After years of rumors,
Apple is prepping for a hardware refresh of its Apple TV, the tech giant's set-top box, according to BuzzFeed, which cites anonymous sources. The device, which has been mostly relegated as a "hobby" product in Apple's device catalogue, hasn't seen any updates since 2012.
BuzzFeed reports that the refreshed hardware may feature a ramped-up processor with its custom A8 chip, or some other version of the chip, as well as increased memory over the current device's 8GB. The new hardware may be unveiled at its annual developers conference in June.
This leak comes after the Wall Street Journal reported earlier this week that Apple is in talks with media companies to open up a TV service that would offer a bundle of around 25 channels for sometime in the Fall. The Journal reported that it's in the process of arranging deals with media giants such as
With the new Apple TV hardware, Apple will reportedly also be opening up an App Store and software development kit for more apps on the Apple TV. Its updated operating system will enable Siri voice control and connect to some home automation gadgets that have been certified for HomeKit. HomeKit is Apple's protocol for home automation devices to connect safely and reliably in the iOS environment through Bluetooth and WiFi radios.
Even though the HomeKit integration will likely be a small part of the new Apple TV hardware, it could finally mark the beginning of an official HomeKit launch. Apple announced HomeKit in June at its last developers conference, but we haven't seen much else since then. At this year's Consumer Electronics Show, a number of device makers came out with announcements around plans for HomeKit-certified home automation products. So while third-party device makers have started making announcement, Apple hasn't even officially announced what HomeKit is supposed to ultimately look like.
Apple TV and HomeKit seem like a perfect match. The Apple TV will always be on and in your house, allowing for remote control of devices such as lights and thermostats while you're away from home. And Apple began pushing HomeKit integration software updates to the current generation of Apple TVs for developers as early as September, as I first reported around that time.
