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Apple may manufacture its own iOS-powered television sets later this year and its release could coincide with the launch of iPhone 5, according to rumors.
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Analysts have long been expecting such a move from Apple as it allows it to compete with Netflix. The move is significant as it gives Apple, which relies heavily upon but a few hit products in addition to personal computers, another key consumer product, as well as an outlet for its iTunes service which sells music and videos and apps to consumers.
An anonymous former executive from Apple speculates that the company might launch a television set later this year. The device is expected to integrate functions from the Apple TV, iTunes, and content similar to Netflix, according to Business Insider.
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If Apple manages to unveil TV set later this year, then it could coincide with the launch of next generation iPhone - dubbed as iPhone 5. iPhone is widely speculated to be launched in September.
However, chances are slim for the TV to be launched with iPhone 5 as negotiations with studios may delay the product.
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Gene Munster of Piper Jaffray says the Apple may sell the Apple TV as early as 2012 as the iCloud sets the stage for Apple's high-def television set.
"Apple's iCloud service for media storage makes it easier to own multiple devices and share content among them. At first the only media iCloud will store is music and pictures, but we believe Apple may add movies and TV shows purchased or rented in iTunes to the iCloud service, which could be viewed on a TV," Munster wrote in a note to clients.
Rumor mill says states that Apple will partner with a major OEM to sell branded TV sets. The report says that it will arrive this fall.
DailyTech citing a 'former Apple executive' states that Apple will start selling iOS-powered televisions. It further states that Apple will partner with a major OEM to sell branded TV sets. The report says that it will arrive this fall.
Apple's motivation to do so, the quoted 'executive' qualifies, is to beat Netflix by "bundling Apple TV and iTunes". The possible OEM partner is Samsung.
However, the ongoing legal battle between Apple and Samsung makes the collaboration between two companies a remote event.
Meanwhile, the television domain as such is not new for Apple as it has a product called Apple TV- a black puck like iOS device which allows a user to stream content from its other iOS devices iPhone, iPad, iPod and internet to the television. Apple TV is powered by the A4 chip. Apple TV hasn't seen success like its other iOS kin iPad and iPhone. Apple slashed the price of the device to $99 from $299 and yet it has failed to catch the imagination of users.
Google also launched Google TV with Sony which uses its Android OS. It is a step ahead of Apple TV as it allows users to search the web on TV and allows a user to then access the content on TV screen. It also came pre-loaded with apps. Google TV is also failing to sell.
Apple may join the TV domain as the segment is in need of disruption and Apple is great at re-inventing product segments. Also, recently Apple released its digital locker the iCloud at WWDC, which allows users to store documents, pictures, apps and music in the cloud. As Apple's cloud strategy matures it also offers videos to be stored in the cloud. Apple Television would be a great medium to leverage the cloud in the future.
