Apple TV May Be Capable Of Doubling As A Cable Box

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According to new reports from CNet’s Josh Lownsohn and the Wall Street Journal, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s rumored Apple TV may have more capabilities than any TV before it. We have heard many rumors of new Apple products to be released this fall, and what features they may have. The rumors regarding iPhone5 have included 4G LTE capabilities, a larger screen, and a thinner sleeker design. Another Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) product, which has received equal attention is the rumored iPad mini. With all the scuttlebutt about Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), there must be something big in the works for the tech giant.

Apple TV May Be Capable Of Doubling As A Cable Box

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s TV has long been a matter of speculation for analysts and techies alike. The latest rumors surrounding this so far mythical gadget, would be totally amazing, if they prove true. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is rumored to be in talks with cable providers to develop software which would allow the TV to stream cable programming without the use of the customary set top box.

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has been negotiating the sale of it’s $99 streamer box in deference to the set top boxes which cable subscribers normally rent. Sources told the Wall Street Journal that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has not yet reached a deal with any of the cable providers, but that negotiations are ongoing.

The current device known as Apple TV is a small box, which streams content live from the Internet. If Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is able to reach an agreement with a cable provider, the Apple TV streamer could easily be converted to fit inside a television set. This integrated TV could change the way cable subscribers receive their programming forever.

There are some challenges to be met with, for sure. The cable companies will lose a valuable source of revenue by not renting out the customary set top boxes. This revenue does come with associated costs to the providers, as well as maintenance and replacement for customers. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) will have a tough, but not impossible sale to make to the companies. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) also still faces the challenge of winning its lawsuit against rival company, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (KRX:005930).

Another challenge that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) will have to face, is marketing the streamer to the general public. An Apple TV set would definitely not be on the cheap side of one’s price list, and many people may not want to spend in the neighborhood of $1500 on one. However, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) will most likely market the streamer in a separate package as well, in order to achieve revenue from those customers who may deem the price of an actual TV set, to be too much of an investment.

One of the sources claims that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has been considering the manufacture of a TV for over 2 years, and that former CEO, the late Steve Jobs, put a damper on the project. However, now it seems as if this project may actually become a reality.

One thing is for sure, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) never ceases to amaze its customers with new innovations in the tech market. I do not think we will have to worry about them falling short in the area of TV, any more than they will in any other area. They have some of the brightest minds in the technological world working for them, and their product line easily demonstrates this.

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