Rumors

Amazon said to be launching its set-top box next week

Cody Lee ∙ March 27, 2014

Following reports from last week that Amazon is planning to launch its long-awaited Apple TV competitor in next month, Amazon has sent out invites for a media event scheduled for April 2nd. The invitations ask that reporters join the company for an 'update' on its video business.

And according to a new report from Recode, the e-commerce giant is going to use the event to unveil a new set-top box device. Citing sources familiar with Amazon's plans, the outlet says the device will be capable of streaming media to TV sets, competing directly with Apple and Roku...

WSJ: Amazon launching its Apple TV competitor next month

Cody Lee ∙ Updated October 13, 2018

Building on previous reports, the Wall Street Journal is reporting that Amazon is set to begin shipping its long-awaited video-streaming device next month. The device will thrust the e-commerce giant into a highly competitive space occupied by Apple, Google and others.

Citing sources familiar with the product, the outlet claims that the device will carry a variety of apps available on Roku and Apple set-top boxes and run on a version of Google's Android software. And like Amazon's other hardware devices, it will likely carry the Fire brand...

Steve Jobs told executives Apple would not release a TV

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 16, 2018

When the magic dust of the iPad settled, pundits and analysts alike began to wonder out loud what Apple was going to do next. What product category was the company going to revolutionize next? And for the longest time, a lot of folks thought it was going to be televisions.

Some even believed that's what Steve Jobs was referring to when he said he had "finally cracked" the secret of TV. But according to a passage from Yukari Kane's new book 'Haunted Empire: Apple After Steve Jobs,' the co-founder never wanted Apple to release its own TV set...

Apple said to be moving forward with ‘less ambitious’ TV plans

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 16, 2018

Following a report by Bloomberg, which reiterated Apple's move to revamp its set top box, comes a scoop from The Wall Street Journal regarding the company's TV plans. The outlet says Apple has abandoned efforts to disrupt cable TV in favor of a less ambitious strategy.

According to the story, the Cupertino firm was at one time approaching media companies directly to obtain content rights for an a-la-carte TV service. But due to failed licensing negotiations and other issues, it's said to now be working on hardware for existing cable service ...

WWE channel coming to Apple TV on February 24

Cody Lee ∙ February 3, 2014

A representative of the World Wrestling Entertainment has seemingly confirmed that the upcoming 24/7 WWE Network will be landing on the Apple TV on February 24. Responding to a question on Facebook, the rep said that once the network launches, subscribers will be able to access it directly from their second or third generation ATV...

Apple said to be working with Corning, Foxconn and others to build iTV

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 11, 2018

Apple is in the early stages of building its long-rumored television set, working with glassmaker Corning, Foxconn, G-Tech Optoelectronics, Foxconn, and Innolux, according to a new report out of Taiwan this morning.

Citing supply chain sources, the outlet says that the companies all met two weeks ago in the US to discuss the production of Apple's so-called iTV. The set will come in 55" and 60" models, and be available early next year...

Apple’s plans for TV growing less ambitious with Time Warner deal

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

As we’ve heard a few times over the past month, Apple and Time Warner Cable appear to be very close to inking a deal that would bring a TWC app to the Apple TV’s Home screen. It would mark the first time that the set-top box would be capable of streaming live TV.

Initial details regarding the service have been scarce, but a new report this morning helps add a bit of color. Citing people familiar with the matter, Bloomberg warns users not to get too excited, as the TWC app will save them little more than a click of the remote...

Apple reportedly in talks with LG over 4K TV panels

Cody Lee ∙ July 18, 2013

With all of the recent chatter regarding the budget iPhone and so-called iWatch, it seems like the rumor mill has forgotten all about Apple's plan to build a television set. Looking back, the last iTV report popped up back in May.

But that doesn't mean the project is dead. In fact, according to this new report from DigiTimes, it's very much alive. The controversial outlet claims that Apple is currently in talks with LG Display over large-sized 4K TV panels...

Apple allegedly proposing ad skipping for upcoming TV service

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

It appears that Apple's long-rumored TV service is alive, and slowly but surely moving forward. According to a new report, Apple has spent the last year seeking rights from cable companies and TV networks for a new Internet television service.

The offering is said to allow users to watch live and on-demand television programming over an Apple-branded set-top box or TV set, and, as claimed by people with knowledge of the project, it could feature the ability to skip TV commercials...

Supply chain chatter claims Apple is building 4K ‘Ultra HD’ TV set

Cody Lee ∙ Updated May 16, 2018

It's been a while since we've heard any new information regarding Apple's rumored TV project. It seems 'iTV' speculation has been replaced by talk of Apple's secret plans for the smartwatch space, and its expected entry into the budget handset market.

But that changed this evening with a new report out of China, claiming that Apple has been in discussions with Foxconn over the production schedule of a TV set. And the 4K 'Ultra HD' television will finally land in either late 2013, or early next year...

WSJ: Apple testing TV set designs with Asian suppliers

Cody Lee ∙ December 12, 2012

Finally, after months of listening to pundits and analysts wildly speculate on an Apple TV set, there's actually some real evidence that it exists. Well, sort of. Citing the usual 'people familiar with the matter,' The Wall Street Journal is reporting that it has learned that the Cupertino company is working with component suppliers in Asia to test several TV-set designs...

Bloomberg says no new Apple TV products in 2012

Cody Lee ∙ September 6, 2012

Despite the lack of evidence, some pundits still maintain that an Apple television set is coming. In fact, just last month analyst Peter Misek told investors that an Apple HDTV was already in production.

There's also been some recent chatter that the company's working with cable companies on a set-top box. But according to a new report, we won't be seeing any new TV products from Apple this year...