Report claims "major" Apple TV update in the pipeline
However, the business publication offers no details of the initiative other than to say that the new hardware device should arrive around the same time Apple launches its iTunes movie rental service.
Conversing with American Technology Research analyst Shaw Wu, BusinessWeek speculates that one possibility is that Apple might add a TV tuner to the product later this year.
The remainder of the report recounts the hurdles Apple chief executive Steve Jobs has faced while trying to replicate his success in the music business over in the digital video download sector.
It notes that Disney and Fox have agreed to support the upcoming iTunes rental service, but have different terms for when movies will be made available.
Independent Lions Gate, on the other hand, may agree to let Apple rent its stuff, but not sell its newer releases, the report adds.
Sony and Universal — both fierce Apple rivals — are unlikely to back the initiative.
154 Comments
If it includes a Blu Ray player then I might add one to my collection of Apple hardware. At a very minimum, it *needs* to be able to play DVDs. I want to replace a piece of hardware, not another one.
Sony has a love-hate relationship with Apple. Apple backed Blu-Ray pretty early, but Sony Music has had major issues with iTunes. Sony is such a multi-headed beast I think it's hard to characterize it as being fierce rivals and/or partners with anyone.
Would like to see Apple and Sony get together and come up with something new
What good is a TV Tuner unless you are getting over the air? Everything else (Cable Satellite) is scrambled.
I have been using my Xbox 360 for media functionality and I HATE IT!. I'm so anxious to get rid of it, but I am waiting until after Macworld - hopefully I'll get one by summer!