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Foxconn Likely to Win Contract for Building Apple Television Set
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I feel that Apple's entry into the TV market with be nothing but DISRUPTIVE to the current ongoing great advances made continuously already by other manufacturers. Because of Apple's cult following hold on any market they enter into, other TV manufacturers will try to match the silly gimmicky and dumbed down things that Apple will bring to TV, or at least have await to see attitude.
As such, I hope Apple TV doesn't happen. The market is totally fine without them. I don't want voice control (Siri sucks on my phone, what do I want it on my TV), alternative delivery methods for bad content, delay technology introduction, smaller screen sizes or dumbed down user interfaces without depth. And I'm already tired of all the conjecture.
Tony
As such, I hope Apple TV doesn't happen. The market is totally fine without them. I don't want voice control (Siri sucks on my phone, what do I want it on my TV), alternative delivery methods for bad content, delay technology introduction, smaller screen sizes or dumbed down user interfaces without depth. And I'm already tired of all the conjecture.
Tony
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iMac TV?
Apple always enters a market small, builds in some exciting functionality to encourage sales, then adds on in subsequent years to grow the product. Apple TV is a good start as a set top box with Internet and local network connectivity to access anything you want online. The iMac provides full computer functionality, with built-in camera, microphone, speakers, and now Thunderbolt connectivity.
Take this to the next step, add a bigger screen (32" & 37"), build in the Apple TV software (it's already a subset of MacOS X), and iOS apps within the Apple TV interface. Add optical and HDMI (or appropriate Thunderbolt adapters), Siri voice control, and what do you have? A big HDTV screen on an iMac with full Apple TV and iOS app functionality.
Now, say Siri play NetFlix, Siri play game X, Siri go to Apple.com in Safari, Siri (all the regular iOS voice commands, but now with big display to complement voice response). Siri sleep (screen blanks to black). Siri, what's the weather (screen wakes up, displays weather with voice comments). Siri display movie X (plays movie X from iTunes library). Siri FaceTime call Charles... Whatever... Don't want to use voice control, use your iPhone as a controller, or the iMac's keyboard.
In short, a voice controlled iMac using a HDTV screen as a display, running Apple TV in software, with the added Apple TV hardware connectivity.
Now say, "Siri switch to iMac Desktop," and return to normal iMac interface to do routine computer stuff. Limiting the first attempt to 32" or 37" inches shouldn't hinder the Desktop experience.
This capability is already at hand, just waiting for Apple to integrate it into one device. Apple adds in some newly negotiated contracts with content providers to sweeten the deal, which does nothing to threaten traditional TV setups. But, it shows everyone the future of totally integrating the computer with the TV. Apple could even offer HDMI-in to connect your current set top boxes to use it as a regular TV.
This device offers a tempting option for apartment renters, giving them a TV/computer in one box, with 21st century features like voice control and Siri Internet searches. This would also be great in bedrooms and home offices. Once the concept takes hold, Apple ups the game with larger displays for the living room.
In the meantime, Apple TV 3 is upgraded to add Siri, iOS apps, and the other stuff for people to begin to enjoy these extra features with their current TVs. But, the next time they're in the market for a new computer, or TV, the seed will have been planted.
Apple makes money selling hardware, tightly integrated with services through software. If the content providers aren't ready to play ball, there's plenty out there today to tightly integrate all your iTunes stuff, Internet iOS apps accessing media online, online gaming, and all the other stuff you do on your iPhone and iPad today to make such an integrated iMac a game changer.
I know I'd want one.
Apple always enters a market small, builds in some exciting functionality to encourage sales, then adds on in subsequent years to grow the product. Apple TV is a good start as a set top box with Internet and local network connectivity to access anything you want online. The iMac provides full computer functionality, with built-in camera, microphone, speakers, and now Thunderbolt connectivity.
Take this to the next step, add a bigger screen (32" & 37"), build in the Apple TV software (it's already a subset of MacOS X), and iOS apps within the Apple TV interface. Add optical and HDMI (or appropriate Thunderbolt adapters), Siri voice control, and what do you have? A big HDTV screen on an iMac with full Apple TV and iOS app functionality.
Now, say Siri play NetFlix, Siri play game X, Siri go to Apple.com in Safari, Siri (all the regular iOS voice commands, but now with big display to complement voice response). Siri sleep (screen blanks to black). Siri, what's the weather (screen wakes up, displays weather with voice comments). Siri display movie X (plays movie X from iTunes library). Siri FaceTime call Charles... Whatever... Don't want to use voice control, use your iPhone as a controller, or the iMac's keyboard.
In short, a voice controlled iMac using a HDTV screen as a display, running Apple TV in software, with the added Apple TV hardware connectivity.
Now say, "Siri switch to iMac Desktop," and return to normal iMac interface to do routine computer stuff. Limiting the first attempt to 32" or 37" inches shouldn't hinder the Desktop experience.
This capability is already at hand, just waiting for Apple to integrate it into one device. Apple adds in some newly negotiated contracts with content providers to sweeten the deal, which does nothing to threaten traditional TV setups. But, it shows everyone the future of totally integrating the computer with the TV. Apple could even offer HDMI-in to connect your current set top boxes to use it as a regular TV.
This device offers a tempting option for apartment renters, giving them a TV/computer in one box, with 21st century features like voice control and Siri Internet searches. This would also be great in bedrooms and home offices. Once the concept takes hold, Apple ups the game with larger displays for the living room.
In the meantime, Apple TV 3 is upgraded to add Siri, iOS apps, and the other stuff for people to begin to enjoy these extra features with their current TVs. But, the next time they're in the market for a new computer, or TV, the seed will have been planted.
Apple makes money selling hardware, tightly integrated with services through software. If the content providers aren't ready to play ball, there's plenty out there today to tightly integrate all your iTunes stuff, Internet iOS apps accessing media online, online gaming, and all the other stuff you do on your iPhone and iPad today to make such an integrated iMac a game changer.
I know I'd want one.
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Good luck with your 32" non-3D outdated LCD TV with limited content that could turn off by saying "Siri off" instead of presing a single button then. I'll opt for my 55" Samsung 3D micro-dimmed high contrast 20th generation SmartTV with with full content provided my my cable company and Samsung apps that I can already stream my PC content to as well for the same price probably.
If I need to talk to something, it'll be my wife. Tony
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Tones2, I actually have a 55" Samsung LED TV in my living room, with an attached Apple TV 2 and my Dish DVR, and my surround system. I love it. The Samsung TV apps are cool, but the hardware is so slow as to make them unusable. Apple's forte is usability. They don't throw hardware together to meet a spec sheet. Baldwin's spoof of Siri turning off the TV accidentally was cute, but that's an interface detail that's easily solved.
I actually look forward to voice controlling my TV in the future. I hate typing into tedious on-screen keyboards to find TV shows, or to schedule recordings.
I actually look forward to voice controlling my TV in the future. I hate typing into tedious on-screen keyboards to find TV shows, or to schedule recordings.
Because when I think of high quality televisions Foxconn is the first company that comes to mind...lol
I wouldn't trade my basic LG 55" LED TV in my living room for a fancy Apple branded 32" or 37" model. Who would? HDMI is there for a reason. I didn't even spend the extra money for a so called "Smart TV" because I can plug a networked BD player or any other smart device into it that does about the same thing. When the player is outdated I can just plug a new one into it.
Maybe I am in the minority, but when I purchase a TV I just like a basic model to use as a monitor then I add my components to it. The components always become outdated much quicker then the TV itself.
I wouldn't trade my basic LG 55" LED TV in my living room for a fancy Apple branded 32" or 37" model. Who would? HDMI is there for a reason. I didn't even spend the extra money for a so called "Smart TV" because I can plug a networked BD player or any other smart device into it that does about the same thing. When the player is outdated I can just plug a new one into it.
Maybe I am in the minority, but when I purchase a TV I just like a basic model to use as a monitor then I add my components to it. The components always become outdated much quicker then the TV itself.
Would definitely need to be a minimum of 42" IMHO. However, not being able to plug something into an existing device like a TV or in my home theater's case, a projector, it seems I would be out of luck.
I could see Apple just getting into the TV market as it seems like something that would work well for them. Despite the potential price markup vs. existing Sony or Samsung devices, I could see them sold as high end TVs with a beautiful design, beautiful UI, video on demand options, iPad/iPod/iPhone integration, etc.
Most people would probably not buy it, but enough would to keep it going.
I could also see it being an iMac replacement. Let's be honest, add an HDMI IN or coax input, and you have a pretty nice computer with TV capabilities. Completely simplified using the Mac App Store with no side installations.
The more I think about it, the better it gets - for a dorm room, maybe?
I'm not so sure that Apple would add an HDMI or coax input if they want to have 100% control over the content being watched on the TV.
I don't think this is just going to be about telling the tv to change the channel for you... you might have a phone all the time, but there is a tv in every room of rich peoples' houses... and there was that apple guy who went off and made some thermostat... this is going to be the future house that talks to rich people and makes them a cup of hot cocoa and a tiny pizza that turns huge in some kind of futuristic microwave.
mark my words! also, most of the world will continue living on 2$ a day.
mark my words! also, most of the world will continue living on 2$ a day.
Name me two people who would buy a TV just because it has an Apple logo on it. I suspect that you might name one, that's why I'm asking for two
I'm less interested in a TV than I was in the tablet rumors. Still can't think of a reason to buy an iPad, and I haven't owned a TV in 10 years, so can't see that changing anytime soon.
Just one App!
I hate TV I think it is stupid, but my kids still watch 2-3 kids chanels and my wife stopped to watch it too.
Right now i really enjoy VEVO HD with
TV and iPad 2.
The quality is super nice and i can make my own playlists and i'm happy.
I would be happy to have just one App from Apple where i can choose 2-3 channels for the kids and subscribe and stream to my tv so the kids will be happy and i cut the cable company in a heartbeat
I hate TV
I think it is stupid, but my kids still watch 2-3 kids chanels and my wife stopped to watch it too.Right now i really enjoy VEVO HD with
TV and iPad 2.The quality is super nice and i can make my own playlists and i'm happy.
I would be happy to have just one App from Apple where i can choose 2-3 channels for the kids and subscribe and stream to my tv so the kids will be happy and i cut the cable company in a heartbeat
Will a suicide net catch a slave and a 32" toy TV with a $500 Apple sticker in a mutual death plunge?
The way I see it, Apple has so much experience and such solid staffing, there is no way the TV will be anything but a success. They've probably already spent millions of dollars on research, and know what people will like.
TBH, I expect the 37" TV to be about $2000, and that would seem like a fair price if it is a product that's better than anything else on the market. If the TV is enclosed in solid aluminum, has Siri, a touch screen remote, a camera that works like Microsoft's Kinect, has wifi, a TV appstore, 4k resolution, built in internet access, built in hard drive for PVR features, I/O ports for adding HDD/SSD storage, then I think its definitely something I would look at along with many other TV shoppers.
TBH, I expect the 37" TV to be about $2000, and that would seem like a fair price if it is a product that's better than anything else on the market. If the TV is enclosed in solid aluminum, has Siri, a touch screen remote, a camera that works like Microsoft's Kinect, has wifi, a TV appstore, 4k resolution, built in internet access, built in hard drive for PVR features, I/O ports for adding HDD/SSD storage, then I think its definitely something I would look at along with many other TV shoppers.
Frankly, if that satisfies you, congratulations.
BOSE isn't a good reference when it comes to sound quality.
A 400% premium on a quality 37" TV?
2012 will be a great TV year for 1% Wall Streeters who survived the occupation guillotines
and want something to show off next to their reedy sounding, hipster Bang and Olufson audio works of art.
The same way you currently get iTunes and Apple TV. Select your programming, pay for it, and there it is. Magic!
Some of the older Bose speakers are actually OK. They're just a little expensive but then again Apple fans have no problem blowing money on redundant Apple products.
Font Facing Camera
I find it interesting the lack of discussion of possibility of a front facing camera for a "iTV." Obviously fully capable, it would open of Face Time up beyond portable devices and all video conferencing for apps, along with possibly touch less hand gestures, allowing a similar user experience as the iPad, which in my eyes is the whole appeal of the iPad. It's fun and interactive. However, I think everyone agrees, that a 32 and 37 inch won't cut it.
I find it interesting the lack of discussion of possibility of a front facing camera for a "iTV." Obviously fully capable, it would open of Face Time up beyond portable devices and all video conferencing for apps, along with possibly touch less hand gestures, allowing a similar user experience as the iPad, which in my eyes is the whole appeal of the iPad. It's fun and interactive. However, I think everyone agrees, that a 32 and 37 inch won't cut it.
Decent sub/sat systems (not Bose) may have good sat speakers. Combine them with a real sub and it would make an excellent theater setup.