July's best streaming device deals offer notable discounts on today's popular media players. These portable plug-in gadgets make it easier to access and stream your favorite content from anywhere. It's spring clearance season and several retailers currently offer solid discounts on today's best media players.  

Streaming devices come in handy when you want to cut the cable cord or access all of your streaming services from one place. Today's best streaming devices make it easy to find and watch or listen to your favorite content. These portable media players put thousands of TV shows, movies, and live TV channels at your fingertips. They also convert older model "dumb" televisions into modern smart TVs and customize our viewing experience.  

So If you want to complement your existing smart TV or add smart functionality to your dated TV set, now is one of the best times to save. From Apple TV to the first kid-friendly HDMI stick, here are the best streaming device deals you can get right now.

Quick links

• Amazon: streaming device deals from $19
• Best Buy: streaming device deals from $29
• Target: streaming device deals from $19
• Walmart: streaming device deals from $19

Best steaming device deals

After yesterday's Apple Wonderlust event, where we saw new iPhones and Apple Watches, some were left saddened by the lack of an announcement of a new iPad. While you may not be getting new hardware just yet, Apple didn't forget iPad fans completely; iPadOS 17 is coming September 18, and it looks like an interesting update. 

For now we'll have to let our visions of an iPad mini 7 continue to dance in our heads and I'll keep saving my pennies for when it does arrive.

Apple is great at quietly working on the next best thing while keeping its devices updated with new improvements to its outstanding iPadOS, and the tech goliath has even given us a glimpse of what's to come. 

iPadOS 17 

If you visit the iPadOS 17 preview page and slide past all the improved, personalized lock screen and motion effect live photo wallpaper nonsense, you'll discover some solid upgrades, like the new Widgets on the lock screen.

The upgrade will feature interactive widgets that allow you to play music, turn off lights in your home, and more, simply by tapping a widget icon.

Improvements to iMessage let you quickly catch up on a conversation and keep abreast of all the details from start to finish. There is an improved iMessage Search feature to help you locate messages faster.

Also, audio messages can be transcribed for reading if you can't listen to them. There's also an improved sticker interface and the ability to create stickers from your own photos.

The app iPadOS 17 update I'm very impressed with is FaceTime. FaceTime is the one reason I still have an iPhone. You can use your iPad in conjunction with Apple TV, use your iPad as a camera, and view the call on your television.

You can also use your hands to trigger 3D augmented reality effects like hearts, confetti, or fireworks within FaceTime. Lastly, you'll be able to quickly record a video or audio message if someone misses your call, which is a feature that has been around on Android for a while now.

Apple's Health app comes with iPad, is optimized for the larger display, and will feature mental and vision health applications.

You can now quickly handle PDFs and Notes with the new Autofill feature, which you can use with an Apple Pen. You can now link notes and collaborate with others in real time on PDFs. 

You can read more about the upgrades on the iPadOS 17 preview page, and while I'm happy for the update, I'd still rather have that new iPad mini 7. 

There's never a time when we’re not searching for the best Apple and Beats headphones on sale. Amazon Prime Day 2023 has made it easy to snag these products, which are relatively expensive, but generously discounted for the annual two-day sale.

Both brands optimize their headphones and earbuds to work seamlessly with all Apple hardware, including iPhones, iPads, Macs/MacBooks, and the Apple TV. These models also feature similar spec sheets and utilize proprietary technologies that boost performance on multiple fronts.

Many of these offerings can be found on our best noise-cancelling headphones and best wireless earbuds lists. Others are standout releases well worth the pickup for budget shoppers. You may even run into a familiar face from your iPod days that still delivers the goods.

Whether it’s enjoying immersive 3D sound in privacy or silencing the outside world, there’s an option for every purpose and price point. Browse through the best Prime Day Apple and Beats headphones deals and spread the word.

Best Prime Day Apple headphone deals  —  Quick links 

•  Apple AirPods Pro 2: $249 $199 @ Amazon 
•  Apple AirPods Max: $549 $449 @ Amazon 
•  Apple AirPods 3: $179 $139 @ Amazon 
•  Apple EarPods: $29 $16 @ Amazon  

Best Prime Day Apple headphone deals

Best Prime Day Beats headphones deals — Quick links

•  Beats Studio Buds+: $169 $149 @ Amazon 
•  Beats Studio3: $349 $159 @ Amazon 
•  Beats Studio Buds: $149 $89 @ Amazon 
•  Beats Powerbeats Pro: $199 $149 @ Amazon 

Best Prime Day Beats headphones deals

Apple TV is one of the best set-top boxes available today. But the remote’s connection can cut out at times, and we’ve got the fix to it right here.

Whether it’s the first or second generation Siri remotes, they are intuitive to use — with all the buttons you need for control (and thankfully, a move away from the weird trackpad UI of the first generation), alongside Siri integration that is able to perform a search for content across all your different streaming services.

However, just like any wireless controller, connectivity issues can pop up and make it unable for you to use your Apple TV. Here are some steps you can follow to reset your remote and get things working again.

Try this first

1. Charge your remote for 30 minutes or more via a wall outlet.

2. Unplug your Apple TV box for at least six seconds, then plug it back in.

3. Ensure you are within 20 feet of your Apple TV box and that nothing is blocking the path between your Apple TV remote and the front of the box. Then try again once your Apple TV has reset.

Chances are this will work for most of you. But if you are still getting connection issues, here is the manual workaround to hard reset your remote.

Restart and pair your Apple TV remote

1. Press and hold the TV button (the one with a TV on it) and the volume down button for about five seconds.

2. You’ll see the Apple TV box restart, at which point you can release the buttons.

3. As the box turns back on, you’ll see a “Connection Lost” notification appear on the TV screen. When your remote restarts, the reconnection should be automatic.

4. If this doesn’t happen, activate manual pairing by pushing the back button and volume up button together for five seconds.

5. This will activate pairing mode and on some models of Apple TV, you may be asked to place the remote on top of the Apple TV box. Once your Apple TV has re-paired with the remote, you will be able to use it again.

Shantaram, based on Gregory David Roberts’ internationally best-selling novel of the same name, is Apple’s latest TV project set to receive its streaming premiere later this month. The drama thriller (driller?) is somewhat inspired by the author’s life as an armed robber, former heroin addict, and wanted fugitive hiding out in the slums of 1980s Bombay, India. It’s there that the author and his novel’s protagonist would find that the most important questions in life are answered at the end of a long and winding spiritual road. Unless, of course, that question is when and where can I catch every episode of this upcoming adaptation. In which case, read on for our guide on how to watch Shantaram online.

Apple’s Shantaram follows Lin Ford (Charlie Hunnam), one of the author’s many previous identities during his life on the lamb, as he attempts to wipe the slate clean and start anew. Though Lin struggles to leave the excitement of his past life behind, little does he know that the path in front of him is equally fraught with violence and the criminal underworld. However, that path is also littered with romance, adventure, self-discovery, and spiritual awakening. Follow Lin’s incredible journey as Shantaram premieres exclusively on Apple TV+ later this month.

Shantaram official trailer

How to watch Shantaram online in the US, Canada, UK and Australia

Those in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia can catch Charlie Hunnam's portrayal of armed robber Lin Ford when Shantaram premieres on Apple TV+ worldwide from Friday, Oct. 14, 2022. The first three episodes of Shantaram will be available to stream on the day, with new episodes following every Friday until the season draws to a close on Dec. 12, 2022. Episodes typically release at the same time each Friday at midnight ET (Thursdays at 9 p.m. PT), 6 a.m. BST, and 4 p.m. AET.

Beyond the series premiere of Shantaram, October also marks the arrival of an eclectic selection of all-new content for Apple TV+. The Mister Rogers evoking Hello Jack! The Kindness Show returns for its second season; the Ethan Hawke and Ewan McGregor fronted dramedy Raymond and Ray premieres; and Louis Armstrong’s Back & Blue — an in-depth look at one of jazz’s most influential musicians adds to the platform’s ever growing collection of impressive documentaries.

Not subscribed to Apple’s streaming platform? First-time subscribers who have purchased an Apple product (iPhone, iPad, or AppleTV) within the last 90-days, or are Apple Card customers could be entitled to three months of Apple TV+ for free. Click here to check if you’re eligible for Apple’s ongoing offer.

With so many different digital services available, it can all become a little overwhelming when it comes to signing up for yet another. Thankfully, there are now ways to consolidate many of your memberships into one smaller monthly fee with bundles like Apple One.

Apple One is an all-in-one membership bundle that encompasses Apple’s most popular digital services like Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and Apple Fitness. For one easy-to-manage and impressively discounted payment, you gain access to Apple’s staggering library of games, apps, music, movies, and TV across all your devices. Better still, new subscribers can give the bundle a 30-day trial run — absolutely free.

How to watch Shantaram from abroad

If you’re heading abroad over the next few months but want to stay up to date with the latest Shantaram episodes, it’s important to note that Apple TV+ is yet to be as widely adopted globally as other streaming services like Netflix or Prime Video. As such, you may find yourself outside of the streaming platform's currently supported regions and unable to access your usual library of content.

Should this be the case, then the best solution is to invest in a Virtual Private Network (or VPN). VPNs allow you to virtually alter your current locations, letting you connect to your favorite sites and services in exactly the same way you would do at home from anywhere in the world. The best VPNs also offer incredible protection and peace of mind when it comes to making use of public Wi-Fi in places like hotels, airports, and restaurants. 

Public hot spots like these are often poorly secured, leaving you and your data to be easily targeted by harmful man-in-the-middle attacks and packet sniffing attempts. However, VPNs will encrypt your connection and scramble your data to all but you. Not only will you be safe from prying eyes, but your browsing sessions will be completely anonymous and secure, even from Internet Service Providers.

Download a VPN today and enjoy unrestricted access to all your favorite sites and services while abroad or at home with full security and peace of mind.

Virtual Private Networks (or VPNs) are services that allow you to virtually change your present location. This allows you to access geo-restricted content, save money by purchasing products in different regions, and avoid pesky censorship efforts.

What is the plot of Shantaram?

Based on the internationally bestselling novel by Gregory David Roberts, Shantaram follows a fugitive named Lin Ford (Charlie Hunnam) looking to get lost in vibrant and chaotic 1980s Bombay. Alone in an unfamiliar city, Lin struggles to avoid the trouble he’s running from in this new place. After falling for an enigmatic and intriguing woman named Karla, Lin must choose between freedom or love and the complications that come with it.

Is Shantaram based on a true story?

Apple TV+’s Shantaram is based on the book of the same name by author Gregory David Roberts. It’s no secret that Roberts has something of a chequered past, but the similarities between his own experiences and that of the book’s protagonist Lin have led some to believe the book is more fact than fiction.

Parts of the novel are clearly inspired by real-life events with Lin, as Roberts was, being incarcerated in Australia for a series of armed robberies before escaping and fleeing to India where he lived for ten years. At this point in the novel, the line between fact and fiction is a topic of much debate. While Roberts insists the characters in the novel are entirely created and bear no resemblance to any real persons, certain individuals mentioned are very much real and are known to have associated with Roberts during his time in India.

Given the nature of the events that occur in the novel, some have likened it to a quasi-confession by Roberts — framed as fiction in such a way to shield himself from any potential blowback. Others believe the story to be largely sensationalized, with Roberts blending the narrative with his own lived experiences — resulting in a story that is authentic, but perhaps less than factual.

The latter of which is seemingly how Roberts wishes to present his work, saying the following in a 2015 interview:

“Some experiences from my life are described pretty much as they happened, and others are created narratives, informed by my experience. I wanted to write two or three novels on some bare elements from my life, allowing me to explore the themes that interested me, while keeping the narrative immediate by anchoring it to some of my real experiences.”

Shantaram release schedule: When will new Shantaram episodes come out?

The debut season of Shantaram premieres exclusively on Apple TV+ with the show’s first three episodes available to stream on Friday, Oct. 14, 2022. New episodes will then follow every Friday for the duration of this season's 12-episode run. Episodes will be released onto the platform every Friday worldwide from midnight ET (meaning Thursdays at 9 p.m. PT), 4 p.m. AET and 6 a.m. BST.

The following is the release schedule for Shantaram for those watching in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia:

• Shantaram S01E01: TBC, Oct. 14, 2022
• Shantaram S01E02: TBC, Oct. 14, 2022
• Shantaram S01E03: TBC, Oct. 14, 2022
• Shantaram S01E04: TBC, Oct. 21, 2022
• Shantaram S01E05: TBC, Oct. 28, 2022
• Shantaram S01E06: TBC, Nov. 4, 2022
• Shantaram S01E07: TBC, Nov. 11, 2022
• Shantaram S01E08: TBC, Nov. 18, 2022
• Shantaram S01E09: TBC, Nov. 25, 2022
• Shantaram S01E10: TBC, Dec. 2, 2022
• Shantaram S01E11: TBC, Dec. 9, 2022
• Shantaram S01E12: TBC, Dec. 16, 2022

Black Bird is a true crime, psychological thriller adapted from the memoir In With The Devil: A Fallen Hero, A Serial Killer, and A Dangerous Bargain for Redemption. True crime stories have been captivating audiences for years now, and if you’re ready to dive into the next big docudrama, read our guide on how to watch Black Bird online in the U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia.

The show sees Taron Egerton (Eggsy of Kingsman: The Secret Service) playing James Keene, a high school football hero who, after more than a few wrong turns in his life, is now looking at a 10-year stretch in jail. What could easily turn into a standard biopic of one man's journey through prison life is quickly subverted when Keene is approached by the assistant U.S. Attorney with a remarkable offer: enter a maximum security prison for the criminally insane to befriend a suspected serial killer and draw out a confession — or see out the duration of his sentence with no possibility of parole.

The show also marks the final TV appearance of Ray Liotta (Henry Hill of Goodfellas) after his recent passing in May of 2022. Liotta plays James “Big Jim” Keene Sr., a decorated police officer and father to Egerton’s character.

Black Bird premieres with a double episode on July 8, promising a gritty and suspenseful retelling of actual events. If your appetite for this captivating story has been whetted, then let’s go over how and where to watch Black Bird online.

Black Bird official trailer

How to watch Black Bird online in the US, Canada, UK and Australia

Black Bird will premiere in the U.S., Canada, U.K. and Australia exclusively on Apple TV+. The season kicks off on Friday, July 8 with the first two episodes available to stream in the U.S. and Canada from midnight Eastern Time (or Thursday, July 7, 9 p.m. Pacific Time for those living on the west coast). Regional release times for the U.K. and Australia are 5 a.m. British Summer Time  and 2 p.m. Australian Eastern Time, respectively.

Not an Apple TV+ subscriber? If you’ve purchased an Apple product within the last 90 days, you could be entitled to a free three-month trial — no strings attached. If you’d like to know more about this offer, click here to check your eligibility and the terms and conditions of the ongoing promotion.

If you’re already subscribed to a number of Apple services (like Fitness+ or Arcade), then the thought of signing up to yet another may leave your head spinning. Thankfully, Apple's all-in-one subscription, Apple One, can cut down your costs and leave you with more bang for your buck. Granting access to six of the brand’s most used services, Apple One lets you enjoy a wealth of content for one easy-to-manage (and impressively discounted) payment.

How to watch Black Bird while abroad

If you’re traveling abroad, it’s always worth preparing for the possibility that your favorite services will no longer be available to you. While Apple TV+ is currently available in over 100 countries, there’s no guarantee that you’ll be getting the exact content you’ve become familiar with at home. Different countries have different rules regarding what is and isn’t acceptable to be shown. You may find that your favorite shows are either not available or heavily censored/edited. 

Geo-blocks like this are just a few of the headaches you might face when attempting to access content in other regions, but there is a way to avoid these issues entirely. Virtual Private Networks (or VPNs) are services that allow you to virtually change your present location. This allows you to access geo-restricted content, save money by purchasing products in different regions, and avoid pesky censorship efforts.

If you’re abroad and relying on poorly secured public WiFi from cafés, hotels and airports, VPNs are also a fantastic tool to keep your connection and data safe online. The best VPNs provide secure, encrypted connections that eliminate the risk of man-in-the-middle attacks and packet sniffing attempts. Using a VPN affords you maximum privacy and is an essential tool whether you’re at home or abroad. Download a VPN today and enjoy the internet as if you never left the comfort of your own home.

Black Bird synopsis

Inspired by a true story, when high school football hero and decorated policeman’s son Jimmy Keene (Taron Egerton) is sentenced to 10 years in a minimum security prison, he is given the choice of a lifetime: enter a maximum-security prison for the criminally insane and befriend suspected serial killer Larry Hall (Paul Walter Hauser), or stay where he is and serve his full sentence with no possibility of parole. 

Keene quickly realizes his only way out is to elicit a confession and find out where the bodies of several young girls are buried before Hall’s appeal goes through. But is this suspected killer telling the truth? Or is it just another tale from a serial liar? This dramatic and captivating story subverts the crime genre by enlisting the help of the very people put behind bars to solve its mysteries.

Black Bird release schedule: When will new Black Bird episodes come out?

Black Bird’s six-episode miniseries debuts exclusively on Apple TV+ on Friday, July 8. The show’s first two episodes will be available to stream from midnight ET (or Thursday, July 7, 9 p.m. PT) across the U.S. and Canada, 5 a.m. BST in the U.K. and 2 p.m. AET in Australia. New episodes of Black Bird will then be released each Friday at the same time, until the sixth and final episode is released on August 5.

The following is the release schedule for Black Bird for those watching in the U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia:

• Black Bird S01E01: “Pilot”/TBC, July 8, 2022
• Black Bird S01E02: “We are coming, Father Abraham”, July 8, 2022
• Black Bird S01E03: “Hand to mouth”, July 15, 2022
• Black Bird S01E04: TBC, July 22, 2022
• Black Bird S01E05: TBC, July 29, 2022
• Black Bird S01E06: TBC, August 5, 2022

Would you want a watch that runs iOS apps? How about an iPad that's as large as your 13-inch MacBook screen? These are just two of many products Apple may have in its pipeline for 2014. The past two years have heralded new iPhone models, improved iPads and more MacBook options, but 2014 could be the year Apple breaks into entirely new product categories.

Apple is notorious for its secrecy, which makes it all the more intriguing to speculate on what the future might hold. Based on rumors, clues and some analyst insight, here's a look at what we may see from Apple in 2014.

MORE: Top iPhone 5s Accessory Gifts

The iWatch

It's been nearly one year since rumors about Apple’s iWatch have inundated the media. An Apple patent for a "bi-stable spring with flexible display" published last February sparked speculation that an Apple-branded smartwatch is on the way. There have been numerous indicators that Apple could be planning to delve into the smartwatch space. In July, Apple filed a trademark for the term "iWatch" in several countries, including Japan, Mexico and Taiwan.  Apple's own Tim Cook has said that wearable technology, specifically products such as the Nike Fuelband, is a ripe area of interest.

But should we expect an iWatch in 2014? According to Avi Greengart of Current Analysis, there's a "high probability" that we’ll see a wearable tech device from Apple next year. When speaking at this year’s D11 conference in May, Cook said that a wearable device would need to convince people that it's "so incredible you want to wear it" in order to be successful. Greengart says an iWatch is likely to do just that.

MORE: 10 Killer Features for Apple’s iWatch

"To transition from the early adopter to mainstream, you need to explain to [consumers] why they need this," Greengart said, adding that selecting specific use cases for a smartwatch rather than loading it with an overwhelming amount of features would be a more successful strategy.

"That actually is Apple’s specialty," the analyst said. "One of the key reasons industry observers are watching Apple is because they have a history of selecting a minimal feature set and showing consumers why they want it."

It's too soon to predict the type of functionality we’d see from an iWatch, but Greengart says that fitness is "high on the list" of potential features. Cantor Fitzgerald’s Brian White, an analyst who says he has sources in Apple's Asian supply chain, has noted that the iWatch could be used as a wearable home automation device.

Verdict: Likely

The 12.9-inch iPad

In recent weeks, rumors have suggested that Apple is testing 12.9-inch touch-screen display panels for iPads for release in 2014. The reports, which have largely originated from such Asian sources as The Korea Times and PadNews, have said that the company is testing both 2K- and 4K-resolution panels in this size.

While some of these reports claim to have supply chain sources, Greengart finds this to be a less likely option for Apple.  The Current Analysis expert says that a bigger iPad is certainly possible, but that it would be difficult to pinpoint specific use cases to pitch to consumers.

"Apple already has something with a permanently attached keyboard that comes in a 13-inch size: the MacBook Air," he said.

There are a fair number of 13-inch Windows 8.1 hybrid devices available already, such as the Toshiba Click and HP Split x2, that come with detachable keyboards. However, going down a similar path for the iPad would appear to contradict Apple's outlook on such devices.

MORE: Top Tablet Gifts

"Apple has been adamant that computers and tablets are different things," Greengart said. Cook made this point extremely clear at an Apple keynote earlier this year, where he took a direct jab at Windows 8.1 laptop-tablet hybrids by calling the market "confused."

If Apple does plan to launch a 13-inch slate, which Greengart says could be called the iPad Pro, the company is likely to market it toward businesses and salespeople who would use the larger display for presentations. Apple could also pitch the consumer angle by encouraging users to purchase an iPad in one of three flavors, depending on specific use cases.

Keeping the iPad extremely light in weight would be a crucial factor, Greengart says. While it's likely that Apple could be developing a 13-inch iPad, Greengart isn't "banking on it."

Verdict: Unlikely

A Larger iPhone 6

If the 4-inch Retina display touchscreen on the iPhone 5s isn’t large enough for you, Apple may have something more your style soon enough. Ever since Reuters reported that Apple is testing 4.7 and 5.7-inch screens for future iPhones, rumors have suggested that a larger iPhone is in Apple’s pipeline. And, according to Greengart, Apple would be wise to do so.

“I do think there will be a larger option,” he said. “It’s one of the key reasons iPhone users leave and go to the competition.”

Should Apple decide to launch a larger iPhone, it would probably do so in conjunction with a standard 4-inch model. Greengart says that Apple is likely to offer a bigger iPhone as an alternative option to the regular size in an effort to appeal to a wider audience.

“Some people love [phablets] because they don’t hold their phones up to their ear often or they use Bluetooth headsets for phone calls,” he said. “Or they so love that larger display for media that they’re willing to forego voice as a comfortable use case. Apple is not offering consumers that choice right now.”

Verdict: Likely

MORE: iPhone 6 Features: What We Want From Apple

Apple TV

While vendors such as Samsung and LG are vying against Apple for dominance in the mobile space, it doesn't look like they'll have to defend their turf in the HDTV territory anytime soon. Despite the flurry of iTV rumors in recent years, 2014 isn’t shaping up to be the year we see Apple's first television set, Greengart says.

"I think we already have an Apple TV-- the Apple TV," he said, referring to Apple's streaming set-top box. "They’re selling a lot of those things."

In addition, releasing a self-branded HDTV wouldn’t align with Apple’s current product cycle. As Greengart acknowledges, laptops, computers, smartphones and tablets all have much shorter life cycles. Consumers are likely to replace their smartphones every 18 months to two years, while computers are typically replaced anywhere between 18 months and 5 years. Televisions can last for 8 to 10 years, the analyst says.

"It's still a different business model than Apple has been in to date," he said.

However, should Apple decide to delve into the TV business, it would be more than equipped to do so in terms of manufacturing resources. The 27-inch 2560 x 1440 display panel you’ll find on the iMac's monitor isn't much different than what Apple could produce for a television set.

"They've certainly invested in display technologies on the manufacturing side," Greengart said. "From a manufacturing perspective, there isn't much preventing Apple from doing this. It's just a different class of product."

Verdict: Unlikely

MORE: Top TV Gifts 2013

Outlook

While Apple’s plans for 2014 are still largely a mystery, it seems likely that the company will favor certain new product categories in an effort to propel growth. It seems likely that Apple will join the likes of Samsung, Nike and Fitbit in launching a wrist-worn tech accessory that syncs with your smartphone, even if it's not a true smartwatch. An iTV seems less much less likely for 2014. And while we could see a big-screen iPad, Apple doesn't seen keen on hybrids.

At the same time, Apple is likely to continue improving on its already lucrative line of devices. “For consumers, there’s nothing wrong with [Apple] iterating on its already successful products,” Greengart said. “It might not be hoverboards or flying cars, but if you’re competing with Apple and trying to sell your tablets or smartphones against its improving tablets and smartphones, you’re going to be in a very difficult position.”

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It’s rare to see Apple CEO Tim Cook publicly address what’s in store for the company’s future products, which is why the tech world pays close attention when he does. On Tuesday, the 52-year-old Apple chief took the stage at this year’s D11 conference and discussed the problem with Google Glass, the possibility of porting Apple services to other platforms, and two long-fabled Apple products that have yet to see the light of day.

The iWatch

Cook said believes that wearable computing is an area of “profound interest,” but doesn’t think Google Glass is the most viable option. The Apple CEO flaunted his iOS- integrated Nike Fuel Band on stage, noting that a wrist-worn device would feel more natural than a pair of glasses.

“For something to work here, you have to convince people it’s so incredible you want to wear it,” he said on stage in Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif.

Rumors of an Apple smart watch began to gain momentum back in February when the New York Times reported that the company was experimenting with a wrist-worn mobile device. In the months that followed, patents detailing a device that sounds suspiciously similar to a smart watch have popped up on the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s website, leaving most convinced that an iWatch is certainly in Apple’s pipeline.

Cook never confirmed that the company plans to launch a wrist-worn iOS device, but did say the wearable tech is “ripe for exploration” and that such devices are “an important part of the tree” along with the iPhone and iPad.

MORE: 10 Killer Features for Apple's iWatch

Apple Apps Coming to Android?

Apple has been known for its platform exclusivity, but that’s something that could very well change in the future. When discussing the possibility of porting iOS apps or services to Android, Cook didn’t seem as close-minded as one would expect.

“We have no religious issue with porting an Apple app to Android,” he when asked whether or not iCloud should expand to other platforms. “If it made sense for us to do that, we would do that. You could apply that to every area of Apple.”

This is far from a confirmation that Apple services will make their way to Android, but the possibility of an app such as iMessage or iCloud heading to other platforms is certainly interesting.

An iTV For Your Living Room

Apple has already dabbled in the TV field with its Apple TV, which is a set-top that allows users to stream online video services such as Netflix and Hulu Plus or rent content from the iTunes store. However, after years of selling “a few hundred thousand” Apple TVs, rumors have suggested that a full-fledged Apple television set could be in the works.

While Cook didn’t directly comment on whether or not the company has plans to launch a TV unit, he did express some desire to revamp the way people consume television. “Many of us would agree there’s lots of things about the TV experience that can be better,” he said. “We answered some of those, not all of those, with Apple TV.”

The Apple CEO went on to say that this is an area of “incredible interest” to the company in Cupertino, but didn’t divulge any details. “It’s not an experience that I think very many people love,” he said when referring to the living room TV. “It’s not an experience that you would say has been brought up to date for this decade. It’s still an experience that’s too much like it was 10 years ago, in many cases 20 years ago.”

There’s no telling whether or not Apple plans to launch a TV, but it’s certainly not the only one competing for the living room space. Microsoft’s new Xbox One focuses just as much on the television experience as it does on gaming, especially since the company has partnered with ESPN to bring exclusive sports content to the console.

MORE: Xbox One Features: 5 Reasons to be Excited About the New Xbox

Apple plans to hold its World Wide Developer’s Conference from June 10 to 14 in San Francisco, where the company rationally unveils its next iteration of iOS and major OS X updates.

“We have some incredible plans that we’ve been working on for a while,” Cook said on stage. “The culture is all still there, and many of the people are still there. We have several more game changers in us.”

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Google TV has always been promising, but unless you shelled out for a TV with it preloaded into the set, there was no way for you to take advantage of the service. Prior attempts of set-top boxes, like the firm's own Nexus Q, never hit the market, but here's hoping that the Qube, which ASUS announced here at CES 2013, will fill that void.

Draped in a black diagonal design, the Qube will ship with some snazzy sounding features, including motion sensing via remote control and voice control. You'll also be granted access to the Google Play store, allowing you to use games and apps on your TV. That's something Apple TV doesn't do, so the Qube has a significant advantage over Cupertino's offering right off the bat. There will also be an Android app you can download to control the Qube using your phone or tablet.

Pricing and availability information are currently unavailable, but as soon as anything breaks on those fronts we'll bring that information to you, so stay tuned for continuing coverage for ASUS's Qube.

vid Gizmodo

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Mere days after CEO Tim Cook said that television is an “area of immense interest,” a new report suggests that Apple and its manufacturing partners are actively testing prototypes for large screen HDTVs.

Foxconn and Sharp are collaborating on the design experiments, the Wall Street Journal reports. Several television prototypes have allegedly been tried out over the span of several years.

Apple’s leadership has been eyeing the living room for a long time. Besides its AirPlay and Apple TV set-top box endeavors, Steve Jobs famously espoused his vision of an Apple-made TV to biographer Walter Isaacson:

“‘I’d like to create an integrated television set that is completely easy to use,’ he told me. ‘It would be seamlessly synced with all of your devices and with iCloud.’ No longer would users have to fiddle with complex remotes for DVD players and cable channels. ‘It will have the simplest user interface you could imagine. I finally cracked it.’”

In November, it was reported that Apple was planning to debut a television set in early 2013. Back in August, Apple was allegedly in talks with cable providers to create a set-top box that blurred the line between live TV and locally stored video, though we haven’t heard any other rumors about the project since.

Before you get your hopes up too high, however, note that the WSJ’s own sources caution that this is early stage testing, not a formal project, and Apple’s alleged television ambitions could be dropped by the wayside. The paper also notes that Apple “works with suppliers to test new designs all the time.”

Finally, while Jobs’ vision of a seamless, all-encompassing TV may be grand, it might not necessarily be realistic; the television industry is still reeling from the explosion of on-demand streaming and the cable companies remember all too well what iTunes did to prices in the music industry.

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It's no secret that Apple likes to keep things secret. The company's aversion to disclosure is legendary -- as are the swift punishments handed out to any Apple employee foolish enough to open his mouth and break omerta.

Tim Cook's reign at the top has proven just as tip-lipped as Steve Jobs', but Apple's new CEO recently sat down with both NBC's Rock Center and Bloomberg Businessweek to discuss his first year on the job in a pair of surprisingly lengthy interviews. Apple's decision to partially transfer Mac production to the U.S. may have been the big news, but Cook also shed light on rarely talked-about aspects of both his company and his personal life. Here are the juiciest tidbits.

When Microsoft blended a touchscreen tablet interface with the classic desktop in Windows 8, many observers said the company was following in the footsteps of Apple, which recently added several iOS-esque features to OS X. Don't expect Apple to continue Microsoft's "One OS to rule them all" strategy, however.

From Businessweek: "We don’t subscribe to the vision that the OS for iPhones and iPads should be the same as Mac. As you know, iOS and Mac OS are built on the same base. And Craig has always managed the common elements. And so this is a logical extension. Customers want iOS and Mac OS X to work together seamlessly, not to be the same, but to work together seamlessly."

Where Steve Jobs' was fiery, Tim Cook is even-keeled, which leads some to question his passion. Cook says nothing could be farther from the truth.

From Businessweek: “I would say that the person you read about is robotic. There are some good things about that, perhaps. (Laughs.) Discipline comes to mind. But it sounds like there is just no emotion. People that know me, I don’t think they would say that. I certainly am not a fist-pounder. That isn’t my style. But that and emotion are two different things. One is just a way of expressing it, basically.”

Several startups (and even a few larger companies) have started hiring "VPs of innovation" to direct the creative vision of their company. But is it a good idea to put the burden (and honor) of your company's innovation on a select few? Only if you want your business to flounder, says Cook.

From Businessweek: "Creativity and innovation are something you can’t flowchart out. Some things you can, and we do, and we’re very disciplined in those areas. But creativity isn’t one of those. A lot of companies have innovation departments, and this is always a sign that something is wrong when you have a VP of innovation or something. You know, put a for-sale sign on the door. (Laughs.)"

Image: "The Chubby Light Bulb" by Bes Z/Flickr

The Apple Maps fiasco tarnished an otherwise sterling launch for the iPhone 5, sending users to incorrect locations and displaying highways in the middle of oceans. Cook still acknowledges that the company messed up with the launch of Maps, but says the decision to move to an in-house solution was made for consumer benefit, not to lock down the iOS platform even further.

From NBC: On Maps, a few years ago, we decided that we wanted to provide customers features that we didn’t have in the current edition of Maps. It [Maps] didn’t meet our customers’ expectation, and our expectations of ourselves are even higher than our customers’. However, I can tell you, so we screwed up.”

Most CEOs are highly insulated and would shudder at the thought of fielding thousands of emails from end users. Tim Cook considers it a sign of just how much Apple products resonate with customers.

From Businessweek: "Just like we’re sitting down at this table today, I get e-mails all day long, hundreds, thousands per day from customers who are talking like you and I are talking, almost like I’ve gone over to their home and I am having dinner with them. They care so deeply about Apple they want to suggest this or that or say, “'Hey, I didn’t like this,' or, 'I really love this,' or tell me that FaceTime has changed their lives.

"But the point is they care so much they take the time to say something. It’s not a letter like you might think is written to a CEO. It’s not this formal kind of stuff. It’s like you and I are having a discussion, and we’ve known each other for 20 years, and I want to tell you what I really think. I love it. I don’t know if there’s another company on earth this happens with. It’s just not people from the U.S. These are people from all over the world. I look at it, and I go, 'This is a privilege.'"

Apple has been rumored to be working on an "iTV" for a while now, and Steve Jobs told his biographer that he would love to create a simple smart TV that seamlessly integrates with iCloud and more. Tim Cook wouldn't say much about the rumor, but what he did say spoke volumes.

From NBC: “When I go into my living room and turn on the TV, I feel like I have gone backwards in time by 20 to 30 years. It’s an area of intense interest. I can’t say more than that.”

Back to Microsoft: Cook was ostensibly talking about both the Surface and Galaxy tablets, but reading between the lines, you can tell he's taking a jab at Windows 8's dual-natured interface, which has been called a 'cognitive burden' by usability experts.

From Businessweek: "What I see, for me, is that some of (Apple's competitors) are confusing, multiple OSs with multiple UIs. They steer away from simplicity. We think the customer wants all the clutter removed. We want the customer to be at the center of everything. I think when you start toggling back and forth between OSs and UIs, etc., I don’t think that’s what customers are looking for."

Cook counts Steve Job's willingness to change his mind as a tremendous asset. One tale claims that Steve Jobs demanded a switch from a plastic to a glass screen a mere week before the launch of the original iPhone, after finding that his keys scratched the prototype's plastic display.

From Businessweek: "More so than any person I ever met in my life, he had the ability to change his mind, much more so than anyone I’ve ever met. He could be so sold on a certain direction and in a nanosecond (Cook snaps his fingers) have a completely different view. (Laughs.) I thought in the early days, “Wow, this is strange.” Then I realized how much of a gift it was. So many people, particularly, I think, CEOs and top executives, they get so planted in their old ideas, and they refuse or don’t have the courage to admit that they’re now wrong. Maybe the most underappreciated thing about Steve was that he had the courage to change his mind. And you know—it’s a talent. It’s a talent. So, anyway."

Rampant speculation suggested that Scott Forstall and John Browett were fired from Apple due to their inability to play nice with others. Apple never officially announced a reason for their departure, but Cook says that happy collaboration is a key ingredient to the company's success.

From Businessweek: "The key in the change that you’re referencing is my deep belief that collaboration is essential for innovation—and I didn’t just start believing that. I’ve always believed that. It’s always been a core belief at Apple. Steve very deeply believed this…

"So the changes—it’s not a matter of going from no collaboration to collaboration. We have an enormous level of collaboration in Apple, but it’s a matter of taking it to another level… So how do we keep doing that and keep taking it to an even higher level? You have to be an A-plus at collaboration. And so the changes that we made get us to a whole new level of collaboration."

How does a company like Apple consistently release innovative products that sell like gangbusters? It's simple: Rather than relying on data alone, the upper management also listens to its heart.

From Businessweek: "(Intuition is) critical. It’s extremely critical. The most important things in life, whether they’re personal or professional, are decided on intuition. I think you can have a lot of information and data feeding that intuition. You can do a lot of analysis. You can do lots of things that are quantitative in nature. But at the end of it, the things that are most important are always gut calls. And I think that’s just not true for me, but for many, many people. I don’t think it’s unique."

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Apple may have just launched the iPhone 5, iPad mini and the 4th generation iPad, but there are already rumors about what Apple will be releasing next. Business Insider is reporting that Apple may be launching an updated iPhone 5, currently being called the iPhone 5S, as well as the long-awaited Apple television set.

The iPhone 5S is expected to bring higher performance but no design changes to the iPhone 5, just like the iPhone 4S compared to the iPhone 4. An Apple television set would be a completely new product, rather than an update to the AppleTV, which is expected to completely revolutionize cable and television.

Apple has adhered to a yearly release schedule in the past, but recently broke this convention with the release of the 4th generation iPad, which hit the shelves just months after the release of the 3rd generation iPad. Additionally, Apple released the newest version of OS X, Mountain Lion, just a year after the release of Lion; previously, Apple released major operating systems on a biennial schedule.

While it's possible that Apple may have some surprises for early 2013, we think it's unlikely that this will include an updated iPhone. Despite the rising popularity of prepaid cellphone plans, most iPhone users are locked into bi-annual carrier plans and iPhone sales would be hindered by the additional cost of breaking these contracts. As for an Apple television set, only time will tell.

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Apple's desire to move more concretely into the television arena has long been teased and whispered. Yesterday, even more rumors surfaced, claiming that the Cupertino company is talking to cable providers about developing a new type of set-top "cable-plus" box. Today, the Wall Street Journal outlined Apple's alleged plans even further with a detailed description of the proposed capabilities for the Apple cable box.

The paper claims that the box is designed to "erase the distinction between live and on-demand content," starting with a cloud-based DVR-type feature that stores full television episodes as they air and allows cable subscribers to watch any show from the current season on-demand. Separate streaming content deals could bring past seasons of shows to the Apple box. Theoretically, the Apple set-top box could bring you all the past and current episodes of your favorite show from a single, convenient interface.

Speaking of, the WSJ says that the set-top box's interface could look identical to the icons used by Apple's iOS devices. The company also allegedly wants to integrate social media into the mix and allow users to stream media from the set-top box to their iOS devices, sort of like a reverse AirPlay.

All in all, it sounds remarkably similar to what Steve Jobs told biographer Walter Isaacson he wanted to do with an Apple television:

“‘I’d like to create an integrated television set that is completely easy to use,’ he told me. ‘It would be seamlessly synced with all of your devices and with iCloud.’ No longer would users have to fiddle with complex remotes for DVD players and cable channels. ‘It will have the simplest user interface you could imagine. I finally cracked it.’”

Of course, things aren't quite that easy. Even if the rumor turns out to be true, the cable industry and content providers are said to be hesitant to agree to such a drastic change to the status quo -- or to give Apple a foothold in the cable market at all. The specter of iTunes' musical dominance looms large and the WSJ's sources say Apple has yet to sign a deal with even a single cable operator.

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There were a lot of new products and features announced at the WWDC 2012 Keynote presentation, including a refresh of the MacBook Air and Pro lines, a brand new iOS Maps application with 3D, and a more robust Siri. But there were also a lot of things that were left out of  of the presentation. Could these omissions provide clues to future Apple releases?

No Retina display for MacBook Air or MacBook Pro

High definition Retina displays first came to the iPhone before making their way to the iPad. There was much speculation that this years WWDC keynote would bring Retina displays to both the Macbook Pro and MacBook Air. Instead, these these laptops remain at their previous resolution while a new computer, aptly called the MacBook Pro with Retina display, got the monitor upgrade.

People waiting for an 11-inch MacBook Air with Retina display will have to wait another year. If we had to guess, next year will bring Retina displays to the rest of Apple's laptop lines.

No Siri on MacBook Air or MacBook Pro

Siri, the digital personal assistant that premiered on the iPhone 4S, has arrived on the iPad. But she is mysteriously missing from the new OS X, Mountain Lion. Although the new MacBook Airs and Pros feature speech recognition, there's still no way to ask your computer questions and receive a helpful--or witty--response. 

It's obvious that Siri will eventually be integrated into Apple's notebook lineup. The only question remaining is: when?

No Apple Television Set

Those waiting for Apple to revolutionize the television set will need to continue waiting. The 2012 WWDC keynote brought no news of the much-rumored, highly-anticipated Apple Television. For now, we'll just have to be content with Airplay, seamlessly viewing our iPhone, iPads, and OS X devices on our televisions.

The future of an Apple television set is uncertain but one thing is clear. The company hasn't revolutionized the TV industry just yet.

No Siri API

Unfortunately, developers still don't have access to the voice recognition power of Siri. Many were hoping that this year would bring an open Siri API, allowing apps to respond to audio inquiries. Instead, Apple brought a ton of new features to Siri, including Sports stats, restaurant reviews and reservation booking.

Maybe Siri isn't ready for the explosive innovation that would occur when her technology is made available to other applications. Whatever the reason, this just leaves another feature for us to wonder and guess about until the next developers conference next year. 

No iPhone 5

Apple announced iOS 6, but there's still no word about the iPhone 5 just yet. Although Apple broke the tradition just last year of announcing new the new iPhone at WWDC events, there was still hope that we'd get even a preview of the new device. These rumors were supported by numerous leaks about potential new iPhone hardware from Apple's supply chain.

Alas, there was no new iPhone announced at this years WWDC keynote. We'll most likely see the new iPhone 5 in the Fall when iOS 6 is made available.

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Right now Apple is on top of the tech world, and at WWDC the company hopes to show why things should stay that way with a flurry of new announcements. Apple CEO Tim Cook will be under a fair amount of pressure because he's taking the reigns from the late Steve Jobs at this all-important conference for developers and press. But more eyes will be on the products than the presentation.

So what's on tap? Probably not the iPhone 5. But according to various reports everything else will be, including all-new MacBooks with Retina Displays, iOS 6 with Facebook integration and an all-new Maps app. We'll be there live bringing you all the latest Apple news. In the meantime, here's what we expect to see.

Revamped MacBook Pros and MacBook Airs

First the rumor mill had Apple releasing MacBook Pros with slimmer designs and super high-res Retina Displays. But more recently a forum poster on a Chinese website claimed that the upgrades would be relatively minor. We're talking faster Ivy Bridge processors, USB 3.0 ports to complement Thunderbolt and Bluetooth 4.0 support. That seems pretty boring to us, so we're putting our money on 9 to 5 Mac's reports of a more substantial redesign to go along with beefed up Nvidia Kepler graphics. 

Just in case there is any doubt about Retina displays hitting Macs, Retina-ready apps have already started to show up in the Mac App Store.

Meanwhile, we also expect Apple to upgrade the MacBook Air to Ivy Bridge and Retina Displays. Although the Air is already the best-designed ultraportable we've used--and Apple now has a patent on the shape--we wouldn't be surprised to see the company shrink the footprint of the Air by minimizing the bezel and the area around the keyboard, similar to the Dell XPS 13. The idea: squeeze a 13-inch notebook into a 12-inch chassis.

[[Read More: Next MacBook Pro: 6 Things You Need to Know]]

Facebook Integration Hits iOS 6

At one time Steve Jobs explained Apple's somewhat cold relationship status with Facebook by talking about "onerous terms." But based on the pre-WWDC buzz it seems that the two companies have hugged it out. In iO6 6 users should finally be able to do such things as post photos to Facebook right from the camera app. You'll also be able to post stories to Facebook from Safari. But we have a feeling this will just scratch the surface.

According to TechCrunch, users will be able to sign into apps that leverage Facebook much more seamlessly. Others have speculated that Facebook could be integrated into the App Store, where you could "Like" an app to recommend it to friends. Given that Facebook just announced its own App Center for socially-driven app discovery for iOS, we can pretty much guarantee that the 900-million strong social network will have a big presence at WWDC.

Bye, Bye Google: Apple's Goes Its Own Way with Maps

It's not a coincidence that Google held an event just days before WWDC announcing a new Google Maps for Android that will include full 3D images and offline access. It's a pre-emptive attack on iOS 6, which will reportedly ditch Google Maps in favor of all-new maps app homegrown by Apple. What will make this app better or different?

According to 9 to 5 Mac, the Apple Maps app is a “much cleaner, faster and more reliable experience" and there's a Street View killer inside with ultra-realistic 3D views. Apple had previously scooped up Placebase, C3 Technologies and Poly9--all valuable mapping companies--and now it looks like we're going to see the fruits of these acquisitions at WWDC.

[[Read More: Apple Dropping Google Maps in Favor of In-House App]]

Siri Gets Smarter, Coming to iPad

One of the best parts about Siri on the iPhone 4S is that you can just bring the handset up to your ear to activate Apple's voice-powered personal assistant. But that doesn't mean that iPad users don't want to be able to get answers to all sorts of questions, look up the weather and set reminders and appointments just by speaking to their tablets. 9 to 5 Mac says this functionality is pretty much a lock for iOS 6 on the iPad.

Siri will apparently bring most of her talents to the bigger screen, including Music playback, iMessaging, Calendar management, Reminders, Weather, Maps integration, E-mail, Notes, Contacts searches, Safari integration, Wolfram-Alpha searches. All this is in addition to the voice dictation the iPad already does. However, it's possible that Apple might not reveal this feature at WWDC; the company could wait until fall when it unveils the next iPhone, and possibly, the next iPad.

We believe Siri will play a role in WWDC, and that Tim Cook will make good on his promise from D10 that "there's a lot more that it can do," and that we'll see much more "breadth." We think Siri is about to learn a lot of new tricks.

[[Read More: 8 Ways to Make Siri Smarter]]

Mountain Lion Roars

In a lot of ways Mountain Lion is the polar opposite of Windows 8. It's not trying to marry the tablet and PC. Instead, the latest version of OS X brings some of the best features of the iPad to the desktop, including deeper iCloud integration and Notes and Reminders apps that sync with their iOS counterparts. There's also a new Notification Center you can access just by swiping from the right edge of the trackpad, and Twitter integration for sharing. 

Expect Apple to announce final pricing and availability for Mountain Lion, which will also presumably ship on the new MacBook Pros and MacBook Airs. 

We also anticipate Apple to talk more about security in Mountain Lion. Given the bad publicity surrounding the Flashback virus from a few months back, Apple will likely play up the new Gatekeeper feature in its OS that prevents users from downloading unsafe apps. 

[[Read More: Mountain Lion In-Depth Preview: Much More iPad Inside]]

Apple TV Evolves?

It's more than just a hobby. At D10 CEO Tim Cook said that TV was "an intense area of interest" for the company, which is why Apple continues to roll out new set-top boxes. We also expect Apple to add new content providers, such as Netflix. But is an actual TV set on tap for WWDC? Boy Genius Report recently said it could be a possibility, based on an analyst research note. We don't buy it. An iTV would likely warrant its own event.

More likely than an iTV is a new user interface for the existing Apple TV, which BGR outlined in a separate report. The underlying OS apparently has the ability to control other components and accessories using a new API. Who knows, maybe Siri for the iPad will let you control Apple TV as well.

[[Read More: Apple iTV Reportedly Coming This Summer in 32- and 37-inch Sizes]]

June is rapidly approaching, bringing us closer to Apple's highly anticipated Worldwide Developer's Conference (WWDC) and the kick-off Keynote speech on June 11th. As always, Apple is maintaining complete silence prior to the conference regarding new products, updates and features. but there are plenty of rumors that point to an exciting show. Here's a roundup of what we could see at WWDC next month.

Mac OS X Mountain Lion and iOS 6

Both Mac OS and iOS are due for an update and this will almost certainly be a major announcement at this year's WWDC. OS X Mountain Lion has been available to developers for a few months and includes numerous iOS-styled features and mobile integration. iOS 6 is also widely anticipated and rumored to bring an updated Map application based on acquired company C3 Technologies' 3D mapping technology.

Updated Macbook Pro

According to Bloomberg, Apple will also be announcing a thinner and more powerful Macbook Pro this year. The new laptops could include high-definition displays, similar to the iPhone and iPad's Retina Display. Apple may also be replacing their mechanical hard drive with flash memory which would significantly increase battery life and reduce start up time.

These new laptops will run on Intel's new processors, code-named Ivy Bridge. According to tests comparing the Ivy Bridge to the current Sandy Bridge processor, the new chip runs 5% - 15% faster in terms of CPU performance with a 25% to 68% increase in integrated GPU performance.

Apple Television

There have long been rumors of an Apple branded television set. Walter Isaacson's Steve Jobs biography only serves to cement this idea, writing that Jobs had "finally cracked" the issues surrounding an Apple television, including iCloud syncing, user interface and complicated remotes.

iPhone 5

Could there be a new iPhone at WWDC? Maybe. In the past, Apple announced the new iPhone alongside the new iOS every year at WWDC. This tradition was broken last year when Apple announced the new iOS but remained silent in regards to a new iPhone. The iPhone 4S was then released in October, at the same time as iOS 5 became publicly available, but the company could go back to an every-June schedule this year.

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Apple has announced a new Apple TV that supports 1080p video. The device sports a slick new interface, which is almost iOS-like in its appearance. It lets you download movies you've already purchased on other devices via iCloud (as long as you're an iTunes Match subscriber paying the $25/year fee). You can also access photos you've captured on your iPhone via a dedicated Photo Stream app. 

In a live demo of Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close the picture quality was fantastic. The device will launch March 16th for $99. Get all the pertinent details at Apple's official website.

via Apple

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There's been no shortage of rumors swirling around Apple's empire of products, and now the latest has arrived about the Apple TV. According to the New York Post, Apple's VP of Internet Software and Services Eddie Cue has been negotiating with content providers to reach a deal to let Apple offer channels -- supposedly as apps -- for its devices, including the Apple TV set-top box.

According to the report published yesterday, Apple plans to launch the service by the holiday season, with the company's senior VP of Internet Software and Services Eddie Cue acting as lead negotiator on the deal. However, content owners and distributors have allegedly been resisting because of overly stringent terms: Apple would determine both the programming and price that would be available to the public, according to The Post's sources. It was not made clear in the article whether the apps would be grouped together and offered at a fee, or if the channels would be offered one by one, on an a la carte basis.

This comes on the heels of news of Apple TV stocks becoming scant in stores all around the country, with availability for new models listed on or after March 7th, according to The Verge. Either way, all these rumors fall nicely in line with the idea that Apple might be announcing a new Apple TV model at the San Francisco event next week. Stay tuned for our coverage on the ground to see whether this will indeed be the next "one more thing" at the Yerba Buena Center.

via New York Post and The Verge

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How do you top a year in which you became the biggest company in the world, had the best-selling smartphone and tablet, and inspired an entire category of MacBook Air copycats called Ultrabooks? You keep pumping out hit products—while forging completely new categories.

Expect the iPad 3 and iPhone 5 to hit store shelves in 2012 (potentially in February and September, respectively). Additionally, rumors of an upcoming voice-controlled Apple iTV for Summer 2012 are growing increasingly loud.

“Apple needs to refresh [its] products,” says John Jackson, vice president of research at CCS Insight. “Every year—and it’s their own fault, really—they have to outdo themselves.”

Why It’s Important

According to its Q4 earnings, Apple raked in $28 billion revenue and $6.6 billion profit. And even though the iPhone 4S sports the same design as its predecessor, Apple sold 4 million handsets in its first weekend.

Michael Gartenberg, an analyst for Gartner, stressed that Apple’s continued success will rely on delivering a compelling user experience. “Ecosystems are important. Consumers are looking at things like services, applications, cloud functions, synchronizations.”

This is where Apple has excelled, thanks to iCloud and Siri.

How It Will Change Your Life

Details are scant, but the iPad 3 is expected to feature a class-leading 2048 x 1536-pixel display, double the iPad 2’s resolution. Also, look for a new 4G chip from Qualcomm for those models with integrated mobile broadband.

Meanwhile, rumors point to the iPhone 5 having a larger screen, multiple color options, and a 10-megapixel camera. We also wouldn’t be surprised to see a quad-core processor.

Due to the company’s secrecy about new products, it’s almost impossible to paint an accurate picture of Apple’s future. However, Jackson expects a change in design during the next year. “The iPhone is due for a design overhaul,” he said. He also acknowledged the possibility of a voice-controlled iTV, saying there was great potential to be found in Siri.

Outlook

Now, Apple’s task is to continue out-innovating the competition, especially since Amazon has started to encroach on Apple’s turf with its ecosystem-centric Kindle Fire.

Gartenberg wouldn’t share any predictions, but he emphasized that Apple will continue to forge its own unique path. “The market said that the lack of Flash was a weakness for iOS devices and Apple said, ‘We don’t think it is.’ Then we saw Adobe abandon [its] mobile Flash efforts. People said Apple needed to build netbooks, and the company said it didn’t. It sort of ignores conventional wisdom.”

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Would Apple enter the TV market with two sets that are smaller than the average TV? If you believe the latest Digitimes report, the answer is yes. The outlet claims that Apple will launch both a 32-inch and 37-inch iTV this summer, which will presumably have all the features of the Apple TV integrated along with "the simplest user interface you could imagine." Those are the words the late Steve Jobs used to describe Apple's efforts to his biographer, which have led many to speculate that Siri-like voice control will be part of the package.

According to a story in The New York Times, the average size of a set  today is 38 inches, and the average cost is $460. You can also get a 42-inch set for about $499, the same price as the iPad, and a 60-inch model for $799. So would Apple debut a centerpiece for your living room that literally doesn't measure up to the competition? It's certainly possible. The 32-inch model could be targeted towards college kids or as sets for the bedroom, and at least it would be bigger than Apple's current 27-inch Thunderbolt display.

The 38-inch model would indeed be relatively small compared to some of the behemoths dominating today's households, so Apple would need to convince the masses that its integrated technology would compensate for any size difference. The Digitimes report also references that Samsung began producing chips for "iTVs" in November and that Sharp is making the panels.

So is 32- or 37-inches big enough for you? Do you believe Apple would start with these sizes?

via Digitimes

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RIM may be trying a new tack to reverse its course in the market by creating an Apple TV-style home entertainment device.  Possibly code-named the BlackBerry Cyclone, the product is rumored to connect to HDTVs via HDMI port and offer consumer-friendly features like Netflix streaming, and YouTube video over Wi-Fi.

This speculation of a new RIM play into the home theater space stems from BlackBerry blog NerdBerry. If true, it could signal a bold (pardon the pun) move to stave off lackluster sales of RIM's smartphones and BlackBerry PlayBook tablet. The set-top box market, however, is filled with tough competition from Roku, Boxee, and of course Apple whose initial Apple TV product was far from a huge success.

There are also gaming consoles like Microsoft's Xbox 360, Nintendo's upcoming Wii U, and even modern HDTVs, all capable of performing similar entertainment tricks. A potential RIM box would be up against some stiff challengers. These realities place the likelihood a BlackBerry multimedia unit into the dubious category. Only time will tell though, and we'll report back with any developments.

via NerdBerry

In the battle to dominate the living room, the new Apple TV doesn't seem to have a lot of firepower. It doesn't boast as many content partners as Roku, nor is it as ambitious as the upcoming Logitech Revue with Google TV (which has a full web browser and an HD webcam connection) or the Boxee Box (which plays every file known to man and has social networking integration). No, Apple's $99 set-top just provides a simple way to rent movies and TV shows, and it's much smaller and runs cooler than the first version. Plus, Apple has added Netflix to the content mix, so you're not locked into the iTunes universe. So is the new Apple TV too simple, or is it just the right product for the masses?

Design

When you put the Apple TV in your hand--yes, the whole thing fits in your palm--you can't help but be impressed with just how compact this device is. (You also realize just how easily Apple could build its technology into a big screen, should it decide to take that whole Apple TV name literally.) This 0.6-pound device is 80 percent smaller than the original model, which means it will take up very little room in your entertainment center. It's so compact, in fact, that we had no problem packing it on a recent trip and plugging it in to our hotel room's TV. Unlike the first Apple TV, the new version doesn't get disturbingly toasty either.

Part of the reason the new Apple TV is so svelte and cool is that Apple ditched a mechanical hard drive for flash memory. This ultra-minimalist black box sports a power connector on the back along with an HDMI port, Optical Audio connection, and Ethernet (though there's 802.11n inside). And that's it. A power-efficient A4 processor runs the show, and Apple claims that the box eats less power than a night light.

We have good news and bad news about the new aluminum remote control. On the plus side, it's longer and sturdier than the plastic remote on the first Apple TV. Unfortunately, we found the slightly recessed action button in the middle to be too easy to press, which resulted in some unwanted selections.

Software and Interface

The Apple TV interface continues to be super sleek and intuitive. There are five main categories going across the screen--Movies, TV Shows, Internet, Computers, and Settings--and you just scroll across and down to make the desired selection. Under Movies, for example, you'll see Top Movies, Genres, Search, and In Theaters (previews). TV Shows is similar. The Internet category includes Netflix, YouTube, Podcasts, MobileMe, Flickr, and Radio.

Under Computers, you can stream music, movies, TV shows, photos, and more from your PC or Mac to Apple TV. This worked seamlessly on our home network once we turned on the Home Sharing setting, but having to ensure your PC is turned on and iTunes is open is a bit of a pain. That was one of the benefits of the old Apple TV; its hard drive made it easy to fire up a slideshow or start playing music without needing another device. In addition, you'll need to have your PC on to stream photos using the cool screen saver feature, unless you have the Apple TV connected to a Flickr account. You can do this under settings.

Our biggest pet peeve with the Apple TV's included software is how tedious it is to enter text with the on-screen keyboard, whether you're entering passwords or conducting searches. Fortunately, the Remote app for iOS devices has a keyboard that will make your life a lot easier.

Content Selection and Pricing

You can rent fairly current HD movies for $4.99, and older titles run $3.99. SD titles cost $2.99. How current is the selection? As of the time of our review, Just Added rentals included Get Him to the Greek, Iron Man 2, and Robin Hood. That's pretty much in line with what was available from our cable provider's on-demand menu, and two out of the three titles had debuted the previous week on DVD. You can watch titles as many times as you want, so long as it's within the 24-hour viewing window.

You have 48 hours to finish watching 99-cent TV show rentals, but right now Apple TV is short on content. So far Apple only has deals with ABC/Disney, Fox, and BBC. And these partners don't refer to channels but studios. We looked in vain for House, which airs on Fox, only to realize that it's produced by Universal Studios (owned by NBC). NBC and CBS are not on board, though you can download and then stream these shows to Apple TV, which we did for an episode of House. While we understand that there are business reasons behind not everyone being on board, consumers will likely be frustrated by having to purchase different shows from ostensibly different iTunes stores.

The PC version of the iTunes store comes in handy with the ability to purchase full seasons of shows you've missed. We question the value of 99-cent TV rentals, especially for those who have a DVR. (On Roku you can purchase-to-own certain shows for 99 cents, while others cost $2.99). At least the episodes on Apple TV are commercial-free.

If you're a Netflix subscriber, you can tap into TV shows and movies right on the Apple TV. Apple designed the interface to closely resemble the rest of the experience, and it's fairly easy to navigate. Plus, unlike Roku, you don't need to complete the setup process on your PC by entering a pin. You just enter your account info and you're good to go. We decided to watch Dexter, but there were tons of other selections available. As with Netflix on Roku and other services, don't expect to watch current movies. The New Arrivals during our testing included Star Trek and GI Joe.

Although it's nice that Apple TV has branched out to include Netflix, Roku's boxes offer a lot more content and apps, such as Amazon Video on Demand, Pandora, Flickr, MLB.TV, UFC, and Facebook Photos.

AirPlay

Click to enlargeThis feature is the Apple TV's secret weapon. Once iOS 4.2 rolls out for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, you'll be able to stream music, photos, and video right from your mobile device to your big screen. All you have to do is start playing content and then touch the AirPlay icon to start beaming it to the Apple TV. With this technology, you'll be able to purchase content on your iOS device without having to buy it again on the Apple TV. However, you can't purchase a movie or TV show and then transfer it to your PC or mobile device.

AirPlay won't be limited to Apple's own apps, either. We suspect this protocol will extend to third-party apps as well. This could be an exciting back door for bringing more content to Apple TV. However, some may want to hold off on buying this box until the software rolls out and we can get a better feel for its capabilities and, more importantly, the quality of video when streaming.

Performance

After purchasing a movie or TV show on Apple TV, in most cases it was ready for viewing within a minute or two. And we appreciated the pop-up messages notifying us that content was ready to play, even if we were browsing YouTube. The HD version of Get Him to the Greek looked smooth and highly detailed on our TV, including the explosions during the mock music videos. When we streamed an episode of House from our PC, we could easily make out the good doctor's wrinkles--and fresh wound--from across the room. The Roku boxes offer 1080p video, but we have no complaints about the 720p playback of the Apple TV.

Initially, we encountered an error on our 34-inch Philips Ambilight TV, saying "This content requires HDCP for playback. HDCP isn't supported by your HDMI connection." However, when we plugged the Apple TV into a 32-inch Samsung TV, we didn't encounter the same issue. The error didn't pop up when we connected the box again to our Philips set. Overall though, using the Apple TV was a pleasure, especially when we used our iPhone 4 as a remote, which makes it easier to search for content.

Verdict

The next year is going to be an interesting time for media boxes, with Apple TV, Google, Roku, Boxee, and others all vying for a spot next to your set. Because of its low price, the Apple TV's closest competitor is the Roku XDS, which, for $99, works with standard- and high-def TVs, does 1080p, and will enable playback from USB devices with a software update in November. All of these are distinct advantages over Apple's box, and Roku offers a wider range of content. On the other hand, Apple TV is easier to use and has a more elegant interface, and we like the idea of streaming content from a PC more than plugging in a USB drive. AirPlay will make Apple TV even more compelling, because you'll be able to beam video and photos straight to your HDTV from devices that turn on instantly. We'd like to see more content and apps added to the Apple TV menu, but overall it provides a fun and easy way to enjoy movies and other media.

Between Roku, Sony, Boxee, and Google TV/Logitech, this fall there will be no shortage of set-top boxes that allow you to stream premium movies and TV shows right to your HDTV. Apple has re-entered the game with its refreshed Apple TV, which delivers 99-cent show rentals and HD movies for $4.99 the same day DVDs ship. The box itself is a marvel of miniaturization, as it's just a quarter the size of the original box. More important, it runs quieter and much cooler--the first-gen model could nearly fry an egg.

Is this device good enough to beat the established players? Read on for more first impressions and check out the gallery and video.

What about content? Well, Apple has done what it needed to do to be competitive, signing up Netflix. You also still get YouTube, but the Roku box (starting at $59 for SD version, $69 for HD) does a lot more, including Amazon, MLB.TV, and a host of smaller providers. The Roku also does Pandora, and the company promises an upgrade that will handle 1080p. The Apple TV only does 720p, though the quality looked pretty impressive during our hands-on time.

Then again, Apple has iTunes, and you can't ignore its massive momentum and the amount of accounts that are already out there. In addition to movies from the major studios, you'll be able to rent TV shows from ABC/Disney and Fox to start. Apple hopes that it will be able to land CBS/Viacom and NBC, but there's no guarantee when these providers will show up.

We love the design of this little box, which you can easily hide in your entertainment center. It has 802.11n built-in, which will make it easy to stream video from your PC. But that's not all. Thanks to Apple's AirPlay feature, you'll be able to sling content from your iPad, iPod touch, or iPhone once the iOS 4.2 update rolls out. That's a killer feature no other device has, and during Steve Jobs' demo this technology seemed to work more smoothly than traditional DLNA technology.

Overall, the interface is exactly what current Apple TV owners enjoy, which is really intuitive. We find the UI much cleaner and easier to navigate than the Roku, and it also seems snappier. We also like the larger new remote, which should be much harder to lose under the couch.

The new Apple TV is definitely an improvement, but it will need a good marketing push and more content to win over the masses. After all, most people still don't know this category of product even exists.

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