Report indicates an April launch for the Apple iTV

The rumours surrounding an Apple HDTV do not seem to be dying and on the contrary, as time passes; more reports about a Siri-enabled Apple iTV continue to arise. It all began last year when Gene Munster, an analyst at Piper Jaffray revealed that Apple was working on an integrated television set that would be launched later this year or early next year. This revelation was backed by a quote from Steve Jobs’ biography in which Walter Issacson stated that the Apple co-founder did indeed speak about a television and told the author that he had ‘licked it.’ Walter Issacson went on to state that the Apple co-founder said that “There’s no reason you should have all these complicated remote controls,” when talking about the television, thereby indicating that it could be enabled by Apple’s voice recognition assistant - Siri. Though the news keeps trickling in, the forecasted launch date is expected to be by the end of this year but as per a recent report by TechnoBuffalo, a high ranking source with a major electronics retailer has informed them that a Siri-enabled Apple HDTV could be expected by April or May at the latest.

Apple iTV coming out in the next few months? (Image mock-up)

The report states, “Speaking on conditions of anonymity, the source said they’ve seen “gorgeous, very thin” pre-production versions of the set in person, and that they employ OLED panels at various sizes up to 42-inches.” Apart from this, the report goes on to mention that the source has informed them that apart from Siri, the television will also support facial recognition and plans for the Apple iTV’s voice control system will supercede those found on Apple’s iPhone 4S. Although it will be mostly voice controlled, users will have the option to control it with an iOS device which can be used as a remote control. The report further states, “Apple execs are reportedly describing the new product line as a “hub” for your life, replacing the PC as the most-used device in a consumer’s home.”

Apart from this the source adds, “Apple is exploring the notion of using the set to control other connected devices in the home; think along the lines of ovens that pre-heat while you’re watching TV before dinner, and garage doors that can be closed by voice command while you sit on the couch. No details were given as to whether Apple would consider manufacturing such devices, though given their history, a “Made for iPod” style accessory program would be a natural fit for a TV-based connected home system.”  He goes on to state, “Controls for the television set would be unconventional and unique, according to the retail exec. The TV will follow the Apple tradition of going into power-saving sleep mode more often than actually turning off.”

Reports are indicating that Apple understands the nature of the consumer and that one will not purchase a television set every year so they plan on adding the best features in it right from the beginning. Let us know your thoughts on these latest rumours about the Apple iTV in the comments below.