Related announcements that could indicate a new product
Apple has not made any official announcements on a new Apple TV yet people continue to speculate on the issue. Instead of just reading regurgitated rumors about app stores and gaming The Steaming Advisor would like to share 5 sure signs of a New Apple TV Launch on the way. They are based on precedent from other product launches and a bit of logic gleaned from studying the typical patterns that Apple and other tech companies seem to follow in anticipation of a new product launch. See below.
Official public filings
If Apple is really releasing a new TV product it will file it with the FCC. Keep on the lookout for a device with at least 1 HDMI port or specs for a device that could be a remote control or gamepad even a webcam which could be used for Skype or Facetime. If those pieces of the puzzle begin to show up then we may be in for something.
Apple TV Heavily Featured on Website
Apple.com was just refreshed with a more aggressive slant towards retail. Yet the main menu bar is absent of the Apple TV. Apple does list the iPhone, Watch, Mac, iPad and Music. To be fair the iPod is not listed either. But if Apple TV were to make its way onto the top of the page I might suspect something was amiss. You may recall that Amazon added a bevy of information concerning streaming media players to its website ahead of the launch of the Fire TV.
Can’t find the old one
If the current Apple TV models start to be difficult to find at retail outlets that typically carry the device that could be a strong indicator. Apple TV sales have been strong since the launch of HBO Now so there would be little reason for Apple to cut back on production of the device unless a new New Apple TV is on the way.
Numerous New TV based apps in the works
While a full app store is a constantly bandied rumor for the new Apple TV it is somewhat empty. Think about it. What good would most of the apps in the itunes store do you on a TV? There are only two things that would be worth using the Apple TV for. Games and TV apps. I would keep an eye on new apps for TV viewing from major companies like AMC, Starz, The NFL , USA Network and others. If leaks emerge around those companies maybe they are related.
New controller app
A product refresh would be a perfect time for Apple to release a more substantial controller app for IOS devices. The remote app has been on my iPad since I first purchased an Apple TV because of how frighteningly easy it is to misplace the physical controller. It’s very small. A new product with new functionality may demand a new way to interface with it, especially considering that one of the rumors associated with the device is a larger remote with some sort of touch screen.
So there you have it. Having watched this stuff unfold a number of times now there is no telling if anything will happen for sure but keep an eye on those tea leaves and you might just be able to scoop your friends.
