Takeaways:
- The Apple TV app will complement Zillow’s existing suite of Apple products by allowing users to view any searches and homes they may already have saved on their iPhones, iPads or Apple Watches.
- In addition, a new Zillow for TV channel will feature home entertainment and improvement programs, as well as real estate market tips.
- “We have combined the best of home shopping with new video content to help people find the home of their dreams or get inspired with home improvement ideas, unique homes or do-it-yourself tips — right from their living room TV,” said Zillow’s chief marketing officer.
When the new Apple TV hits stores next month, it will feature a new operating system, Siri support, gaming and an App Store — including online real estate marketplace Zillow, Apple announced at its September media event Wednesday.
The fourth generation of the television streaming device will bring Zillow’s real estate listings and other information to users’ living rooms, allowing them to view nearby properties for sale, home facts and history, mortgage information and Zestimate details on their high-definition television screens.
The app will complement Zillow’s existing suite of Apple products by allowing users to view any searches and homes they may already have saved on their iPhones, iPads or Apple Watches.
In addition, a new Zillow for TV channel will feature home entertainment and improvement programs, as well as real estate market tips.
“We’re super-excited about having an app ready at launch,” said Jeremy Wacksman, Zillow’s chief marketing officer. “The idea is not just to have what is already on your iPhone blown up on a TV screen.
“We have combined the best of home shopping with new video content to help people find the home of their dreams or get inspired with home improvement ideas, unique homes or do-it-yourself tips — right from their living room TV. We’re excited to bring the Zillow experience to a big screen and create a new experience for consumers and opportunities to connect them with agents and brokers.”
Wacksman said the apps are a bit of a work in progress, as developers will be assessing user adoption, comfort and demand.
“To me, this looks like a brand-new category of device, akin to when Apple launched the iPad,” he said. “It will be interesting to see how developers continue to build on this platform, as many details, such as how consumers use certain buttons or what is most popular, are still to be determined.”
“It’s the golden age of television,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said at yesterday’s press event. “Our vision for TV is simple and perhaps a little provocative. We believe the future of television is apps.”
The App Store will feature many games, but Zillow will be among other apps such as the Airbnb vacation booking app and the Gilt luxury shopping app.
The new Apple TV also includes voice control, Siri support, universal search capabilities and a remote control that includes both a touchpad and motion control. The device will launch in two configurations, a 32GB unit for $149 or a 64GB unit for $199. No launch date has been announced, but Apple said it will be available in “late October.”
