Rumor: Apple TV to Be Announced in April

It is a well-known fact that every year, all the true followers of the Apple products have been speculating on the possible release dates of the new Apple TV. According to some rumors that have leaked out lately, Apple is already close to introduce the Apple TV set-top box of the new generation.

As it was reported earlier this year, Apple is already testing the new generation of Apple TV, which interface will be redesigned in the style of iOS 7. What is more, the set-top boxes will have their own application store. Third-party developers will be able to fill its content, which will include games as well. Also, it is possible that Apple TV will support wireless game controllers. Another noteworthy fact is that Company has “promoted” the set-top box Apple TV: now it’s not an accessory, but a full-fledged product category alongside with the iPhone or iPad. Experts believe that this was done on purpose.

One of the possible modifications, which are discussed in Cupertino, combines the capabilities of Apple TV and Wi-Fi router AirPort Express with the 802.11ac protocol support. This is in particular to increase the quality and stability of the video stream transmitted to the console.

However, the final release date may be delayed because Apple is still in the process of negotiating with the major video suppliers, such as Time Warner Cable. According to Bloomberg, the new generation of Apple TV will get a more powerful processor and a simplified interface that will allow its viewers to easily switch between TV shows, movies and other online content.

If Apple manages to conclude a licensing deal with Time Warner, US-based users will have access to hundreds of television channels. To date, their number is limited to six: Disney, ABC, ESPN, HBO, PBS and Bloomberg TV.

Many households already get Internet, cable TV and telephony services through a single cable; hence, theoretically, Apple may try to combine all of these features using the so-called “all-in-one” concept. Moreover, according to the some reliable sources, one of the versions of the new Apple TV has a built-in TV tuner to display channels received, for example, the cable box (Google TV, for instance, already has similar opportunities on its consoles). The new generation Apple TV will be allegedly a game console as well.