Could Apple TV Become Your Next Cable Set-Top Box?
Could Apple TV Become Your Next Cable Set-Top Box?
A new report claims Apple is in talks with U.S. cable television providers in an effort to replace clunky old set-top boxes with a sleek new Apple TV capable of viewing live television and other content.
MacRumors is reporting that Apple may be in the midst of its most ambitious plans yet for the Apple TV, and they have nothing to do with creating an actual HDTV.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Cupertino hopes to convince U.S. cable TV companies to toss out their existing set-top box hardware and instead replace it with a presumably updated Apple TV instead.
"Apple Inc. is in talks with some of the biggest U.S. cable operators about letting consumers use an Apple device as a set-top box for live television and other content, according to people familiar with the matter," the report reveals. "The talks represent Apple's most ambitious crack at infiltrating the living room after years of trying.
"Apple doesn't appear to have reached a deal with any cable operators," the report concludes. "One obstacle may be the reluctance of operators to let Apple establish a foothold in the television business."
The Wall Street Journal also theorizes that an Apple set-top box could cost "hundreds of dollars" compared to the $10-$15 per month models currently offered by cable companies.
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