There has been no shortage of indicators that a new version of the Apple TV set-top box is incoming. We reported last year and earlier this year that Apple is progressing on new Apple TV hardware that will include new content, such as an App Store or “Game Store,” references to a new model have appeared in iOS 7 code, and numerous other reports have said that a new box is incoming from Apple.
Today, a filing from Comcast and Time Warner Cable pitching their planned merger to the FCC references Apple’s development of a new set-top-box. Here’s the notable quote from the filing (via Daisuke Wakabayashi):
Today, Google competes as a network, video, and technology provider, and 8 out 9 of the next Google Fiber markets the company announced are in Comcast or TWC areas. Apple tablets are viewing platforms for cable services even while Apple offers an online video service, Apple TV, and explores development of an Apple set-top box. Microsoft just announced that it will feature ads on the Xbox One, creating a new video advertising platform. And just last week, Amazon announced its own set-top box while it continues to leverage its unequaled sales platform and family of competitive tablets to promote its burgeoning Prime Instant Video business.
The bolded portion (emphasis ours) of the above quote says that Apple is exploring development of a new set-top box. The quote comes in context of the cable behemoths explaining why their merger is important amidst growing content competition from the likes of Apple, Google, and Microsoft. While it is possible that the companies are just speculating based on rumors about the next version of the Apple TV, several reports have indicated that Apple has been in direct talks with Time Warner Cable and Comcast regarding a new set-top box…
Last month, a report from The Wall Street Journal indicated that Apple is talking about a new box with Comcast, and several reports over the past year from Bloomberg have indicated that Apple is talking to Time Warner Cable. Given the proposed merger, it would make sense that executives from both cable companies have been sharing their future plans and talks with potential partners (like Apple).
Apple has planned to debut a new Apple TV this year, with the recent Bloomberg report indicating the possibility of an April unveiling. However, with Apple already announcing its upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference event and no more solid indicators of an imminent Apple TV announcement, perhaps the new set-top box could have been pushed back while the cable companies work on their merger.
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“the companies are just speculating based on rumors about the next version of the Apple TV”. This was my thought as soon as I saw the headline. The article didn’t do anything to sway that opinion.
“8 out 9 of the next Google Fiber markets the company announced are in Comcast or TWC areas.”
Has being a monopoly cause you to forget how to compete?? If Google Fiber increases the risk of losing customers, then spend some of the BILLIONS of dollars you make in profit to rollout a competitive service. If not, go back to the hole you crawled out of.
Apple should buy the pair with a Netflix purchase and spin off deal that helps fund it all. “Apple you gotta use some of that cash!” With combined cash flow that ends up not making much of a dent in your pile of cash! We can dream!
It is interesting how vague the reference is to Apple STB. With Apple building out a national network, I suspect Apple is also looking at the Cable headend as part of their entire plan. This could be the “killer” plan and with the content network already identified as connecting with cable operators this makes sense. A similar infrastructure model as fits with wireless delivery.
Where there’s smoke…
What the hell does Apple TV or Apple’s project to develop a set-top box have to do with Comcast and Time Warner Cable’s ILLEGAL merger?? Comcast has a proven track record of being the WORST corporation in the USA and for treating it’s customers the worst among cable providers. So no amount of promise from Apple should be taken as positive regarding this proposed merger. The federal government needs to STOP THIS MERGER in its tracks!