Gadgets

Apple 'iTV' With 'iRing' Slated To Launch Second Half of 2013

Vamien McKalin

Rumors of an Apple-branded smart HDTV have been in the pipeline for quite a few years, but the product could finally become available for consumption, if a certain Topeka Capital Markets analyst is to be believed.

Brian White, the analyst in question, is known for his accurate details on unannounced Apple products, which makes him a very solid source for information such as this. According to White, Apple will finally launch its "iTV" device by the second half of 2013, and he also went on to add that Apple "iTV" will include some game-changing features that are sure to attract eyes and pocket money.

"Our meeting with an [sic] tech supply chain company suggests to us that a full blown Apple 'iTV' will launch in the latter part of 2013," White wrote in a note to investors on Wednesday. "Clearly, there has been plenty of mis-guided speculation around the timing of the Apple's 'iTV' launch and we believe that this is largely due to changes by Apple, most recently around the creation of entirely new user interface aesthetics."

White didn't stop there. He went on to mention something called "iRing," a device worn on the finger to remotely control what happens on the Apple "iTV" device. The device screen itself is quite large, coming in at 60 inches. White claims there could be other versions with screen sizes ranging from 50 to 55 inches.

Furthermore, "iTV" will come packed with a smaller screen, the same 9.7-inches as the iPad. This smaller screen could be used for home security, video conferencing, phone calls or for other purposes. Also, this mini device will have the ability to capture content from the 60-inch "iTV" anywhere in your house. Excited yet? Potential owners should expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500 for the "iTV" package.

Brian White's full report, as obtained by BGR:

The "iTV" ecosystem represents a major innovation for the $100 billion LCD TV industry that will revolutionize the TV experience forever, in our view. First of all, we believe "iTV" will be 60-inches in size (but could also include 50-55 inch options). Secondly, we believe Apple will release a miniature device called "iRing" that will be placed on a user's finger and act as a navigation pointer for "iTV", enhancing the motion detection experience and negating some of the functionality found in a remote. Thirdly, "iTV" will come with a "mini iTV" screen that will seamlessly allow users to view content on this smaller, 9.7-inch screen, while also opening up use cases around home security, phone calls, video conferencing and other areas. As part of this experience, Siri and FaceTime will be important. Essentially, we believe the "mini iTV" screens will be able to capture content from the 60-inch "iTV" across a distance of up to 200 meters, allowing a user to view "iTV" content in the kitchen, washroom, garage, bedroom, backyard, etc. We believe Apple will offer one "mini iTV" per "iTV" but package options will include up to four screens (i.e., one screen is part of the standard package and pay extra for each additional). While the "mini iTV" screens will be similar in size compared to the iPad, and thus allow for some manufacturing efficiencies, the capabilities and features will be very basic and thus not an iPad replacement. Furthermore, we believe "iWatch" will be an important part of the "iTV" ecosystem, tapping into "iTV" services in a much more mobile friendly manner, complementing the "iRing". The interaction between "iTV" and making phone calls will be an important feature of this experience, while the "iWatch" and "iRing" will provide increased mobility around the home, supplanting the need to carry a smartphone around the house. Finally, we believe consumers will pay approximately $1,500 to $2,500 for the "iTV" package. The price will be based on the number of "mini iTV" screens in the package and the screen size of the "iTV". Also, we are being told that "iTV" could be subsidized by certain service providers to expand the market opportunity.

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