Apple has just purchased second-screen startup Matcha.tv, hinting at future Apple iTV features.
In May, the second-screen service was taken offline without explanation, but it has now emerged that it was due to Apple buying the company.
Matcha.tv posted a notice on its website stating that it would be closing immediately. It provided a second-screen iOS app that connected to various content outlets like digital storefront and Internet streams.
“Dear users of Matcha, we thank you for using Matcha and hope we were able to improve your TV and movie viewing experience,” read the Matcha.tv notice. “Unfortunately, from today going forward, this service is no longer available. All personal information collected by Matcha has been deleted.”
However, it has now been confirmed that the service has been bought out by Apple, for an estimated $1 million to $1.5 million. Of course, no official figures have been released as to a purchase price, but as per the agreement, Watcha.tv founders will get jobs at Apple for at least two years.
The service may well be integrated into the Apple iTV if and when it ever launches. The Watcha.tv app was compatible with Netflix, Hulu, iTunes, Amazon Prime, cable TV providers and digital video stores.
This technology may well make it into the Apple iTV, which has been heavily rumoured to be out sometime next year.
However, it may well be part of a forthcoming Apple TV update, as Apple is rumoured to be releasing one in the near future, or potentially a whole new Apple TV set top box.
Part of Apple’s recent splurge out buying smaller companies, the Cupertino declined to comment on the acquisition.
“Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans,” said an Apple spokesperson.
Next let us know what Apple iWatch features you’d like to see.
Via: AllThingsD
