Apple is reportedly shopping a plan for an iTunes subscription TV service around the television networks in the US. Could this new service be another pointer to the future of the oft-rumoured Apple tablet? Read on to find out more…
The hottest new Apple rumour in town is that Jobs and co are in talks with TV networks to create a monthly subscription service to deliver TV shows via iTunes.
While Apple TV is bound to be part of the mix if Apple does deliver a new TV subscription service through iTunes, the whispers suggest it won’t be confined to the slightly underwhelming device.
Apple recently launched a new lightweight streaming protocol that adjust bitrates on the fly, depending on the speed of your connection.
It’s also developed a new file format called iFrame which is 1/4 of 1080p. That won’t excite movie lover but it would be perfect for TV and a device bigger than an iPod.
We’ve heard plenty of talk about the Apple tablet or Apple Slate as an ebook reader but adding TV into the mix makes sense. And with the iTunes subscription service apparently headed our way in early-2010, it’d arrive at the same time we’re expecting the Apple Tablet.
While you wait to see if Apple is going to bring TV subscriptions to iTunes, try our guide to online TV streaming services.
Out Now | Apple (via PC World and Media Memo)
What is the next Apple event during which the Tablet may appear?
I don’t think anyone knows for sure now that Apple has pulled out of Macworld in January. But my guess is early 2010, so that there’s breathing space between it and the next iPhone.
Nobody knows yet! But it’s unlikely to be before 2010 as they’ve now settled on their Christmas line-up. My money’s on February 2010.