Apple TV With Camera Again Rumored After tvOS 17 Added FaceTime

[VisceralRealist]

Ah, the good old "Apple TV set" rumor – the Apple Car of my generation.

And now the "Apple Robot" will be the Apple Car of future generations.

 

[Surf Monkey]

And now the "Apple Robot" will be the Apple Car of future generations.

It’s sad that Apple misses these easy shots. A TV is actually a natural fit for Apple. They already make all the components and they could do something really revolutionary with such a device. Steve Jobs was talking about exactly that shortly before he died. But as usual under Tim Cook no firm decision is made and Apple limps along on the same 13 year old products.

Another example is the Ray-Ban Meta glasses. Apple could have made something similar that would have blown Ray-Ban out of the water and become the must-have sunglasses of all time. But instead we got the muddled, unfocused and evidently purposeless Vision instead.

You have got to make your free throws. Apple keeps missing free throws.

 

[steve09090]

It makes zero sense if I'm rounding off.

It sounds nothing like them.

Their capability is not the issue. They are capable of making a crappy dirt cheap laptop too. But they don't.

They only recently shrunk the ATV and lowered the price. They aren't going to enlarge it with a USB port. And ask people to run a cord from inside their tv media centers and behind their tvs.

"The government" is a nothing burger reason for making an ATV with a camera/USB port for a camera. That would be like farting in the wind.

What makes the most sense is using the iPhone as the camera because they already do this with the Mac. Because they like making stuff that uses their products together in a "it just works" way. The iPHone already has a great camera.

Google says the consumer can already hand off a Facetime call to an AppleTV. Having an ATV FT app would let the consumer initiate it from the ATV and position the iPHone camera first. I think you always gotta start with the path of least resistance when interpreting these rumors aka what makes the most sense which is to be found on the path that is already mostly built that sounds the most Apple-like.

You’re saying it makes zero sense for Apple to diverge into something they have never done? Like adding a camera ability to an Apple TV?

Apple already don’t make devices with USB C outputs that connect to external Cameras?

Doesn't the iPhone do that? Doesn’t the iPad do that? Doesn’t the MacBook (all versions) do that?

Sure, the Mac’s can use continuity to attach the iPhone. Yet they already have a camera (just like iPhone and iPad). And they can all attach an external camera. And you think for some reason, they are not able to find room for a single USB C port into a fairly large brick? Are you actually serious?

 

[CrysisDeu]

Hopefully all in one AppleTV, Camera and Atmos soundbar.

Well then they need to have subwoofer and rear channels to go with it

 

[CrysisDeu]

Its would be impractical to utilize because most of the time the placement of the Apple TV is not right in front of you. If you have a stack of gear to the left or right then would someone be inclined to run AC or HDMI extension cables to the rest of gear next to your TV?

I thought the current implementation of using your iPhone placement as the camera close to you and your TV as a big screen for the FaceTime was perfectly usable. This avoids any placement/distance issues with the physical locations of the Apple TV.

What useless speculation to desire as it would just greatly increase the prices of Apple TVs IMHO to have a built in high quality camera. Do consumers really want that?

But I lost my iPhone?
I think a standalone camera or a TV makes more sense to me

 

[steve09090]

It’s sad that Apple misses these easy shots. A TV is actually a natural fit for Apple. They already make all the components and they could do something really revolutionary with such a device. Steve Jobs was talking about exactly that shortly before he died. But as usual under Tim Cook no firm decision is made and Apple limps along on the same 13 year old products.

Another example is the Ray-Ban Meta glasses. Apple could have made something similar that would have blown Ray-Ban out of the water and become the must-have sunglasses of all time. But instead we got the muddled, unfocused and evidently purposeless Vision instead.

You have got to make your free throws. Apple keeps missing free throws.

Some good points.

I think it’s not just the physical devices, but Apple seem to be concentrating on types of inputs. Things like finger pinching or hand clasping which is available on the Apple Watch, they have integrated the same principal in their AVP. I don’t know that they want to just make devices, but change the way we use devices.

I think everyone thinks the RayBan Meta glasses are creepy, and I think glasses are misguided. Cool tech, well integrated but never a game changer. Missing free throws? Maybe, but I think Apple are playing a different game. The same could be said by EVERY Android phone when it comes to LiDAR. Such a simple thing these days but I am not aware of any android phone on then planet that has it (unless its in the S23, but I don’t think it does, since they tried and failed with the S20). Apple introduced it in the 12 Pro, and it was so helpful to me doing floor plans etc.

But as far as free throws go. They pretty much were sinking balls from half court with the AirTag v Tile (and other versions that have come out since). They own the market in watches and have taken a slam dunk, minus a few blocks with the Ultra. Hard core athletes still use a Fenix, but many still use the ultra in addition to it. Fenix sucks for every day use (in comparison), but is amazing at longevity.

Going to your point of making a TV. I’m interested to know what do you think they could do that is revolutionary with the TV? The AVP could be that device? When the Apple TV came out, TV's were improving in tech month on month. If Apple made a TV then it’d be outdated within months. Both Jobs and Cook have both said they are not interested in making stuff that everyone else makes. And nobody is making anything new right now that could be considered game changing. So they made the Apple TV which pretty one everyone says it’s the best device Apple actually make. I can’t disagree. It’s also one of the cheapest.

I think we look at things a bit differently, I think Apple are working on things differently to the way other companies are. And that’s their DNA.

 

[CrysisDeu]

I think it’s not just the physical devices, but Apple seem to be concentrating on types of inputs. Things like finger pinching or hand clasping which is available on the Apple Watch, they have integrated the same principal in their AVP. I don’t know that they want to just make devices, but change the way we use devices.

I think everyone thinks the RayBan Meta glasses are creepy, and I think glasses are misguided. Cool tech, well integrated but never a game changer. Missing free throws? Maybe, but I think Apple are playing a different game. The same could be said by EVERY Android phone when it comes to LiDAR. Such a simple thing these days but I am not aware of any android phone on then planet that has it (unless its in the S23, but I don’t think it does, since they tried and failed with the S20). Apple introduced it in the 12 Pro, and it was so helpful to me doing floor plans etc.

But as far as free throws go. They pretty much were sinking balls from half court with the AirTag v Tile (and other versions that have come out since). They own the market in watches and have taken a slam dunk, minus a few blocks with the Ultra. Hard core athletes still use a Fenix, but many still use the ultra in addition to it. Fenix sucks for every day use (in comparison), but is amazing at longevity.

Going to your point of making a TV. I’m interested to know what do you think they could do that is revolutionary with the TV? The AVP could be that device? When the Apple TV came out, TV's were improving in tech month on month. If Apple made a TV then it’d be outdated within months. Both Jobs and Cook have both said they are not interested in making stuff that everyone else makes. And nobody is making anything new right now that could be considered game changing. So they made the Apple TV which pretty one everyone says it’s the best device Apple actually make. I can’t disagree. It’s also one of the cheapest.

uhhhh there are plenty cool things Huawei did with their smart TV.

 

[trip1ex]

Now take your post and apply it to a different home than apparently yours... one where there are family members still at home... or roommates, etc. Yes, single guy living alone has no problem at all when their mobile stuff goes mobile with them. But unless everyone else in the FAM and/or all roommates have iPhone too, the ability to video conference is dependent on where that phone is at the time. A dedicated camera as anchored at home as the AppleTV itself does solve that problem for those interested in something other than continuity camera for this feature.

As to your suggestion of no USB-C port revival, I agree- Apple will probably not do that. And yet, putting the same port that works with the same hardware in the other iDevices would make it possible to give the AppleTV much more flexibility. I'd leap on 3 replacement AppleTVs if they could revive that first generation media sync feature and Zone 2 Analog audio out (which could be accomplished through a USB-C dongle)... but wouldn't want that forced on everyone else by building bigger storage into all AppleTVs (and thus much higher prices). There's 3 quick sales for Apple for this one household alone for sync and zone 2 support revivals.

A USB port could allow wired gaming controller connections for the gamers vs. depending on Bluetooth and that latency.

A USB port could easily facilitate this camera concept much easier and more sensibly vs. inserting a camera in the AppleTV case itself, forcing it and its cost upon those who would not want the feature at all... or want it implemented in that way.

Etc. The hardware guts to support a port is already in there, so Apple would have to choose to provide the port again- as it was included a few generations ago- and the little box would gain a lot more utility for hardly any increase in Apple cost. Added utility might make more people buy the box. Apple Inc. loves 💰💰💰.

Except I did apply the logic to every home. HOw many homes have ATVS but not iPhones or iPads? HOw many would buy an ATV for this one feature who don't have iphones and would make even a scratch in Apple's bottom line?


Paraphrasing Tim Cook, if a person wants to Facetime his mother on her ATV, then buy your mom an iPhone.

And seemingly you should take your own advice about applying your logic to those outside uyour own home when you say Apple would increase ATV sales by 3 if they had USBC.

REmember they not only released smaller cheaper ATVS but one without even an ethernet port.

No one cares (rounding off) about using wired controllers on an ATV. Wireless controllers are the default on every game console and wireless is the default for every remote control.

And again Apple already has a feature that lets you use your iPHone as the webcam on the Mac.

that's the obvious play here. The high odds play. IT's the skate to where the puck is going play.

There is no evidence a USBC port on an ATV would do anything for sales. You have to apply your thinking across the market not to your home or a few handfuls of homes who the exception to the rule.

But you do agree with me that an USBC is not happening so I'm not sure why you would bring us exceptions to the rule or edge cases. It is obvious if they put a USBC port on an ATV that someone on the planet would like it and use it. Won't argue against that. That's not the hurdle it has to jump in order for it to become reality however.

 

[steve09090]

uhhhh there are plenty cool things Huawei did with their smart TV.

I’m not aware of Huawei's TV's. Can you expand? I’m interested as we don’t appear to have any in Australia. I just read they have their own OS (which is refreshing to see).

 

[CapitalIdea]

Will not happen. There simply is not a big enough potential market of people who want to do video calls on a sofa using FaceTime.

 

[trip1ex]

And what do you do when you want to use your phone while on the call?

end the call?

I don't see such a feature like Facetime on ATV as anything more than seeing family members or friends on the big screen while talking with them. Presumably you don't want to watch them using their phone and presumably the reason you facetime is to look at them and not at your phone.

IT's not like every app and feature Apple releases serves all purposes. I use the Mail app on my iphone every though it can't do x, y and z. The calendar app can't do everything. The Alarm app. etc. But I use most of those. Or like deleting emails in Mail requires you to touch every email (although for I know there could be a faster way.) But what happens if you want to delete 1000 of them? Well maybe doing this on the iPhone isn't the best way? Maybe that is still ok?

 

[zorinlynx]

Built in to the box?
It seems it would require particular physical placement that is incompatible with a lot of living rooms, home offices, media rooms, etc. Our box is inside a cabinet. Makes zero sense unless it is an add-on accessory that will operate wirelessly.

Mine fell behind the TV stand and was there for like two years before I eventually had to use it somewhre else temporarily so I had to dig for it.

The idea of putting a camera on the actual Apple TV box is so absurd to me.

 

[MichaelAdam]

all those rumors are quite confusing … aTV with a screen . ATV with a camera . aTV on wheels … for now I would like a Dolby Atmos soundbar please and a HomePod that I can move around wireless … Thank you

 

[turbineseaplane]

Guess this won’t be for me.

I haven’t actually seen my Apple TV in a few years as it’s behind my TV

 

[mrr]

Finally, an actual new feature in an Apple product, other than just a speed bump every year.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Will not happen. There simply is not a big enough potential market of people who want to do video calls on a sofa using FaceTime.

If they make this device, it should be called Apple TV Mini, since we know it will be getting canceled

 

[steve09090]

If they make this device, it should be called Apple TV Mini, since we know it will be getting canceled

Why?

 

[CrysisDeu]

???

What makes the most sense and why? Consistency across its devices for one. You’ve not even addressed the FACT as to Apple including USB C and external camera capability on ALL their main products. Why? Because you are simply ignoring it because it doesn’t fit your argument. You’ve not even attempted to answer a single one of my questions, so why say you have? That’s fine, but don’t get upset at me and accusing me of things I haven’t done.


I’m not aware of Huawei's TV's. Can you expand? I’m interested as we don’t appear to have any in Australia. I just read they have their own OS (which is refreshing to see).

Most benefit comes from the superior panels in the same price range, decent camera, the OS, IOT connectivity and the home made chips.

It might be better if you watch their promo videos on their websites

The thing is there are plenty if cool things happening in China and I don’t think people here knows about. It is on Apple to bring those good things to the consumers in the US

From GPT:

The Huawei Vision S series incorporates several AI features and technologies that set it apart from many competitors:HarmonyOS Integration: One of the unique AI features comes from its HarmonyOS platform. This system allows for seamless interaction and integration across a wide range of devices, offering a unified smart home ecosystem. This includes the ability to use your phone not just as a remote control but also as a gamepad for games played on the TV, leveraging the phone’s sensors for more interactive gaming experiences oai_citation:1,HUAWEI Vision S65 Smart TV Review: A Connected 4K 120Hz TV - Gizmochina.AI Speaker Mode: The Vision S utilizes AI to enhance audio output through its built-in speakers. It employs a 4 x 10W speaker solution optimized by AI to deliver a wide frequency response range, ensuring high-quality reproduction of different frequencies in the audio signal. This AI-powered sound system aims to provide a richer and more immersive audio experience oai_citation:2,HUAWEI Vision S65 Smart TV Review: A Connected 4K 120Hz TV - Gizmochina.Smart Camera with AI Features: The inclusion of a 13MP magnetic camera supports AI functionalities like high-definition MeeTime video calls. This allows for smarter interaction, such as taking pictures or making video calls directly from your TV, enhancing the way you connect with others oai_citation:3,HUAWEI Vision S - HUAWEI Global.Huawei Share 2 and Flash Transfer Files: This feature exemplifies Huawei's use of AI in simplifying content sharing and management between your phone and TV. It allows for quick and easy transfer of photos, videos, music, and applications, setting a personalized experience by even using your photos as a screensaver oai_citation:4,HUAWEI Vision S - HUAWEI Global.AI-Powered MEMC: The Smart MEMC technology, enhanced by AI, dynamically inserts frames into videos, converting low frame-rate videos into smooth 120 fps content. This AI-enhanced feature ensures a smoother viewing experience by reducing lag, ghosting, and trailing that are common on TVs with lower refresh rates oai_citation:5,HUAWEI Vision S65 Smart TV Review: A Connected 4K 120Hz TV - Gizmochina oai_citation:6,Huawei Vision S 65" 4K UHD Smart TV Review: Connecting Spaces | TAV.While AI features like seamless device integration, advanced audio enhancement, and intelligent content upscaling are becoming more common in high-end smart TVs, Huawei’s integration of these technologies with their HarmonyOS ecosystem and the smart magnetic camera for MeeTime calls offers a distinctive approach. The AI-enhanced sound and MEMC technologies particularly emphasize the Vision S series’ commitment to enhancing both audio and visual components of the viewing experience, making it stand out in a crowded market.

 

[steve09090]

Most benefit comes from the superior panels in the same price range, decent camera, the OS, IOT connectivity and the home made chips.

It might be better if you watch their promo videos on their websites

The thing is there are plenty if cool things happening in China and I don’t think people here knows about. It is on Apple to bring those good things to the consumers in the US

From GPT:

The Huawei Vision S series incorporates several AI features and technologies that set it apart from many competitors:HarmonyOS Integration: One of the unique AI features comes from its HarmonyOS platform. This system allows for seamless interaction and integration across a wide range of devices, offering a unified smart home ecosystem. This includes the ability to use your phone not just as a remote control but also as a gamepad for games played on the TV, leveraging the phone’s sensors for more interactive gaming experiences oai_citation:1,HUAWEI Vision S65 Smart TV Review: A Connected 4K 120Hz TV - Gizmochina.AI Speaker Mode: The Vision S utilizes AI to enhance audio output through its built-in speakers. It employs a 4 x 10W speaker solution optimized by AI to deliver a wide frequency response range, ensuring high-quality reproduction of different frequencies in the audio signal. This AI-powered sound system aims to provide a richer and more immersive audio experience oai_citation:2,HUAWEI Vision S65 Smart TV Review: A Connected 4K 120Hz TV - Gizmochina.Smart Camera with AI Features: The inclusion of a 13MP magnetic camera supports AI functionalities like high-definition MeeTime video calls. This allows for smarter interaction, such as taking pictures or making video calls directly from your TV, enhancing the way you connect with others oai_citation:3,HUAWEI Vision S - HUAWEI Global.Huawei Share 2 and Flash Transfer Files: This feature exemplifies Huawei's use of AI in simplifying content sharing and management between your phone and TV. It allows for quick and easy transfer of photos, videos, music, and applications, setting a personalized experience by even using your photos as a screensaver oai_citation:4,HUAWEI Vision S - HUAWEI Global.AI-Powered MEMC: The Smart MEMC technology, enhanced by AI, dynamically inserts frames into videos, converting low frame-rate videos into smooth 120 fps content. This AI-enhanced feature ensures a smoother viewing experience by reducing lag, ghosting, and trailing that are common on TVs with lower refresh rates oai_citation:5,HUAWEI Vision S65 Smart TV Review: A Connected 4K 120Hz TV - Gizmochina oai_citation:6,Huawei Vision S 65" 4K UHD Smart TV Review: Connecting Spaces | TAV.While AI features like seamless device integration, advanced audio enhancement, and intelligent content upscaling are becoming more common in high-end smart TVs, Huawei’s integration of these technologies with their HarmonyOS ecosystem and the smart magnetic camera for MeeTime calls offers a distinctive approach. The AI-enhanced sound and MEMC technologies particularly emphasize the Vision S series’ commitment to enhancing both audio and visual components of the viewing experience, making it stand out in a crowded market.

Thanks. I had no idea they even made TV's, as I said, we havent seen them here. (I didn’t even think of using GPT, so I appreciate the effort). And I could only see a UK review basing off a Malaysian TV.

It sounds like they have "apple style" integration but also using AI. I’ll definitely have a look at some of their videos. 👍

 

[CrysisDeu]

Thanks. I had no idea they even made TV's, as I said, we havent seen them here. (I didn’t even think of using GPT, so I appreciate the effort). And I could only see a UK review basing off a Malaysian TV.

It sounds like they have "apple style" integration but also using AI. I’ll definitely have a look at some of their videos. 👍

Yeah, although I don’t like Huawei as a company, their product line up is really impressive

 

[Surf Monkey]

Some good points.

I think it’s not just the physical devices, but Apple seem to be concentrating on types of inputs. Things like finger pinching or hand clasping which is available on the Apple Watch, they have integrated the same principal in their AVP. I don’t know that they want to just make devices, but change the way we use devices.

I think everyone thinks the RayBan Meta glasses are creepy, and I think glasses are misguided. Cool tech, well integrated but never a game changer. Missing free throws? Maybe, but I think Apple are playing a different game. The same could be said by EVERY Android phone when it comes to LiDAR. Such a simple thing these days but I am not aware of any android phone on then planet that has it (unless its in the S23, but I don’t think it does, since they tried and failed with the S20). Apple introduced it in the 12 Pro, and it was so helpful to me doing floor plans etc.

But as far as free throws go. They pretty much were sinking balls from half court with the AirTag v Tile (and other versions that have come out since). They own the market in watches and have taken a slam dunk, minus a few blocks with the Ultra. Hard core athletes still use a Fenix, but many still use the ultra in addition to it. Fenix sucks for every day use (in comparison), but is amazing at longevity.

Going to your point of making a TV. I’m interested to know what do you think they could do that is revolutionary with the TV? The AVP could be that device? When the Apple TV came out, TV's were improving in tech month on month. If Apple made a TV then it’d be outdated within months. Both Jobs and Cook have both said they are not interested in making stuff that everyone else makes. And nobody is making anything new right now that could be considered game changing. So they made the Apple TV which pretty one everyone says it’s the best device Apple actually make. I can’t disagree. It’s also one of the cheapest.

I think we look at things a bit differently, I think Apple are working on things differently to the way other companies are. And that’s their DNA.

The Meta glasses are “creepy” but Vision isn’t? Wasn’t the primary rationalization around Vision that “it’ll be regular glasses some day” when it obviously won’t? It sure seems to me from the commentary here that glasses are vastly more acceptable and desirable than any other AR system out right now.

 

[Surf Monkey]

end the call?

I don't see such a feature like Facetime on ATV as anything more than seeing family members or friends on the big screen while talking with them. Presumably you don't want to watch them using their phone and presumably the reason you facetime is to look at them and not at your phone.

IT's not like every app and feature Apple releases serves all purposes. I use the Mail app on my iphone every though it can't do x, y and z. The calendar app can't do everything. The Alarm app. etc. But I use most of those. Or like deleting emails in Mail requires you to touch every email (although for I know there could be a faster way.) But what happens if you want to delete 1000 of them? Well maybe doing this on the iPhone isn't the best way? Maybe that is still ok?

A dedicated camera is a better idea. It just is.

 

[HiFifreak]

hmhm.....accoring to Gurman.
Another one that can go straight into the bin.

 

[trip1ex]

A dedicated camera is a better idea. It just is.

Better for the price? For the target market? For sales? For the investment? For you?

But I digress because the question never was what is better. The question is what is this FaceTime rumor likely to mean on the ATV. The most obvious answer is the iPhone being the camera. Because they already let you use it as a webcam on the Mac.

it requires no wires. It gives iPhone users another benefit of owning an AppleTV. Apple has control over the experience. It doesn’t require making another version of the ATV which doesn’t seem justified by FT alone.

 

[CrysisDeu]

Better for the price? For the target market? For sales? For the investment? For you?

The question never was what is better for a certain use case. The question is what is this FaceTime rumor likely to mean on the ATV. The most obvious answer is the iPhone being used as the camera. They already let use it as a webcam on the Mac.

But I want to keep using my iPhone