Skip to main content

Source: Apple Television decidedly not ‘imminent’

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Though there was much ado about James Kisner’s assertion that an Apple TV was “imminent,” few have echoed that sentiment. Today, Apple Insider reports that another unnamed source is spilling the beans on the in-the-works TV set, but this one sounds a bit less optimistic  and a bit more fishy. Let’s work from the most legitimate claims that he/she made down to the least legitimate.

First, this supposed Foxconn insider says that Apple has begun the initial phase of tests on its TV. That one most likely checks out, as we heard something similar last week. Next, we hear that it’s unlikely anything will ship until at least 2014. While that could certainly prove an accurate prediction, if true, it’s troubling for Apple fans and stockholders alike. The company’s stock price has plummeted of late and the company – known for innovation – is in a bit of a creative rut. The last and most dubious claim from this shadowy source is that Apple plans to show off a prototype TV at International CES in January. Since Apple has historically avoided CES as if it were the plague (they have never attended), it’s hard to believe they would crash consumer electronics’ biggest party with a fledgling design and without anyone’s foreknowledge.

Really, the most important claim here, is the assertion that an Apple TV won’t be ready until 2014. The race has already started and neither Apple, nor Usain Bolt can catch competitors who are half a track ahead. Unless they are planning on closing content deals that others have been repeatedly unable to close, Apple will be left in the dust before it even gets out of the blocks.

For now, we’re going to say that these claims originated from an unreliable source, which means Apple’s TV plans are still shrouded in mystery.

Editors' Recommendations

Adam Poltrack
Adam is an A/V News Writer for Digital Trends, and is responsible for bringing you the latest advances in A/V…
What we want to see from the next Apple TV 4K
An Apple TV 4K sitting on a wood entertainment center with a HomePod Mini behind it.

One thing not on this list: A dust-resistant Apple TV 4K. Phil Nickinson / Digital Trends

Now that we’ve gotten the whole “Apple TV 4K with a camera” thing out of our system, it’s time to take a more serious look at what we still consider to be the best streaming hardware you can buy. More specifically, this article is about what we’d like to see added to the diminutive box.

Read more
You Asked: QLED and mini-LED burn-in, missing HDR, and Apple TV and HDMI 2.1
You Asked Ep 32 Feature

Can QLED and mini-LED TVs get burn-in? How can you solve the problem of not getting HDR from the YouTube app on Apple TV 4K? Speaking of Apple TV 4K, does it benefit from HDMI 2.1? And is using a computer monitor instead of a smart TV a good way to avoid privacy issues?

Can LED/LCD TVs Get Burn-In & More | You Asked Ep. 32
Apple TV and HDMI 2.1

Read more
What is Google TV? Here’s everything you need to know
The Google TV home screen on a Hisense UX.

Google TV is one of the best streaming platforms, and it’s available on a wide range of devices. From smart TVs to plug-and-play HDMI gadgets like the Chromecast with Google TV 4K and HD models, you can do all kinds of cool things with Google TV. Of course, streaming movies and shows from the likes of Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video is the most basic thing this web-connected OS can do. 

You can also use Google TV to cast content from a mobile device to your TV, and can even call upon Google Assistant to control some of your smart home devices. We love that Google TV keeps tabs on your viewing history, too, in order to curate suggested movies and shows right on the home page. 

Read more