New reports indicate that Apple has been making progress on the development of a new installment in its popular Apple TV set-top device and that it is already in the testing phase of production. Many insiders believe that the new set-top box will likely be introduced to consumers before the end of the first half of 2014.
According to 9To5Mac, the company is opting for a new set-top-box rather than a full-fledged TV set, like many believed the company would do. Their sources indicate that the product will include a revamped operating system that will be based on iOS. Of course, release timeframes with these type of products can quickly change due to the content partners that are involved with such dealings.
Apple has reportedly been experimenting with new input methods for TV-related products like a motion control sensor similar to the Kinect interface featured on Microsoft's new Xbox One. As of right now, it is unclear if that technology will be featured on this year's Apple TV product.
iLounge reports that Apple is preparing an update to the Apple TV that will add in some gaming content. Apple TV will likely include new types of contend that lead many to believe an App Store or a "Game Store" might be in the works for the new release of the technology.
Apple will likely promote this new store with new hardware, but the company has been considering allowing users of the current-generation Apple TV to update their software to the new redesigned version with all its features.
Apple has been taking steps to allow developers to come up with new content on the Apple TV platform. The company has been lagging, relative to previous years, recently and many believe the result is the lack of innovation from the company in the wake of its co-founder Steve Jobs death. The best the company has been able to do under new CEO Tim Cook has been to update its current devices. It is said that Steve Jobs had ambitious plans for the television space and updates to the Apple TV could be Cook's way of carrying on that legacy into new innovation for the company.
