Apple iOS Gets Single Sign-On: Makes Life Easier For Logging Into TV Apps Now

By Edwin Kee
Apple logo
Apple has sent a letter to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It seemed to confirm the interest of the company in the further development of self-driving technology. The company has expressed excitement about automated systems in areas such as the transportation but asked NHTSA not to impose too many restrictions on testing self-driving cars. Rob Pongsajapan via Flickr

At long last, a feature that many of us have long been waiting for has been enabled by the folks over at Apple. I am referring to the launch of iOS single sign-on which will help smoothen out ruffled feathers, especially among those of us who tend to log into TV apps for our entertainment moments. With the iOS single sign-on now made available, it is a whole lot more convenient to log into TV apps. While this is a as good a start as any, one does still wonder why no additional effort is put into this particular exercise, as the available list of companies that support this feature at this point in time is not the strongest line up. Perhaps things will change in the future, or there are contractual obligations that we do know know about behind the scenes? Still, something is better than nothing, and I am quite sure that avid fans of TV apps which require logins would more than welcome this baby step.

This particular single sign-on feature available for iOS would require users to enter their respective account details for different cable providers who are part of the set up, of course. This will be a one time requirement (for obvious reasons), and then from there, you can enjoy the advantage of signing in automatically into TV Everywhere apps. No longer do you need to make sure that your cable account login details are entered for each single TV app that is on your iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV. After all, with so many tight restrictions on the password these days that require at least eight characters with alphanumeric or even special characters and a potent mix of upper case characters with numbers, it can get pretty confusing quickly. Hence, this initiative by Apple is more than welcome.

At this point in time, the number of providers who are supportd by the single sign-on feature in iOS comprise of the likes of cable and satellite companies such as CenturyLink Prism, DirecTV, Dish, GTA, GVTC, Hawaiian Telcom, Hotwire, MetroCast and Sling TV.

The list is obviously short of the big time players in the ilk of Verizon FiOs, Comcast, Charter, Time Warner Cable, and Optimum, although all hope is not lost yet. After all, this is Apple that we are talking about, and not some two-bit player in the market. Surely the big fish would want to see whether this is an exercise worth the effort in terms of participation. Apple has raised expectations among its users, with additional cable providers tipped to be added to the infantile list at this point in time in the weeks and months to come. At the bare minimum, at least the satellite department is more or less covered with DirecTV, Dish, and Sling TV. The latest DirecTV Now service does not look as though it is supported as at press time, though, but we do hope to be able to obtain additional information on that in due time.

One ought to take note that the single sign-on feature will only work for selected apps. To complicate matters a wee bit more, this would also mean it works sometimes only for the iOS or Apple TV version. Hopefully the networks and their respective app developers would see the benefit of going down this route for added convenience for the end user.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories