Engadget is reporting that Apple has plans to introduce a revamped Apple TV. This report is following up their previous report from last May where they claimed the new Apple TV would be iOS-based, limited local storage, and a price of $99. However, the new report now suggests that there are some changes as of late.
Well we’ve gotten a little more info on the project, and it’s not all good. Apparently the box won’t be capable of handling (or enabled to handle) 1080i or 1080p video. Instead it will only push out 720p clips. The word — and cause for much internal debate, we’re told — is that this has something to do with the A4’s inability to crank on higher resolution content, but we don’t see how that’s possible considering the iPhone 3GS could play back full HD video. Furthermore, the device will be getting apps and presumably an App Store entry, though it’s unclear if there will be cross-pollination between iPad and iPhone / iPod touch offerings and new Apple TV applications.
The new “iTV” is claimed to have a release timeframe of sometime “later this year.” My guess would be the impending iPod/music event Apple hold every year.
Lastly, the report suggests that Apple will rename Apple TV to “iTV.” If you recall, when Apple first introduced the Apple TV in September of ’06, they then called the yet-to-be-released device “iTV”, which was the internal codename for the project.
Why would they drop 1080p playback? I mean, even the iPhone 3GS could output 1080p, so don’t tell me an A4 equipped iPhone-sized Apple TV couldn’t do it.
Image courtesy of Engadget.
[UPDATE]: I did not know this. It turns out that Apple TV has never had 1080i or 1080p support. This report however, is a regression on a previous report that claimed the new Apple TV would have 1080p . My apologies for any confusion.
Continue reading:
- Everything New Apple Just Announced (Septembe
- Apple Watch Pre-Order
- Apple Research Kit launches with 5 Apps
- Apple TV now only $69
TAGS:
