Apple is working on either a flat panel TV or a new Apple TV box, according to
The New York Times. The rumors started back in May but now the rumors have intensified, and allegedly Apple is working hard to get a foot in the TV industry.
Apple flat panel TV or box
Apple already has a so-called Apple TV box that you can connect to flat panel TV to get an iTunes-like functionality. Apple launched this box a few years back with great expectations and Steve Jobs hoped that it could create an equally large market as Apple's Mac computers.
Apple’s current Apple TV
It turned out not to be a very big success and Apple TV ended up as a small niche product. Google has recently presented their
Google TV solution that can be built into flat panel TV or purchased as a separate box. And now sources say that Apple has either a flat panel TV or a new Apple TV box coming - or a combination of this.
Several sources indicate that Apple has something under way and that Apple has recently hired several employees with a background in design of TV sets. A person who recently left Apple also says that the development of next generation of Apple TV device has been moved to a different division within the Apple Corporation, which could indicate a new product.
The same sources say that the new product is likely to be based on Apple's iOS operating system that you find in the iPhone and iPad. This would also means that you’ll have access to the current streaming services that are already available on handheld devices.
Engadget released concrete details
Engadget reported back in May that Apple's next version of Apple TV box is a small device without a hard drive, that is used to stream content from the internet in 1080p resolution. The price should be 99 U.S. dollars and this small box should also use iOS.
Steve Jobs was also recently interviewed on D8 and asked about the TV market and Apple's views on this market, to which he replied that the TV market is a very interesting market for Apple. Jobs also said that consumers do not want another box in their living room.
Apple’s current Apple TV box (and a fictitious TV)
Nothing concrete yet
Although we have some pretty strong indications from different sources in regards to both a new Apple TV box and even more interesting a flat panel TV from Apple, nothing has been confirmed by Apple, that also has a reputation for not leaking product information.
A lot of the concrete details still rely on speculation, but several sources and news media have independently reported stories, which may indicate that there is some truth to it. Now that
Google is entering the TV market, one must assume that Apple does not want to miss that opportunity.
What do you think? Will Apple release a flat panel TV? Or a new Apple TV box soon?
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