A recent rumor claims that Apple will showcaase a new Apple TV interface at WWDC, and that this new interface will also grace the screen of Apple's rumored HDTV
As with most Apple rumors, it’s wise to take this latest tidbit with a grain of salt – especially because it involves the rumored Apple HDTV. That notwithstanding, Jonathan Geller of BGR, the boy genius himself, cites a trusted source and reports that Apple may demonstrate a completely new AppleTV OS at WWDC in June that includes much more functionality than the current Apple TV OS. Indeed, the forthcoming OS, the report claims, will be the same one we can expect to see on the seemingly mythical iTV.
We’ve heard Apple is actively trying to court manufacturers to use a new “control out” API in order for third-party manufacturers to make accessories that are compatible with the new Apple TV OS and the upcoming “iTV.” It’s said that by using the API, it will be possible to control any connected components all from the Apple remote (and the Apple remote iOS app as well, we’re assuming).
This would be a huge change in the home theater landscape, which has until this point relied on a mess of thousands of infrared codes and physical cables in order for devices to be interoperable, or Wi-Fi-controlled apps for each component and piece of hardware.
Geller’s source doesn’t anticipate Apple unveiling the hyped up iTV at WWDC, and while I don’t have any inside information, neither do I. For starters, there’s no guarantee Apple will enter the TV business at all. Sure, all signs are pointing in that direction, but the TV business is fraught with serious hurdles that Apple will have to overcome if it wants to make a serious dent in the HDTV industry.
So what about the iTV OS? Well, given Apple’s penchant to surprise and dazzle, I’d assume that any new iTV OS will be unveiled alongside a new iTV.
