Goldman Sachs analyst David Bailey notes that Apple will launch 2 new iPhones and and updated Apple TV next year. We can expect a “bumped” up version of the existing iPhone in January, a revamp for the 3G iPhone expected in the second half of the year and then an updated Apple TV with bigger storage and and LCD display.
With the announcement of YouTube coming to the Apple TV, Google today announced they are converting all YouTube videos to H.264. All recently uploaded videos have been converted directly into H.264 and Google expects the rest of the backlog to be converted by the time the update arrives for the Apple TV.
Apple today also introduced a new 160GB Apple TV retailing for $399. The current Apple TV costs $299 for the 40GB model. Way to go Apple!
Apple TV, which includes the Apple Remote, is available through the Apple Store® (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers for a suggested retail price of $299 (US). Apple TV with a 160GB hard drive will be available tomorrow for a suggested retail price of $399 (US). The YouTube feature for Apple TV will be available as a free software update in mid-June.
So this is “A Series Of Tubes“. We’re not quite sure how this thing works, but it works. If you have an Apple TV you can install (in other words hack) this “application” to let you view YouTube videos. Nifty. Now if only we had an Apple TV…
AppleInsider claims that Target stores will begin carrying Apple’s new Apple TV at retail locations by the end of the month. Target will reportedly mimic Apple Stores with a full demonstration unit connected to a widescreen HDTV. No further details on the size of the launch are available, but Target already offers the Apple TV for sale on their online store.
TechRestore.com have taken the new Apple TV apart. They posted some pics for you folks are might be interested for some reason…
Apple has started charging AppleTVs to customers who had pre-ordered one. This means that they’re about to ship!
Thanks to Gerald Buckley
Apple has released QuickTime 7.1.5 and iTunes 7.1 via its Software Update pane and on the Web. Apple says: “QuickTime 7.1.5 delivers numerous bug fixes and addresses critical security issues. This update is recommended for all QuickTime 7 users.” With iTunes 7.1 you “can now enjoy your favorite iTunes movies, TV shows, music, and more from the comfort of your living room with Apple TV. iTunes 7.1 also supports a new full screen Cover Flow and improved sorting options to let you decide how iTunes should sort your favorite artists, albums, and songs.
We were browsing the MacShrine archives and found a story from December 2005 regarding Apple looking for more Front row developers. What sparked our interest was a line in the job application:
Revolutionary new multi-media software… would you like to create software for a centerpiece in Apple’s digital hub?
Since nothing new has happened to Front Row since 2005, we’re guessing this job was in fact for the new Apple TV. How exciting!
Apple today premiered Apple TV (code named “iTV”), an easy-to-use and fun way to wirelessly play all your favorite iTunes content from your Mac or PC on your widescreen TV, including movies, TV shows, music, photos and podcasts. Using Apple TV’s new interface, anyone can quickly browse and view their entire collection of digital media from across the room using the simple and intuitive Apple Remote. Apple TV easily connects to almost all modern widescreen televisions, and will be shipping in February for $299. Apple TV has a 40GB hard drive to store up to 50 hours of video, 9,000 songs, 25,000 photos or a combination of each and is capable of delivering high-definition 720p output. It is easy to connect to a broad range of widescreen TVs and home theater systems and comes standard with HDMI, component video, analog and optical audio ports. Using high-speed AirPort 802.11 wireless networking, Apple TV can auto-sync content from one computer or stream content from up to five additional computers right to your TV without any wires. The only bad part (which makes the whole idea seem pointless) is that it cannot play any video files apart from those bought via iTunes, talk about having a monopoly…
In a rare move, Apple provided a sneak peek of the long rumored Apple media center. Currently codenamed iTV, it has the apperance of a flattened Mac mini. Providing various audio and video outputs, it is intended to be connected to a TV, communicating wirelessly with your Mac or PC and displaying a Front Row like interface for the content on your computer. The ‘iTV’ is to be available in Q1 2007, priced at $299. Final details and launch date is expected to be announced at Macworld in January.
