It should come as no surprise that the Apple company is jumping on board the entertainment streaming train. Apparently, the technology giant has been stewing over developing this new venture for a while. The launch of the streaming service is slated for the first half of 2019. 

Now, Apple will take a bite out of the streaming industry, along with Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Apple plans to stream in 100 countries worldwide to compete with the other services that are already in those markets.

Where will this leave cable companies like Xfinity?

My prediction, although not prophetic, is that cable and broadcast TV as we know them will eventually go away. Gone are the days when families gathered around the living room television and watched a program from beginning to end together. Today, you can watch anything you want to on your computer tablet or Smartphone. Services like HBOGo and Netflix have dramatically altered the media habits of Americans, especially young adults.

Apple's anticipated service will feature an original Apple series. Users will be able to subscribe to TV network subscriptions as they already do through Amazon Channels or Roku. The original shows will be free for Apple device owners. It is also very likely the service will only be only be available on Apple products.

A billion dollars has already been allocated to fund original TV shows. CEO Tim Cook of Apple has said he wants family-friendly programming. Due to declining iPhone sales, it makes sense for Apple to get into streaming programming.

I'm still an old-fashioned cable TV subscriber but you know, sometimes the pickings are so slim that I can see myself converting to streaming. Some nights when I scan the multiple channels I pay for, there's not a whole lot that interests me. However, I'm not completely sold because there's still something comforting about watching traditional TV on a cold night-- kind of like warm milk and cookies.