It is no secret that Apple wants to get into the living room by making its own TV set, and there have been plenty of rumors and reports about how and when it is going to happen.
Now, an analyst says he has learned that the set will go on sale late this year, for US$1,500 to US$2,500.
In a research note on Wednesday, Brian White of Topeka Capital Markets says the “iTV” will be 60 inches (1.5m) on the diagonal, but could also come in 50 and 55-inch versions.
Apple will also release a small “iRing” that fits on the viewer’s finger, allowing the user to control the screen by pointing, he wrote.
In addition, the set will come with tablet-like “mini iTVs” with 9.7-inch screens, the same as the full-size iPad, White said. The “iTV” will be able to send video to the smaller screens wirelessly around the house. The concept is similar to the way cable and satellite TV companies are starting to let their set-top boxes send video to iPads and other tablets.
White says his report is based on gleanings from visits with unnamed Chinese and Taiwanese companies that supply Apple with components.
Apple does not comment on future products before its launch events, but late company cofounder Steve Jobs told biographer Walter Isaacson that he wanted to remake the TV and had figured out a way to do it. Last year, there were numerous analyst reports that said Apple would launch a TV set last year.
Apple does sell an “Apple TV,” but it is a small box that connects to a TV to display movies and shows from iTunes.
Apple shares rose US$4.91, or 1.1 percent, to US$434.70 in midday trading, as the NASDAQ fell 0.3 percent. Apple’s stock is still close to the 52-week low of US$419, which it hit a month ago.
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