Apple Pushing to Launch Streaming TV Service By Christmas?

Apple is pushing towards the launch of a streaming TV service by Christmas, despite making little progress in negotiations with content providers, reports the New York Post.

For months, Apple's point man, Eddie Cue, has been leading talks with content providers, which have largely balked at the tech giant's efforts to exert control over all aspects of the video service, including pricing, sources said.

Apple's negotiating stance can be summed up as "we decide the price, we decide what content," according to one source familiar with the talks. "They want everything for nothing," said another media executive.


The New York Post says Apple is pitching the idea of channels as apps for its various devices including the Apple TV. Apple also reportedly approached cable operators. "They want to create the interface, and they wanted to work with the cable guys to manage bandwidth across the TV and broadband pipeline," said a source. Apparently, cable executives weren't interested in sharing any of the $150 billion pay-TV business.

However, Apple hasn't given up and is said to be working on deals with Verizon and AT&T in order to get the ball rolling.

Although there has been a lot of rumors about an Apple television of late, NYP sources say a TV service is the first priority.

Read More [via Leonard]