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AppleInsider is reporting that three new channels have been added to Apple TV’s main menu. A&E, the History Channel, and Lifetime are now a part of the available networks that cable subscribers can access through Apple’s set-top box.
According to AppleInsider, the three new channels appeared on Monday as a silent update and now appear on the user’s home screen. Available content includes such shows as Pawn Stars, American Pickers, and Lifetime original movies.
Channels are available to subscribers who are signed up with compatible cable providers and have access to live streams and on-demand content. These three channels are part of a hug push on Apple’s part to generate more media for its set-top box. Other channels that have launched in recent months include ACC Sports, iTunes Festival, WWE Network, and Red Bull TV.
Apple is competing directly with Amazon’s new set-top box, which also includes some of the same popular channels. The Fire TV launched only a month ago with access to Netflix and Hulu Plus, as well as streaming content from Amazon, including free television shows and movies to Prime Instant subscribers.
Apple is rumored to be in the process of readying a new set-top box to launch sometime this year. Speculation grows that the next generation of Apple TV will include integrated gaming features, a merger with AirPort Express, and even motion detection that would allow users to interact with the device without needing a remote control. Some tech writers are predicting that Apple will discuss the new set-top box at this year’s Worldwide Developer Conference to be held on June 2 – 6.
It appears that the channel update is rolling out slowly. I checked my Apple TV this morning and none of the mentioned channels were available from my main menu, nor were they hidden in my settings section. Presumably this rollout will be completed within the next few days.
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