The rumored Apple television might be in the hands of a television manufacturer.

by whengwe8 on 2012-02-10 15:21:46

The report does not mention anything about Apple's new TV, such as whether the device will exclusively offer online streaming content, including standard cable TV or satellite TV connections, and the setup of content plans. It is possible that Apple is seeking cooperation with cable TV operators to ensure a seamless integration between its main film and television suppliers and broadcast television services. Or there may be a deeper partnership with Apple's hardware partners, selling through cable or internet service providers. Speculation and reports about Apple's plans to enter the TV market have exploded since the publication in October of Walter Isaacson's authorized biography of Steve Jobs. "I've finally cracked it," Jobs said in the book, referring to solving the problem of creating a user-friendly TV interface. Shortly after the release of the book, The New York Times reported that an Apple TV set with Siri-style voice commands was in engineering and could be launched as early as 2013. USA Today reported in January that Apple was encountering difficulties involving content negotiations with American content providers for its Apple TV. In November, CBS CEO Leslie Moonves seemed to let slip during earnings calls that his company had decided to "join Apple TV." Moonves' comment was explained as a qualified reference to Apple's rumored subscription-based streaming plan. Both Bell and Rogers provide wireless internet, home phone, and TV services in Canada. These companies own networks like Canada's CCTV, a national TV network, and Rogers Sportsnet, a national all-sports channel brand. These services could be key to Apple's plans for getting its TV off the ground. "They are looking for partners with wireless broadband capabilities..." a person told The Globe and Mail on condition of anonymity. Reports suggest that Apple continues to talk with Canadian telecoms Rogers Communications and Bell Canada Enterprises about a potential TV agreement without any signs of letting up. The talks have become so serious that reportedly Bell and Rogers have prototypes of the Apple TV in their respective development labs, according to The Globe and Mail, Canada's largest national newspaper. There has been no word on whether U.S. cable providers or telecoms are also working with Apple. Related thematic articles: As Facebook prepares for its IPO, investors wonder if Zuckerberg has a twisted store. Online marketing checklist: 37 ways to promote your website. Symantec's source code fails after ransom attempt by hackers. Comments on this page are combined across all categories of SEO software. A chance to redo a Facebook timeline.