Live Blog > Apple's DIGITAL SERVICES Event, March 25th 2019
12:00 High Noon > Summary and Initial Impressions
12:16 Okay. The Apple Entertainment services event is over. Grabbing some lunch, back in a bit.
13:05 Apple is re-launching Apple News and adding a Digital Content periodicals subscription service, Apple News+; the App Store is being enhanced with a new Arcade; the Apple TV app is being re-branded as an all-in-one streaming app on and AppleTV+ is Apple's foray into digital entertainment; also Apple will be issuing the Apple (credit) Card as it expands its offerings in digital payments.
Throughout the presentation Apple emphasized core principles like ease-of-use and user privacy.
Apple News+ You can get the best and most popular stories from the most distinguished periodicals from Apple News+ for $9.99 and share your subscription with family members. Other app developers have tried this kind of "pick of the litter" from the best of print publications trying to harness revenue on the other side of the digital divide. However, that was then and this is now. Perhaps the time has come?
I'm wondering what kind of AI will drive content to a particular user? I'm wondering if over a period of time users will switch there subscriptions from an individual publication to Apple News+, and how that will affect the revenue of some of our iconic print brands?
I'm a loyal to subscriber to the Washington Post, and usually rotate my news subscription on an annual basis between WaPost, NYT, and the NYer. I only subscribe to one at a time so I can leave time for reading books. I haven't owned a television since the Nineties. Going forward it may just be easier for me to maintain an ongoing subscription to Apple+ News. I still get lots of ads from WaPost's website even with a paid subscription.
The new Apple Card is Apple's attempt at becoming the American version of M-Pesa, at least that's my initial impression. The Apple Card provides cash back incentives and tracks spending habits by category/type and location. It reminds me of the online Simple bank, which I really liked but ultimately discontinued using for lack of features and transaction support.
There are no fees and Apple wants to offer the lowest interest rates possible. There are no perks or (travel) points either. Not sure if it's enough of an incentive to give up my CapitalOne Venture Card.
I really appreciate Apple's emphasis on security and privacy. The card is designed to be used digitally in your Apple Wallet. If you want a physical credit you can get a laser-engraved titanium card with a chip that has no visible numbers from first time consumer issuer Goldman-Sachs (not sure how I feel about that). Wondering if the physical card will be made available free when you sign up for an account? I'll let you know.
Apple will be building momentum in online gaming with the introduction of the Apple Arcade in the App Store. It's an all-you-can-play game service, there's no advertisements or in-app purchases, and you can jump from all of your devices, Macs, and Apple TVs within a game. You can also play offline, and the subscription is for for six family members.
The Apple TV app is being re-vamped and branded as a one-stop app for all online television content from major networks and studios. The big news here is the introduction of Apple TV+ streaming service, where Apple will be producing and delivering original content backed by some of the entertainment industries biggest stars, including Steven Spielberg, Jennifer Aniston, Steve Carell, Oprah and many, many others.
The AppleTV will be available on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
That's about it for all of us here at Apple Consulting Marin. Enjoy your Day!
10:55 Television
11:00 The Apple TV app. A subscription streaming App. Pick and choose content and content providers. A single unified streaming app, with privacy.
11:05 Apple TV + Apple is now showing a video with top Hollywood and entertainment directors.
11:13 Steven Spielberg just walked onto the stage! Game Over!! Steven is describing his first encounter with Science Fiction in Amazing Stories. Jennifer Aniston and Steve Carell and others are rolling out. Here come the celebs. Apple Marketing is on full throttle.
10:40 The App Store
10:50 Introducing Apple Arcade. So far Apple is taking on news publication and gaming. Next up? Television.
10:36 Apple Card
The Apple Card is on its way...🤔
No Fee Credit Card. Partnering with GoldmanSachs and MasterCard.
This is BIG NEWS.
10:22 Apple News+
10:11 A new subscription digital ezine that will allow you to read all the best/most popular stories from the most popular, informative and best written periodicals.
Apple has just given a demo.
Can't keep up with the names of the Apple employees performing the demos.
10:22 Apple will not allow advertisers to track your reading habits!
$9.99 per month! and family sharing...(but this has been tried before, more on that later).
Now discussing News+ language and geographic rollout.
10:05 Apple Services
Cook is emphasizing ease-of-use and privacy as cornerstones of the user experience. Now starting with the Apple News app.
10:00 Here we Go!
The Live Stream has begun with a movie "sneak preview" type video.
Tim Cook states Apple has been created world class hardware and software, and now it's time for services.
09:50 pre-show music
https://www.apple.com/apple-events/livestream/
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