Posts Tagged ‘subscription service’

Hulu Changes App To Comply with Apple Subscription Rules

In an effort to become compliant with the new guidelines being imposed by Apple governing how apps can offer subscription content to their users, Hulu has adapted their app such that it no longer has an external purchasing link.

The previous release of the app provided a link back to the Hulu website with which you could purchase your subscription to their service. Under Apple’s new rules this is no longer allowed.

These changes have been met with a lot of resistance, which Apple has had no problem meeting head on. It only seems reasonable that they maintain some control over the revenue stream when they can provide a captive audience of over 225 million users for any app within the App Store.

We will no doubt be hearing a lot of these news stories in the coming days as we approach the June 30, 2011 deadline that Apple is enforcing. While it is speculated that key players such as Rhapsody and Netflix will just follow the lead set by Hulu and remove their external purchasing links, many are wondering what Amazon will choose to do given their rather integral use of the ‘buy’ button from within the Kindle app.

Hulu allows you to stream countless television shows to your mobile device and is owned by Comcast’s NBC, Disney’s ABC and News Corp.’s Fox networks.

[via All Things D]

» Related posts:

• Hulu Subscription Service for iPad?
• Hulu Plus Subscription Service for the iPad Unveiled
• Hulu Subscription Service Could Come to iPad Next Week

iOS 4.3 for iPad, iPhone, iPod touch and Apple TV Out

Boy Genius Report was off by one day, as instead of yesterday, iOS 4.3 was released earlier today, at 10 A.M. Pacific Time. The update is the same build already offered to iOS developers since last week, and is compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, first generation iPad, iPad 2, third generation iPod touch, and finally, second generation Apple TV.

The new version of iOS brings several new features to the table, primarily the personal hotspot for the iPhone 4, as well as full AirPlay video streaming support, even for third-party apps. The new operating system also includes a customizable mute/rotation switch, a much faster JavaScript engine for Safari, and the necessary API to allow iPad users to use the subscription service offered by iTunes.

Note that Verizon iPhone 4 users will have to wait, as the update is not compatible with their device yet (Verizon iPhone owners already have some of the new features in their current iPhone version).

To update your device, simply plug it in your Mac or PC, fire up iTunes, and hit the “Update” option.

» Related posts:

• iOS 4.3 Gold Master for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch Just Released
• iOS 4.2.1 for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch Finally Available Today
• redsn0w 0.9.7: iOS 4.2.1 Untethered Jailbreak for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch Now Available

iOS 4.3 Officially Releasing Today?

Just a few days ago, Apple released the final version of iOS 4.3 (Gold Master) to its network of iOS developers.

The company released the Gold Master copy in final preparation for the iPad 2 launch, and to release additional features for its family of iOS devices. Now, Boy Genius Report (BGR) is reporting that an official public release for iOS 4.3 could be available today!

The iOS 4.3 release is compatible with iPad 1 and 2, iPhone 3G/3GS and 4, as well as the latest generation iPod touch. According to BGR, the official software update could become available around 1Pm Eastern, or 10AM Pacific time.

The new version of iOS brings several new features to the table, primarily the personal hotspot for the iPhone 4, as well as full AirPlay video streaming support, even for third-party apps. The new operating system also includes a customizable mute/rotation switch, a much faster JavaScript engine for Safari, and the necessary API to allow iPad users to use the subscription service offered by iTunes, which is used by publications such as The Daily to charge their readers on a regular basis.

However, according to the BGR tipster, the “three device hotspot” limit that was been mentioned earlier, was been driven by AT&T and not by Apple. The information seems to indicate that even though Apple defaults to the “three device” limit, it can also allow the carrier to extend it to five devices.

It is worth noting that the new iOS 4.3 would exclude Verizon iPhone owners from this new update. Verizon iPhone owners already have some of the new features in their iPhone version.

If BGR’s report is accurate, make sure you constantly check iTunes today. The iOS 4.3 public release could be waiting for you later today!

[via: BGR]

» Related posts:

• iOS 4.2 Officially Released Tomorrow?
• Minecraft Officially Coming to iOS in 2011
• Verizon Announces CDMA iPhone 4 Will be Available Feb. 10

iOS 4.3 Gold Master for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch Just Released

Earlier today, Apple released the final version of iOS 4.3 to its network of iOS developers. The new operating system can be downloaded via the iOS dev center website, or via torrent, as the files are already available on most torrent search engines.

iOS 4.3 is compatible with iPad 1 & 2, iPhone 3G/3GS & 4, as well as the latest generation iPod touch.

The new version of iOS brings a couple new features to the table, namely personal hotspot for the iPhone 4, as well as full AirPlay video streaming support, even for third-party apps. The new operating system also includes the necessary API to allow iPad users to use the subscription service offered by iTunes, used by publications such as The Daily to charge their readers on a regular basis, and automatically upload new content to their device.

Similarly to the beta versions of iOS 4.3, the gold master natively supports new multi-fingers multitasking gestures to allow iPad users to switch between apps without having to use the multitasking bar. However, the feature seems to work only via the iPad simulator offered to iOS developers, and once installed iOS 4.3 is installed on real iPad hardware, these gestures are automatically disabled, as Apple is only testing these gestures for now.

While iOS developers can already play with iOS 4.3, regular users will need to wait another week, since the new version of iOS will be officially offered for download next Friday, the day the iPad 2 will hit store shelves.

Apple also released a new version of Xcode, one of the tools used by iOS and Mac developers to build their apps. The new version fixes some issues encountered by Mac OS X Lion users.

[Pictures credit: iOSnoops]

» Related posts:

• iOS 4.2.1 Gold Master Released – The iOS 4.2 Saga Continues
• iTunes 9.2 and iOS 4 Gold Master Available to Developers
• iOS 4.2.1 for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch Finally Available Today

YouTube Movie Service to Compete with iTunes and Netflix?

The movie streaming market seems to be in full gear. Netflix has done extremely well with their streaming service for iPad and Apple TV. We’ve also heard how Redbox is planning to offer a streaming service, and the rumors seem to indicate that Amazon could be the one helping Redbox build the network to sustain the potential onslaught for movie streaming requests. Of course, Amazon’s new Prime service will not be too far behind.

How about Google? The company bought out Widevine back in December 2010 for a reason. They’re planning to release a large YouTube movie service possibly this year.

According to an article by the New York Post, Google’s YouTube service could be launched first overseas (UK and other places in Europe) as an unlimited subscription service for movies. This move would allow Google to avoid competition from Netflix, Amazon and others that have focused in the North American market initially. The rumors seem to indicate that the streaming service would later expand to the US.

This move will not only compete directly with Netflix, Amazon and Redbox, but it will also compete with Apple’s iTunes service. Both, Netflix and Apple, have a large lead in terms of streaming titles inventory and have established strong relationships with content providers. However, Google has secured $100 million for striking content deals with studios and other premium content providers. It’s evident they plan to expand the YouTube service and make it more than just a “homemade” videos site.

Let’s not forget either, that Google already offers a payment system called Google Checkout. And, the company recently announced their One Pass system, which allows third-parties to sell their content via Google. You could argue these systems would be the baseline for a movie service subscription system.

A point of contetion seems to be Google’s capability to provide secured services and a digital rights management (DRM) platform that will protect all that premium content. I’m sure movie studios are a bit nervous still. But, Google probably plans to address that with their Widevine acquisition, which comes with a video DRM platform. However, Google still needs to prove itself in this space.

As of now, no specific release dates have been shared for a YouTube movie service. But, with the upcoming launch of Motorola’s Xoom and other Android 3.0 tablets, we have to assume Google is desperate to compete with Apple’s empire.

» Related posts:

• Redbox Preparing Streaming Service, iPad Ready?
• Redbox to Launch Video Streaming Service in 2011
• Netflix Offers $7.99 Streaming Only Plan – Great for iPads

Apple Announces App Store Subscriptions

Earlier today, we wrote about The Daily extending its free subscription until the end of February, in a move that many of us think is to allow iOS 4.3 to release with the required APIs for in-app subscriptions.

In addition, Apple today announced its App Store subscriptions, which has now officially open the door to developers to offer you new content and bill you for that content automatically through your iTunes account.

Part of Apple’s announcement talks about how the revenue share mechanism will work:

“Subscriptions purchased from within the App Store will be sold using the same App Store billing system that has been used to buy billions of apps and In-App Purchases. Publishers set the price and length of subscription (weekly, monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, bi-yearly or yearly). Then with one-click, customers pick the length of subscription and are automatically charged based on their chosen length of commitment (weekly, monthly, etc.). Customers can review and manage all of their subscriptions from their personal account page, including canceling the automatic renewal of a subscription. Apple processes all payments, keeping the same 30 percent share that it does today for other In-App Purchases.”

“Our philosophy is simple—when Apple brings a new subscriber to the app, Apple earns a 30 percent share; when the publisher brings an existing or new subscriber to the app, the publisher keeps 100 percent and Apple earns nothing,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “All we require is that, if a publisher is making a subscription offer outside of the app, the same (or better) offer be made inside the app, so that customers can easily subscribe with one-click right in the app. We believe that this innovative subscription service will provide publishers with a brand new opportunity to expand digital access to their content onto the iPad, iPod touch and iPhone, delighting both new and existing subscribers.”

The revenue share model is simple. Apple will certainly leverage your relationship with the company via your iTunes account, and will try to cash-in (30% of revenue) on that by bringing you closer to the publishers. On the other hand, the publishers will have the big task to establish a closer relationship with you, so that you buy the content via an external subscription and they get to keep 100% of the revenue.

The announcement does not include any details about the highly anticipated iOS 4.3 release.

We would like to hear your comments. Will you buy subscriptions via iTunes because of its convenience? Or, will you buy the magazines and newspapers from external sites?

» Related posts:

• Apple About to Offer iPad Newspaper Subscriptions
• Apple Employs “Stricter Rules” for Publishers
• iPad Debate Continues Between Apple and Publishers

TiVo Launches Premiere App for the iPad

Time shifters can now finally control their TiVo DVR from their iPad. The DVR pioneer announced earlier in the month that they would be launching an iPad TiVo Premiere app by the end of the month and true to their word, the app is now available in the App Store.

The iPad app turns your iPad into a second-screen remote control where you can manage your TiVo box. Users can browse, search, schedule and manage their TV content directly from the iPad’s screen without interrupting a show running on the big screen.

The TiVo Premiere app also allows users to find out more about their favorite TV shows. Pull up complete information on the cast and crew of popular TV shows or even view your favorite actor’s resume online. The integrated search function provides aggregated search results across multiple sources such as Amazon VOD and Netflix.

To use the app, users need a TiVo Premiere or TiVo Premiere XL box and TiVo’s subscription service. The app also requires that both your iPad and the TiVo set-top box use the same local network. TiVo Premiere iPad app is available for free from the Apple App Store.

» Related posts:

• TiVo Premiere Unveils a Very Attractive iPad App
• TiVo iPad App Available by End of January
• TiVo Desktop Software Supports iPad Export

iTunes Subscription Feature Delayed, ‘The Daily’ Pushed Back

Is Apple having problems with its upcoming iTunes subscription service? News Corp’s long rumored exclusive iPad only publication ‘The Daily’ was expected to be officially launched on January 19, during an event hosted by both News Corp. CEO Rupert Murdoch and Apple SEO Steve Jobs, but according to All Things Digital, the event has been pushed back to an indefinite date.

The delay is reportedly related to last minute changes in iTunes, and its upcoming recurring billing feature. The recurring billing feature will allow users to subscribe to publications and/or regularly published content through iTunes, to allow them to automatically receive new content on a regular basis, such as a daily newspaper.

Apple allegedly asked News Corp. to wait an additional couple of weeks, as the feature is not deemed mature yet. Note that this is the second time Apple and News Corp. delay the launch of ‘The Daily’, as the digital publication was initially expected to be released as early as November 2010.

The iPad only publication will be the first for any major media company and continues News Corp’s strong investment in the burgeoning tablet space.

Last year, Rupert Murdoch, said the iPad was a “game changer” for the media industry and rumors quickly began spreading that the company was planning an iPad only publication. The Daily will not have any print or online editions but will instead be exclusively available on the Apple iPad.

The project has been underway for several months and reportedly already has a staff of 100 people working on content and design for the first issue. The staff, according to Forbes, has been releasing mock issues on a regular basis to a list of 1,000 “privileged” readers as the team readies the publication’s launch.

» Related posts:

• Murdoch to Launch iPad Publication “The Daily” on January 19
• ‘The Daily’ iPad-only Newspaper Available Next Month
• Apple and News Corp Set to Launch Joint Newspaper App

More from Verizon and the iPad

Verizon continues to make headlines. Today, they announced the iPhone4, but the company will not stop there.

Verizon has a history of pushing the envelope on a very large scale, and they have made major investments over the last couple of years to accommodate the massive traffic generated by all of us and our connected devices. This is why the company is working on streaming their FiOS TV content to your iPad so you can take it wherever you go.

Verizon has had success with their FiOS service. They have about 18 million homes with FiOS, and if you’re interested the company will give you up to 150Mbps (download speed) for home broadband.

The company’s next step seems to be targeted at their FiOS TV content to make it more convenient for all of us tablet owners. Verizon is planning to expand their FiOS TV content beyond its current GPON (Gigabit Passive Optical Network) and its next-gen XG-PON2 fiber network by developing an app service.

The way Verizon would do this is by making FiOS TV independent of fiber for the iPad. In other words, the Verizon app service will allow FiOS TV subscribers to stream FiOS TV content to their iPads or other mobile devices, and also download that content to their tablets so that it can be consumed wherever they go. This would be very convenient for anyone since it will allow subscribers to take TV content with them to their next vacation if they want to.

The key will be on how Verizon preserves the DRM (Digital Rights Management) for all that content. But, it seems that by offering FiOS TV as an application that can be downloaded to your iPad, you will be able to link to your FiOS TV subscription service to view your paid content.

According to Verizon’s director of consumer product development, Joe Ambeault, the company plans to add cross-platform support to the FiOS service by supporting many other devices.

Verizon currently offers their Flex View service, which allows subscribers to buy or rent content to watch on any supported device. However, the new FiOS app service would go beyond what Flex View offers. It will allow you to watch paid content anywhere you go.

» Related posts:

• Upcoming Verizon FiOS iPad Application
• Verizon’s FiOS App Starts with iPhone, iPad Support Coming Soon
• Verizon Releases FiOS iPad App

Microsoft Office Coming to Your iPad (Sort Of)

Today, Microsoft launched what they call Office 365, which is a service that combines Microsoft Office (Microsoft Office 2010), SharePoint Online, Exchange Online and Lync Online with the cloud.

This announcement comes after Google has been pushing Google Docs as an alternative to Microsoft Office for business customers. In addition, Google has been planning to add new mobile features such as co-editing files on the iPad.

When you think about the productivity apps segment on the App Store, Microsoft Office and Google Docs could be considered as the competition against Apple’s Keynote, Pages and Numbers apps. There are millions of iPad users out there, and some have been looking for additional office productivity apps.

With this announcement, Microsoft claims their support to business users by giving them access to Office on their iPads, iPhones, and other mobile devices. But, is it really true Microsoft Office support? The Office 365 subscription service integrates cloud-based syncing, collaboration and accessibility to businesses and organizations worldwide. But, the caveat for iOS users is that mobile access will be provided using a Web browser and Microsoft’s Office Web Apps.

Of course, this is not exactly a Microsoft native iPad app, but it’s better than what’s available from Microsoft today. This is also a similar model to Google Docs, which allows you to co-edit files simultaneously with co-workers around the world directly from your iPad.

Microsoft has announced there will be two editions of Office 365. Office 365 for Small Businesses, which is designed for organizations of 1 to 25 people. The package includes Office Web Apps, email sync, Lync and more. It will cost $6 per user per month.

The other version is called Office 365 for Enterprises. This one can be customized based on your company’s needs, and it also offers Office Pro Plus (via subscription), internal social networking tools, voicemail in the inbox, and more. It will set you back anywhere from $2 to $27 per user per month (depending on selected features).

It seems that Google Docs and the recent success of cloud apps like Box.net and Dropbox has made Microsoft aware of the rising demand for productivity apps in the cloud. Several companies have slowly started to collaborate and coordinate some of their daily activities online. What do you think?

» Related posts:

• Google Docs Adding iPad Support
• Office Not Coming to the iPad
• Google Docs Goes iPad