Skip to main content

iPad Video: Netflix, ABC, CBS…and Maybe More On The Way

The iPad hasn’t even reached consumers’ hands yet, and already online video services and broadcast networks seem to be scrambling to make sure they’re present and highly visible on the nascent platform. According to reports in The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) and elsewhere, broadcast networks ABC and CBS will be streaming programming to the iPad: CBS will apparently be relying on HTML5-served video that will enable fans to tune into shows like Survivor using the iPad’s built-in Safari Web browser, while ABC will apparently be rolling out it’s own iPad application that will enable users to browse and stream episodes from shows like Lost and Desperate Housewives.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Although all reports are sketchy on details of ABC and CBS’s efforts, both services are apparently eyeing an ad-supported distribution model—which may not make Apple entirely happy, since it’s selling much of the same programming through iTunes at $0.99 an episodes. (However, purchased programs don’t require Internet access to view, and subscribers can keep them as long as they want, unlike online streamed programming that is often only available for a limited time can be pulled down at any moment.)

Recommended Videos

Reports and screenshots from AppShopper (which is pulling iPad applications screenshots directly from Apple’s App Store database) have video rental service Netflix also preparing an iPad app to launch concurrently with the iPad itself. Netflix subscribers will apparently be able to mange their queues and view streaming content directly on the iPad.
stream online content to the iPad. No pricing information is available, but Netflix traditionally makes access software available to its subscribers at no additional charge.

Online video sharing sites like YouTube, Vimeo, Brightcove, and even Flickr are also preparing to push video to the Flash-free iPad using video presentation capabilities available in the forthcoming HTML 5 standard.

A big question mark in the iPad’s immediate video future is Hulu, the joint venture between Fox, NBC, and ABC that for the last couple of years has been a major player in providing ad-supported American television content via the Internet. Hulu hasn’t publicly commented one way or another on the iPad, but the enterprise has been considering switching to a paid subscription model. Although Hulu has been talking about an iPhone applications since mid-2009, The New York Times has reported that Hulu is working on its own application for the iPad.

Despite all this apparent interest from streaming video providers, it remains to be seen whether the iPad will succeed as a video-viewing platform where mobile phones, portable media players, netbooks, and even notebook computers have failed to gain significant traction. Streaming video services have been available for most of those platforms for some time and have yet to blossom into a major industry—although an ever growing number of American consumers watch TV and surf the Internet at the same time, they haven’t overwhelmingly given up the big screen in the living room for portable devices.

Geoff Duncan
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…
Have an old iPhone or iPad? You can no longer use this iCloud feature
An iPhone 6S in gold held against a red pipe.

If you own an older iPhone or iPad, it may be time to consider upgrading. As of December 18, the minimum requirement for using iCloud backups is iOS 9 or later, as support for iOS 8 and earlier versions has ended. This information was initially communicated to Apple users in November.

As noted by MacRumors, while iCloud support for devices running iOS 8 or earlier has ceased, you can still create manual backups on a Mac or Windows PC. If your device is currently on iOS 8, but can upgrade to a newer version, your iCloud backup capabilities will be restored.

Read more
Apple iPad mini (2024) vs. iPad Air (2024): Which one to buy?
ipad mini 2024 and ipad air 2024 product shots on a light maroon background

Apple launched a bunch of iPads in 2024, including the much-awaited iPad mini refresh and a new iPad Air, which was the first to be available in two screen sizes. The company's tablet portfolio is now bigger than ever, which can be confusing if you are in the market for a new great tablet. Even if your priorities are clear with size and price, there are a number of overlapping models, which can make decision-making difficult.

Do you need a more pocketable iPad or a more powerful tablet? Are you fixated on a specific screen size? Are you confused about how much power is required to run your creative tasks? Which is the best iPad overall? Don't worry if you don't have answers to any of these questions right now. This comparison between two of our favorite iPads from 2024 will help answer them so you can make an informed decision.
iPad mini (2024) vs iPad Air (2024): specs

Read more
An OLED iPad mini is coming in 2026, says Apple insider
Front view of Apple iPad mini with A17 Pro.

Although the iPad mini has continued to receive updates and support, it's fair to say it hasn't gotten the same level of love as the iPad Pro. However, that could be set to change, as the next iPad mini is expected to launch in 2026 with a new OLED display.

That's not all, though. Both the iPad Air 11-inch and 13-inch models could also receive the same upgrade in 2027 (adding weight to a previous leak). Then there's the rumored foldable iPad with an 18.8-inch display, according to a report from analysts at Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC).

Read more