The prospect of future Apple products always tends to produce a frenzy of questionable rumors. The latest Apple television rumor from TechnoBuffalo is no exception. According to their report, Apple may release a Siri-powered HDTV with a 42-inch OLED screen sometime in April or May.
TechnoBuffalo states that a major electronics retailer filled them in on the too-good-to-be-true details:
Speaking on conditions of anonymity, the source said they’ve seen “gorgeous, very thin” pre-production versions of the set in person, and that they employ OLED panels at various sizes up to 42-inches.
As is typical with these sorts of claims, the rumor is pretty over-the-top. In addition to the usual claim of Siri-based voice control, the report goes several steps further, claiming the device will also have facial recognition, and the ability to be controlled by iOS devices. But hold on to your seat – that’s not all!
Our source said Apple is exploring the notion of using the set to control other connected devices in the home; think along the lines of ovens that pre-heat while you’re watching TV before dinner, and garage doors that can be closed by voice command while you sit on the couch. No details were given as to whether Apple would consider manufacturing such devices, though given their history, a “Made for iPod” style accessory program would be a natural fit for a TV-based connected home system.
Besides sounding a bit over-the-top, the rumor is very unlikely to be true for other reasons as well, such as is proximity to the iPad 3 release, which is widely expected to take place in March or April. It wouldn’t be wise for Apple to roll out two major releases so close to one another.
Further, Apple does not routinely go around showing off their unfinished prototypes to retailers. In fact, places like Best Buy don’t have any idea what’s coming down the pipes until it arrives!
All in all, the report has almost zero chance of being true. But hey – it’s at least interesting, right?