Apple sees the future of TV in apps, and for that it announced a new all-in-one app aptly called "TV," set to roll out to iOS and the Apple TV box.
Aiming to serve as a one-stop-shop to simplify the TV experience, Apple's new TV app will pull TV shows and movies from other apps you subscribe to, display what you've bought from iTunes and show new apps that offer video content so you have all you need in one place.
"Using apps on Apple TV, iPhone and iPad has become the primary way for so many of us to watch television," says Eddy Cue, Apple SVP of Internet Software and Services. "The TV app shows you what to watch next and easily discover TV shows and movies from many apps in a single place."
As good as this sounds, one thing's worth pointing out. Apple's new TV app is great for accessing all of your movies and TV shows in a single app and discover new content to watch, but it doesn't support Netflix. For some reason, the most popular video streaming service is not in the mix with Apple's TV app. This may be a big drawback for Netflix addicts, but Apple will likely address this matter in the future.
How To Use Apple's New TV App
The app is based on the universal search experience used by the Apple TV (sans Netflix), Roku and others, offering a form of universal browsing to make things easier. You'll find four sections at the top of the app — Watch Now, Library, Store and Search — which are pretty self-explanatory, and similar to the Apple TV experience.
From the Watch Now section you can resume watching a show from where you left off, or check out suggestions of new shows based on your previous activity. Those suggestions will come from the services you've subscribed to. The app will also show movie and TV show suggestions in two other sections: Spotlight and What to Watch.
While Apple's new TV app is primarily intended to be used on the big screen with the Apple TV box, it looks the same on iOS. Users can also enjoy the same functions on the iPad and iPhone as they would on the Apple TV. The app stays in sync at all times, which means you can start watching a show on one device and continue right where you left off on a different device (of course, provided they're Apple devices).
Siri Live Tune-In
Siri now allows users to easily tune in to live sporting events and news on the Apple TV. Moreover, the virtual assistant now knows when such live coverage is taking place, so you can just tell it that you want to watch the Stanford game, for instance, and it will immediately tune in. Siri also knows more details about the games and can deliver live scores. You can also tune to live video by telling Siri the name of the app you want, such as "Watch CBS News," and you won't have to navigate to the live stream — you can enjoy everything from Apple's all-in-one TV app.
Easy, Single Sign-On For Subscription Apps
Rather than having to enter your credentials every time, customers will be able to enjoy the simpler, single sign-on for Pay-TV apps such as FX Now, Watch ESPN and others that may require a cable subscription for full access. For now, this option is available only for U.S. users.
Lastly, Apple also highlights some prominent Apple TV features such as the ability to ask for specific movie and TV show categories or watch live TV from supported apps, using voice commands via the Apple TV's Siri remote.
Apple TV App Rollout
Apple fans who want to try out the company's TV app will have to muster their patience for a while longer, as the app is not rolling out just yet. Apple will release the TV app to Apple TV boxes, iPhones and iPads in December, delivering it through a free software update.
