Earlier today Apple unveiled a new app for the Apple TV (and also the iPhone and iPad) simply called “TV”. In a way it functions kind of similar to Netflix in which you can pick up where you left off, and also see movie and TV show recommendations. The idea is that with all the various apps for the Apple TV, the “TV” app will consolidate it all into a single location.However if you subscribe to more popular video streaming services such as Netflix or Amazon Video, you won’t find them available for the TV app. According to a statement made to WIRED from Netflix spokesperson Smita Saran, “I can confirm we are not participating and evaluating the opportunity.”
Amazon on the other hand did not say anything, but then again given Amazon Video’s lack of presence on the Apple TV, it isn’t surprising. Let’s not forget that Amazon had also previously stopped selling the Apple TV on its website, and earlier this year the company’s CEO stated that they will only bring it back under “acceptable business terms”.
Netflix’s decision is actually kind of surprising especially when you consider the fact that the company just put itself $3 billion in debt betting on its original programming, so anything to help make the service more accessible and easy to use should be a welcome idea. Now Netflix’s app is still available, it’s just that if you were hoping to be able to access the company’s service via the TV app, you won’t be able to.
Filed in . Read more about Amazon, Apple TV, Apps and Netflix.