Another ‘grand vision’
Television is another area of profound interest for which the company has a “grand vision.” Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) beat its own expectation and sold over 13 million units of its set-top box. The company has been rumored for long to be working on introducing the iTV, but Cook declined from giving further details. Some reports suggest that the company may be restrained from building the iTV due to lack of content pacts with studios. In December last year, Apple was reported to be collaborating with Asian component makers to test a large HD display. Nothing much has been heard since then.
While Cook likes to keep his lips sealed on the prospects of the iTV, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) prefers to boast about its new Xbox to be the iTV challenger. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) Xbox is now more that just a gaming machine; it is a smart-TV box. Its latest version is aimed to revolutionize the smart-TV world and battle Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s heavily rumored iTV to occupy a space in the living room. The Xbox One entertainment console is an all-in-one solution for playing video games, video streaming, and exploring other entertainment options.
While both the iPhone maker and the Windows creator are taking interest in transforming and modernizing the television space, prospects in this segment remain a bit challenging. Back in 2010, Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) had pointed out the need to upgrade televisions and develop smart TVs. However, just in a year’s time, the chipmaker dropped the idea when it perceived lackluster demand.
One of the major reasons why Smart TVs have not impressed buyers is that the navigation interface is outdated and lacks sophistication. However, many consider that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s iTV would bring that sophistication and build demand in this segment. It is one of the most anticipated products from the Cupertino tech giant.
The bottom line
The iPhone maker is facing difficult times as investors are concerned if the tech giant will be able to come up with innovations capable of matching the success of iPhone and iPad. The company’s product line remains unclear. Everyone in the tech world is waiting for the next big thing from the biggest technology giant to see which product category it would come out with. Would it be the iTV or the iWatch or something else? All that is known is that some game changers are on the way. What remains to be seen is if these “game changers” will be trendsetters like the iPhone and the iPad.
Rajesh Marwah has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Apple and Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG). The Motley Fool owns shares of Apple and Google.
The article Apple Has Some Game Changers in the Pipeline originally appeared on Fool.com.
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