“Walter Isaacson, in his new biography of Steve Jobs, reveals that Apple is planning to introduce its own televisions, attempting to revolutionize that space in the same way it did mobile phones with the iPhone,” Robert X. Cringely writes for i,Cringely. “He quotes Jobs as having said that he had finally cracked the technical issues of controlling such a TV, though giving no details. This has led to a lot of speculation, but it seems obvious to me that Jobs was referring to IOS 5’s new Siri personal assistance capability. We’ll control our Apple TVs by telling them what to do.”
“There are two key issues here that make Siri ideal for this control function. First is what I’m calling do what I mean, not what I say. As an intelligent process backed-up by a ton of knowledge on the net, Siri can learn all the devices attached to your system then easily tell them not just what to do, but what you mean,” Cringely writes. “So instead of a big sequence of button pushes, Siri will respond to your command “Get me Dr. Phil” by finding you the latest (or any other) episode of the TV shrink.”
“The other advantage of Siri (at least for Apple) is what I’d call bait and switch, which is to say that Siri can offer you Dr. Phil from a variety of sources, but the first one will probably be from Apple,” Cringely writes. “Bait and switch will be Apple’s way of disintermediating TV networks, cable systems, and ISPs, grabbing their TV, movie, and advertising revenue for itself.”
Much more in the full article – recommended – here.
I don’t agree with his bait and switch analogy. Serving up what was asked for is not bait and switch. Do you really except an AppleTV set to go to the cable companies first?
I agree with you … it’s not “bait and switch” it’s PRIORITIZING.
Would you expect Google or Amazon to point you to iTunes first when you search their services / devices?
RXC got it right and the conclusion is…
Google basing its entire revenue stream on advertising may not work as well in the future as “appliances” get smart.
Wake me up when Apple TV moves past the hobby stage. Until then I’m sleeping all the way to El Paso.
The more I read about this proposed Apple TV solution, the more it all sounds like a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist… except in the minds of technophile elitists who want the solution, and are seemingly perplexed by trying to figure out how to connect devices to their TV and use their remote.
And speaking of remotes, can you imagine how disagreements over what to watch are going to work out? It won’t be that whoever has the remote in their possession determines what is watched.
Hubby, “TV, turn to This Old House.”
Wife, “TV, turn to Dr. Phil”
Hubby, “TV, turn to This Old House.”
Wife, “TV, turn to Dr. Phil”
Hubby, “TV, turn to This Old House.”
Wife, “TV, turn to Dr. Phil”
Hubby, “Turn to This Old House.”
Wife, “Turn to Dr. Phil”
And it won’t just be selecting what to watch.
Brother, “TV, turn the sound up.”
Sister, “TV, turn the sound down.”
“Up”
“Down”
Ad infinitum….
And that’s different from what occurs in today’s families how…. Dysfunction is not what Siri is the solution for, it is the solution for Tv operation issues, not family issues
What he’s pointing out is not the operational aspects of Siri but the interpretive reasoning of carrying out a set of instructions which directly contradict the previous command. When you’re in vocal range Siri will be locked in a perpetual state of paralysis due to the effort of prioritizing seemingly equal state commands.
I got that but actually I guess it is useless to argue the relative merits of Apple’s possible solutions… I will forego future comments on the merits of a Siri TV solution until Apple shows us what they have produced… PS … I really enjoy you comments and wit….
You’re most welcome. Hope you have a good day.
No. I think that a truly useful personal assistant, would have been learning your viewing habits, and would try to offer a third choice that both parties might be able to enjoy.
There’s no problem from the perspective of the 20th century paradigm. It seems you’ve overstayed your welcome in the 21st century where TV absolutely, undeniable is a huge mess so you should just get back to that simpler time. When Apple’s solution is revealed you will see. And will you be willing to admit you were wrong? Because right now, the state of things suck, to put it bluntly. Thank God you’re not running Apple.
The remote is any iOS device capable of Siri, speak into your iPhone and there you go.
Will activate only on pushing the microphone button for Siri therefore eliminating random voice input.
I still say the current AppleTV with the A5 in it along with a usb camera/mic is way better.
I don’t see people shopping for a TV like they do computers or tablets. I buy Apple because of the OS/Hardware integration (among other reasons) but in the modern age a TV is just a screen and I don’t need the absolute best, just a good quality picture to connect devices to. Since I already have the devices.
And don’t start with the BS like “the new iTV will replace those boxes” and so on. No iTV will replace my sons Smart Cycle or our Kids Karaoke system or a bunch of other stuff like that we have at home. There is still a need for multiple devices connected to a screen and with a 4 year old in the house I am not spending a few thousand on a TV when a cheaper one with no options and a good picture will do just fine.
‘a TV is just a screen and I don’t need the absolute best, ‘
So, second best is good enough for you?
Get a samdung.
No, But case in point. In life a glossy screen on my home computer is a no no as it would dictate I close the drapes all day and where I live is a very picturesque place, we do not live with closed windows. So I bought a maxed out mini and a nice 3rd party display.
My point was a tv can have great picture quality and be one price. Or it can have great picture quality and have a boat load of features of a much higher price.
My home is as Apple as they get. Time cap and extreme. 2 expresses, old and new AppleTV, mini, iPad2, a touch and an new iPhone…. need I continue.
‘a TV is just a screen and I don’t need the absolute best, ‘
Apple specializes in displays and always breaks the bar there….
There is a great remote (Harmony One) from Logitech that makes TV easy to use. It requires a fairly complex but actually relatively straight forward set up. The remote can be programmed by plugging it into your computer starting the logitech remote application and indicating the devices you have in your system. Once programmed it will turn on all appropriate devices and set them to the proper inputs/outputs when an activity… like “Watch TV” is selected. Touch the “Activity” on the screen, point the device, and all hardware buttons will control the proper functions. Once it is set up, complex tasks are now simple… it just works.
I know… it should be simpler… but for now… it is the best we got… and it is pretty damn good.
Two things come to mind
1- I would much rather say “Siri go to channel ” rather than jump around and wave my arms to get my tv to do something.
2- The tv may be able to do more,” Siri , arm security for the night and turn off all the lights.
Security. Nice thought. Maybe change thermostat when not home and so on….
To expand on my comment above. What I mean to say is with apps, Siri will be able to do fare more than we can imagine.
Siri please start my car, and we will be able to do it from any iOS device. Including Apple TV. Talking to it is going to be much better than using body movements to do it. Anyone want to buy an xbox?
I think the Apple TV set will be an upgraded iPad. watching TV will be a more personal experience. I would rather watch TV on a 12 to 20 inch hi res screen that I can take with me, than a stationary large screen TV.
I think pricing will be aggressive using the iPad model. So Siri would be fine. The less expensive iPad model would allow a family to buy several rather than one large screen TV.
Apple will also have some exclusive content from independent producers. An app type store for video and programming as well as some content produced by Apple or a subsidiary. Remember Pixar?
The ease of using of the iPad and Apple’s exclusive content mixed with other content sources will make it a great experience. You will be able to watch any available program at ant time. If you miss a live event it will be available to watch later when you are ready.
Siri I am getting laid.
Master I have straight porn, gay porn, lesbian porn or do u prefer Charlie Chaplin? Alternatively I have Snoop Dog or Julie Andrews