Katie MarsalAuthor Nick Bilton on the Times' Bits blog said it is not clear whether a new hardware product would accompany the software redesign, but it is believed Apple could base the software on its lightweight iOS operating system, which powers the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Citing one source, it was said that Apple recently hired several user interface and graphic designers who have a background in broadcast design for television.
"Another person, who recently left Apple and was involved with the company's television group, said some of the more advanced work on the next version of the TV is not taking place within the Apple TV group, but within another design group in the company — this could signal an entirely new product," Bilton wrote.
Rumors of new living room hardware arrived just as analyst Gene Munster with Piper Jaffray issued a note to investors in which he said the addition of an HDMI port to the Mac mini suggests that Apple is interested in selling its own Internet-connected HDTV. Munster believes such a product could hit the market within 2 to 4 years.
The sources told the Times that Apple realizes "the battle for the living room is going to be arduous, and the company must get it right the next time."
Apple has famously said that its Apple TV product is simply a hobby, as there isn't a viable market for set top boxes. Last month, Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs said the market doesn't exist because cable companies subsidize set top boxes for prices so low that consumers are unwilling to pay for a separate one.
The prospect of a redesigned, low-cost, iOS powered Apple TV was first rumored in May, when a report from Engadget alleged that Apple will release hardware based on its custom A4 processor found within the iPhone 4 and iPad. That device would reportedly have just 16GB of storage, but would cost only $99 and be capable of playing and streaming 1080p high definition video.
That rumor suggested the new hardware would be small, with only a power plug and video out. It was described as "an iPhone without a screen."
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74 Comments
Why would adding an HDMI port indicate a future plan to sell internet connected TVs?
Does including a power cord indicate that Apple is planning to sell electrical outlets? or high power transmission lines?
There have already been discussions of how this would be a bad fit for Apple. Better to sell a really cool, high powered, high profit margin device to connect to any commodity TV that to get into that commodity market. Not sure Apple would do this but better would be a partnership with LG or Sharp etc to provide the integrated AppleTV device and leave the building, marketing, warehousing, etc of the 302" Megaphallix TV to others.
I'm read.
Of course, curling up with a beer and snacks in front of the big screen is still the best way to enjoy a good movie (except for the cinema), but with Apple's own products now allowing movies and other content to be viewed anywhere, is the living room going to slowly become a thing of the past?
Just as the mobile phone has relegated 'home' and 'office' to anywhere you want it to be, will networked content do the same for the living room?
Discuss in less than 500 pages.
Agree that it's too much of a logical leap taken by the author here.
Why would adding an HDMI port indicate a future plan to sell internet connected TVs?
Does including a power cord indicate that Apple is planning to sell electrical outlets? or high power transmission lines?
I can't wait for my Apple HV transmission line!
I take this article with something of a pinch of salt though I'd love it to be true. Everything Jobs said at All Things D with regard the problems with improving TV interfaces were true, and any change will depend on them overcoming cable providers giving away set top boxes.
However, I could see that being possible. I know everyone thinks AT&T are a joke, but they took a big risk with the iPhone and it has paid off in terms of increased number of subscribers. You wonder if one of the TV companies might see it as worth taking a similar punt on subsidizing an Apple branded TV in order to increase subscribers.
At the moment, I stick with Comcast because I really don't see enough differentiation between the providers to make a change worthwhile. If say, DirecTV offered an Apple branded TV, with an improved "Apple style" interface, I would quite possibly switch.