Apple, Google Set Cross-Platform Deal For Disney Movies

By R. Thomas Umstead
published

Consumers buying a Disney movie from either Apple TV or Google Play Store can watch the film on nearly all smartphones, tableta and digital devices, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Subscribers of Disney Movies Anywhere app can buy a copy of Maleficent or any Disney movie title offered through Google Play Store and watch it on an Apple TV device or iPad as well as through any portable Android device.  Prior to the deal neither Apple or Google allowed distribution of content across a competitor’s platform.

Both Apple and Google will pay Disney a wholesale rate for each film they sell and keep any profits, regardless of what device the consumer watches the film on, according to the Journal.  

R. Thomas Umstead
R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.