Rumor: Is the Apple TV being replaced?
We just got an e-mail from an anonymous Apple reseller, stating that they received an e-mail from Apple with instructions to remove all Apple TV displays and literature and to destroy them (which I assume means throw away the literature, send back the Apple TVs) by September 30, 2008 at 5 PM. Additionally, the e-mail says that there will be a webcast "kick off" on September 30.
Incidentally, September 30 IS a Tuesday (and the last day of the September quarter), making all of this information, very, very interesting.
So, what does this mean? Could this potentially be the introduction of the Mini/Apple TV hybrid we've all been begging for? Is this related to the rumors of "The Brick?"
I guess we'll have to wait until Tuesday to find out for sure. Hey, it's Saturday, so speculate away in the comments!
Addendum: In the comments and in some subsequent e-mails, we're receiving the impression that the licensing for the shows/images displayed in the literature has run out, and that the actual physical units may not be disappearing. Of course, that still leaves the issue of the webcast event on Tuesday...
Get a WordPress.com Blog
![TUAW [Cafepress]](http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.tuaw.com/media/tuaw-cafepress-promo.png)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
marcus said 2:10PM on 9-27-2008
there could just be a recall.....
Reply
Loca said 2:15PM on 9-27-2008
Well, the much rumored "brick" would then be nothing more but, yes, a brick which you place aside your TV. Same form factor as the Apple TV but probably with some more functionality (read: a "one more thing")
Don't expect a recording functionality as it would destroy the movie and series rental service, but probably games?
Reply
Adam said 2:16PM on 9-27-2008
Could the brick be a very entry level Mac Mini that would sit on your living room stand next to your TV and have full internet and document support and a supped up version of Front Row to replace Apple TV. That would certainly give PC makers a run for their money.
Reply
Ket said 7:35PM on 9-28-2008
I'm this close (holds fingers really close together) to getting an appleTV for outputting all my videos to the TV (mini a bit too pricey for the purpose).
With all of 'the brick' rumors milling, i'm holding off just in case it's an ultra cheap updated mini that would also serve the purpose of a hd media server (and even a little better since it has a dvd drive). either way, hope it has hdmi out.
keep us updated.
elsamu said 2:24PM on 9-27-2008
apple then continued to say in that email that their licensing for all of the images on the display (of artists, movies, tvshows, etc.) expired that day but that the reseller should still keep the Apple TV up and running.
Reply
Big John said 3:22PM on 9-27-2008
Might want to link your source.
elsamu said 3:45PM on 9-27-2008
the email says I can't
mdale said 6:26PM on 9-27-2008
I got the same email (along with thousands of other Apple Authorized Resellers). The new fiscal year starts on the 1st of October. The license on the images probably only covers FY08 and not FY09. Of course, Apple could be planning a refresh of the AppleTV line, but the timing is just to close to the end of the Fiscal Year.
JoshK said 2:27PM on 9-27-2008
Oh man, I love my AppleTV. I hope Apple isn't giving up on it, I know it's not their iPhone but it is pretty amazing. If it's a new device then fine but I want the software for my AppleTV. Please?
Reply
Joss said 7:49PM on 9-27-2008
FilthyRichmond.com is teh taint.
Jon said 2:47PM on 9-27-2008
I would love to see Apple take more of an interest in gaming. They keep promising to but nothing ever seems to come of it. It's the perfect time to do so because a lot of people are developing games for the iPhone which is similar to developing for the Mac. It'd be easy for them to make the transition if Apple gave them a helpful prod ;)
And gaming's made them a lot of money on the App Store as well.
Reply
Brandon said 3:41PM on 9-27-2008
I find it hard to believe that it is being discontinued due to the fact that it is still available via their website.
Reply
Vanillacide said 2:49PM on 9-27-2008
Could be why they haven't updated the Apple TV firmware for HD televisions shows.
Reply
Jonathan Wise said 3:41PM on 9-27-2008
HD TV shows from the iTMS work great on my AppleTV. No firmware updates needed...
caleb said 10:31PM on 9-27-2008
...but you can't buy HD TV shows from the AppleTV.
Kevin E. McKenna said 5:50PM on 9-27-2008
So what do I do with my 3 Apple TV's come next Tuesday?
Reply
Andre said 3:00PM on 9-27-2008
Give up on the bugs being fixed?
Big John said 3:21PM on 9-27-2008
They make nice doorstops.
Seriously, send them back / take them back. True or not, they're just a poor product right now and shouldn't be in consumers' hands.
bob said 3:34PM on 9-27-2008
poor product? they are the market leader media center / streamer! and does its job VERY well, no, its not a computer and its not meant to be
cardiomac said 4:20PM on 9-27-2008
No! I am not a computer, nor was meant to be;
Am an attendant lord, one that will do
To swell a progress, start a scene or two,
Advise the prince; no doubt, an easy tool,
Deferential, glad to be of use,
Politic, cautious, and meticulous;
Full of high sentence, but a bit obtuse;
At times, indeed, almost ridiculous—
Almost, at times, the Fool.