Multiple Sources Suggest Apple Working on Television for as Early as 2012

[MikeELL]

I think the key is going to be interactivity through apps, and probably voice-activated, hands-free interactivity, with the option of using your iphone/ipad to manipulate it.

They will ditch all the tv/cable networks (or just assimilate their content) and just push it over broadband internet. Facetime will evolve into something anyone can use to update their news/youtube feed. Arcade gaming will rock.

 

[dadoftwogirls]

If their TV's cost (proportionately) as much as their monitor's, who'll be able to afford their $3000 40" model?

 

[bretm]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_3_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.0.2 Mobile/8G4 Safari/6533.18.5)

There is one thing that is not yet commodity and would get me to consider an Apple TV if reasonably priced: QFHD (3840×2160), or, even better, WQUXGA (3840×2400). Now, there are only a few such commercially available LCD monitors, used in cinema and medical imaging. They are fantastically expensive. But, we all know that Apple likes to pay cash up front - enough to guarantee a profit for the right supplier. Such a monitor would have to be at least 48" or larger for TV use. There were some prototypes 10 years ago, and, Eizo has one listed for $36K. I wonder if Apple could sell a consumer version for < $3K?

What on earth are you talking about? There's nothing out there that requires even close to that resolution in the consumer realm.

 

[thaimac]

Make a beautiful, 32" aluminum TV. Integrate it with Apple TV and an app store. Sell it for $999.

Who would buy that? Millions.

Apple thrives in low-margin industries by differentiating and selling at a premium.

Or.... people may just buy a 400$ 32" TV + a 99$ Apple TV = 499$ VS your 999$

 

[balamw]

DLP - Data Loss Prevention

LOL. Wrong definition. Here DLP = Digital Light Processing.

B

 

[bretm]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_3_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.0.2 Mobile/8G4 Safari/6533.18.5)

This "Apple building a TV" drek came from The Onion, right?

TV? Yes...but why would anyone think it has to be a "TV set"? They already have the AppleTV box to deliver content to your HDMI TV. Is it too complicated to connect power and HDMI, then connect to your WiFi (or Ethernet) network?

Can you say "ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, and AppleTV"?

If a sitcom costs $1 million per episode and Apple decides to produce a high-quality show (and I'm not talking "Two Broke Girls"), would there be at least 4 million people who would subscribe to a season's worth of shows (26 episodes) at $13 per season? That's $52 million; a 100% profit margin. Certainly better than hardware.

Laugh if you will but the plan is for Apple to create a TV network and also to become a national ISP. Once they control the content and the pipe, the other four networks will cave. Creative destruction at its finest.

Expensive? Apple has $750 billion in the bank and a data center looking for content.

Out of their core competency? Can you say "Pixar"?

Apple dropped "Computer" from their corporate name for a reason.

Think Different.

ROFL! I guess they'll start making hit songs to sell too because I hear you can make music pretty much for free with Garage Band. Geez buddy. Just because you have the cash doesn't mean you could or should succeed. This is a publicly traded company. You must be joking or simply losing it.

 

[bretm]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_3_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.0.2 Mobile/8G4 Safari/6533.18.5)

I don't know, but an Apple TV set does not feels right. I would stay with Apple TV2.

There is too much competition in the TV set industry and it does not rely on software.

Software is quickly becoming the discerning factor in TVs. They all look good. It's all about the software. The built in internet apps. It's all about things like my Bluetooth vizio remote witht the slideout keyboard and Hulu Plus or Netflix. I think a built in DVR on flash memory would be a great feature. And how about a FaceTime camera? There are so many simple things Apple could do that the TV companies aren't doing because they aren't really computing companies. Their interfaces are laughable. Current TVs aren't even up to android standards. Just like the iPod and the mp3 market, others are paving the way badly and breaking the ground necessary for someone like Apple to put together a better product at a premium price.

 

[lilo777]

The only market segment that Apple can target with iOS based TV set is low price TVs. Users with money and even moderate requirements for their viewing experience will always want to put video/audio source before AV receiver. Do you really want to watch TV with iMac type speakers?

 

[Des Zac]

Hey guys, remember Macintosh TV and how well that did? Exactly

 

[peterdevries]

Edit: Never mind..

 

[pembs]

In the end, I hope it released ASAP. I am in need of a new TV and would love to get my hands on this one. Plus, being an Apple product it is bound to bring something innovative to the table.

 

[marksman]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_3_4 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.0.2 Mobile/8K2 Safari/6533.18.5)

I think people are missing the fact that Google got themselves some major inroads for Google TV. Motorola is the largest supplier of set top boxes for cable companies. If you think Google is not going to take advantage of that to help push Google TV then you are nuts.

Google TV has some major advantages to help take off now.

That was my initial thought too...

Do you think the CableCos are going to accept GoogleTV's manipulation and repurposing of their content just because Moogle makes the STB?

What about other CableCos that don't use 'Nix boxes -- as I understand ATT u-verse STB is windows based (that explains a lot of things)?

After thinking about it, I believe that Moogle doesn't have enough leverage to make this happen. The CableCos would simply contract other manufacturers to build their STBs.

It is a whole 'bother discussion, but I suspect that the Google purchase of MMI has put them in the situation where: anything they do to change it will make it worse..

Cisco and motorola make almost all set top boxes for cable. With only two options you do not gain anything by blowing one off you just give cisco massive leverage over you

 

[Rot'nApple]

Minor error in your proposed timeline, "Google" are already in the making of "Android TVs".

1) The first "Android TV" was announced in 2009, released last year.
2) Google has been trying to break their Google TV for quite some time. Sony released 4 such models in 2010.

as for your 9) technology is progressing towards it (convergence, baby!), and yes - as far as innovation goes it is rather obvious and trivial*. So yeah, we surely would say that. Only a fool would deny it.

* Breaking it on the other hand is non-trivial, but that is a non-technological matter.

An actual tv the likes that RCA, Sharp, Sony, Samsung, Vizio and others make

OR

A set top box like tv like?

Where is this Google / Android tv sold and I'm not looking for a set-top box, just the tv? I would like to see it. I'm not purchasing one but just want to see it.

Thanks
/
/
/

 

[divinox]

I think Apple does not have to seek the help of the cable companies since they only aggregate others' content. ( they are like the music retailer, if I may, and for iPod, Apple went straight to the labels ). In the U.S. it is a bit odd that Comcast and Time warner are in both segments. I think the situation is similar to music labels, 5 or 6 companies are owners of majority of the cable channels. The cable companies are already starting to see an erosion in their subscriber base due to Netflix and other online content. So even Comcast and Time Warner have enough incentives to get on board.

Like said, my understanding may be lacking. I am under the impression however that the networks do more than just aggregate the content of others, specifically that they are an important corner-stone in financing production. As such, if true, theres really no labels to go straight to. Even if there were a few, a significant portion of the content would still be locked in, a portion they would be damned to give Apple access too - seeing how it is them Apple is trying to disrupt out of business.

But, once again, i might be completely wrong. If content is already uncoupled from the distributor its more a matter of getting a critical mass on-board.

 

[divinox]

An actual tv the likes that RCA, Sharp, Sony, Samsung, Vizio and others make

OR

A set top box like tv like?

Where is this Google / Android tv sold and I'm not looking for a set-top box, just the tv? I would like to see it. I'm not purchasing one but just want to see it.

Thanks
/
/
/

First one is made by a swedish company called people of lava. Low volume stuff, so expect it to be pricy.

(obviously a rendering, check movie below for actual device).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQEMkXJ1Hbg

 

[jacobj]

But will they play DVD's?

You mean Blu-Rays of course!

 

[andy721]

takes this long to make a damn LED TV? Stupid, pure stupid. Just put it out to the consumers already. You guys take forever on your stupid every 3-6 month technology but turn it around and sell everything new each year or two you make us wait to buy your overpriced products.

 

[christian_k]

I don't like this direction. A decade ago apple was all about creativity. iMacs with built in FireWire and iMove opened digital video editing to many people for the first time etc. and the focus was OSX as an open platform.

Now the focus has shifted towards locked down devices. Just pay content, sit-back and consume.

Of course, a TV would be a logical next step in that direction. But a TV is a very boring product IMHO. Its as boring as watching TV at all.

Christian

 

[GregAndonian]

Software is quickly becoming the discerning factor in TVs. They all look good. It's all about the software. The built in internet apps. It's all about things like my Bluetooth vizio remote witht the slideout keyboard and Hulu Plus or Netflix. I think a built in DVR on flash memory would be a great feature. And how about a FaceTime camera? There are so many simple things Apple could do that the TV companies aren't doing because they aren't really computing companies. Their interfaces are laughable. Current TVs aren't even up to android standards. Just like the iPod and the mp3 market, others are paving the way badly and breaking the ground necessary for someone like Apple to put together a better product at a premium price.

"We can't afford to shop at a store that has a philosophy- We JUST need a TV"

-Marge Simpson

 

[Piggie]

How about apple bring out a FED display TV?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Field_emission_display

http://www.pctechguide.com/fed-flat-panels

We have been waiting years and years for these to be made and in the shops.

 

[iSayuSay]

Do you ever watch anything on the ABC Network ?

If you do you are watching 720P because that's what they broadcast in.

Yes I know, but ABC network don't cost you $29 a movie, or $5 to rent a 2 hour so-called HD movies with pseudo surround sound format.

For that money, I believe I deserve more, wouldn't you say?

 

[bushido]

OT: boring slow news days, can we just finally get a "Music" Event invitation i guess October launch is more then likely now

 

[SactoGuy18]

Like I said earlier, I think Apple will NOT build a TV on its own.

The reason is simple: Apple is not in the low-margin product business, and the current business for flat-panel TV's has become very low margin indeed, where most of the TV's are being assembled in South Korea, China and Taiwan.

With the HDMI interface found on every modern flat-panel TV, it would be better for Apple to completely revamp the Apple TV box and come up with unit that is more like the original Apple TV, but with a 250 to 500 GB hard drive built in, Thunderbolt port for external hard drive and an M-Card compatible CableCARD slot with cable TV connections that includes built-in Switched Digital Video (SDV) support. In short, Apple builds a true DVR that includes 802.11n Wi-Fi support for connections from NetFlix, Amazon On-Demand, iTunes video purchases/rentals and so on. In short, a total re-invention of the cable set top box but with the Apple TV interface and DVR capabilities.

 

[jlc1978]

6) There is a technology called DLP that provides resolution similar to LCD displays -- if not better.


About the only downside I ran across was that the projector lamp needed periodic replacement.


I wonder if a 21st century projection TV would be the way to provide a low-cost, no-fuss, high-quality TV experience.

... Now, if they can resolve that little problem about access to content...

While DLP's have a lot of pluses, there are a few minuses as well:

Color fringing - the pseudo color rainbow effect, most pronounced with high contrast B&W areas.

Tracking of moving objects can be challenge as well - resulting in lower resolution or odd artifacts

I doubt Apple would put up with that given their (Job's) maniacal approach to a quality of experience...

 

[jlc1978]

If the price isn't nuts- this is logically apple's next step. TV's are commoditized at this point, but they are becoming so cheap- especially sub 40' tv's that people can afford to pay a premium for a premium product. Just like phones became super cheap , but were such an important part of peoples every day lives that paying an extra $200 - $300 was a trade off people were more than willing to make.

Except phones have become super cheap due to carrier subsidies; not price reductions. TV's are generally not sold on that model - and the fragmented nature of the delivery model makes it hard for Apple to use a phone model in TV land; especially given their desire to control the product and user experience. Phone companies are probably more likely to do that because they aren't in the content business, having the "hot" phone drives contract sales which is where they make their money, and the phone is essentially a replaceable consumable - if Apple doesn't have a compelling product that drives sales they can ditch them for the new hot thing - without impacting their core product.