Scott Forstall, Apple's senior vice president of iOS Software, shows flags representing different languages for the new iOS 6 software. AP
Apple is going to revolutionize TV by getting rid of the thing we lose, break and never truly understand.
That remote control. That would be so Apple.
Fanboys and Wall Street were let down yesterday during the
latest product announcements at the annual Worldwide Developers Conference. They want Apple to change the TV industry. After making music and tablets what we wanted them to be, there is a want for TV to be Applefied.
No mention was made of TV, but if you look at some of the features that were presented, you can connect some dots.
"Apple's voice-command application Siri will add a host of new languages ... 'She' will also be able to launch applications and movies, and will run on iPads for the first time."
That tells me your voice is going to replace the remote control. Steve Jobs said a long time ago that the biggest problem with making a TV is all the different requirements that exist in different countries. But what is the same everywhere is a voice. These new languages aren't just to expand the market for these products, but I think it will give Apple what it needs in each of these markets -- a constant that they can build software around.
The "Eyes Free" system they talked about allows car manufacturers to integrate Siri into existing voice control systems. Siri sounds like she will eventually help you find the channel the game is on and record a show three weeks from now.
All of this is coming to iPads in the fall (except the first generation iPads, which aren't compatible for iOS 6). That's a perfect testing ground for this because millions watch a lot of video on them. Once they work out the kinks, they will come out with either the TV or the ability to connect your iPhone or iPad to your existing TV to give you total control.
With the new maps system and Siri, you will be able to map your whole trip on your big screen.
To us in the media world, that means everything is coming to your TV. Including your newspapers.
Don't worry. Soon enough, you will be able to do just about anything from the comfort of your living room. And you won't have to hunt for that remote.
