Best Buy Predicts 42-Inch “Apple HDTV” In Customer Survey

By

Best-Buy-survey-with-Apple-HDTV

A rumored Apple television set has received just as much — if not more — attention than the company’s upcoming iPhone 5 in recent months, but the questions we’ve all been asking about its specifications have been answered… by Best Buy.

The retailer has been issuing surveys to its customers to obtain feedback on potential new products and services, but many were surprised to find details on a 42-inch “Apple HDTV,” which will apparently be available for $1,499.

In addition to a 42-inch 1080p LED display, Best Buy claims the set will feature Apple’s iOS operating system; iCloud; the ability to use your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad as a remote; and content services like Netflix, YouTube, and Flickr. Features which — apart from the 42-inch display — are already available from the company’s $99 Apple TV.

There are a few slightly questionable predictions, however. Best Buy also claims the set will feature an iSight camera and microphone for Skype video calls, and the App Store. “Can you imagine playing Angry Birds on a big screen in your living room?” the retailer asks. Which is where its predictions become slightly questionable.

Firstly, it’s unlikely Apple would market a built-in iSight camera for Skype when it has its own video calling platform in the form of FaceTime. And with AirPlay mirroring available on our iOS devices, are we really going to see an App Store on the Apple set?

There’s also one glaring omission from that list, which is Siri. Since rumors surrounding the Apple television first began, one feature that been present in almost every report is the inclusion of Apple’s impressive voice controlled assistant, which Best Buy fails to mention.

Of course, it’s highly unlikely these specifications are anything more than predictions from Best Buy, but it’s surprising the retailer would even mention the set at all in a public document.

[via The Verge]

Newsletters

Daily round-ups or a weekly refresher, straight from Cult of Mac to your inbox.

  • The Weekender

    The week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.