Published in News

Apple could release iOS telly next year

by on29 August 2011


Like Orwell’s telescreens, but pricey
Apple is apparently planning to introduce television sets based on its iOS operating system sometime next year.

According to Venturebeat, sources close to the Cupertino gang have all but confirmed that Apple is indeed working on such a product. Mind you, Apple already has some experience in the field, thanks to Apple TV and a vast content library. Add legions of fanboys to the mix and Apple could have another hot product on its hands.

However, don’t expect that you will see an Apple logo on your TV anytime soon. Analysts believe Apple could introduce the first televisions in late 2012 or early 2013, but there are a few details to work out. Venture capitalist Stewart Alsop believes Apple will go for 15- or 19-inch touchscreen models, as secondary TVs for the kitchen or bedroom. The fact that having a touchscreen on a TV is basically pointless doesn’t seem to bother anyone at this point.

Of course, it is still a bit too early to talk about the details, and Apple’s secrecy ensures that the rumour mill will keep grinding on for months. With a very strong iOS community, an iOS television set that could be used as a hub for all i-devices sounds like a good idea. However, the iOS user interface is designed with touchscreens in mind, while TVs rely on the humble remote control stuck in a couch, or the viewer’s fat folds.

Using an iPhone or iPad to control the TV would be one way of getting around this, but don’t expect Apple to reinvent the TV – many users are already turning to HTPCs and even the cheapest TVs nowadays ship with USB support and integrated media players. Several other vendors have been experimenting with smart TVs with elaborate operating systems for years, but they’ve seen only limited success.
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