Apple's TV Plans Reportedly On Hold Again as Wearables Take Priority

[DTphonehome]

Time is actually on Apple's side here. As time goes on, more and more cable providers and cable channels are offering app access to their content (i.e., Disney, HBO, FiOS, etc). So Apple doesn't really need to figure out the content angle, as most people can get what they want through apps from the content provider directly. They wouldn't even need a cable box, as the apps can access encrypted content. If they want something that they can't get because they don't subscribe to that service, they can buy it from iTunes. Between iTunes and Netflix, most people's content needs are filled.

The way Apple can make a big splash would be to mainstream 4K TVs. We are a solid year away from the point that a 4K TV can come to market at a reasonable (albeit premium) price. I predict a large 4K AppleTV in early 2015. By that time, Netflix will be streaming 4K regularly, and Apple can match that in iTunes. Tie in all the other apps into a nice user interface (the Apple specialty), and you have a winning product.

 

[autrefois]

focus on Apple wearables has continued to pick up steam amid continuing rumors that the company is shooting for a late 2014 launch of an iWatch that would run "full iOS".

People were upset about the dumbing down of iWork on the Mac so there would be feature parity across Macs, iPads, iPhones, and iCloud.com. Just imagine what's going to happen to all our apps if they have to run on a watch!

 

[S.B.G]

Content deals/problems aside, I'd much rather see an Apple Television before the iWatch.

 

[giantfan1224]

I don't find this report credible.

Apple has so few engineers that they can't work on two projects at once?

It's not as if the skill set of the TV development guys is of any use to the watch development guys!


.

It's not an either/or decision for Apple. Obviously they have the resources to pursue both. They just prefer to put the TV on hold for now, if this article is true.

 

[alent1234]

Please explain. I've been debating whether to get my parents a Roku 3 or ATV. They are no tech savvy at all & would mostly be watching Amazon prime content which ATV doesn't have unless you stream from an iPad. No problem for me, but for them it could get kind of confusing. Would love to hear the negatives on Roku vs ATV.

i was looking at the roku, but most of the channels don't seem interesting or are lite previews of content

 

[chromite]

Timeline of the iWatch:

First generation is released to critical acclaim, yet there are those who say "Apple is doomed, Tim Cook doesn't know what he's doing"

Second generation has minor improvements, still critically acclaimed yet sales are not as powerful as first generation

Third generation has major screen improvements and battery life goes up, Apple drones have accepted it and now proclaim it's glory

Fourth generation sees it have complete crossover capability with all iOS products along with desktop OSX

Fifth generation sees a complete overhaul with a new ad campaign declaring why the redesign is "common sense"

 

[KellyC]

Please, we just want an A7 based Apple TV 4 with apps (even if more heavily curated than the App Store) and game controller support...

Certainly strategy must be more of what's holding this up than technology...

Same here. I don't care about the screen. Let me decide what to hook it up to. I just want a more capable ATV.

 

[osx11]

I'm sure Apple could in theory create an amazing TV experience unlike anything we've seen. However, ultimately a TV is about content - and I'm certain would want an a la carte model. But if content providers don't want to play apples game, this rumored TV project might never happen.

 

[alent1234]

I'm sure Apple could in theory create an amazing TV experience unlike anything we've seen. However, ultimately a TV is about content - and I'm certain would want an a la carte model. But if content providers don't want to play apples game, this rumored TV project might never happen.

a la carte only works if you watch a few shows. time warner cable TV is $50 a month including sports. that's just over 2 seasons on itunes

 

[alexgowers]

Would really hate to see apple properly enter either wearables or a tv. Neither has much promise and could actually damage apple with their ever increasing line up of things. They are reaching saturation of a single user.

You can own an iphone, laptop, ipad and maybe an Apple TV but a watch and a TV set on top is pushing the limits of what the average person has to spend on these kind of items.

Watches are useless unless you want to show off and be one if those flashy gits.

TVs have narrow profits and a 1080p panel from the last 4 years is going to last you indefinitely. I see my tv lasting until it breaks as there is nothing now I need and I can't see any pixels and I don't want a bigger one.

Apple should instead make a two size line of iPhones and think of some other markets, especially apps for Apple TV etc. so much untapped potential there right now. Though I suspect apple is afraid to step in toes of cable companies they are trying to get onside for services.

It's a hard time to be inventing new products right now I would hate to be the apple dev team
Working out the next step.

 

[OriginalMacRat]

Some day, some day. But seriously, I question whether there really is a "TV" in development, or if this has all been some mirage.

Well, the rumor started in 2006.

Don't hold your breath.

 

[69650]

Quite frankly the current Apple TV would make a piss poor Television given the serious lack of content on there. I can't see the point of launching a Television if they don't have the content deals. Just turn the current AppleTV into a XBox or PS4 competitor for streaming iTunes content including games. At least that way they keep the price down.

 

[bbeagle]

But seriously, I'd prefer a TV over an iWatch from Apple any day (iWatch TV anyone? Anyone?)

THIS will get the Samsung fans to finally shut up. Look at those LARGE screens! Must be innovation!

 

[nickgri]

TV bookmark

Apple-once again a "bookmark" option for people watching TV who see an ad and want to either view the offer on their computer or IOS now or check it out later. Like a pay per click-all the advertisers will PAY you for these searches-this is what they want the viewers to do right-the whole purpose of the ads is to get people to check out their product(s). DUH. Make millions on this simple option. All digital info is there to work with. Work with the remote makers to have the bookmark button and add it to any advertising on your previews or ads or Youtube or wherever-never mind all the future bells and whistles that stall getting product out-do this first and make a ton of cash forever by being first-send me a nice check for the idea-thanks.
Nickgri

 

[Millah]

I don't find this report credible.

Apple has so few engineers that they can't work on two projects at once?

It's not as if the skill set of the TV development guys is of any use to the watch development guys!


.

I bet you could have said the same thing regarding iPhone 1 development.

"Why did OSX have to get delayed for a phone, its not like a computer engineer is of any use to a friggin phone!"

Talented engineers don't grow on trees. Apple puts their A-Team on their most important project. Thats on top of all the current engineering projects they ALREADY have underway for iPhone/iPad/Mac development. What makes Apples engineers so talented is how diverse their skill sets are. Look at Dan Riccio, the current SVP of hardware engineering. Before becoming an engineering exec, he actually used to be a part of Jony Ives team as VP of Design. Employees at Apple have broad range of expertise.

 

[Nimrad]

I don't find this report credible.

Apple has so few engineers that they can't work on two projects at once?
.

Wouldn't hurt with a bit of help when it's near launch.

 

[Michael Goff]

I don't find this report credible.

Apple has so few engineers that they can't work on two projects at once?

It's not as if the skill set of the TV development guys is of any use to the watch development guys!


.

They really don't seem to have a lot of engineers. Remember when Mavericks was pushed back because they moved people from OS X development to iOS? They seem to not have as many people as they have projects they need them for.

 

[citi]

We don't need an Apple flavored TV anyway. It's just going to be a Samsung panel in an Apple Box, or an LG panel that everyone will complain about while looking for serial numbers to distinguish the Samsung panel. Just upgrade the apple hockey puck, add siri and call it a day.

 

[Patriot24]

I wouldn't be surprised if Apple decided to shelve one product in favor of another that is more urgent (See: Steve Jobs shelving the iPad in favor of the iPhone).

What I don't understand at all is why Tim Cook has been reiterating that TV is "an area of intense focus" if indeed they have put it on hold?

Either this is truly a major shift in focus that has happened very recently, or the source has incorrect information.

 

[bbeagle]

It's not an either/or decision for Apple. Obviously they have the resources to pursue both. They just prefer to put the TV on hold for now, if this article is true.

I bet apple has a TV, a watch, a google glasses competitor, a car, etc. in development. It's the way most companies work - lots of ideas and prototypes in research & development, but very few things go to market.

Samsung, seems to put EVERYTHING in the market, however. They don't seem to have a filter to judge what people actually want. (Throw everything at the wall and hope something sticks)

 

[M-O]

iCar has also been put on hold.

 

[69650]

Rather than an actual Television set I'd prefer it if they turned the current AppleTV box into a mini projector. That way you could stream your iTunes content or games onto a wall or portable screen. There are plenty of add-ons and apps to allow you stream live TV to your iPhone or iPad so that wouldn't be a problem.

It would be ideal for the kids bedroom, students, frequent travellers, etc. If everyone started replacing those big heavy flat screen TVs with one of those that would really shake up the TV market. No need for a TV in every room, just pick it up and take it with you.

 

[bbeagle]

What I don't understand at all is why Tim Cook has been reiterating that TV is "an area of intense focus" if indeed they have put it on hold?

TV does not necessarily mean MAKING PHYSICAL LARGE SCREEN TVs. 'TV' could mean a software box like the Apple TV.

And I have no doubt that Apple actually has prototype physical large screen tvs in closed rooms on their campus. Of course they do! They are testing to see what the better experience is, a tv with Apple TV integrated, or a stand-alone box. And teams of researchers determining the proper path forward.

 

[Patriot24]

TV does not necessarily mean MAKING PHYSICAL LARGE SCREEN TVs. 'TV' could mean a software box like the Apple TV.

I am aware of that. The article suggests that the project as a whole, whether that be a STB or Set, are on hold.

When Tim Cook reiterated his comments about "TV", he clearly meant them in the context of an industry and experience as a whole, not specifically a Set. I think most people understand that piece.

 

[Gasu E.]

TV does not necessarily mean MAKING PHYSICAL LARGE SCREEN TVs. 'TV' could mean a software box like the Apple TV.

I predict with 100% certainty that Apple will offer a "software box" TV product within the next 12 months. Bank on it!