Apple has been busy updating iOS today, and in addition to the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch updates, they’ve also updated the Apple TV. Included in the update are MLB and NBA apps, as well as more support for AirPlay, Netflix Dolby Digital 5.1, and new slideshow themes.
Apple appears to be positioning itself in the live-video market quite nicely with the inclusion of the MLB and NBA apps. In both cases, you can find the applications in the Internet section of your Apple TV menu. Both applications require accounts with the respective league’s streaming services. If you’re in Canada, the NBA app doesn’t seem to be included, since it hasn’t shown up on my Apple TV.
An Aside
The one thing that keeps cable on my television these days is live events. Movies and television shows can easily be tracked down online, legally. But, getting live sporting events is something that is rather difficult to gain access to online. The sooner Apple gets an NHL Game Centre application onto the Apple TV, the quicker I’ll be cancelling my cable. I’m sure a lot of you are with me on that. MLB, NBA, NFL, and the NHL all need to take advantage of this moment, and get fully functioning applications on the Apple TV and other web-based television systems.
Welcome to new age television folks. Things are only going to get more interesting from here on out. All we need now is Hulu+ and the transition will be complete for most of us. Television companies are already bringing applications to iOS, and with this Apple TV update, Apple has given users the ability to “Use AirPlay to wirelessly stream video from apps and Safari on your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.” We expect that means that we’ll be seeing AirPlay popping up in CBS, Global, and other television applications in the very near future.
Things just got very real in this space. Does anyone know how the Google TV is doing these days? No? Neither do I.
Photo Credit: humedini
