Apple is working full-steam on a new Apple TV box that will replace current cable TV boxes on TV operators networks, according to reports from WSJ and The Information. The new Apple TV box will also have a big emphasis on gaming.

Apple TV with emphasis on gaming
It seems that Apple has put its plans to release a full-fledged TV on-hold, instead focusing on bringing a new Apple TV box to market - at least for now.

According to WSJ, Apple is currently in talks with Comcast, the largest TV operator in the US, about launching a set-top box on their network, effectively replacing Comcast’s current boxes. Comcast would ensure that all internet traffic to the box would bypass congestion on “the last mile” - just like the Netflix/Comcast deal. However, no deal has been reached yet.


The new Apple TV box is said to have a “dramatically overhauled interface” and a “big emphasis on gaming”. Much like the iPhone and iPad, Apple wants to bring things together in one simple solution; TV watching, streaming, gaming, photo viewing, apps and more.

The current Apple TV already supports gaming via Airplay, but it is not a great solution yet. Apple hopes to attract more developers and have them develop games for the TV screen where a iPhone or iPad would act as the controller, according to The Information.

Of course, Comcast is in the middle of buying Time Warner Cable and the report about Apple talking with Comcast comes at a curious time. Apple is also said to be building out a major TV-related CDN, which could indicate that they are building the infrastructure for better TV delivery.

- Source: The Information & WSJ