Following previous reports suggesting an upcoming Apple TV refresh, 9to5Mac has found additional evidence suggesting that the updated device will include Bluetooth 4.0, which will open up a whole new range of possibilities for the Apple TV.
After discovering an internal codename (J33) for Apple’s next-gen Apple TV in iOS 5.1 beta 1, 9to5Mac now claims to have found evidence of Bluetooth 4.0 support.
From 9to5Mac:
The next-generation Apple TV, the one we first revealed as Apple TV 3,1 with the J33 codename, will include Bluetooth 4.0 technology. Before even getting into the advantages of Bluetooth 4.0, it is worth noting that our code-based finding in iOS 5.1 beta 1 of a next-generation Apple TV with Bluetooth 4.0 is further evidence that an Apple TV refresh will soon be upon us.
Bluetooth 4.0 could provide plenty of benefits to the Apple TV, including support for wireless keyboards, better wireless audio, video and data quality, as well as the addition of a whole new array of low-power Bluetooth devices, such as blood pressure cuffs, heart rate indicators, and so forth.
Perhaps more interesting, however, is the new and exciting possibility of enhanced FaceTime, as well as voice control for the Apple TV.
Using Bluetooth 4.0’s higher-quality voice and video, Apple could allow FaceTime calls through the Apple TV using your iPhone’s built-in camera, a voice-control remote (or bluetooth headset) for the Apple TV, paving the way for Siri integration, and more.
Bluetooth 4.0 could also allow your Apple TV to act as the center of a home automation system. You could use your Apple TV to access security cameras, lock or unlock doors, turn lights or fans on or off, and more. This would all be much more exciting with the addition of Siri.
While the possibilities are certainly interesting, it’s ultimately anyone’s guess what Apple will do with this technology – but judging by the fact that the iPhone 4S, MacBook Air, iMac & Mac Mini now all support Bluetooth 4.0 (and future Macs and iOS devices likely will as well), there may well be some incredibly exciting things in store from Apple.