According to a report by the WSJ tonight, Apple has had preliminary discussions with both media executives at large companies and television service providers. They are reportedly discussing Apple’s vision for the future of TV.
Apple is also working on its own television that relies on wireless streaming technology to access shows, movies and other content, according to people briefed on the project.
While Apple is meeting with these executives, not much has been said about their plans. One of the sources says that the Apple television will use Siri-like features where the TV control would be done through motions and voice to search for programming or change channels. Siri TV if you will. Apple hasn’t made any proposals regarding licensing of content, which would seem like a major hurdle, but they have talked to television service providers regarding some type of subscription service.
WSJ was able to get specifics regarding specifics of talks with media companies from Apple executives.
The company, for example, has discussed new ways they could stream media companies’ content, allowing a user to watch a video on a TV set, then pick up another device, such as a smartphone, and keep watching the video on the move, one of the people familiar said.
The details of an Apple television have still not be unearthed. It said to use a Apple’s wireless streaming AirPlay to allow users control via iPhones and iPads. Other features could include DVR functionality in conjunction with iCloud. This would allow content to be available on your iOS devices as well as your Apple television. Another source said what’s been discussed could be done with Apple’s existing $99 Apple TV technology.
Steve Jobs said that he had cracked the code. At a recent “Top 100″ executives meeting, Jobs was asked if the company were developing a television. His response was that the margins on televisions are much lower than other Apple products and consumers don’t buy televisions very frequently.
We’ve often commented on our podcast that a television is a major purchase and only happens once every 5-7 years. How would the Apple television differ from the $99 Apple TV? How would subscriptions work and would customers pay fees in addition to their cable service? Plenty of questions remain, but clearly Apple is pursuing the TV business.
Think you’ve cracked the code on the Apple Television. Let us know your thoughts in our forums.
Source: WSJ
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