The red-headed stepchild in Apple’s family of products, Apple TV appears to be on the verge of shedding its “hobby” status and readying for prime time. According to Engadget, the new Apple TV will offer an inexpensive device that streams 1080p video. Here’s the scoop:
The new architecture of the device will be based directly on the iPhone 4, meaning it will get the same internals, down to that A4 CPU and a limited amount of flash storage — 16GB to be exact — though it will be capable of full 1080p HD (!). The device is said to be quite small with a scarce amount of ports (only the power socket and video out), and has been described to some as “an iPhone without a screen.” Are you ready for the real shocker? According to our sources, the price-point for the device will be $99.
If this rumor pans out, I’m sure the device will do well. While I’m not big on streaming 1080p, most consumers can’t tell the difference between streaming and Blu-ray video. More importantly, the $99 price point is extremely attractive to mainstream shoppers.
On the business side, it adds another layer to the Apple vs. Google war. Remember, Google recently announced its plans for Google TV, which is coming later this year. It’s getting really fun. I kind of want to watch the whole thing from the sidelines while eating popcorn…or head to Vegas to watch Steve Jobs vs. Eric Schmidt in a UFC octagon.
I picture them doing Eternal Champions taunts. Steve Jobs makes the throat cutting motion while saying "You have no class".
Here's hoping they deliver realtime TV.
I think it's success will hinge on what kind of programming it offers.
If it gets live sporting events at that price… it'll skyrocket
Speaking of events…
Rampage Jackson and Rashad Evans tomorrow night…. I can't wait to see that. I'm rooting for Rampage.
@N8R
Jobs is involved with Disney which owns ABC and ESPN. Could happen.
RIP Gary Coleman. Loved that guy on Different Strokes and Buck Rogers.
Just saw something on this other site that reports THE ONE AND ONLY MICHEAL BAY is rumored to be the man behind the TMNT re-boot. Sighs….
Well… if we're doing the "in other entertaiment news" thing:
http://www.worstpreviews.com/headline.php?id=1783…
Warner Bros. announced that Nolan's third Batman film will release in Summer 2011, Superman reboot will release on Christmas 2011, and they greenlit The Flash as well as movies that feature Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and MAD magazine characters.
Sucks about Gary Coleman. But when I read that I did say "what you talking about Willis?" then I felt bad for it.
@ Slicky
It ain't THAT bad. I just read a status update from one of my friends on Facebook that said:
"Gary Coleman died… he led a short life."
@n8r
my gf told me that someone on her facebook said to order a short stack for gary coleman.