3 ms·

OP's points are valid but it ignores the core of Apple's strategy whenever they've had a home-run: getting partners to do things they would almost never do. Th

OP's points are valid but it ignores the core of Apple's strategy whenever they've had a home-run: getting partners to do things they would almost never do. They might be able to do the same with TV, but they might not choose to partner with cable companies. If they are indeed building an iTV, they might partner with the major networks... or maybe just one to start... ABC. The networks might be motivated by dropping revenues from their current channels. Apple might promise them an AdSense style platform for selling TV ads. They would now be able to monetize content that very niche audience would be interested in. If they promised them the same 70/30 split or higher, it might be enough to get the networks to take the risk of pissing off their local affiliates. I don't think they currently get that high of a split from their affiliates. There are a number of ways they could potentially get the networks on board (though it'll be super difficult.) Regardless, I think the thing that they have to crack is the demand side. How do they make a TV that is so much better than current TVs that it redefines the category and get's people to give up their current TVs. I have an awesome Pioneer plasma screen from 3 years ago. It's going strong and I see no good reason to throw out the $$$$ that I put out for it. However, if anyone can make me do, it's Apple but it would have to be a fantastic product. Part of the mix might be incorporating the gaming advantage that iPhone and iPad has benefited from. If they just used their other iOS devices as controllers & remotes, they would have a gaming platform that could rival XBOX & Playstation. The only thing it would need to match it is a konnect style device. Who knows if they'll go there with the first few versions. They also would need to offer a new modality to TV that really changes the game. I would hope that at the least, they would offer a hulu + netflix style service.

jonhendry 16y ago
They won't do a TV. Replacement cycles on TVs are long, especially now that we're unlikely to see a persuasive tech shift that would drive upgrades. Current 1920 HDTV screens are going to be 'good enough' for quite a while. If Apple released a TV, they'd soon find themselves with a large installed base of outdated hardware and customers in no hurry to upgrade because the main functionality is still entirely adequate. It's to Apple's advantage to sell easily-replaced $99 external boxes that attach to whatever TV the consumer already owns. In one or two years, the consumer can replace it with the latest Apple product, with its faster CPU and GPU, additional storage, and new features, without too much pain. People just aren't going to want to replace 60" TVs as often as they replace a cell phone or a laptop or a game console.

jonhendry 16y ago

They won't do a TV. Replacement cycles on TVs are long, especially now that we're unlikely to see a persuasive tech shift that would drive upgrades. Current 1920 HDTV screens are going to be 'good enough' for quite a while. If Apple released a TV, they'd soon find themselves with a large installed base of outdated hardware and customers in no hurry to upgrade because the main functionality is still entirely adequate. It's to Apple's advantage to sell easily-replaced $99 external boxes that attach to whatever TV the consumer already owns. In one or two years, the consumer can replace it with the latest Apple product, with its faster CPU and GPU, additional storage, and new features, without too much pain. People just aren't going to want to replace 60" TVs as often as they replace a cell phone or a laptop or a game console.