Apple rumoured to launch TV service by Christmas
But the negotiations aren't going too well, according to rumours, with content providers not keen to get on board.
The 'one last thing' at Apple's event on Wednesday could be the company's much-rumoured subscription TV service, according to the New York Post.
But Apple's not having an easy time getting TV channels on board, apparently. According to the Post's sources, the content providers aren't keen to hand over all aspects of control to Apple, especially price.
One source summed up Apple's stance in the talks as: "We decide the price, we decide what content." Another said: "They want everything for nothing." So will the TV execs dig their heels in and bring about more reasonable terms of service with Apple?
The Cupertino company is pitching the idea of offering channels as apps, so you could watch on your iPad, iPhone, iPod touch or Apple TV. Whether you'd have to pay per channel, or one fee for a bundle isn't known.
Apple wants to decide how the service looks, too. "They want to create the interface, and they wanted to work with the cable guys to manage bandwidth across the TV and broadband pipeline," one source said.
Just before Christmas we reported Apple was in talks with the telly companies about securing channels for its TV service. Senior vice president Eddy Cue is the man going out to speak to the channel execs. Apple reportedly mentioned voice and gesture controls in one meeting, hinting its upcoming TV set will pack Siri-style controls, as well as Kinect-esque hand waving for changing channel and volume.
Apple's invite for its event on Wednesday also mentions something we "really have to see", so there's talk of an updated Apple TV, or maybe it'll mention plans for its TV service. It seems too early for the standalone TV set, but if a TV service does launch, it can't be far behind.
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