The release of the iPhone 4s, and a recent update to the iPad 2’s operating system, is ushering in a new era for the way we get media. Apple has given the iPad 2 and the iPhone 4s the capability to wirelessly stream anything on their screens to an HDTV. Apple’s service, AirPlay Mirroring, can only be done through an Apple TV. This little device, in conjunction with the iPad 2 and iPhone 4s, may change how cable companies have to do business from now on.
What is the Apple TV and AirPlay?
The Apple TV is a $99 media streaming box similar to the Roku. Users can stream Netflix, purchase movies and music, and stream anything from their iTunes account to their HDTV.
Apple offers a feature called AirPlay for their iOS devices that lets users stream content from AirPlay enabled apps and websites. For example, a person could be watching the Antiques Roadshow on their iPad using the PBS app, and their spouse walks in and wants to watch it too. The iPad owner just has to tap the AirPlay icon on their iPad screen, and the Antiques Roadshow will play on their HDTV, available for the entire family to watch.
Help with using AirPlay Mirroring
AirPlay, iPhone 4s and iOS 5
The new operating system for Apple’s mobile devices is iOS 5. iOS 5 comes standard on the new iPhone 4s and is upgradable on the rest of their devices. Apple introduced AirPlay Mirroring for the iPhone 4s and the iPad 2. AirPlay Mirroring allows mirroring of anything on an iPad 2 or iPhone 4s screen; this includes email, games, movies, television shows, and music, through the Apple TV.
The Fallout
There are many mobile apps that offer free full episodes of popular cable television shows. Netflix, despite their recent troubles, still offers a streaming service much cheaper than any cable bill. With iOS 5 and an Apple TV, iPad and iPhone 4s owners can stream any show or movie they can access from an app (or anywhere else on the internet).
Already, cable networks are starting to fight back. Adult Swim, the Cartoon Network’s adult programing, has a free app that used to let viewers watch popular shows like Family Guy and the Boondocks right on their mobile devices; they even had the AirPlay function enabled.
On September 30, Adult Swim discontinued their full episodes for general viewers. Viewers now have to log in and verify their cable company credentials to watch full episodes. Many cable companies are not even listed, so some viewers cannot see the episodes even if they are paying for it.
Adult Swim will not be the last network that will cancel their free streaming. The Apple TV and AirPlay Mirroring make it too easy for consumers to get content without paying cable companies. HBO and TBS have iPad apps that require customers to validate their cable company before gaining access to their shows. Cable companies are putting pressure on the networks to reduce the amount of free content available online or through mobile apps.
In the near future, as an increasing number of people cancel their cable service and opt for streaming services like Netflix, and mobile apps like ABC or HGTV, much of the cable content consumers have been getting for free may be offered for a la cart pricing. This will give consumers the option of only paying for what they want to see, and none of what they do not.
Until the cable companies catch up, iPad 2 and iPhone 4s users can continue to stream whatever they can find online, but they should not be too quick to cut the cable cord. The cable companies are close behind trying to block enough content to keep themselves on the payroll. Apple is making cable companies change the way they do business. AirPlay Mirroring is one of the most exciting and game changing features of iOS 5; enjoy the free content while you can.