New Apple TV Set-Top Box With Siri Capability and HomeKit Integration Out This Summer
After years of speculations surrounding an upgrade, Apple is said to be gearing up to release a new Apple TV at the WWDC this coming summer.
Since its first launch in January 2007, Apple has revealed it is preparing to refresh its TV set top box that it will be releasing at the Worldwide Developer Conference in June 2015.
With the last update to the device dated 2012, the new Apple TV hardware is reportedly equipped with a ramped-up A8 chip processor and over 8GB in memory. With its updated OS, the new Apple TV will have Siri voice control capabilities, and the significant overhaul is intended to cast a spotlight on Apple's vision for ideal TV viewing experience, as well as raise the ante in a set-top box cluttered market crowded by rivals like Amazon, Roku, and Xbox One.
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The upgraded Apple TV will feature an updated design, and will act as a HomeKit hub, allowing users to connect some of their HomeKit certified home automation gadgets.
HomeKit refers to Apple's protocol for all home automation devices users can safely connect to the iOS environment via WiFi radios or Bluetooth. There have been speculations an official version of HomeKit will be launched together with, and be available as part of the new Apple TV hardware package.
This news comes on the heels of reports Apple has been in negotiations with a number of media companies to launch a TV service offering a "slim" bundle of 25 channels from major networks.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Apple is close to inking deals with Walt Disney, 21st Century Fox, and CBS. Apple will also reportedly be making available a software development kit in its App Store for users to acquire more apps via Apple TV.
With the new Apple TV and HomeKit used together, users will be able to have remote access control of household devices like lights and thermostats, even if they are away from home.
