It’s the one thing that stood out with the release of the new Apple TV and iCloud integration: there were no movies available from 20th Century Fox and Universal Studios. The reason behind this is reportedly a deal the studios made with HBO, which gives the latter the option when to show movies from Fox and Universal.
The exclusivity, however, could be lifted soon, with some reports saying that HBO itself is working with the studios to work out a deal that will allow them to show their titles on Apple’s iCloud integration.
Understanding the HBO Deal
HBO’s deal with 20th Century Fox and Universal Studios is a significant one in the entertainment industry. This agreement grants HBO exclusive rights to broadcast movies from these studios before they are available on other platforms. This exclusivity is a strategic move to attract and retain subscribers by offering them early access to popular movies. However, this arrangement has inadvertently affected Apple TV and iCloud users, who are unable to access these movies through Apple’s ecosystem.
HBO’s move may not exactly mean removing the exclusivity but rather, allow users that already own movies from the two said studios to put them up into their iCloud account to access them anywhere they like. This potential change would be a significant step forward for consumers who have invested in digital copies of movies and wish to have seamless access across all their devices.
The Impact on Apple TV and iCloud Users
For Apple TV and iCloud users, the current restriction means that their digital movie libraries are incomplete if they own titles from 20th Century Fox and Universal Studios. This limitation can be frustrating, especially for users who prefer to have all their media content centralized in one place for easy access and management. The integration of these movies into iCloud would enhance the user experience by providing a more comprehensive and unified media library.
Moreover, the potential deal between HBO, Fox, and Universal could set a precedent for future negotiations between streaming services and content providers. As the demand for digital content continues to grow, consumers are increasingly looking for flexibility and convenience in how they access and manage their media. Allowing users to upload their purchased movies to iCloud would be a step towards meeting these expectations.
In addition to improving user experience, this move could also benefit the studios and HBO by increasing the visibility and accessibility of their content. By making their movies available on multiple platforms, they can reach a broader audience and potentially drive more sales and subscriptions.
Via: Slashgear
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