What's Missing on the Apple TV and What We Want to See at WWDC
At next month’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple is likely to unveil the next version of tvOS for Apple TV. We don’t yet know what Apple has planned next for its “hobby” device, but we do know what we’d like to see.
Come on, Apple
Internet TV, Please
Apple has long been rumored to be working on a video streaming service which would allow folks to dump their cable and satellite subscriptions. Over the years, sources have often blamed the heavyweights in Hollywood for Apple’s inability to finalize the contracts that would be required for such a service to succeed. We’re not all that sure.
Dish launched Sling TV in January 2015 with companies such as Walt Disney onboard. In the coming months, video streaming services by AT&T (with DirecTV), Google (with YouTube), and Hulu, are also set to arrive.
If Cupertino really wants to reshape television in the 21st Century, they need to change how we consume ALL television programming. Until they do, the Apple TV remains a good, but not a great device.
Our bet: Apple isn’t about to let a company like Google win at video streaming. Therefore, expect some sort of an announcement soon.
Get the Holdouts
The fourth-generation Apple TV was first announced seven months ago. Since then, key content providers remain offline. These include the previously mentioned Sling TV, as well as Amazon Video and Vudu.
Apple doesn’t want to forgo its standard 30 percent taken on all App Store sales. We get this. Still, when a video app is available on iOS, shouldn’t it also be available on Apple TV?
Get the iOS apps
One Universal Login and App
For now, most Apple TV users must rely on their cable or satellite subscription to activate television apps on the Apple TV, such as Watch ABC, HBO GO, and History. Unfortunately, this is a time-consuming process since you need to activate each app individually.
It shouldn’t be this way. Apple would be wise to offer a universal login for Apple TV. This way, authentication would be a quick, one-step process.
We’d also like to see Apple unveil one television app, which would provide users with access to all of their television content. Why should we have to go from app-to-app to find programming?
Split Screen
On iPad, users can finally use a split screen with certain apps. Similar technology should come to tvOS.
We don’t necessary crave the ability to watch two videos at the same time on Apple TV. Nonetheless, adding a split screen, would offer users the ability to watch a television show while also playing a game. Another example: Allow us to watch “Game of Thrones” on HBO while ordering food.
iCloud Logins
You can already download apps using multiple Apple IDs. This flexibility should extend to multiple iCloud logins. Imagine being able to view photos or videos from different accounts.
A Big Month Ahead
We’ll hear more about Apple’s plans for tvOS, “iOS 10,” and watchOS on Monday, June 13 during the WWDC Keynote. Until then, the guessing game continues.
What would you like to see on Apple TV?
