Apple's plans for Netflix killer turning studios, networks away?
The iPhone maker is reportedly trying to launch a streaming video service by the end of the year, but so far, studios and television networks aren't playing nice.
Rumors have cropped up over the last few months suggesting that Apple is working on a streaming-video service to compete with Netflix. But according to a new report, it might have hit some snags.
Citing sources, the New York Post reported yesterday that Apple is having trouble selling media companies on its streaming-video service. One media executive who asked not to be named told the Post that Apple is looking for "everything for nothing." Another said that the iPhone maker wants to decide what content will be offered and at what price.
Nearly a year ago, CNET reported, citing its own sources, that Apple was indeed working on a cloud-based streaming service that would bring films and television shows to the company's line of devices. Even back then, Apple was reportedly in negotiations with studios and television networks trying to get a deal done.
Although talk of the streaming service died down a bit last year, the rumors came back in full force in October when the company launched iCloud. At that time, the Los Angeles Times reported that Apple could launch a streaming-video service at the end of 2011 or early 2012. That obviously never materialized.
The fact that the media companies are being tough on negotiations shouldn't come as a surprise. Netflix has been having an extremely difficult time getting companies to enter into deals. Earlier this week, Starz went so far as to remove its content from the streaming service after they couldn't ink an agreement.
HBO, another prominent network, has also balked at bringing content to Netflix.
Apple did not immediately respond to CNET's request for comment on the Post's report.