Apple Television Set to Include Motion Sensing Control and Touchscreen Remote?

apple tv 2012 interfaceWhile Apple is not expected to reveal its long-rumored television set product that has been the subject of increasing rumors at today's Worldwide Developers Conference keynote, Topeka Capital Markets analyst Brian White has published a new research note addressing some of his expectations for the device based on a recent visit to Taiwan for the Computex trade show and to visit with supply chain companies in several markets.

White believes that the Apple television set will adopt several methods of interaction, most significantly including motion detection technology, perhaps similar to that found in Microsoft's Kinect offerings. He also suggests that the television will still include a remote control, which will arrive as an iPad-like touchscreen device.

Regarding Apple TV, the data points during our trip indicate the Company will use a special type of motion detection technology on future full blown Apple TV that we expect to be unveiled within the next couple of quarters, rather than touch technology. Also, our contacts indicate a unique remote control with a touch panel form factor that looks similar to the iPad would be used to control the device. The bezel is expected to be a plastic composition, rather than the aluminum unibody exterior that surrounds the MacBook Air.

White makes no mention of Siri voice control, but many observers expect that Apple will also make use of its voice recognition and natural language processing algorithms to make it easy for users to control their television viewing experiences.

Finally, the new report from White also outlines his continued belief that Apple is preparing to launch a smaller "iPad mini", with both that product and the next-generation iPhone reportedly lining up for a simultaneous launch in September of this year.

Related Roundup: Apple TV
Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Caution)

Top Rated Comments

tigres Avatar
154 months ago
We already have touchscreen remotes that adapt to the current and future ecosystem.

They include:
iPhone
iTouch
iPad
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Cougarcat Avatar
154 months ago
For the love of god put analyst's ridiculous speculation on Page 2.

Analysts are NEVER right.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ganymedes13 Avatar
154 months ago
And just when I was wondering where the crazy rumors would come from on the day of the keynote...
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Big-TDI-Guy Avatar
154 months ago
you're too old to understand and will never get it.

Ok then, how about explaining your point of view so that other children may understand. And I, though old and stupid, shall make my best attempt to also comprehend your superior intellectual insight.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MythicFrost Avatar
154 months ago
When Steve Jobs wrote in his Biography that "I've finally cracked it!" I can't imagine him meaning this:



What would truly be revolutionary is a voice navigated TV, one that works well. You'd only need a tiny remote with a mic, and that's what I think is coming.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Peace Avatar
154 months ago
An analyst has to be an idiot to write that Apple would make an iPad sized remote, instead of using the iPhone, iPad, etc.

He didn't say iPad sized. He said iPad like.
There is a difference.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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