Apple iTV Rumors Fueled by Cable Company Talks and Best Buy Survey

By Rob Scott
February 10, 2012

Apple is reportedly in talks with Canadian TV providers discussing plans to launch its rumored iTV product.
“Partnerships between Apple and pay-TV providers would be both good and bad for consumers,” suggests TIME. “Working with a cable company means getting lots of content, which Apple can then offer through a simple interface, potentially with iPhones, iPads and Siri acting as remote controls.”
“On the downside, cable companies aren’t likely to give up their old business model of making subscribers pay for unwanted bundles of channels,” adds the article.
Apple may need to integrate apps and Web-based content in order to get deals, as opposed to the rumored a la carte alternative.
Some analysts are also suggesting the TV may emphasize user-generated videos created with iPads and iPhones for a YouTube-like model.
In a related story, CNET reports that a recent Best Buy customer survey asks whether consumers would be willing to spend $1,499 for an Apple-branded 42-inch HDTV.
“That’s up three times as much as current 42-inch models; could it be worth the price?” asks the article. “The survey describes a product that’s essentially a 1080p HDTV with iOS built in, including app and iCloud support; a camera and microphone for some kind of user interaction; and integration with other iOS devices, including using an iPad or iPhone as a remote.”

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