4 things Apple TV needs to do to beat the competition

Among Apple's many products, Apple TV seems to have always been an insignificant "little hobby". At this year's Apple Watch launch conference, it did not receive any hardware upgrades, but only had its price reduced, which was quite disappointing.

But it cannot be denied that Internet TV is a major trend in the entire TV industry, and Apple needs to take it more seriously. According to the Wall Street Journal, the new Apple TV may be unveiled at the WWDC 2015 conference in June, and will also integrate new streaming services, including live TV. So, if Apple wants to truly focus on the Internet TV business and compete with Netflix, Sling TV and the aggressive Sony PlayStation Vue, what efforts does it need to make?

1. Enrich channels and on-demand content

Previously, Apple has announced a partnership with HBO to increase the content of Apple TV programs, which is a good sign. In addition, Apple is also actively contacting content providers such as ABC, CBS, ESPN, and Disney, and perhaps there will be a conclusion when the new Apple TV is released. The Wall Street Journal said that Apple's goal is to add 25 new live TV channels to Apple TV, thereby surpassing Sling TV. However, this number of channels is still a bit behind Sony Playstation Vue's 50 to 85 channels. As for streaming on demand, it is naturally linked to its own iTunes.

In any case, channels and on-demand video content are the most critical parts of Internet TV, and this is also the part that Apple needs to continue to work hard on.

2. Open mobile device compatibility

Apple TV has always been able to only use AirPlay with iOS and Mac devices, which is actually a limitation. Since Internet TV is a more common service, it is not wise to use a platform restriction strategy. If mobile device compatibility is opened up and connection compatibility is provided for Android and Windows devices, a wider space for development can be obtained. After all, Apple TV's competitors support almost all mobile platforms.

3. Easier to use

In terms of system and software, Apple may need to further simplify the interface design of Apple TV, including a more user-friendly and intuitive home screen, comprehensive search functions, etc., such as enabling Siri for voice navigation or search to improve the overall user experience.

4. Cheaper price

Although the old Apple TV has been reduced to $69 (about RMB 430), Apple still has to weigh the cost of the monthly service. According to reports, the monthly fee for Apple TV service will be between $30 and $40 in the future, which is not very competitive.

Currently, Tivo's service fee is $15 per month, and Sling TV's is $20, both of which are lower than Apple's expected price. Sony's service fee is $50, but it is still quite worthwhile due to its rich channel content. If Apple's service fee is too high, it will still have a certain impact on its development.

As a winner of Toutiao's Qingyun Plan and Baijiahao's Bai+ Plan, the 2019 Baidu Digital Author of the Year, the Baijiahao's Most Popular Author in the Technology Field, the 2019 Sogou Technology and Culture Author, and the 2021 Baijiahao Quarterly Influential Creator, he has won many awards, including the 2013 Sohu Best Industry Media Person, the 2015 China New Media Entrepreneurship Competition Beijing Third Place, the 2015 Guangmang Experience Award, the 2015 China New Media Entrepreneurship Competition Finals Third Place, and the 2018 Baidu Dynamic Annual Powerful Celebrity.