It has been quite a while since Apple released a new set-top box. All rumors suggest that later this year the company will finally launch a brand new Apple TV, which is expected to bring some major changes. The set-top box isn’t expected until fall but already there are a lot of reports about what we can expect. A report published today reveals that iOS 7.1 SDK code contains references to Siri for Apple TV, corroborating rumors that the set-top box might come with a new input method.
Apple is already rumored to be building a new input method for the next generation Apple TV. Since there’s no microphone input in existing set-top boxes it can be said for sure that Siri won’t find its way there through a software update. The possibility of Siri for Apple TV has been discussed at length and it may not be a bad idea after all.
To effectively compete in the set-top box market Apple needs to make drastic changes. Its latest competitor, Amazon’s Fire TV, can do so much more and also supports voice search capabilities. Siri on the Apple TV would certainly give users an interactive way of controlling their set-top box.
Word on the street is that the new Apple TV is going to have its standalone App Store and gaming capabilities. It is unclear right now if Apple will offer a gaming controller like Amazon does for the Fire TV. The company hasn’t officially commented on any rumors and reports about the new Apple TV.
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