Internet-delivered TV is a messy market right now, and into the fray, Apple TV has tossed a new partnership with the CW network. The CW will soon have an app on Apple TV devices that shows TV episodes the day after they air on cable. All content will be ad-supported, and no pay-TV subscription will be required.
Apple TV continues to putter along, gathering users, but not particularly breaking through the clutter of Internet-connected media streamers. The launch of a new CW app is noteworthy, however. It marks the first time Apple has offered content from a network outside of the iTunes store and sites like Netflix and Hulu.
From the CW side, the move is interesting because the network is offering cable content as a stand-alone, ad-supported offering. Even ABC is requiring authentication for streaming content, and those shows are (also) otherwise available for free over the air. The CW app is also available on the Xbox and Windows 8 devices.
Apple TV, meanwhile, may get another boost later this year with access to the HBO Go app. There are rumors that Apple and HBO are negotiating terms, though fans can already access HBO content on the Apple TV by using AirPlay to stream video from an iPad.
Thanks for doing this AFTER the 90210 and Gossip Girl series finales!
My wife controls the shows most nights.
Very very odd.
This is the CBS network right? Pretty much the only other channel CBS has that they could hold over a broadcaster’s head to make them sign on the dotted line if they didn’t want to pay retransmission fees for them main CBS channel? Just one more excuse for DirecTV to look more seriously at supporting broadcast channels via a local antenna and reduced fees. Or for Dish et al to look more seriously at an Aereo model to avoid paying their retransmission fees.