Bloomberg is reporting that Apple is in “advanced” discussions with News Corp. (owners of Fox channels, FX, and MyNetworkTV) to offer their television shows for a 99-cent downloads, which consumers would then keep for 48 hours. According to Bloomberg’s source, they’re also talking to CBS Corp. (CBS, The CW), NBC Universal (NBC, USA Network), and Walt Disney Co. (Disney Channel, ESPN, ABC), to offer the same type of rental service for their content, as well. Something I’m sure they’re all behind.
Episodes will be available to Apple’s rental service within 24 hours of their air dates and will be commercial-free, one of the people said. Apple plans to hold a San Francisco event Sept. 7, two weeks ahead of the start of the new prime-time TV season, to unveil the service and an updated line of entertainment products, two people said.
Sure, it’s commercial-free, but can that compete with Hulu’s own Hulu Plus service, an all-you-can-eat stream for $10/month. Hulu Plus is available on all of Apple’s mobile devices and while they don’t have CBS Corp. shows on their side just yet, strong rumors are circulating that they’re in talks with them.
Most importantly: where’s the Zune Video Pass already? I know we’re all asking this question; a buffet-type download, commercial-free (or even with limited commercials) could possibly blow both out of the water. Possibly.
