News Apple announces TV+, News+, Arcade subscription services

All I wanted was an Apple TV stick :/

 

That card sounds like something out of a Simpsons episode.

 

As in "I wouldn't touch that with an..."?

My, my, all these subscriptions are starting to add up in price.

 

No, for realsies.

Apple TV is the only bit of kit that not only talks to all of the streaming services I use, but actually does a better job of most of it as well. Only problem being it's not an appropriate form factor to replace my remaining two fire sticks.

 

Or, to put it another way, Apple wants a cut of everything you spend, plus interest and to tie you into owning an iPhone ad infinitum.

 

I'm just trying to think of what I can't get through my TV or PS4. itunes maybe? Not that I use that.

 

I use Plex, Google Play, YouTube, Amazon, Netflix and iTunes
Even leaving out iTunes, I've not found anything that not only supports them all well, is easy to use, and is "nice" to use, and is a handy form factor for a wallmount TV.

I had a good feeling about an ATV Stick launching, and I would have snapped up a pair of them. Instead we get yet another pay-for streaming service, interest level less than zero.

 

A 2018/2019 samsung TV would support all that I think?

https://9to5mac.com/2019/02/11/sams...dd-itunes-movies-and-tv-shows-apps-airplay-2/

 

Ah ha. I think i've just got used to switching between the PS4 and youview apps, but yeah I can see the appeal of just the one gizmo.

But yeah, streaming, another one. I only dip in and out of them every now and then TBH, none of them seem worth it for me to sign on for a long time.

 

One of the newer smaller Shield TVs may serve you well (barring itunes) though the application of double-sided tape to stick it to the back of the TV. Still has active support (unlike many TV sticks) and due to not having an el-cheapo SoC it actually responds to inputs in a timely manner putting it miles ahead of a 'Smart TV'.

 

How about "No".
To all of Apple's late to the party ideas.

 

I would agree with you if they didn't use a ridiculous proprietary power wart :/

 

So even more dilution in the market, and yet another subscription required if you want to watch everything.

 

I think Roku does all of them (minus iTunes, natch).

 

On the other hand,

I might have to check them out again on the basis that there's been improvements - last time I tried one out, which was admittedly a long time ago, I just found it a bit pants in use. I mean, it worked with everything I wanted to do, but usability was just bobbins compared to the Shield TV, and even the Fire Stick and Samsung Smart TV (neither exemplary themselves).

Since Apple haven't come to my rescue with a stick, and I feel there's a slim-to-none chance Nvidia will, I may have to have another look

 

"best storytellers in the world"
"M. Night Shyamalan"

 

I use a cheap Roku Express as the main device for simplicity on the living room TV, but also use a FireStick elsewhere. I find it about on a par with the FireStick for usability, but obviously your mileage may vary.
One thing I do like is (and this could be seen as a disadvantage to some) is that it uses an IR remote. This means with a cheap OneForAll learning remote I can control the TV, Sky, Amp and the Roku from a single remote.

 

That Apple card sounds familiar...