Samsung cooperates with Apple
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Samsung Electronics is teaming with arch-rival Apple to enable its smart TVs to access video, audio and other programming from iTunes. It is the first time the two have cooperated on content. The partnership was announced Monday. Beginning this spring, Samsung smart TVs will have iTunes movies and TV as a default option, along with YouTube and Netflix. For customers with older versions of Samsung smart TVs, the service can be added with a software update.
Apple’s new movie and TV streaming service is set for official introduction in March. Samsung Smart TVs will be the first non-Apple devices to have access to the service.
Another feature to be made possible on Samsung TVs is AirPlay 2, a function that allows for wirelessly access to movies, photos, podcasts or music from Apple devices.
Until recently, before Chinese manufacturers became smartphone leaders, Apple and Samsung competed intensely for domination in the market.
The two were also embroiled in a seven-year patent battle that was only concluded last year.
Despite the rivalry, they have continued to do business with each other. Samsung has supplied Apple with smartphone chips and displays.
“Another feature to be made possible on Samsung TVs is AirPlay 2, a function that allows for wirelessly access to movies, photos, podcasts or music from Apple devices.”
At an event held in Las Vegas Monday before the Consumer Electronics Show 2019, the president of the Samsung visual display business, Han Jong-hee said that the collaboration is a “win-win” for both companies while customers will benefit from a wider range of choices.
“For now, the collaboration will be about content. But in the future, I expect there to be other fields in which we can work together as well,” said Han. According to another senior executive at the event, the project was initially suggested by Samsung.
The company suggested that it is open to partnerships with other companies as well, saying in a press release that it aims to minimize the barriers between products and providers to offer a “rich selection of content.”
For Samsung, Apple programming will give it an upper hand in attracting customers.
The war in the TV market is now as much about what is available on devices as it is about brighter, more colorful and slimmer panels. How TVs seamlessly link to online resources is one of the major battlegrounds.
The partnership also reflects how Apple is increasingly putting weight on services instead of hardware – the reason it came up with the iTunes video streaming service. Global iPhone sales are falling short of expectations as customers don’t change phones as frequently as before and many are being turned off by the high prices.
Samsung brings with it the strength of being No. 1 in the global TV market, with more than a 40 percent share.
“We look forward to bringing the iTunes and AirPlay 2 experience to even more customers around the world through Samsung smart TVs, so iPhone, iPad and Mac users have yet another way to enjoy all their favorite content on the biggest screen in their home,” said Eddy Cue, senior vice president of Internet Software and Services at Apple.
Questions & Answers
Q.When will Samsung smart TVs start offering iTunes content?
When will Samsung smart TVs start offering iTunes content?
Samsung smart TVs will begin to offer iTunes movies and TV as a default option starting this spring. For customers with older models, the service can be added through a software update.
Q.What specifically will Samsung smart TV owners gain access to through this partnership?
What specifically will Samsung smart TV owners gain access to through this partnership?
Owners of Samsung smart TVs will gain access to iTunes movies and TV content. They will also be able to use AirPlay 2 for wirelessly accessing content like movies, photos, and music from Apple devices.
Q.Why is Apple pursuing content services like the one offered on Samsung TVs?
Why is Apple pursuing content services like the one offered on Samsung TVs?
Apple is focusing more on services because global iPhone sales are not meeting expectations. Customers are not upgrading their phones as often, and high prices are deterring some buyers.
Q.Which company initially suggested this collaboration between Samsung and Apple?
Which company initially suggested this collaboration between Samsung and Apple?
A senior executive at the Consumer Electronics Show event stated that the project was initially suggested by Samsung. Samsung also indicated it is open to further partnerships.
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