A little bit ahead of schedule, Engadget reports that Apple’s upcoming media event (where the company will most likely announce new iPods as well as a refreshed Apple TV and perhaps a TV episode rental feature) will take place bright and early on September 1.
Earlier today, NetworkWorld posted about the aforementioned rumor that a $0.99 TV episode rental service is coming to iTunes:
Even more interesting, though, are reports that Apple is looking to revamp its offerings on iTunes with the addition of TV rentals. Apple is reportedly negotiating a deal with News Corp (which owns Fox) that would allow users to rent TV programs for $0.99 for a 48-hour time period. As it currently stands, users can only purchase individual TV episodes for $1.99, or $2.99 if in HD.
Other content providers currently in talks with Apple over TV rentals also include CBS, NBC Universal, and Walt Disney.
According to sources reportedly familiar with Apple’s plans, new TV episodes will be made available for download within 24 hours of first airing. Though nothing with Apple is ever set in stone, Bloomberg notes that Apple has plans to announce its new TV rental service on September 7, alongside the introduction of its new lineup of iPods.
Wed, Aug 25, 2010
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