So Apple launched its new Apple TV yesterday. It’s pretty cool, it’s very small, and its supposed to change the way we watch television. But I’m disappointed actually. I don’t think I’ll be buying one, and here’s why.
I should preface this by stating the obvious: I’ve never been in an Apple board meeting, never been privy to inside information, and never been asked for advice by Apple…so take my opinion for what it is.
Why am I disappointed?
No Apps
To me, Apple made a huge mistake in not allowing Apps on the Apple TV with the new iOS.
Yes, I know Steve presented a list about what Apple “found out” by interacting with consumers, and that most consumers didn’t want their TV to be another computer. I get that, but just because consumers say they don’t want another computer doesn’t mean you have to throw out the baby with the bath water.
There are two reasons I probably won’t buy an Apple TV, and it has to do with what’s currently not available through the device:
1. Sports
2. All the shows that aren’t on Fox & ABC
I’m a huge sports fan, and probably one of the biggest reasons we have cable is so we can watch ESPN and other sports channels. Additionally, my favorite shows are on networks other than Fox & ABC. So even though I can watch great movies, watch some pretty good shows (on those two networks), and stream Netflix, that only constitutes a fraction of the content I like to watch on my TV.
So what do I think Apple should do?
Allow apps on the Apple TV and encourage networks, and studios to develop apps as the primary way of delivering content.
If ESPN developed an iPhone/iPad/Apple TV app where you could stream most or all sports programs, I’d gladly shell out money for it. If HBO, or AMC, or the Discovery Channel developed an app where you could stream shows (even with ads) I’d gladly shell out money for it.
We are in an age where virtually all media outlets are forced to distribute content based on user preferences. Except for the television industry. I can dictate how I want to receive news, or books, or music. And this freedom to choose greatly enhances my enjoyment of each of these mediums. Not so with television.
To me the new Apple TV just prolongs the status quo. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t be able to access the content we want to watch when we want to watch it, except that the media outlets behind this content make much more money with the current modus operandi.
If anyone can convince these media outlets to adapt and begin to embrace user-controlled content it’s Apple. So I guess at the end of the day I’m a bit disappointed. I’ll continue to jerry-rig my TV with a digital cable box, and Mac Mini until, hopefully soon, the day arrives when all this becomes obsolete.
What do you think? Will you buy an Apple TV?
