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110 Features We Want to See in an Apple Big-Screen Television
For years there were recurring rumors that Apple was developing a high-end line of televisions after Steve Jobs said he thought he had found a way to create a groundbreaking set. But the television idea fell by the wayside as Apple decided to focus on smartphones, tablets and other products. On Aug. 16, however, reports surfaced that Apple might be secretly testing a television. While it’s impossible to know for sure what Apple has planned, there are some features it must have to be successful if the company is thinking about a television. By taking cues from its Apple TV set-top box, as well as its recently unveiled HomePod, Apple’s television could deliver features to help it stand out in the marketplace. Here are the top features it should have.
2Give Us Big Screens, Please
3It Must Rely on OLED Technology
It would make no sense for Apple to build a television with anything other than organic light-emitting diode (OLED) technology. OLED is the best screen technology on the market, offering crystal clear pictures, thin designs and low power consumption. It’s inconceivable Apple will release a television without OLED.
4High-Quality Stereo Sound
5Apple’s Siri Should Be Built In
6Apple’s tvOS Would Make Sense
On the software side, Apple should bundle tvOS in its television. The operating system, which currently runs the Apple TV, works well and includes some nice built-in apps such as Apple Music and iTunes, which would be essential on a new television from Apple. There’s no need for Apple to reinvent the wheel on software.
7Include Heavy Third-Party App Support
To attract as many users as possible, it’s important to attract third-party developers. Apple should be able to bring third-party apps already running on tvOS to the television without trouble. However, Apple would need to boost its reliance on developers and ultimately get as many apps to the TV as possible.
8Improve Upon the Siri Remote
Apple’s Siri Remote is a nice step forward in its use of touch-screens and voice commands to control televisions or set-top boxes. However, it doesn’t have many of the things users might expect from a television remote, including channel buttons or number keys. A bigger—and better—Siri Remote is a must.
9It Could Work as a Smart-Home Hub
Apple has been moving deeper into the smart-home market with HomeKit and its new hub, HomePod. But the Apple television could also act as a smart-home hub, allowing users to control smart thermostats, lighting and other products around the house. With Siri support, adding smart-home control would be a simple option.
10Remember the Corporate User
The Apple television should be designed so it could be used in the corporate world with ease. It should have a conference room setting with AirPlay mirroring so employees could share their iPhone or Mac screens with others. Apple also should consider bundling a FaceTime HD camera into the television for video conferencing.
11Keep the Price Reasonable
If Apple were to deliver all of these features, its television would be expensive. But Apple needs to keep pricing in check. Apple’s television could cost several thousand dollars and still be successful. But the television market is very competitive, even considering Apple’s cache. The sweet spot for high-end television pricing is between $2,500 and $5,000, if Samsung and LG televisions are the benchmark.