Set top boxes are one of the new areas in which mobile companies are branching out into, with firms like Google and Amazon introducing new boxes in the past year. Now a new report claims that Apple’s cooking up a new set top box of its own.
Sources speaking to BuzzFeed say that Apple is prepping a new version of the Apple TV set top box that’ll be introduced at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June. The new version is described as a “significant overhaul” with a new design and updated specs that include a new A8 system-on-a-chip (or a version of it), considerably more built-in storage than the 8GB in the current Apple TV, and a new operating system.
This new Apple TV OS will reportedly include Siri voice controls, HomeKit-based home automation support, and even an App Store.
The current Apple TV is getting pretty long in the tooth, having had the same design and hardware for a couple of years now. While Apple has described Apple TV as a “hobby” in the past, the set top box wars are heating up as companies look for new ways to make money, and so Apple TV could gain an increased focus from Apple as a result. While a new Apple TV box is still a rumor, the age of the current model and the fact that Apple recently slashed its price from $99 to $69 are two hints that a new model is indeed coming.
Do you own any set top boxes? If so, which do you have?
