The latest iTV rumor is hitting the web today as Gene Munster told the crowd at IGNITION: Future of Media that the new Apple Television Set has been in the works for sometime now but should be released next year.
Munster is so certain that the new device is coming that he told everyone to wait before buying a new TV because Apple’s is going to be awesome.
Unlike the current Apple TV, Munster believes the new device will be a full fledged TV set that has Apple’s software integrated into the experience. It was also claimed that the new TV set will come in a number of different sizes. Most Apple products come in only a few different sizes to accommodate the difference between consumers and professionals, so it will be interesting to see how many different sizes Apple produces.
The startling claim made by Gene Munster is that the new TVs will likely be priced twice as much as comparable tv sets. For example, a 40inch TV may currently sell for an average of $700 but a 40inch Apple TV will cost as much as $1400. It’s hard to judge whether this claim will hold true, but Apple has a history of being able to charge a premium for their products by providing higher value than competing products by focusing on functionality, design and ease of use. The Apple TV will likely follow this same type of model.
Rather than controlling the television with multiple remotes, the entire experience will be controlled via an iOS app on an iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch. Siri integration is also a strong possibility that many believe will revolutionize the TV experience.
Munster doesn’t believe the Apple TV will completely replace the need for a cable subscription and cable box, but with the full integration of apps like Netflix, Crackle, Hulu, and the iTunes video library, we think that Apple’s TV will definitely threaten cable’s business model.
The Apple TV will be launched in time for the holidays next year if Munster is to be believed.
[Business Insider via 9to5Mac]
