If you asked me two days ago whether or not Apple was going to manufacture a television, I’d say something like, “I never thought about it, but yea, I guess that’d be pretty cool.” Now it seems certain that Apple will indeed produce such a thing.¹

From what I’ve read, it looks like it might be called iTV, not Apple TV, though I’d prefer the latter. It shouldn’t matter that Apple TV is an existing product — this is the next logical step in Apple TV’s evolution. Rebrand the current “Apple TV” as something else if it will confuse buyers.

“Apps are the new Channels”

Says Gruber. He and Dan Benjamin discuss Apple’s TV in the latest episode of The Talk Show. From what I can gather, Gruber opposes the idea of “live streaming TV.” By that he means the cable TV we’re all used to — programs air at certain times, and that’s when we can either watch or record them for later viewing.

Gruber imagines that apps will replace traditional channels. So, presumably, there will be an “app” for ABC, and an “app” for CNN, and so on.

I think that’s about right. For all intents and purposes, I imagine television apps being similar to visiting ABC.com. You can watch full episodes, clips, but also exclusive interviews and other “special features.”

But what’s wrong with streaming live TV? Why throw out the baby with the bathwater? There is certainly nothing wrong with streaming live TV. In fact, I’d be disappointed if it were not included in Apple’s television.

Serendipity

There’s something enjoyable about giving up complete control — “channel surfing,” if you will — being at the mercy of “whatever happens to be on.” It encourages serendipity, stumbling upon an enjoyable program by happy chance.

In fact, just last night, I stumbled upon Extreme Couponing on TLC. I had planned on watching the latest episode of South Park. My girlfriend was in her sewing room, reading blogs on her new iMac. When she finished reading, she sat next to me on the couch. The episode was half-way in.

I’m not going to say exactly what the episode was about. Let’s just say it rhymes with “slow mobs.” Needless to say, my girlfriend asked if we could watch something else. Scratch that — me being the good boyfriend I am, I suggested that we change the channel, which we did. I simply clicked the channel up one notch, and we landed on TLC. I’m glad we did. For one, that episode of South Park will be on six times by next week. And the truth is, Extreme Couponing is the most gripping and entertaining show I’ve seen in a long time.

I have to assume that the above scenario would have never panned out without live streaming TV. Being in direct control is not always desirable. It’s why we still use services such as StumbleUpon and Pandora. I don’t want to always choose the song I want to listen to. Sometimes, I want to be at the mercy of chance. There’s nothing wrong with that.

Anxiety and Harry Potter

Control may cause anxiety as well. If you’ve ever had to decide which movie to watch with your girlfriend or boyfriend, you should know what I’m talking about. Committing to a single choice is not always a simple task, especially for the more neurotic among us.

With control comes a certain responsibility. It’s the way you feel when your friend throws an iPod in your lap while you’re riding shotgun in his car. You’re the DJ. I typically just throw the thing in shuffle at this point.

I discussed this with my girlfriend today while driving home (a two hour trip from Saint Augustine to Gainesville, Florida).² Naturally, Harry Potter slipped its way into the conversation. I think it’s a useful example, and hopefully you can relate on some level.

Elizabeth mentioned how she could not wait to watch all eight films. I agreed, adding that I’d rather they show them on ABC Family for a Harry Potter Weekend marathon. She immediately understood, “Oh of course!” A Harry Potter Weekend on ABC Family is exciting, despite the long commercials and having to wait a day between each new part of the series. Why? Well, for starters, it’s extremely hyped up: the enthusiastic announcer, the teasing commercials, etc. What’s more, there’s nothing to do but watch. There’s no pause between DVD’s, when someone has to get up and switch out the discs — that is, once you decide whether it’s even worth it to spend another two hours watching The Prisoner of Azkaban. No — the credits start rolling in light speed, and immediately, they shrink into a tiny box in the corner, and the announcer starts hyping up the next movie.

And it’s fun. I’d hate to lose that.

I don’t think a world without streaming television is a part of the “future” in any sense whatsoever. If I misunderstood Gruber’s argument, then that’s fine — my point stands. There’s nothing wrong with live streaming TV, and Apple would be foolish to get rid of it.