Foxconn chairman teases existence of Apple TV set
updated 11:03 am EDT, Fri May 11, 2012
Supplier 'making preparations,' no development begun
Asian supplier Foxconn is making preparations for an Apple TV set, but development and manufacturing hasn't begun, according to company chairman Terry Gou. China Daily reports that the executive made the comments in a recent speech. Gou also indicated that a recent deal with Sharp was made with an Apple TV set in mind; in March Foxconn bought a 10 percent stake in Sharp for $808 million, helping out the latter company's finances. Apple has reportedly been interested in using Sharp IGZO panels for iPads, and could conceivably use them in a TV as well.
Gou's statement may be the most concrete admission that Apple is working on a TV since comments by former Apple CEO Steve Jobs. In an interview with biographer Walter Isaacson, Jobs famously said that he had "cracked" an interface for a TV. Since then reports about a TV have escalated, most recently suggesting the device will look like an oversized Thunderbolt Display and feature FaceTime calls and Siri.
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Joined: Jul 2008
These EXECS are so excited...
they are almost peeing their pants. I doubt if SJ would be very pleased. Apple preferred to "orchestrate" their leaks, these guys just lose it. Not completely however, none have said WHAT an Apple TV might actually. I hope it puts the TV industry on their ear. I remember one evening at a friend's house and she had 3 different remotes on her coffee table! What an incredible nuisance! And the TV folks say they "aren't worried!" I hope they will be.