Apple is reportedly in preliminary talks with Comcast Corp over a potential streaming-television service that would use an Apple set-top box.
The Wall Street Journal, citing people familiar with the matter, reports that discussions between the two tech giants are in early stages and will have to cross a lot of hurdles to finally get approved.
Apple, in an attempt to get its TV service’s traffic separated from public internet traffic for faster transmission of streamed and on-demand content with minimal buffering, is looking to get special treatment on Comcast’s cables to ensure it bypasses congestion on the Web.
“But the deal, if sealed, would mark a new level of cooperation and integration between a technology company and a cable provider to modernise TV viewing,” said the WSJ report.
“Apple’s intention is to allow users to stream live and on-demand TV programming and digital-video recordings stored in the ‘cloud,’ effectively taking the place of a traditional cable set-top box.”
The deal will benefit the viewers in a way that they will not have to contend with frustrating buffering that can take place while streaming web video.
However the report stressed that the deal would require Comcast “to make significant investments in network equipment and other back-office technology”. This indicates that chances of Comcast agreeing with the deal are not too bright.
Both Apple and Comcast are yet to comment on the report.
Last month, Netflix and Comcast said they had reached an agreement that will speed up Netflix’s streaming capabilities ensuring a hassle free viewing experience for the viewers.
Recent reports also suggest that Apple could soon unveil a new Apple TV set-top box next month in partnership with Time Warner Cable.
