Dear Aunt TUAW: Will there be a TV from Apple?

Dear Aunt TUAW,

Is there any chance Apple will release an actual TV? I'm considering the ATV2 but its close enough to September should I wait?

Your loving nephew,

Sean

Dear Sean,

Auntie considers the likelihood of Apple releasing an actual consumer electronics TV to be as likely as Donkey Kong giving up bananas, or red- and blue-state Senators crossing the aisle to indulge in a festival of love and mutual appreciation, or Boston baseball fans giving up on hating the Yankees.

Will Apple TV itself, i.e. the box that connects to real TVs, get a bump? Er, possibly. Is it likely? Probably not. Will the features be so awesome that you will regret having laid out $99 on the previous generation if such a mythical product does appear? Again, probably not.

The Apple TV 2 has re-defined itself into the must-have product for accessorizing your iOS device to the living room. With it and iOS 5, you'll be able to wirelessly mirror movies, music, and games. You'll be able to give Keynote presentations, product demos and more. And you can get that all with the current Apple TV 2 box and it will be ready to use in September when iOS 5 debuts with those mirroring features.

So should you wait until September? Sure. Why not? Even if you don't need Apple TV 2 now, you'll really want to pick one up when iOS 5 goes live. And in the unlikely case that Apple introduces a new generation, the old one will drop from very-affordable to dirt-cheap.

Hugs,

Auntie T.

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Dear Aunt TUAW, Is there any chance Apple will release an actual TV? I'm considering the ATV2 but its close enough to September should...

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t0mat0

Screen/display - yes. Screen with tuners (aka a "television") - less likely. A screen that could link to an external box? Likely. Wouldn't it make more sense to make Apple Cinema Displays TV capable via a 3rd party box? Or just move on from the concept of tuners, and go and integrate/work with an ATV?

Apple spent a few billion on screen tech and factories the rumours said - probably not all on 2x resolution iPad 3 screens - theyv'e move the iMacs forward - when it's feasible they'll likely bring higher resolution ACD style screens in too.

July 04 2011 at 3:12 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

jtz5

@Erica-

I thought only the iPad2 would mirror its' display, not the iPhone 4? The iPhone will allow AirPlay for pics & videos (and some apps), but it's not a universal mirroring, right?

I just purchased Banana TV and is there a reason videos outside of the YouTube app don't allow Airplay (i.e., within Safari webpage link)?

July 04 2011 at 10:54 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Sam Chiu

it is really nice to have a tv application with your apple gadget, for those people who wants to watch their favorite show try using the tvhod.com. you can have access to different shows via the internet.

July 03 2011 at 3:33 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Eideard

There is an essential technical reason for waiting. One which any TV geek already knows. Next update should move the AppleTV2 from 720p to 1080p. A significant difference.

And why I'm waiting.

July 03 2011 at 2:01 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

wheresjimmy

How can I ask Aunt TUAW? I have a question. Thanks!

July 03 2011 at 1:05 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Soluble Peter

I dont see an actual TV as at all likely either.

ATV2 refresh also pretty unlikely but, having used one for the past four months, the current model is definitely worth investing in if you already have an apple-heavy household. Not perfect ( Airplay has occasional problems in a house with 2 routers) but still well worth it. IMHO

Peter

July 03 2011 at 12:53 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Wayne Luke

Even if they do sell an actual television, your current television won't magically gain its abilities. Either buy another television and use your current one + AppleTV in another room, donate your current one + AppleTV to a family member or friend, or wait for the second generation television from Apple when it is actually useful.

July 03 2011 at 12:24 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply