CES is here and it started with quite the news, via Samsung PR:
With the new iTunes Movies and TV Shows app on Samsung Smart TVs, Samsung customers can access their existing iTunes library and browse the iTunes Store to buy or rent from a selection of hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes — including the largest selection of 4K HDR movies. iTunes Movies and TV Shows will work seamlessly with Samsung’s Smart TV Services, such as Universal Guide, the New Bixby and Search, to create a consistent experience across Samsung’s platform.
With AirPlay 2 support, Samsung customers will be able to effortlessly play videos, photos, music, podcasts and more from Apple devices directly to Samsung Smart TVs, including QLED 4K and 8K TVs, The Frame and Serif lifestyle TVs, as well as other Samsung UHD and HD models.
The iTunes Store and iPod were two sides of the same coin; Apple sold music to make the iPod easier to populate, and iPod customers bought music to play on their devices because it was easier than stealing it.
Today things are different; Apple now needs its services as many places as possible. That’s why the jokes I keep seeing on Twitter about the ROKR aren’t that applicable. Apple didn’t need the ROKR to succeed, and clearly treated it with disdain. If Apple is going to succeed with its forthcoming streaming service, it has to be broader than the base of customers with Apple TVs.
I expect this is just the start.