" (sounds familiar, doesn't it?) or the fabled Apple tablet / slate / whatever. Instead, the service would be available immediately to the more 100 million iTunes account holders that Apple had as of a year ago. Have a Mac? You're a potential customer. Have a PC? Ditto.

There's only one fly in the ointment -- will broadcast and cable programmers buy into this? Kafka thinks the first content provider to jump would be Disney, which of course counts Steve Jobs as its largest shareholder. Cable companies might not like the loss of their usually overpriced monthly packages to an upstart, or having their bandwidth chewed up by hordes of people streaming HD video. And there's always the question of whether current cable TV subscribers would make the jump to streaming content.

Kafka ends his post with a quote from an unnamed TV executive, who says of Apple's subscription plan "I think they might get it right this time." What's your take, TUAW readers? Do you think the world is ready to purchase all of its video content from Apple? Leave your comments below.

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Software, Blogging, Snow Leopard

Uncle Walt says "Apple's built-in software still has the edge"

Walt Mossberg, the curmudgeonly, smooth-pated personal technology blogger at The Wall Street Journal's All Things Digital, has released his fall computer-buying guide. And when Walt talks, people listen.

Mossberg is usually very kind to Apple products, which probably explains why he gets the latest and greatest equipment sent to him by the guys in Cupertino prior to release, and we don't. In his latest guide, he says some surprisingly nice things about Windows PCs. That's mostly due to the progress in usability and friendliness brought about by the recent release of Windows 7. But he also goes on to say some very interesting things in his lead-in post, titled "Operating Systems Provide New Choices in PC Shopping."

While Walt points out the obvious -- that Windows PCs are usually less expensive than Macs and that Windows 7 has closed the gap between the operating systems in terms of user-friendliness -- he also goes on to say some very nice things about Macs:
But Apple's hardware is stylish and sturdy, and, in my tests, Macs usually boot faster than Windows machines. Plus, Apple's chain of retail stores offers a better buying experience and strong post-purchase support. Also, in my view, Apple's built-in software still has the edge. Snow Leopard is fast and reliable. And it comes with a full suite of excellent built-in programs, including email, photo and video software. Microsoft has stripped Windows 7 of such programs. Some PC makers have restored some or all of these in certain models, although I consider Apple's counterparts better. Another huge plus: The Mac isn't susceptible to the vast majority of viruses and spyware.
That's high praise again from the Prince of Personal Tech, and a list of good arguments for us "Apple Fanboys" to bring up when we're faced with Windows-lovers.

Filed under: Rumors, Other Events, Apple

A Kafkaesque announcement of an Apple keynote the week of September 7th

Kafkaesque is defined as "characteristic or reminiscent of the oppressive or nightmarish qualities of Franz Kafka's fictional world." That's the way Wall Street Journal All Things Digital blogger Peter Kafka (no relation as far as I know) must be feeling.

Music industry sources are telling him that Apple is planning one of their classic September keynotes, but they're not giving him a date other than "the week of September 7th", and have no idea what exactly Apple is planning on revealing. That sounds nightmarish to me...

So, he fired up the Apple rumor machine this morning and wrote a post about the upcoming event. Kafka feels that the event will probably be used to announce something about music (duh!), most likely "Cocktail", which is Apple's rumored album format that adds cover art, liner notes, and other interactive goodies.

Kafka also notes that unless Apple announces the legendary iTablet at the event, Apple faithful are likely to be very disappointed (My personal feeling? Turn on the tears, folks).

The September event is often used to announce new iPods, and there have been rumors of a camera-enabled iPod nano, so we might hear more about that.

Whatever happens, it would be nice to see Steve Jobs on the stage again, especially if the mythical iPad is finally announced. Any reader comments on this announcement of an Apple event with no set date or concrete topic will be greatly appreciated.

Update: While Gizmodo's Brian Lam is adding fuel to the iTablet fire with a recounting of a phone call with a reputable source, The Loop's Jim Dalrymple is categorically contradicting any suggestions that the September event will include the tablet device -- it's going to be a pure music announcement, he says.

Filed under: iTS, Video, Other Events, Steve Jobs, Apple History

Steve Jobs/Bill Gates D5 interview available in iTunes



Steve Jobs and Bill Gates sat down with Walt Mossberg and Kara Swisher at the All Things Digital conference for a joint interview the other day. The footage of the interview was posted at the D5 website, but it was broken up into chunks. Now you can watch, or listen, to the interview in its entirety thanks to the iTunes Store. That's right, the interview is now available as a video or audio podcast. The audio only version checks in at 85 megs or so, while the video file is almost 1 gig in size.

I'm downloading the video as I type this, and I suggest you do the same. It isn't often that one gets to watch two people who have shaped technology in such a meaningful way sit down and share their thoughts about the past, present, and future (though Steve never comments on future products).

Thanks, Karim.

Update: I neglected to mention that Steve and Bill were interviewed in a tag team fashion by Walt and Kara Swisher.

Filed under: Other Events, Steve Jobs

Video highlights of the Steve and Bill show


In case you missed the Engadget liveblog of last night's lovefest between Big Mac and El PC, the folks at the D conference have posted complete video coverage and a highlight reel (above) of Steve and Bill's excellent adventure. Enjoy the show, and please open any hard candies in advance of the feature.

Filed under: Other Events, Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs and Bill Gates chat at All Things Digital 2007



This is the last All Things Digital post for today, promise (well, as long as nothing cool happens). Engadget is live on the scene where Steve Jobs (Apple's CEO) and Bill Gates (he works for some small tech company in Redmond) will share the stage with Walt Mossberg. What will they talk about? I have no idea, but you can read it as they say it over at Engadget.

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, iTS, iPhone, Apple TV

3rd party apps on the iPhone and HD in iTunes?

His Steveness hinted at a few things today at Walt Mossberg's All Things Digital conference today (check out Engadget's great live coverage of Steve's talk). During the interview with Mossberg Jobs hinted that the iTunes Store will be offering HD content at some point in the future (why else would you need a 160 gig drive on your Apple TV?).

After the interview the audience was able to ask Steve some questions, and one person asked about third party apps on the iPhone. Steve said that Apple is working hard on getting third party apps on the iPhone, but they are concerned about security. He said that Apple made the call not to promise third party support until they are sure it can be done in a secure manner.

Filed under: Hardware, Apple, Apple TV

Apple offers 160 gig Apple TV



Apple's official press release announcing the YouTube component of Apple TV has some interesting tidbits on it. Firstly, a new built to order option of a 160 gig harddrive on Apple TVs that will be available tomorrow for $399. The new beefier Apple TVs will hold 200 hours of video, 36,000 songs, 25,000 photos, or a combination therein.

Also of note is that not all YouTube videos will be available on the Apple TV at launch (mid-June). At first part of the catalog of YouTube videos will be available with more and more added each week until everyone available on the website will be available on your Apple TV.

Filed under: Other Events, Steve Jobs

Engadget liveblogs Steve Jobs at D 2007



Our good friends at Engadget are covering Walt Mossberg's All Things Digital conference, which is a high end tech get together. Of interest to TUAW readers is that Mossberg is interviewing Steve Jobs right now. Head on over to Engadget to read the whole thing.

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