More and more analysts are calling for Apple to enter the consumer video fray, whether via televisions, Apple DVR’s, live iTunes programming, game streaming, or so forth. Now, Jefferies & Company (a brokerage firm) are predicting Apple to release a new video gadget in 2012 or 2013 to answer the demands, as well as a cloud streaming service to go with it (hence the large number of new data centers).
Jefferies & Co believes that Apple is about to launch a new video-focused cloud-based service, and believes that this assault on the living room will mean another significant chapter in Apple history, as well as the introduction of a new Apple appliance or device. The above image is an aerial view of Apple’s new North Carolina data center, which may be part of these potential plans.
Analyst Peter Misek goes on record as saying that a $10 a month Netflix-like video service could boost Apple projected 2012 revenues significantly, from $118 Billion, all the way up to the $150-170 billion range. He thinks that Apple’s new North Carolina data center (which has doubled in size) could host such services, and speculates that Apple could be building many more of these throughout the US and Europe. Couple this with Apple’s recent purchase of 12 million gigabytes of storage, and the prospects become exciting.
You can read the full article from 9to5Mac. Further, check out the below YouTube video about Apple’s NC data center.
What are your thoughts? Do you think Apple could be building a next-generation broadcasting network, a NetFlix-type service, offering live entertainment programming, or even just bolstering up for a ridiculously massive MobileMe overhaul with tons of new features? Sound off in the comments!
Via 9to5Mac
