Rumors have been swirling for nigh on a year now about what would come to pass when Apple finally delivers its television. Not that the Apple TV is any slouch mind you, but visions of a fully integrated Apple HDTV have had experts and fanboys alike drooling. News about a possible release schedule and what could be expected of this hardware has been slow to nonexistent in recent months leaving many people filling that informational void with speculation. One particularly juicy daydream was just delivered by our friend over at The Verge and we simply had to pass it on. So here is one die-hard’s dream of the perfect Apple TV.

The goal is to explore what would be possible if the software manufacturers and the cable providers could hold hands and work together. After all, the HDTV technology today has plenty of punch behind it, but 2K or 3K resolutions wouldn’t mean a thing unless there was a way for subscription-focused live internet streaming to link without limitations to Apple’s superior content delivery system. So the Apple TV would seamlessly integrate with all of our mobile devices, while maintaining a more friendly relationship with non-apple products as well.

When it comes to hardware, it’s obvious what should go on the ‘must’ list. You’ve got to have Bluetooth and AirPlay, as well as integrated WiFi technology that passes muster. That beautiful HD quality FaceTime camera and software should make an appearance, as well as 3D technology if they can get it right (which means losing the terrible glasses, of course). Resolution should bottom out at 1080p, and outputs should include USB, Optical Audio, HDMI and Apple’s new Thunderbolt. That will allow for an expanded hard drive, though inclusion of a DVR with at least 1TB of storage should be in the conversation.

Of course, FaceTime won’t be the only iOS App to make an appearance. What would be perfect is a fullscreen App store, where you could buy and utilize many of the apps that make the iPhone, iPod and iPad so fantastic. But you would also be able to download one-click access to the various players you most frequently use (Hulu Plus, VUDU, Netflix, etc.) AND to purchase subscriptions to pay cable networks. Ideally you’d be able to pick a monthly or yearly subscription to ShowTime or AMC, while also paying for membership to HBO Go or one of the other fantastic cable streaming sites.

As with your other Apple hardware, the Apple TV would certainly utilize Spotlight for searching. But in our ideal device it would be able to search not only your library’s content, but anything available on iTunes, within an app Store, or upcoming in a TV guide listing. That way you’d immediately see any free and paid options. If Siri was integrated to help remind you of subscribed shows or TV Guide alerts, that would just be the icing on the cake.

And as far as that TV guide is concerned, the closer the resemblance to our app screen the better. All the channels could be listed vertically, with click-through descriptions. The guide would cleanly integrate with iTunes, so you could see all upcoming releases the same way. Previews would be available for all movies (as on Apple Trailers), and anything you bring to the party through an external drive would upload to the same guide and be visually cataloged.

Is all of this probable, or even possible? Who really knows. This is the Apple TV that will live in our dreams until we are given one in real life. It’s going to take Apple becoming more willing to accept non-Apple products, and the cable providers choosing the joy of the user over maximizing advertising profits. If you think it’s probably not going to happen, you can dream at least. It’s what Steve Jobs would have wanted.

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Tech bloggers, including ourselves, have been buzzing hard about the hush development of an Apple television set for quite some time now. While the Apple TV set top box has been quite successful, it still requires a non-Apple piece of hardware to operate. Well, according to some whispers overheard on Barrons, those days may be drawing to a close.

Apparently Apple is deep in conversation with cable operators about a new TV product. While they haven’t been any more specific then that, chances are they aren’t talking about making a smaller Apple TV to match the iPad mini that launched so successfully. The only real option is an Apple HDTV that comes with built-in internet connectivity and deals with the larger cable companies.

According to a new report from Jefferies & Co.’s analyst James Kisner, Apple wouldn’t be talking to these companies if its product release was anything but “imminent”. Basically, the networks are playing ball because they know any Apple television would be immensely popular, meaning additional data requirements on all of the major broadband networks and some serious infrastructure work. Naysayers declare this could just be a conversation about additional streaming services, and remind excited parties that Apple themselves have continuously turned away questions about a pending TV release.

Also, according to AllThingsD’s John Paczkowski, ” the idea that a “potentially … imminent” launch is in the works seems harder to take seriously.”

For starters, Apple has already steered analysts away from the notion that it will have something to say about a TV solution soon. More important: If Apple were close to launching a new service, it would almost certainly be in touch with TV programmers about new arrangements, and we haven’t heard anything along those lines.

In other words, there are still a lot of missing pieces here, and while a major cable provider running what-if scenarios on a rumored Apple product is certainly interesting, it’s not necessarily a trumpet fanfare announcing its imminent arrival.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Google+ for the latest updates on the rumored Apple TV set.

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The only plus side was the announcement that there has been some progress made with the injection vector, but no further specifics were offered. The only hard information nitoTV was able to share is that users considering jailbreaking an Apple TV 3 at some point down the line should stay on iOS 5 (Apple TV 5.0.x) and not upgrade to iOS 6 (Apple TV 5.1).

Of course, anyone who has already upgraded the firmware shouldn’t stay up nights worrying about it. Since specific jailbreak details have yet to drop, there’s no telling if this will end up being a real problem for users or not. nitoTV didn’t seem terribly concerned, but if you’re 100% certain you will be performing a jailbreak on your Apple TV 3, your best bet is to hold to iOS 5.

Back in August we reported that there was a group of “very bright and talented individuals” working on “a lead that could result in a usable jailbreak for the 3rd gen Apple TV”. No further details have been shared since then, the only thing we know is that the work is still ongoing.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Google+ to be first to know when the Apple TV 3 jailbreak comes out.

Update: State of the Apple TV 3 Jailbreak

[via iJailbreak]

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Our friends at the What’s on iPhone network have just reviewed a game we think would work wonders with AirPlay Mirroring. Check their review of Bastion for iPad!

All eyes are swiftly turning towards Apple’s fall media event, as they have at this point for years now. Most Apple fans are hoping against hope for unexpected updates to the iPad, iPhone and iPod, even as rumors have been swirling about changes coming for the increasingly popular Apple TV platform.

According to our friends at 9to5mac.com, the rumors may have some grounding in reality. A  was recently granted to everyone’s favorite computing and entertainment giant that suggests the Apple TV will soon be able to connect into live television broadcasts, as well as record new shows with a DVR-esque application.

According to the details of the patent, new versions of the Apple TV device will give users the ability to check out current cable listings while simultaneously viewing content. And Apple’s Granted Patent gives them exclusive rights to this technology.

While many current cable customers may be enthusiastic about tossing out their traditional DVR machines for an all-inclusive Apple TV package, chances are Apple is focusing more on integration with the television itself than with a cable box. That means the patent may only come into effect on TVs that come stock with Apple TV built in, as a set-top-box.

Hopefully September’s media event will shed some further light on what’s coming down the pipe, as fans of the low, $99 price tag on the current Apple TV may demand satisfaction that doesn’t require the purchase of a completely new television.

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Apple TV is continuing to push its way into more and more American households, and the content distributors are slowly but surely falling in line. CBS has been ridiculously slow to embrace streaming options, only recently agreeing to allow their content to be sold on Amazon and Netflix. And according to AllThingsD, CBS’ Chief Executive Officer Les Moonves has declared publicly that he’d be willing to place their programming on Apple TV as well.

He brought it up during the company’s quarterly earnings call in response to an analyst’s question. Moonves declared that Apple TV was a part of the company’s plans, and a partnership was certainly possible. Of course, he was quick to point out that the deal would have to make sense for CBS. And as with all things in big business, that comes down to the money.

When the analyst pushed Moonves for further detail, he mentioned a lot of the same issues that traditional networks have complained about for a while now, including how syndication is handled online, how the digital distribution affects advertising revenue, and what impact the added broadcasts would make on the earning power of rebroadcasting a current show.

Moonves went on to compare the potential of Apple TV to their deals with Amazon and Netflix, which were handled to his satisfaction. It appears that the issue may be how each company views the content. According to Moonves, he doesn’t want to give a potential competitor his own programming if it helps them get stronger. And he clearly hasn’t been satisfied with Apple’s answers yet.

The fact that CBS finally reached an agreement with Hulu this week is an encouraging sign. Even though CBS has turned down Apple several times already, Moonves may simply be coming to the inevitable conclusion: people don’t want to be told when they can watch their shows anymore. On demand is the future, and they’re going to have to get in line eventually or risk losing their audience to those that beat them there.

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Apple’s new operating system OS X Mountain Lion is now on the scene, giving us Mac fans yet another reasons to profess our undying love for our favorite devices. Probably the most anticipated new feature is that Mountain Lion gives users the ability to take advantage of AirPlay Mirroring, which allows for wireless video and audio streaming from your computer right to your Apple TV. But not all Apple owners will be so lucky.

You’re going to need an iMac, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro or Mac Mini from 2011 or later to make it work, even with Mountain Lion installed. So what’s the deal? Some conspiracists believe it’s Apple forcing people to upgrade to newer machines. Others think that the Intel chips are to blame, as the DRM technology required for Mirroring to work wasn’t available in these computers until last year.

But according to the good folks at Cult of Mac, the truth is much simpler. The graphics in Mac computers prior to 2011 just aren’t up to the challenge. In order for AirPlay Mirroring to work, the computer must be able to compress video on the graphics chip without using the CPU. Since the hardware can’t handle it alone, the CPU would be forced to work overtime, and the performance would degrade to the point of uselessness.

And Macs aren’t alone in this obsolescence. On the mobile side, you’ve got to have an iPad 2 or later, or an iPhone 4S to use AirPlay Mirroring. With those devices, it still comes down to the encoding issue. AirPlay Mirroring is much more complicated than you would think. There’s encoding, scaling, and color conversion, translating the audio and video from your wee monitor to the HDTV hanging on the wall.

It’s not impossible for the dedicated programmer, however. AirParrot has an app that allows Mirroring even with old Macs. But the image is compromised, and we all know how Apple feels about settling for less than perfection. It will work more often than not, but you’re still pushing your older device further than is comfortable, resulting in high fan usage and more than a little bit of heat.

And the issues aren’t hardware-based alone. The network you’re working over is also an important consideration. You’re going to need a high-end internet network and rock star wireless router for smooth Mirroring, especially if you’re streaming a web-based video player. And you’ll have to let your device focus on that one task. If you’re trying to surf the internet or BitTorrent at the same time, you’re going to be one unhappy camper.

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So apparently, it wasn’t enough for Apple to innovate home computing, digital music and mobile technology. Sure, Apple TV has created a stronger connection between our monitors and the vast cloud of internet data, but this latest news could forever transform how we watch and interact with content in all forms. According to our friends at Patently Apple, the tech giant now has its sights set on virtual reality. Apple was granted a patent that details a way to literally connect people straight into their computers, using a mixture of touch screens, VR gloves and next generation sensor technology.

Although it’s only one patent, it covers a massive range of applications, including interactive gaming, 5D technology, video conferencing, and even the possibility of using an individual’s palm as a signature to start a car or turn on the television. The possibilities are staggering, and whenever this patent turns into an actual device, it could well change the entertainment landscape as we know it.

According to the patent, Apple expects this new tech may someday take the place of keyboards. On top of that, the screen the 5D monitor is made out of could potentially be any sort of material at all. One idea Apple suggested is a screen made of Kevlar, giving users the ability to shoot live ammunitions at the screen. Not something you’ll be doing in your living room, but if applied on a shooting range it could actually analyze where the bullets landed and with what amount of force.

And it won’t stop there. In fact, no screen may even be necessary. According to the details of the patent, this 5D tech could track simple resistance changes in the air, such as temperature or magnetic force. Break that down for a second, and think about manipulating programs just by moving your hands. It’s the game changer to top all game changers, as only Apple could come up with.

[images: Patently Apple]

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Gamers rejoice! Cerebral Gardens, a software development studio specializing in iOS and Mac apps, is launching the “first game for Apple TV” through the App Store. It’s called Party Doodles, and it’s a multiplayer, interactive party drawing and guessing game game you’ll certainly be busting out at your next gathering. Dave Wood, the founder and president of Cerebral Gardens, calls Party Doodles the first game ever designed specifically for the Apple TV, and it’s certainly about time. And when integrated with AirPlay, it really represents the next generation of gaming.

Party Doodles seamlessly integrates the Apple TV with the iPad, a perfect fit that fans of party games should love. Which means Cerebral Gardens will love checking their bottom line next month, as more than four million Apple TVs were purchased in 2011. Sure, that’s still a small segment of all the millions upon millions of gamers out there, but there’s certainly something to be said for being the first kid on the block. Party Doodles in pioneering a new market, and eager fans will probably reward their work.

Cerebral Gardens first thought of the game last summer, when Apple launched their mirroring technology, giving users the ability to link their iPad directly to their Apple TV wirelessly through the AirPlay. Party Doodles is a drawing game designed for multiple users, so it really takes advantage of that cutting edge technology.

So what will Party Doodle fans find outside of integration with their Apple TV? Well, the game comes stock with hours of free content, more than enough to make your next get together a hit. And since the game is app-based, users can always buy additional gameplay if they run out of free time. Party Doodle also integrates with social networks like Facebook and Twitter, and fully supports the new iPad’s retina display.

Head over to What’s on iPhone to read the full review of Party Doodles for iPad, and then make your way over to your friendly neighborhood App Store to pick up your copy today.

Party Doodles is a free download from the App Store.

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The industry has been buzzing for months now about the hotly-anticipated Apple TV set. But according to the experts at Stuff, when it does finally hit the market, it may start as a US-only release. Apple surely doesn’t want to leave its international fans in the lurch, but with the massive work involved in content rights, it could simply be a necessary step before a wider release.

Any internet-based television service, even the big boys like Netflix and Hulu, have struggled with blackouts and the huge price tag content distributors are demanding for their top rated shows. All rights are negotiated through a different agreement and separate contract for each country, so launching such a significant product in a timely fashion could mean a slower roll-out. Apple television needs to offer great content to be successful, so it simply doesn’t make sense for them to push into additional markets until they have that content in play.

Video streamers in the UK have enjoyed content through iTunes for quite a while now, even with the limited content available, and the strength of the Apple brand should lead content distributors to accept a deal rather quickly. But the real question is what Apple will have to spend to strike those deals. Apple TV is sold internationally, but does the bulk of its business in the US. Seeing that their content platforms aren’t performing as well outside of the States may discourage Apple from spending big on marketing and content before they see a real demand for it.

As of now, Americans won’t have access to Apple television until at least it’s rumored 2014 launch, which means international fans may have to wait much longer.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Google+ for the latest updates on the rumored Apple TV set.

[image: Stuff]

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Fans of Apple TV have long loved how the hardware integrates with the Apple iOS and all of their additional audio/visual accessories. But Apple has never been known to rest on their laurels. On the heels of the upcoming iOS 6 release, Apple TV will give users new and improved ways to integrate wireless speaker systems.

According to flatpanelshd.com, users who install the new operating system will have an additional AirPlay menu option. If you have several speakers connected through your system, you’ll be able to pick and choose which speakers the Apple TV sound plays through, as long as the speakers are AirPlay enabled. This effectively puts an end to wired surround sound speakers in the home.

AirPlay has been a key component of the Apple TV’s popularity, enabling users to enjoy all of their video, games, music and photos through a linked system. On top of being able to stream any of this content from connected devices, the new iOS update will also give users speaker-out capability. That means picking and choosing between any speakers in the home. The surround sound potential is significant, and the fully wireless capability means no more limits as to where the Apple TV and speakers must be placed.

Developers who have given the new features a test drive report that all seems to be working as advertised. Users will have to turn off the Dolby setting to run the speakers at a proper volume, but other than that it all works glitch-free. iOS 6 should be coming out in early fall with the release of the latest iPhone. And when Apple TV set hits the market, the same wireless speaker capabilities will be in play.

[image: FLATPANELSHD]

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