“One ring to rule them all, one ring to find them…” And one ring to control your Apple TV. At least that’s what one analyst believes after meeting with Apple suppliers on a tour of China and Taiwan. Brian White of Topeka Capital Markets says Apple will launch a new television this year with a ring-shaped accessory that will allow a user to control the set by merely pointing their finger.
Alleged details of Apple’s so-called “iTV” were published in a research note by Brian White of Topeka Capital Markets provided to AppleInsider on Wednesday. White believes that Apple will launch a full-blown television set in the later part of 2013 that promises to “revolutionize the TV experience forever.”
The “iRing” accessory described by White is a new concept that has not been previously detailed in other reports. His visits with Apple suppliers suggested the ring will act as a “navigation pointer” for the television, and will allow the TV set to enhance motion detection and replace some of the functionality found in a remote.
White also believes the “iTV” will come with a “mini iTV” screen that will allow users to view content on a smaller 9.7-inch display. The secondary display, the same diagonal screen size as say… the full-sized iPad, could be used for home security, phone calls, video conferencing and more. So, the same things you do with an iPad…
“Essentially, we believe the ‘mini iTV’ screens will be able to capture content from the 60-inch ‘iTV’ across a distance of up to 200 meters, allowing a user to view ‘iTV’ content in the kitchen, washroom, garage, bedroom, backyard, etc.,” White wrote. “We believe Apple will offer one ‘mini iTV’ per ‘iTV,’ but package options will include up to four screens (i.e., one screen is part of the standard package and pay extra for each additional.”
He says that while the smaller screen will be similar to an iPad, it will not serve as an iPad replacement.
The analyst also sees Apple’s rumored smart watch tying in somehow with the “iTV” ecosystem, in order to compliment the ‘iRing”. (Because with jewelry, it’s all about coordinating the look…) Between the two, a user would no longer need to carry a smartphone around the house.
White expects the Apple television and the range of accessories to be priced between $1,500 and $2,500, all depending on how many “mini iTVs” a user wants, and of course, the screen size of the television.
So, one ring to rule them all.. of your television shows at least. And along with the ring, you get a mini TV screen that basically does a subset of what the iPad can do, and of course the iWatch will get thrown into the rumor for the proper spice.
I’m not really buying it. If you think it’s tough keeping track of the remote control now, try finding a ring down between the couch cushions when it comes time to change channels. “Where’s the iRing?” “Oh, Becky wore it to the prom, it went so well with her dress honey.”
I’ve got to admit though, if I could find a ring like the one in the concept shot above, it would be serving as my next wedding band for sure.
The iPad-like mini-screen seems a little more feasible, and what the hell, the iWatch connection at least serves to keep THAT rumor mill grinding.
What do you think readers? Will there be an iRing to rule your Apple television set? How about the sub-iPad accessory? Maybe a little Dick Tracy-like control with your iWatch? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below.
