There’s been a bunch of rumbling over the past year regarding Apple’s plans for their updated Apple TV service. After initially being delayed due to conflicts over local programming, rumor has it that an upgraded version will be unveiled during Apple’s event this Wednesday. What’s more, NY Times is reporting that the company will be making gaming a major focus with the new system.
Since its introduction into the marketplace back in 2007, the small box has provided an alternate way for consumers to access television and movies at home. But with the advent of the iPhone — and thusly, the iPad — Apple stumbled upon a huge cash cow with the steadily rising popularity of mobile games. Now, as we are on the verge of the big San Francisco event, word has come through that the new Apple TV will come with substantially more power, a game controller connection, and access to the gaming side of Apple’s app store.
The rumor goes on to state the device will be priced at roughly $150, which will be way more affordable than would-be Xbox One and PS4 competitors. However, it looks like Apple is aiming to strengthen their grip on the casual gaming market:
“I think Apple’s going to create a big new category in gaming, one that others have tried and failed to create before,” said Jan Dawson, chief analyst at the technology research firm Jackdaw Research. “What the Apple TV has the potential to do is to bring casual gaming to the living room and make it a much more social activity.”
It doesn’t really seem that hardcore gamers will be swayed to drop their high-end console controllers to pick up the new Apple TV, solely for this reason. However, these new details may inspire some worry in Nintendo as, up until now, the Wii has pretty much been THE casual gaming console. It’s worth noting, though, that Apple has profited tremendously in the casual mobile gaming world, thus far, and this success has definitely cut into Nintendo’s business.
The focus on the “living room experience” has been a tricky one for tech companies to get a handle on when it comes to the multiple facets of entertainment offered on the variety of consoles available today. Trip Hawkins — the founder of EA Games and 3DO — commented on the possibility of a new Apple TV console by saying:
“No company has done more for the digital man-machine interface than Apple. They’ve warmed up to games and are a worthy candidate to win the family room in the next decade, though the competition and inertia are epic.”
Whether that’s true or not, only time will tell. Your move, Nintendo.
(Via NY Times)