Next Apple TV rumored to be a cloud-based, iPhone OS + 1080p? Yes, please.


Engadget reports on the potential next iteration of the Apple TV that may move it from a back burner hobby to the front lines.

The Website is reporting on tips that the next generation Apple TV could be an impressive upgrade. With the rumors, the system would move to the iPhone OS platform. This isn't too shocking as we've ponder as such just last week. (Google TV implies competition with Apple TV, but not really) Along with the iPhone goodness would be 1080p output, which would seem a given if it were to be a serious contender for the living room. Furthermore, the device would run on Apple's A4 processor and come equipped with 16 GB of storage. The storage needs would be minimal as Apple would also offer up cloud-based media serving. Such has been rumored with the purchase of music streaming company LaLa and the company building a giant new server farm on the east coast. Beyond the cloud and built-in drive, the device would also reportedly pull content from local network storage such as TimeMachine.

The most interestingly part may be the price. Engadget floated $99. Described as essentially an iPhone without a screen, the price kind of makes sense since the most expensive part of the iPad, for example, is in fact the touch screen. Take away the touch screen, and the component cost tumble. It also makes sense if Apple intends to aggressively market the product and extend the iPhone platform.

As we pondered last week, this would essentially make Apple TV a console gaming machine. iPhone OS apps with either dedicated Bluetooth controls or iPhone/iPod Touches. Pretty futuristic stuff. Even existing iPad games should look OK on HDTV sets in 4x3 format, and certainly we would see Apple TV specific apps. The iPad is already seeing wide use on couches, so interactivity with an Apple TV would be pretty cool. It all sounds good and a complete logical next step for both the iPhone platform and Apple TV.

Engadget: The next Apple TV revealed: cloud storage and iPhone OS on tap... and a $99 price tag