News, info, and opinion by Mac users, for Mac users.

December 8, 2006

speculation

Hang up the iPhone and turn on the iTV

Posted Dec. 8, ’06, 9:19 AM PT by Dan Moren
Category | Apple » Speculation

iTV.jpgThe countdown is hitting the final stretch. One month from today, the Macworld Conference begins; one month from tomorrow, the Expo officially opens with Steve Jobs’s keynote. We’ve had no dearth of speculation about the iPhone, but I wonder if that’s just a shiny, white smokescreen. What about the things that we’re sure to hear about Macworld? I can think of two: Leopard and iTV. Both are due out sometime in Q1 2007, and I would be surprised—nay, flabbergasted—should the Jobsnote pass without a mention of either.

There’s been some rumor and speculation about the latter device, though it has mainly been overshadowed by the blogosphere’s continuing iPhonegasm. Jason O’Grady at ZDNet posted an email from a friend about the iTV, which contains this perplexing line:

Let’s face it, iTV is not a revolutionary device like the iPod, it’s evolutionary.
What the heck is it with people who seem to know all about these unreleased Apple products? Did I miss a psychic class in college? Should I have received my crystal ball when entering the field of Mac bloggery? I’ll take it up with my boss.

While we may not know the full details of the forthcoming iTV, I feel pretty confident saying that it will not involve a partnership with TiVo. Apple is not looking to enter the DVR market, as I’ve said before on many an occasion. I hold fast to this very theory; it’s the core of my otherwise shaky world. Should Steve-o step onto the stage at Macworld SF and announce DVR functionality, you will find me swearing off gambling for all time (which will be awkward, as I will be in Vegas covering CES at that exact moment). I also think that the idea that the iTV will be renamed the “Mac Media Capsule” is so patently ridiculous that I’m going to check the USPTO site. We’re talking Apple here. Yes, iPod may be an odd name, but one thing it isn’t is unwieldy. We know iTV won’t be the final name, but to think that they’d go from three letters to three words is ludicrous. My money’s on something simpler: “iWatch” perhaps, or “iFlicks.” Or maybe they’ll drop the “i” moniker, though I’d be surprised.

Either way, the iTV, unlike the iPhone, has some substance behind it, vague patents notwithstanding. While the idea of an Apple handset has its appeal, I dearly love my video, so I’m looking forward to the iTV. I’ve already started saving pennies, so don’t forget to drop one in the tip jar on your way out. Cheers.


9 Comments

Dave said:

Uhh, Leopard in Q1? Perhaps you know something I don't?

Officially, Apple is saying Spring 2007. That means Q2 is much more likely.

December 8, 2006 10:40 AM
Joel said:

I always wondered... why hasn't any one theorized that this could strem live tv BACK to your mac for recording? I think there is a very real possibility that this thing (when hooked up to your mac) could record television. Any thoughts?

December 8, 2006 12:06 PM
Paul said:

"Let’s face it, iTV is not a revolutionary device like the iPod, it’s evolutionary."

That's funny, considering the initial reaction to the iPod - http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=500

December 8, 2006 12:25 PM
Dan--the man said:

1) A good amount of spring is in Q1. Apple could release it in Q1 and in the Spring.

2) I think the iTV will absolutely allow you to record onto your Mac's HDD.

I'd like to NOT see any Intel/Viiv logos when you start the thing up. I hope Apple does this all on their own. We all know how those HP iPods, and Motorola ROKR's turned out. CRAP!

December 8, 2006 1:49 PM
StevenW said:

Q1 is Jan 1 - March 31. Spring starts March 21. That's about 80 days of spring in Q2 and 11 in Q2. I wouldn't call a little less than 14 percent "a good amount."

December 8, 2006 4:38 PM
StevenW said:

Q1 is Jan 1 - March 31. Spring starts March 21. That's about 80 days of spring in Q2 and 11 in Q2. I wouldn't call a little less than 14 percent "a good amount."

December 8, 2006 4:39 PM
StevenW said:

Sorry for the double post.

December 8, 2006 4:41 PM
Dan--the man said:

Yet if you got a 14% discount while shopping, you'd probably say it was a good amount off.

December 8, 2006 10:07 PM
Tom said:

Nevertheless, Jobs will talk about Leopard and iTV in a month, that was basically Dan's message.

December 10, 2006 3:21 AM

Leave a comment

 



Visit other IDG sites: