But the market has radically changed since the arrival of the previous Apple TV box, the all-time leader with 25 million units sold over its lifetime. Roku (10 million units sold as of last year) is a strong player in this area, while Google has made significant inroads with its Chromecast, a $35 stick that plugs into the back of a television for instant access to online videos from the likes of YouTube, Netflix and HBO Now. Amazon has been aggressive, launching both the Fire TV streaming box and the $39 Fire TV Stick.
Apple TV's recent performance has lagged, with US sales slipping to fourth place behind Roku, Chromecast and Fire TV, according to market researcher Parks Associates.
From the article "As iPhone 6S launches, a new Apple TV and iPad Pro steal the show" by Roger Cheng and Shara Tibken.
Data is really the new area of competition. If the pay-TV providers are looking at competition long-term in the future, that's the main concern. - BRETT SAPPINGTON, DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH AT PARKS ASSOC...
“Nothing in our proposal would prevent Comcast or TimeWarner from what they’re doing with Roku or Apple TV, or how they decide to pick what devices to share their app with,” says an FCC spokeswoman....
The Roku Channel is also turning heads. The company's ad-supported channel was named one of the three best ad-based over-the-top services among U.S. broadband households according to Parks Associates,...
Last August, market analysts at Parks Associates found that more than any other streaming media device -- including those from Amazon, Apple, and Google -- Roku was the leading brand and had increased...
