HiTechEdge

Tag: The Information

  • Google CEO Makes Connected TVs a “Top Priority”

    Google CEO Makes Connected TVs a “Top Priority”

    The battle over the streaming TV market is heating up, with connected TVs a “top priority” at Google.

    Streaming TV is quickly gaining ground and threatening traditional cable and satellite TV. Connected TVs are seen as the gateway to the market. Once a company gets their TV operating system installed as the default, they have a tremendous amount of power over what other apps can be installed, and often get a cut of revenue from the various streaming platforms the customer ends up using.

    According to The Information, via Forbes, Google has recently increased the amount of money it’s willing to spend to gain that coveted foothold. Whereas industry leader Roku pays manufacturers $7 to $8 per TV to be installed by default, Google has upped its payout to $10 to $15.

    The change in focus comes directly from Pichai and, according to The Information, is an attempt to change the perception of Google being “half-hearted” in its efforts in the TV industry, thanks largely to Chromecast and Android TV.

  • Apple Spending $500 Million on Apple TV+ Marketing in 2022

    Apple Spending $500 Million on Apple TV+ Marketing in 2022

    Apple is ramping up its marketing for Apple TV+ in 2022, to the tune of $500 million.

    According to The Information, via The Mac Observer, Apple TV+ has some 40 million subscribers, roughly half of which are paying a subscription fee. Apple had a very generous trial period initially, giving anyone who bought a new Mac, iPhone or iPad an entire year for free. Even though Apple has since reduced that to three months, T-Mobile is offering its users a free year of Apple TV+.

    It appears the Cupertino company is getting serious about marketing its streaming TV service, something that has been a sore point for some Apple partners who believe the company hasn’t done enough in the past. Apple plans on spending some $500 million this year, and will release a new move or show every week during 2022.

    Given that Apple has a number of critically-acclaimed and award-winning hits on its hands, it’s a safe bet the marketing will likely pay off.

  • Apple Making a Play for NFL Sunday Ticket

    Apple Making a Play for NFL Sunday Ticket

    Apple may be preparing to enter the the streaming TV big leagues, with a play for the NFL Sunday Ticket.

    In the battle for the streaming TV market, sports is one of the most important keys to success. A strong emphasis on sports has allowed fuboTV to quickly go from a small upstart to one of the major competitors at the top of the streaming food chain.

    Apple appears ready to get in on the action, and is in early talks for the rights to the NFL Sunday Ticket, according to The Information, via The Verge. The NFL Sunday Ticket would give Apple the ability to broadcast all football games not available on local stations.

    Sports Business Journal’s John Ourand says the negotiations have not officially begun, but the NFL has had preliminary talks with companies, including Apple.

    If Apple is able to secure NFL Sunday Ticket, it would be a game-changer for the company’s Apple TV+ service.

  • Netflix May Be Moving Into Gaming

    Netflix May Be Moving Into Gaming

    One of the biggest streaming platforms may be making a move into gaming, as Netflix looks for an executive to lead the effort.

    Netflix is one of the most successful streaming platforms, with more than 207 million subscribers. As the company continues to look for ways to stay competitive, gaming is a logical area for possible expansion.

    According to a report by The Information, Netflix is currently looking for an executive that could head up its gaming initiative. The company is looking to possibly create a service similar to Apple Arcade, a service that will not be ad-supported.

    The company all but confirmed its plans in a comment to GameSpot:

    “Our members value the variety and quality of our content. It’s why we’ve continually expanded our offering–from series to documentaries, film, local language originals and reality TV,” Netflix told GameSpot. “Members also enjoy engaging more directly with stories they love–through interactive shows like Bandersnatch and You v. Wild, or games based on Stranger Things, La Casa de Papel and To All the Boys. So we’re excited to do more with interactive entertainment.”

    Should Netflix’s plans prove successful, it would open an entirely new opportunity for the company, ensuring growth for years to come.

  • Amazon May Purchase MGM to Boost Its Media Content

    Amazon May Purchase MGM to Boost Its Media Content

    Amazon is considering purchasing MGM in an effort to boost its already impressive TV offerings.

    Amazon Prime is one of the leading TV streaming platforms, with some 200 million subscribers. The platform has an impressive list of original content, including Bosch, The Man in the High Castle, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and more.

    According to The Information, via AppleInsider, Amazon is considering acquiring MGM in a bid to further its media library. MGM owns Epix and has a large library of film and TV franchises, such as James Bond, The Handmaid’s Tale, Fargo, Shark Tank and others.

    It is unclear how far along the discussions are, so it’s possible nothing will happen. Should a deal be reached, however, it could give Amazon a significant advantage in an increasingly competitive streaming TV market.