When Apple announced that they were offering Apple users exclusive access to HBO Now, it was clear that the company had the potential to become a media powerhouse.. However, recent rumors point to Apple taking yet another step towards that goal.
The Wall Street Journal reports that Apple is in negotiations with content providers to offer a new digital cable service that could compete with Sling TV. This service will act as a slimmed-down version of cable, and will provide a variety of channels, including ABC, CBS, Fox and ESPN. Current estimates point to the service costing somewhere between $30 and $40.
But who is going to buy this service? The Hollywood Reporter notes that "Apple's plan to offer a stripped-down service is looking to target people who don't want bloated and expensive cable packages that include channels they never watch or wanted, as well as people who increasingly watch video online."
While this package does sound fairly solid on its own, there's still one question to ask; why isn't NBC also offered? The WSJ revealed that NBC wasn't included because Apple has fought with NBC's owner, Comcast, in the past. Apparently, the two parties got into a fight after Comcast introduced their X1 Web-enabled set-top box. This conflict of interest will also mean that Apple will not be able to offer users access to SyFy or USA.
Apple recently announced that they were bringing the price of the Apple TV down from $99 to $69.
