Shortly after Google confirmed it will be entering the TV industry again, reports have surfaced claiming Apple intends on giving it a crack. So far the two companies compete in computers, music, smartphones and tablets, with the competition only growing more fierce.
In a feature concerning the difficulties facing Apple’s new CEO Tim Cook, the Wall Street Journal reignited speculation that Apple will break into the television industry. In the article, the Wall Street Journal wrote:
“an immediate challenge for Mr. Cook will be to advance Apple’s plans in what is expected to be a key market for growth: digital video. Apple is working on new technology to deliver video to televisions, and has been discussing whether to try to launch a subscription TV service, according to people familiar with the matter.”
It is believed that Apple will put together a Television that is based on the iPhone’s iOS software. There have been many rumours claiming Apple will be outsourcing panels from LG and Samsung, but at present it is most likely Sharp will be responsible for LCD manufacturing, after reports surfaced Apple is considering investing a billion dollars in the company’s LCD plant to help manage demand for their iPad range.
Read: Apple To Invest Sharp LCD Plant & Get Rid Of Samsung
Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster, who is a long-time Apple analyst, believes the TV will be manufactured by an industry OEM and will surface between late 2012/early 2013. He claims the only reason Apple didn’t enter the market years before is due to the expensive cost of LCD panels.
Apple are also questioning whether or not they should offer a subscription service, as the company’s studio relationships would put the company ina competitive position. Previously the notion to do so under Steve Jobs’ guiding eye was dismissed, with Jobs claiming at the time the TV industry was a hobby for Apple.
“The television industry fundamentally has a subsidized business model that gives everyone a set-top box, and that pretty much undermines innovation in the sector. The only way this is going to change is if you start from scratch, tear up the box, redesign and get it to the consumer in a way that they want to buy it. But right now, there’s no way to do that,” Jobs said.
That time might be coming as Smart TVs are becoming more webcentric and IPTV technology help shift the industry’s dynamic.
With all the different cogs in motion, an Apple TV might just be the innovation Tim Cook needs to step out of Steve Jobs’ iconic shadow, proving to the technology world he is the right man for the job.
Read: Apple Woo Tim Cook With US$383mil For Top Job
