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Apple TV snags Vevo, Disney channels in major update

Apple TV viewers now can access live TV from the Disney Channel and Disney XD, plus Vevo's library of 75,000 HD music videos.

Jon Skillings Editorial director
Jon Skillings is an editorial director at CNET, where he's worked since 2000. A born browser of dictionaries, he honed his language skills as a US Army linguist (Polish and German) before diving into editing for tech publications -- including at PC Week and the IDG News Service -- back when the web was just getting under way, and even a little before. For CNET, he's written on topics from GPS, AI and 5G to James Bond, aircraft, astronauts, brass instruments and music streaming services.
Expertise AI, tech, language, grammar, writing, editing Credentials
  • 30 years experience at tech and consumer publications, print and online. Five years in the US Army as a translator (German and Polish).
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Matthew Moskovciak Senior Associate Editor / Reviews - Home theater
Covering home audio and video, Matthew Moskovciak helps CNET readers find the best sights and sounds for their home theaters. E-mail Matthew or follow him on Twitter @cnetmoskovciak.
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Jon Skillings
Matthew Moskovciak

The Apple TV added five new apps this morning.
John Falcone/CNET

The Apple TV hardware may be old, but a steady stream of updates are keeping the box fresh.

Tuesday morning a software update added five new apps to Apple's streaming box: Vevo, the Disney Channel, Disney XD, the Smithsonian Channel, and the Weather Channel. It's a major update for the Apple TV, which has lagged behind the competing Roku 3 in app selection; in fact, Vevo and Smithsonian (the latter of which is co-owned by CBS, the publisher of CNET) are already available on Roku's boxes.

Vevo is a major gain, granting Apple TV viewers access to Vevo's library of 75,000 HD music videos, its exclusive original programming, and live concert performances, as well as to Vevo TV, a broadcast-style 24-7 channel. Vevo is the third most-watched video site in the US, according to ComScore figures from March, with 52 million viewers -- one-third as many as Google/YouTube, and somewhat behind Facebook. Vevo on Apple TV is available in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Brazil, France, Ireland, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and Poland.

Disney channels require authentication
John Falcone/CNET

Both Disney channels are also compelling additions, although cord-cutters should be aware that both the Disney Channel and Disney XD require authentication from a participating cable/satellite provider, so you need a pay-TV subscription to access them. The apps let you watch the live TV channels, as well as on-demand content.