Rumor: Apple Smart TV prototype in the works

New rumors say Apple wants to cement itself in your living room with its own TV set.

Shortly after it was reported that Apple is strongly considering licensing its AirPlay technology to fully stream digital content to compatible TVs, comes the possibility that the Cupterino company will be creating its own smart TV. Morgan Stanley investors are being told that Apple is “working on a Smart TV prototype,” according to Apple Insider. The analyst also noted it would include “TV/Video content, gaming, DVR, as well as other features like apps and FaceTime into one product.”

For what it’s worth, Forbes notes that the analyst in question, Katy Huberty, has been unsuccessful when it comes to her predictions for Apple quarterly earnings. It probably didn’t need to be said, but it was also mentioned that this would be “the next new product category” for Apple and rake in billions of dollars for the company and a one percent share of the TV market by 2013.

It all makes too much sense. Immediately after we heard that Apple would be expanding AirPlay to include more than audio streaming, the wheels started turning. Apple isn’t traditionally keen on outside manufacturers using its technology, and it seems safe to assume that the new capabilities will be offered to a limited set of TV makers. This, in turn, would endow a possible Apple Smart TV with technology that most competing smart TVs don’t include.

Product unity also makes sense: Apple offers media streaming with its set-top device, but combining all of the content Apple hosts into its own branded television is the natural next step. Earlier this year, there was also the mention that in the long term, Apple had “more ambitions in the living room,” which could indicate that a Apple TV was only the beginning.

Apple pulls ‘gay cure’ app from App Store

Apple has pulled the controversial Exodus International app because it "violates developer guidelines," according to an Apple spokesman.
Apple has reacted to the backlash over the presence of the so-called “gay cure” app in the iTunes App Store. As of yesterday evening, the controversial mobile application is no longer available to download — yanked off the virtual shelves by Apple. It’s safe to say that public perception was a key factor in the decision
The Florida-based Christian group, Exodus International, which sponsored the app calls itself “the world’s largest ministry to individuals and families impacted by homosexuality.” The app was reportedly an effort to reach out to LGBT young adults so that they might be “freed from homosexuality.” The group promotes the app as having received a 4+ rating from Apple, meaning it contained “no objectionable material.”
The app in question, eponymously named Exodus International, appeared in the App Store in mid-February, prompting a growing tide of criticism. Over 150,000 people signed an online petition at Change.org asking Apple to pull the app.
“Apple made a wise and responsible decision to dump an offensive app that demonized gay and lesbian people,” said Wayne Besen, executive director of Truth Wins Out, the organization that sponsored the position. “The real winners today are LGBT youth who are safer and less at risk for receiving Exodus’ malice and misinformation.”
Senior leaders of Exodus International have claimed that the app’s intentions have been misrepresented.
“It’s being touted as a gay cure app, and nothing could be further from the truth,” Jeff Buchanan, senior director of church equipping and student ministries for Exodus International, told Fox News. “We present a redemptive, Biblical world view on sexuality … it’s a message of love and acceptance of those that are struggling with same-sex attraction.”
In the same Fox News report Apple spokesman Tom Neumayr is quoted saying, “We removed the Exodus International app from the App Store because it violates the developer guidelines by being offensive to large groups of people.”
Exodus International’s president Alan Chambers responded to the app’s removal in a tweet: “It’s official, the @ExodusInl App is no longer in the @AppStore. Incredibly disappointing. Watch out, it could happen to you.”

Rumor: Apple to license full AirPlay technology to outside TV manufacturers

Seems like it Apple isn't dominating a market, it isn't satisfied. In a speculated new move, the company may license AirPlay technology and try to take over connected TVs.



Bloomberg is reporting that “two people familiar with the project” say Apple may license its AirPlay technology to allow streaming content from iOS devices to TVs. As it currently stands, AirPlay is only able to stream audio to select non-Apple devices, but the anonymous sources are suggesting it’s interested in developing the technology to include video. TVs with full AirPlay compatibility could even be coming as soon as this year.

The report claims that “companies pay Apple $4 for each device sold that carries AirPlay,” and the current agreement provides that video is not included.

AirPlay currently can stream any media to an Apple TV system, meaning anything bought via iTunes or self-created content (photos, home movies, etc). To any other television set, it’s audio only. Seeing as the connected box top from Apple has had only mild success compared to rival Internet TVs, it makes sense that a company used to outrageous triumphs in the electronics arena is investigating ways to seriously challenge competitors.

Apple could sell more iPads, iPhones, and iPod touches if it allowed outside electronics manufacturers to sync with AirPlay. Not to mention the fact that it could increase iTunes sales. The digital media library doesn’t necessarily need the help, but with competitors threatening to come out of the woodwork it certainly couldn’t hurt Apple hold on the market. Of course, it would also rake in more money off licensing fees on manufacturers that want to include AirPlay A/V technology in their TVs.

Of course, this would be a somewhat unprecedented move for Apple, which doesn’t look to kindly on licensing its technology to outside developers – it’s a truly in-house company. But AirPlay was an exception before, and maybe allowing manufacturers to use it for audio was just the first step. Video could be next. And now is certainly the time: Consumers are jumping on board with connected TVs and streaming content, and content providers would be wise to act quickly and rope in loyal customers early on.

Our question is, what manufacturers would Apple be collaborating with (at least initially) on this project? Many of the companies already licensing AirPlay technology, like Pioneer, Marantz and iHome, have no presence in the TV world. Many TV manufacturers (like Sony) already have competing streaming video products. Who’s Apple’s ideal partner?