Apple continues to fill out its Apple TV content library, with two new additions to the device today including a CNBC channel with live broadcasts and FOX NOW, the on-demand app for the network that includes episodes of Glee, Family Guy and more. Both channels need a cable subscription to unlock completely, but offer some content free, according to 9to5mac which spotted the update.
On FOX NOW, for all returning FOX series, full episode are accessible the day after they air with a participating provider credential. All new series entering their first year offer full episodes are available on an “unlocked” basis for all FOX NOW users, regardless of whether they hold cable or pay TV subscriptions.
Apple had sold around $1 billion in media sales via the Apple TV according to Apple CEO Tim Cook during an annual shareholder’s meeting earlier this year. Its value to Apple is on the rise as the company sees its iTunes and services revenue grow; those are now its fastest-growing line of business, over and above its high-margin hardware business.
Building new content like CNBC and FOX NOW into the platform doesn’t directly influence its ability to sell and rent media direct to consumers through Apple TV, but it does give people another reason to own. Apple TV becoming a one-stop shop for TV-based entertainment is good for the business in general, even if for now, people still have to have an active cable subscription in order to access big chunks of the newly available channels.
Apple continues to favor control over an open app ecosystem on its set-top streaming box, despite rumors we’ve heard that it might be moving to more of an App Store model. But there are advantages to keeping things locked down, so we’ll see how long Apple continues to stay the course and hand-pick what does and doesn’t get included via apps built into the platform.