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In a report corroborating several oft-rumored features of the next-generation Apple TV, including an A8 chip and a native SDK for creating apps, TechCrunch editor-in-chief Matthew Panzarino has revealed that the set-top box will also have a motion sensitive remote control with multi-axis sensors, a touchpad on the top, physical buttons on the bottom and a microphone for Siri.

Panzarino claims the redesigned remote control will likely be targeted at casual gamers:
A game controller with a microphone, physical buttons, a touchpad and motion sensitive controls would be extremely capable. While Apple is likely going to target the broad casual gaming market, I would not be shocked to see innovative gameplay blossom from that type of input possibility. Think, for instance, of multi-player gaming with several people using voice input, or many popular genres of party games that would do far better on the TV than on an iPad or iPhone.
A new Apple TV with an App Store and easy-to-use controller could lure a significant number of casual gamers away from competing platforms such as Nintendo, in the same way that smartphones have undermined other handheld gaming devices. Coupled with on-demand movies and TV shows, home automation and a streaming TV service, the new Apple TV could dominate the living room.

Almost instantaneously, the Apple TV will no longer be Apple's "hobby" product.
If Apple did indeed 'delay' the Apple TV from being released at WWDC, then it probably had a reason. And, if my sources are correct, that reason could well be polish, polish, polish. The experience of using it is said to blow away the types of junky smart TV interfaces we've had to deal with so far. This is the first real Apple TV product.
Apple is expected to announce the new Apple TV at its September 9th media event.

Article Link: Apple TV Said to Have Motion Sensitive Remote Control Targeted at Casual Gamers
 
This would be great for games, and adding an App store for those games would open it up so much, Angry Birds (for example) would be great for this along with many other games/Apps.
 
I doubt it - but i hope it has always on listening and a small speaker, like the amazon Echo, when my iphone is plugged it - its awesome - i can tell it to turn on/off the lights - ask it my next appointment - set up new ones. Here's hoping Apple brings us the Star Trek computer!!
 
Voice controls have been around for freaking ever. They're not innovative at all - every game using them has completely sucked.

Voice controls just aren't suitable for video games. Any timing based gameplay is impossible. And games which are fun that don't use timing based gameplay require more complexity than is realistic with voice controls.

 
My TV (and body) is ready. I am so sick of half-assed and half-hearted attempts at revolutionizing the TV experience. One box to do gaming, video, and home automation sounds like a legitimate plan. Tired of offerings from Roku, Amazon, Smart TV manufacturers, Nintendo, and Microsoft. I truly hope that Apple comes through with the TV in a big way and blows out the competition.
 
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