Today Globe and Mail, Canada’s largest newspaper, reported that Apple is working on their next-generation TV (resumable the “iTV”). Apple is reportedly equipping it with the ability to recognize not only voice commands, but also hand gestures:
The product reportedly integrates Siri, Apple’s voice-recognition software that acts as a personal assistant on the latest iPhone, into television sets to help viewers make programming choices.
Viewers can then control the TV by voice or hand gestures, all from the comfort of a couch. An on-screen keyboard, meanwhile, can also be activated in a similar manner, allowing viewers to surf the web, conduct video chats and use social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook – all without any physical interface.
Additionally, Globe and Mail claims that Apple is working with both wireless and wireline provides to partner with for their iTV (including Rogers and Bell):
“They’re not closed to doing it with one [company] or doing it with two,” said one source who is familiar with the talks. “They’re looking for a partner. They’re looking for someone with wireless and broadband capabilities.” Another source, also speaking on the condition of anonymity, said Rogers and Bell already have the product in their labs.
With that said, if Globe and Mail is accurate, Apple’s upcoming iTV has the potential to revolutionize the home entertainment industry. Stay tuned for more news related to Apple’s rumored iTV.
