Without any PR fanfare, Apple TV was updated yesterday to include live MLB and NBA video streaming (to subscribers of those respective services). Additionally, Apple TV now joins the PS3 in offering 5.1 surround sound for select Netflix titles. Interestingly, Apple continues down the path of offering curated aTV channels versus launching a full fledged App Store. Regardless, it’s officially time for Roku to be scared.
Roku offers much more content and in some cases comes in even cheaper than the $99 Apple TV. Yet Apple TV is a super sleek device with shelf space at Best Buy and the Apple Store. “Apple” also obviously carries a ton of positive brand recognition. Compared to Roku… Despite moving a million units, the company/product is unfamiliar to many.
What I’d like next from any of these small media streamers is a live simulcast of pretty much any cable news network. We’ll see if any have interest in testing the over the top (OTT) waters and potentially alienating their MSO partners. Unless the cable-cos are the providers.