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Apple TV adds CNBC, Fox Now

Apple's set-top box continues to add more channels as it works to gain customers against Roku and others.

Ben Fox Rubin Former senior reporter
Ben Fox Rubin was a senior reporter for CNET News in Manhattan, reporting on Amazon, e-commerce and mobile payments. He previously worked as a reporter for The Wall Street Journal and got his start at newspapers in New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Ben Fox Rubin
2 min read

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The Apple TV set-top box. CNET

Apple on Tuesday said it grew its lineup of channels on its Apple TV set-top box, this time with CNBC, Fox Now, and two regional channels.

Apple TV has been adding more content lately as the company has had to fight a handful of competitors -- including Roku, Amazon, and Google -- in the streaming-media device market. Spurring interest in video-streaming is more content migrating to the Internet, with companies including Netflix and Amazon developing more original online content.

Last year, nearly half of all purchases of set-top boxes by US households were for Roku devices, while Apple TV was a distant second, according to a recent report from Parks Associates. Apple said it has sold about 20 million units worldwide as of April.

With Tuesday's additions, Apple's set-top box now carries offerings from more major networks. The CNBC channel will provide real-time streaming of daily programs and on-demand video clips. To view live CNBC content and full episodes, Apple TV users will need to authenticate through their cable or satellite providers. Fox Now will offer full episodes of shows such as Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Sleepy Hollow, New Girl and Glee. The Fox service, as well, requires authentication of a Fox subscription.

Also, Apple TV added Esporte Interativo, a sports channel available in Brazil that becomes the device's first local channel in Latin America. TV 2 Sumo, a sports channel available in Norway, will be Apple TV's first local channel for the Norwegian region.

All four channels are available to start streaming Tuesday.

Last month, Apple TV added a handful of channels, including PBS Kids, ABC News, and Aol On.