Apple TV was one of the company's products that failed to "conquer" the world to the same extent as the iPhone smartphone or the iPad tablet, but Apple has rethought its strategy regarding Apple TV and will launch a renewed version of this one. iTV. In essence, Apple TV is exactly what its name suggests, a large TV screen on which you can watch movies in HD format downloaded via iTunes. The new iTV will run iOS 4.1 (probably) and in addition to being able to download movies, it will (probably) give users the ability to download and run applications. In practice, it will be an "extension" of the iDevices and will work together with them, so you will be able to send photos, movies, any media content to the iTV, and then you will be able to see it directly on the "big screen" of the iTV.
Kevin Rose, the founder of Digg, says that iTV will be launched in September of this year and according to his sources it will work like this:
- iOS TV Applications: Expect to see an iPhone/Pad like marketplace for television applications. Video sharing/streaming/recording apps, interactive news apps, and of course games.
- a la carte (app) stations: With Apple's iAds, content producers (eg. ABC/NBC/etc.) can directly monetize and distribute their content. This will eventually destroy the television side of the cable and satellite industry, as your only requirement to access these on-demand stations will be an internet connection. Say goodbye to your monthly cable bill.
- .Me Picture/Video sharing: At $99 your parents, grandparents, and friends will have an iTV. Sharing pictures/videos from your iPhone will happen with the push of a button. Imagine getting a notification of new family videos the next time you turn on your TV. My mom will love this feature.
- The iPad will turn into one big badass remote control: The iPad will be the preferred input device for the iTV. You'll be able to edit videos, control games, and extend the interactive television experience. Imagine watching Monday night football on the TV while viewing/exploring other camera angles on the iPad.
I can't say that I am attracted to this iTV, but the price is quite attractive because it is assumed that Apple will sell it for only $99.
