iTV it is the TV that Apple has been working on for several years, but which has not yet appeared on the market. A new report coming from China suggests that Apple would have entered into partnerships with Foxconn, Innolux, Corning and G-Tech Optoelectronics to produce this iTV, which will arrive on the market at the beginning of 2014. Regarding Foxconn and Innolux, we knew that there was interest from the Apple side regarding this product, but only now we hear about Corning, the manufacturer of resistant glass panels, and also about G-Tech Optoelectronics.
According to sources in the industry, Apple, Corning, Foxconn, and G-Tech Optoelectronics met two weeks ago in the US to discuss the production of iTV. Foxconn is seeking for knowledge transfer of Gorilla Glass from Corning to GTOC, so GTOC can perform surface treatments needed for iTV manufacturing. iTV is scheduled for release during the first half of 2014. 55″ and 60″ models will be released first, and will incorporate panels from Sakai City, Japan. Due to the weakening relationship between Foxconn and Sharp, Foxconn may eventually turn to Innolux to fulfill the large quantity of display panels needed for iTV orders.
Corroborating today's rumor with yesterday's regarding the launch of a product dedicated to televisions that will contain a new way to control the interface, I think the iTV will come with exactly the same thing. Apart from an intuitive interface for users, I think that the iTV will allow us to control it either by gestures, or by voice commands, or even both. Of course, Siri could become a component and very important part of this new product, and if it will be launched at the beginning of next year, we will then see how much truth there is in these predictions.
