Apple TV to Receive HBO Go App by Mid-2013? Details
Apple is in negotiations to start carrying Time Warner's HBO Go application on Apple TV by mid-2013, Bloomberg reported Feb. 1, citing two unnamed sources close to Apple's business plan.
The Apple TV set-top box currently streams content purchased on iTunes as well as available Netflix and Hulu Plus programming, but could gain a competitive edge with the addition of HBO Go, which is already offered on the Roku and Microsoft's Xbox console.
HBO Go is the streaming video service of the premium cable channel of the same name. It provides on-demand access to hundreds of movies and a complete library of all HBO original programming, such as the The Sopranos, True Blood, Newsroom, and Game of Thrones. The only catch is that customers must already be subscribed to HBO through a cable or satellite TV provider, which costs anywhere between $15 to $40 on top of a regular monthly subscription bill.
Apple has not confirmed the news and currently refers to it as a rumor, according to a spokesperson for HBO who told CNET, "We've said we would like HBO GO accessible on all preferred platforms so we are always having discussions with a variety of companies."
The integration between Apple and HBO would not be the first, as the Go app is currently available on the iOS mobile platform, which allows users to watch original programming, blockbuster films, sports and comedy shows on the go.
Apple reportedly sold over 7.8 million set-top boxes during the first two fiscal years it has been available. This success has prompted speculation that Apple will introduce a full-scale television.
Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster said in a November report by PC Mag that the television set will likely hit shelves in time for this year's holiday shopping season, with a price tag of about $1,500 to $2,000 and screen sizes in the 42-inch to 55-inch range.
