NEWS ANALYSIS: The long-rumored Apple television could be a sales hit in the coming years. And in the process, it might hurt Google and Android.
The amount of talk surrounding the Apple television has hit a tipping point. Almost every day, there is a new rumor that
crops up about a possible feature, a launch date, pricing and more. There
appears to be no end to the speculation in sight, and Apple, as it has done in
the past, has relished the hype without giving any indication that it might be
offering up a television in the near future.
For now, lets assume that Apple is, in
fact, working on a television. Furthermore, lets assume that the television
will appeal to consumers and show why all the hype surrounding the devices
launch was well worth it. Given that, it might quickly become clear that
Apples television could dramatically hurt both Google and Android.
Sure, Google and its Android operating
system might not sound like the immediate stakeholders that could get hit hard
by an Apple television, but further inspection reveals that Google might just
be chief among those companies that will be negatively affected by the eventual
launch of an Apple television.
Here, we look at several reasons why
Google should worry about an Apple television.
1. Google TV, anyone?
The most obvious way in which an
Apple TV could hurt Google is through the search giants Google TV platform. That service, which is running on
both televisions and set-top boxes, includes app support, lets some users
control their DVRs and even includes a Web browser. In other words, its the
same kind of idea as the Apple TV. The only issue is, most consumers cant
stand Google TV, and after Apple launches its set, Googles service could be in
for trouble.
2. More products means more product sales
across the board
As Apple CEO Tim Cook pointed out during his
companys last earnings call, the iPhone is helping sell more iPads and Macs.
Given the likely popularity of Apples television, theres a good chance that
the set will do the same. Apples products have a tendency to help all others
see sales increase. And that could hurt both Google and Android vendors.
3. The iPhone, iPod, iPad might be the
remote
Following that, its worth noting that rumors
suggest Apples iPhone, iPod and iPad will be the remote for the new
television. So if people buy the TV, theyll likely opt for an iPhone over an
Android-based device. And if they already have an iPhone, theyre probably not
going to buy a set with Google TV running on it. Thats a real problem for
Google.
4. Developer considerations
As noted, Google TV currently supports applications.
However, the number of apps available is quite small, and few of them have been
appealing to consumers. Apple, meanwhile, is reportedly planning to integrate
its App Store. And developers, remembering how important the App Store is to
their bottom line, will probably jump at the chance to start creating programs
for the television.
Developers could really help Appleand hurt Google.
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