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Supposedly, Apple was going to announce a new Apple TV at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June. However, Apple reportedly held off on the Apple TV release in June due to concerns that it would constrain resources for the launch of iOS 9. There is speculation that Apple will unveil the new Apple TV device next month at the same event as the new iPhone announcement.
Some of the hardware improvements that are expected in the new Apple TV includes a faster A8 processor and additional flash storage. But there are five rumors about the Apple TV that make it a highly anticipated streaming media device:
1.) iOS 9 On Apple TV
The new Apple TV is rumored to be powered by a version of iOS 9 that is optimized for streaming media content on a TV, according to 9to5Mac. The current operating system on the Apple TV is known as Apple TV Software, which is based on a modified version of iOS 8.3. Advances in Siri made in Apple's next major iOS release could be the reason why the Apple TV might be based on iOS 9.
2.) High-Tech Remote
Rumor has it that the new Apple TV will have a larger remote control and it will have a multi-touch trackpad. Inside of files hidden in OS X 10.11 El Capitan developer betas, 9to5Mac’s sources noticed that there was code for an Apple Remote that has an integrated Bluetooth wireless chip and can connect to devices with an infrared sensor. The hidden files also revealed that the remote has some kind of audio support, which could be used for device playback or Siri input.
3.) Siri Support
The new Apple TV is expected to have Apple’s digital assistant Siri built in. And Proactive — one of the new Siri features in iOS 9 — might be integrated into the new Apple TV out of the box. Proactive provides users with contextual information based on their location and the time of day. Proactive also offers reminders based on calendar events and it can suggest apps. Hypothetically, the Proactive feature in an Apple TV could be helpful in offering tips for movies, TV shows, apps, etc. However, Proactive may not be integrated into the Apple TV until more third party apps are available. Hopefully, Siri would also make it easier to type characters on the Apple TV since sliding around a letter grid with the remote is a bit of a nuisance.
4.) App Store / Software Development Kit (SDK)
Apple is reportedly releasing a software development kit (SDK) for the Apple TV so that third party developers can build apps. As of right now, Apple adds apps to the Apple TV on a hand-picked basis through software updates. The new Apple TV is also expected to have its own App Store, which presents a major opportunity for developers to distribute their apps on another major platform. Technically, you can use AirPlay on the Apple TV to view your iOS and Mac apps on a larger screen -- but that is not really a native experience compared to apps designed for the Apple TV platform. There are also several apps that block users from streaming to AirPlay on the Apple TV like the Xfinity iOS app. Between a multi-touch trackpad built into the remote and the App Store SDK, it could add a new element of gaming on the Apple TV.
5.) Design Overhaul
The Apple TV has looked the same ever since the second generation version of the device was released in 2010. The black hockey puck design is reportedly going to be overhauled completely. The only details that are available right now is that the design is expected to be thinner and wider than the current Apple TV.
Earlier this year, The Wall Street Journal published an article about how Apple is planning to launch a new Internet TV service -- which would be integrated into the new Apple TV. Apple's upcoming Internet TV service would include about 25 channels such as CBS, FOX, ESPN and FX. However, it sounds like there have been some setbacks in the licensing process so Apple’s Internet TV may launch next year instead.
What are your thoughts about the rumored Apple TV features? Please leave a comment!
