In the world of Apple, there has been an incessant rumor that the company will be releasing a high definition television. It’s pretty much a given that Apple wants to control your entire living room and the television is the last stalwart that consumers have had to go with another manufacturer on. An analyst recently gave his take on what to expect from the Apple TV.
Speaking to Business Insider, Apple analyst Gene Munster said that it’s now a matter of when, and not if, when it comes to Apple TV. That seems to jive with rumors that Foxconn has begun production on an Apple TV. What would an Apple TV consist of though? Munster seems to have an idea.
The biggest change that Apple will bring to television according to Munster is the unbundling of channels. He feels that Apple will work with studios and allow consumers to only pay for channels that they want instead of paying a monthly fee for only three channels that they watch regularly. He also feels that Apple will bring DVR functionality that is similar to what DISH Network now offers with its Hopper DVR. Unfortunately, DISH is now on the end of a lawsuit from multiple networks claiming that skipping commercials is akin to theft. Apple may be able to throw its considerable weight against these networks and force them to adapt to new technologies.
As for the other features, Munster feels that Apple will focus on interface, apps and design for the new TV. The interface will include Siri and compatibility with third-party devices. He also feels that Apple will include integration with content guides. As for apps, Apple will no doubt include its App Store on the TV allowing developers to create apps and games for the device. iOS already has a massive amount of developers making games for the platform so the Apple TV could be Apple’s foray into the console market. As for design, he says that the TV will look like every other Apple device including aluminum casing and an LCD screen to avoid the cost of OLED screens.
Speaking of cost, Munster estimates the cost to be at around $1,500 to $2,000. He says the cost will reflect the fact that consumers are getting a TV, set top box, gaming console and blu-ray player all in one box. I would argue that the cost would be more around the $2,000 range, but that’s just because Apple tends to charge more than the average manufacturer for their products. Regardless, it would become an instant hit and sell millions in a mere few days. Apple is slowly taking over the world and the TV is next, folks.