ultimate media app ideas - unifying the media apps in one middle-app, and bundled app ...

While I really like the idea of using apps to access movies and shows, it was easy at first, I only used Netflix, then I got Hulu, now there's all kinds of apps for HBO, Showtime, Starz, Encore, Amazon Prime, Crackle, Crunchy Roll. I've become frustrated
with the need to search each app for their offerings independently. What would really revolutionize the use of media apps be a one stop application that allows me to search and browse all my relevant apps that I have a subscription with in one location, and
either launch the apps or even allow for the playing of the media in the middle-applications own player.

Furthermore, it'd be great if maybe a middle service can provide discounts in multiple digital subscription services. For instance, HBO and Showtime both offer streaming subscriptions without need for cable, but they are pricey by themselves. What if a company
like Microsoft could offer bundled subscriptions for its users at a substantial discount? Or maybe even bundle something like Netflix and Hulu at a discount? I'd really like to see somebody move in this direction.

I think this can be quite achievable. I hear the cable companies pay next to nothing for their premium channel line-up and their markup is remarkably high. Like say, I've heard from people at Comcast that the company only pays $1 for a station they turn
around and make people pay $15/month on. If that's true, I think it's quite achievable a company like Microsoft be able to negotiate premium channel app access at a substantial discount and still stand to make a hefty profit off of them.

:)

 

Play videos on burned discs

I've put a disk in and none of the apps even see the optical blu ray drive let alone any media files on it. The blu ray player app does play media on a blu ray disk that is in the proper blu ray format, but VLC, or even the file explorer app do not even display the optical drive. I can play media on an external drive using VLC.

 

October update

The new plex app does not require the latest October update, although you have to be a plex pass sub to do that.

It should be soon, the October media app that enables DLNA is pretty barebones for DLNA streaming but it functions well for it's purpose. The Plex app works really well and looks alot better.

Either way in a few weeks for the general public the Xbox One will be a really good media streamer MKV support is pretty good the plex app provides more compatibility with multi channel DTS audio using MKV than the built in media app.

 

Unfortunately, these apps are controlled by different companies, so merging them into one mega-app would require for them to be, well, one app. So, you can see the difficulty.