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Apple Television Set to Include Siri and Face-Tracking iSight for FaceTime Calls?
Cult of Mac reports that it has received information from a "well-placed" source who claims to have seen a prototype of the rumored Apple television set. According to the source, the device resembles Apple's current Thunderbolt display but is "much larger" than the 27-inch model currently offered.
Mockup of Apple television set based on Thunderbolt display design
Among the key features reportedly included on the prototype Apple television set is a Siri-enabled iSight camera allowing users to make FaceTime video calls using the device. Addressing the fact that users are likely to sit substantially farther away from the television than they do their computers and mobile devices, the source claims that the camera will be able to automatically detect and track faces, zooming in on them for FaceTime calls even if they move about the room.
The idea of a Siri-enabled television set quickly gained steam with a followup rumor from The New York Times claiming that Apple was indeed working on such a device for a launch in late 2012 or 2013.
Apple has reportedly been working with component suppliers on plans for Apple television sets in recent months, although debate continues as to whether such a product will be ready for launch by late this year, next year, or even 2014.
Mockup of Apple television set based on Thunderbolt display design
Among the key features reportedly included on the prototype Apple television set is a Siri-enabled iSight camera allowing users to make FaceTime video calls using the device. Addressing the fact that users are likely to sit substantially farther away from the television than they do their computers and mobile devices, the source claims that the camera will be able to automatically detect and track faces, zooming in on them for FaceTime calls even if they move about the room.
The Apple HDTV makes FaceTime calls using the built-in iSight camera. The camera is sophisticated, with facial recognition and the ability to zoom into the user’s face and follow them as they walk around the room. This allows users to make video calls from the couch across the room, rather than having to stand smack in front of the TV.Apple's rumored television set is widely expected to make extensive use of Siri, a rumor that first surfaced in Jobs' authorized biography, in which he was quoted as saying that he had "finally cracked" the problem of creating an elegant interface for the device. With Jobs calling it "the simplest user interface you could imagine", speculation immediately leapt to Siri, which could allow users to change channels and find shows using only their voice.
In addition, calls are initiated by Siri, the iPhone 4S’s virtual assistant. “[Apple] used Siri to make a FaceTime call,” the source said.
The idea of a Siri-enabled television set quickly gained steam with a followup rumor from The New York Times claiming that Apple was indeed working on such a device for a launch in late 2012 or 2013.
Apple has reportedly been working with component suppliers on plans for Apple television sets in recent months, although debate continues as to whether such a product will be ready for launch by late this year, next year, or even 2014.
Tag: cultofmac.com
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Top Rated Comments
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90 months ago
I don't know if Apple can expect consumers to pay a premium for a TV like this. Nowadays, you can get a (good brand) 40" TV for around £350 - and I don't think consumers would want to pay any higher than this.
90 months ago
2014 would be fine. Take your time, Apple and make this device perfect. I am excited.
90 months ago
I already use my iPad 3 with my iBackFlip Somersault and Apple TV using airplay to do the same thing. Hands free too.
EDIT: For those who were asking what is a Somersault: http://ibackflip.com (http://ibackflip.com)
That has to be the most douchey thing i have ever seen.
If I saw someone using one of those I think I would just shrink up into a ball on the floor and close my eyes until they were gone out of embarrassment for mankind.
90 months ago
I wonder how long after it released Samsung will offer something similar with the exact same features but with a rounder bezel claiming its completely different?
Well I guess you haven't seen the latest Samsung TV sets. They almost don't have a bezel anymore and only about 1.2 inch deep. I hope this is not the real Apple TV design, it would be very 2009...
90 months ago
I wonder how long after it released Samsung will offer something similar with the exact same features but with a rounder bezel claiming its completely different?
Um..Samsung ALREADY has this face recognition, voice control, and gesture control:
http://www.samsung.com/us/2012-smart-tv/#navigation
So who's copying who?
90 months ago
You won't need a cable box/blue-ray player.
I think the real revolution will come in terms of content.
yay a $6 movie to rent in worse quality, just what i want. its blu-ray btw :p unless the prices of streamed "files" drop to 99 cent i do not want
id laugh if the tv doesnt even offer hdmi and they'd call it the best thing ever which translates to BUY YOUR STUFF AT ITUNES SO WE MAKE EVEN MORE MONEY
90 months ago
If it's using Siri, Siri had better have **SOME** baked-in functionality, none of this internet-required BS. The last thing I want from a TV is "Sorry I can't take requests right now" when all I want is to turn the channel!
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