More chatter of an upcoming ‘iTV’ has surfaced, based on Apple’s apparent talks with Hollywood-backed EPIX to stream films to iOS devices and an upcoming Apple television, notes Reuters:
Apple Inc began talks earlier this year to stream films owned by EPIX, which is backed by three major movie studios, on devices including a long-anticipated TV, according to two people with knowledge of the negotiations.
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One of the sources told Reuters that any discussions would apply to its set-top box and also to upcoming devices that stream content. Apple is widely expected to unveil a full-fledged TV product later this year or in early 2013 to drive its next phase of growth and potentially revolutionize the industry.
Three year old EPIX was created by Lions Gate Entertainment Corp, MGM and Viacom’s Paramount Pictures.
Talks according to sources are in the preliminary stages with no agreement set yet. Potential problems right now include the existing 2010 agreement EPIX has with Netflix. Both Apple and Netflix declined to comment, of course.
Last October, we heard from the LA Times Apple was in negotiations with major movie studios for streaming movies via iCloud. This February, it was reported by the Globe and Mail Apple was in talks with Rogers and Bell for a partnership for their rumoured television.
[via Reuters]
