Apple is on a roll — selling iPads like hotcakes, zooming past Microsoft in sales, generating buzz for the soon-to-be-announced iPhone 4G. Now, rumors of a new and improved Apple TV have television junkies salivating.
I have a confession: I almost forgot there was an old and to-be-improved-upon Apple TV already on the market. The $300, sometimes problematic box didn’t seem to pick up steam amongst my techiest friends back in 2007, nor did it after some minor movie improvements, so I kind of shoved it to the back of my brain. The updated system with a $99 pricetag and cloud storage capabilities, however, could change that — assuming it’s not just a rumor. ReadWriteWeb points out that with the announcement of Google TV a few weeks ago, now would be a good time for a Mac version overhaul.
An Apple insider apparently told Engadget that the cheaper system cuts cost by needing far less storage (thanks to the cloud storage capabilities) and sport a smaller, much simpler design. (Possibly as small and simple as an iPhone?) Viewers will be able to stream HD programming and show off their 42″ wall-mounted app menu to their neighbors. Keeping up with the Joneses will be more affordable than ever.
We’ll probably know in a week or so whether the hype is just hype or if there’s substance behind it, as June 7 is Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference and Steve Jobs is poised, as usual, to make the company’s hottest announcements.
My money is on the upgrade. Well, $99 of it anyway.
Top photo courtesy of Billaday via Flickr.
Caroline Walker is a Brooklyn-based freelance writer and editor. She has worked in both the entertainment and the nonprofit sector. Walker holds a BA from the University of Southern California and an MA from New York University’s Gallatin School.
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