Remote Control, AirPlay and Content Channels

I've been a fan of the AppleTV square hockey puck since I got it, but what's surpised me is how quickly Apple has improved the system and made it better. The Apple TV has great features by itself; movies, TV shows, internet radio, podcasts, iTunes integration, Netflix, Vimeo & YouTube. I would be completely satisfied with just these capabilities but there are three things that stand out for me that make me believe that Apple could enter the television market in a serious way.


1. Remote control is integrated into all of your other Apple devices. I use both my iPhone and iPad to control my AppleTv all the time, the integration with iTunes is especially fantastic. Sitting outside on the patio and want to queue up some new music? No Problem. Want to change the volume, go right ahead. It's integrated home entertainment automation for the masses. And it's really simple to use.


2. AirPlay, this is my personal favorite now. I have been airplaying audio for some time now, since it is amazingly great to be able to walk in the house listening to something on your phone and then just flip it over to your stereo, but now any app playing or displaying media can project it onto your media center. This is a fantastic ability, it transforms the way you view your content and content on the internet.  No longer is content confined to your mobile devices. Friend comes over with some cool new music or a video they recorded? AirPlay it. Some one send you a link to a video? AirPlay it. This level of integration is really impressive and what's important, completely adictive. I can't wait for more apps to integrate these capabilities and for more devices to be AirPlay compatible. 


3. My love of AirPlay aside,  Content Channels are where I really think Apple is going and what are what will get me to shell out real cash long term. AppleTV currently has subscriptions for the NBA, MLB and NHL. The Wall Street Journal doesn't cost, but it is a channeland I think it's not a long shot to think we might see others like HBO, Stars, ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX showing up in that list of providers. So let's all start thinking of channels as apps with monthly or seasonal subscriptions; available on all of our Apple devices, and now you have a competitive eco-system that will give the Cable and Satelite guys a run for there money. This could seriously disintermediate the cable industry and relegate it to the standing of bit provider. If Apple finds a way to live stream local TV too, they might not just be the next gen content provider, but the dominant one for a long time.