Despite taking off relatively slowly, when compared with other Apple products such as the iPad, the iPhone or the iPod, it seems as if Apple has decided to go ahead with a new Apple TV. Apple has yet to make the announcement itself, but reports have made their way around the Internet that the new Apple TV will be here before long. For instance, the technology blog by the name of GigaOm, NewTeeVee has reported not only that Apple is soon to release a new Apple TV, but also some details about the new product.
The big news from NewTeeVee about the new Apple TV is that it will feature 99-cent television show rentals. This is a significant improvement upon the rates that were heretofore available to Apple TV consumers. As of the present date, Apple offers television shows, but they are at a markedly higher rate. Those who wish to purchase standard-definition episodes can do so for $1.99 an episode. Those who wish to step up to high-definition episodes may do so for $2.99 an episode. Either way, the new rate of 99-cents will come as a welcome surprise to those who presently own an Apple TV.
And for those who have yet to purchase an Apple TV, perhaps this drastic price reduction will be precisely what is needed to trigger an increase in demand for Apple TV. Economists would say that as price of a good decreases, the demand for that good will increase. And by cutting the price of television episodes in half, Apple may very well inject the incentive into the marketplace that is needed to trigger newfound life into Apple TV.
Also according to NewTeeVee, once consumers purchase an episode on the new Apple TV, they will have 30 days in which to begin watching the episode. Then, once they begin playing the episode, they will have 24 hours to complete the episode before it is removed from their program. All in all, this will provide users with a great alternative to traditional televisions.
This will also provide a great alternative to watching television on the Web. First of all, only some of the aired television series are actually played on the Web. As such, consumers can never be assured that their favorite series will be played on the Internet. Moreover, while computer monitors have come a long way – particularly Apple’s 24-inch LCD Cinema Display – they still don’t measure up to some of the newer television displays. With Apple TV, consumers get the convenience of Web-based television, with the picture and display of their home television.
This is the first time that Apple has revisited Apple TV for quite some time. With the exception of some minor advances and updates, Apple has really done little in regards to advancing the Apple TV. It will be exciting to see whether the new Apple TV turns around this segment of Apple’s market for the better.
related New Mac Online articles
