Apple iTV Rumors Indicate Set Will Begin Production in Mid-2012
Apple's much talked about television set, rumored to be called “iTV,” is reportedly starting production in the middle of 2012.
Customers should get their hands on Apple's iTV in 2013, because it is heading into its production phase in February.
Jefferies analyst Peter Misek composed a letter to his investors and notified them that Apple is expected to collaborate with Sharp for TFT-LCD panels for the TV.
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Other HDTV developers are said to be nervous about the impact Apple's iTV could have on the television industry.
"They hope to avoid the fate of other industries and manufacturers who were caught flat footed by Apple," said Misek. "Having said that, it appears that mainstream TV manufacturers are likely to be at least 6 to 12 months behind in a best-case scenario.”
Apple's iTV is rumored to come featured with the voice-recognition technology that is currently on the iPhone 4S, known as Siri. This would allow owners of the set to simply voice their content choices and do away with remotes and controllers.
Content from providers, such as iTunes, Netflix or a cable subscription, are all expected to come featured on Apple's iTV.
Steve Jobs' biography alluded to this new television.
Walter Issacson, the author of the book, wrote that Jobs "wanted to do for television sets what he had done for computers, music players, and phones: make them simple and elegant."
Jobs also told him it would have “the simplest user interface you could imagine. I finally cracked it."
Nick Bilton of The New York Times spoke to his sources and received some news about Apple's iTV at an earlier period.
Bilton said that Apple did not have enough experience in constructing thin television sets.
"The company also needs to wait until the cost of large displays falls," said Bilton. "Although some 42-inch LCD televisions from mainstream consumer electronics companies can cost as little as $500, the Apple television would include computer electronics and other technology that may make the price uncompetitive."
