New Best Buy survey asks public about prospect of Apple HDTV
updated 11:05 am EST, Mon February 6, 2012
Mentions iOS, apps, iCloud, webcam
A new Best Buy customer survey is asking for feedback on a potential "Apple HDTV," says The Verge. Mockup promotional text touts that "Apple finally reinvents what a TV can do," and describes the display as a 42-inch, 1080p LED model, running the same version of iOS used in the current Apple TV set-top. Like the set-top, the TV could be controlled via an iPad or iPhone, fetch content from iCloud, and access services like Netflix, YouTube, and Flickr.
Unusual though is the suggestion that the TV would support titles from the App Store, something the Apple TV can't handle. The survey also hints at storing movies and TV shows in iCloud, not just music, and the use of an "iSight camera and microphone for Skype." Apple now uses the term FaceTime to refer to its webcams, and is likely to rely on their namesake video chat service instead of a third-party option like Skype.
Best Buy proposes a $1,499 pricetag, which would make the TV much more expensive than most sets of the same size, or even some 46-inch models. The survey item is likely just conjecture, though, trying to gauge interest in the idea of an Apple-branded TV. It may however indicate that Best Buy is seriously anticipating the product, especially as many reports have hinted at its development.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Oct 2002
Only getting half of the puzzle
I don't think people realize how different the Apple TV will be. I believe it will be touted to be simple like the original iMac...Step 1--Take the TV out of the box. Step 2--Plug in the TV. Step 3...oh wait, there is no step 3.
You won't need a cable box, a cable subscription, or a satellite contract (everything will be accessible over your Internet connection). You won't need a DVD player or VCR (again, because it will all come over the Internet). Simulated surround sound will be integrated (so you won't need external speakers). Apple is working on gigabit wireless so you won't even need an ethernet cable. You won't have a bunch of remotes to deal with or some universal remote you have to program because you only have one piece of equipment.
That will be a game changer. And then everyone else will jump on the bandwagon with similar (but inferior) products and claim that it's always been that way when Apple sues them.