Apple TV with A14 & new HomePod with Apple Watch S8 chip rumored for 2023
Apple's next model of Apple TV will use the A14 chip and be more gaming-capable, according to a report, while a new third HomePod could use the same chip as the Apple Watch Series 8.
Apple stayed relatively quiet about the Apple TV during WWDC, but it is still planning updates to the streaming set-top box as part of its home entertainment updates. For the next model, Apple may be planning to offer more performance in the device.
According to Mark Gurman's "Power On" newsletter for Bloomberg, Apple's next Apple TV is codenamed J255, and is currently being developed with the A14 chip. Not only is it an upgrade from the A12 used in the 2021 model, but it also includes an extra gigabyte of memory.
Gurman reasons the new model should be useful for "additional gaming capabilities" arriving in tvOS 16.
Along with the Apple TV, Gurman also says that a third model of HomePod will be on the way. The update to the smart speaker, codenamed B620, will apparently run on the S8 chip, which will supposedly be used in the Apple Watch Series 8.
The model will apparently be closer to the original HomePod in terms of size and performance, and will feature an updated display on the top with "multi-touch functionality."
Gurman doesn't offer an update time for the Apple TV, but offers that the HomePod is "unlikely to arrive until next year."
Read on AppleInsider
Apple stayed relatively quiet about the Apple TV during WWDC, but it is still planning updates to the streaming set-top box as part of its home entertainment updates. For the next model, Apple may be planning to offer more performance in the device.
According to Mark Gurman's "Power On" newsletter for Bloomberg, Apple's next Apple TV is codenamed J255, and is currently being developed with the A14 chip. Not only is it an upgrade from the A12 used in the 2021 model, but it also includes an extra gigabyte of memory.
Gurman reasons the new model should be useful for "additional gaming capabilities" arriving in tvOS 16.
Along with the Apple TV, Gurman also says that a third model of HomePod will be on the way. The update to the smart speaker, codenamed B620, will apparently run on the S8 chip, which will supposedly be used in the Apple Watch Series 8.
The model will apparently be closer to the original HomePod in terms of size and performance, and will feature an updated display on the top with "multi-touch functionality."
Gurman doesn't offer an update time for the Apple TV, but offers that the HomePod is "unlikely to arrive until next year."
Read on AppleInsider
Comments
About all I can come up with is a HDMI wireless dongle that goes into a TV, but I don't think the HDMI port there has any actual power on it, so there would need to be some source of power...more wires, batteries, ugh. No one wants to have to reach behind their TV to charge/ replace batteries periodically; and that leaves the USB power source (like FireTV) as about the only option - and that's not something Apple would think of as elegant.
I've always been in favour of the idea of a real Apple TV to house sound, panel imaging, video, user interaction, digital assistant and act as a permanent in-house hub.
It's one of the areas where you can get away with the 'added value' sticker and compete even if your prices are a little above average.
Add to that the actual Apple served content that can be pumped through it and it seems like such a product could actually find its place in the market.
Is the Apple TV the designated product for chips they source from recaptured old phones? That’s the only justification I can think of other than extreme profiteering and taking their customers for idiots. I’m not buying an AppleTV that has a several-years-old chip even when it’s first launched. Seriously Apple, what gives?
You could say the A12 already handles video streaming functions at 4K, and it does, so why do you need anything more? But video streaming isn’t the only thing to consider. There’s also efficiency and as others have said the potential for gaming that is being left to flounder if not die off on the device completely.
Yes, I’m aware you can add existing Bluetooth controllers, but it’s a faff that the average person isn’t going to do.
The sound bar idea is almost as old as the gaming idea. Never understood why HomePod didn’t support at least 5.1 configurations. The “.1” would have to be a 3rd party sub but even “5.0” would work if all HomePods handled the bass together.
Back to TV.
Here’s my Apple TV wish list I’ve been adding to since 2016. I pretty much gave up on any of this happening:
Hardware unit:
M1 Or above
FaceID camera array
Misc.
Apple Watch motion/touch controller support
Remote:
Touch ID 2
Taptic Engine 2
3D Touch
M11 motion processor or latest
Longer battery life
Qi charging
Lightning port open to 3rd party accessories
Software:
FaceTime Family*
Gaming Channel
TVPlay*
New services explained:
FaceTime Family
As the name suggests. Invite the whole family (and the dog!) onto the call with center stage and the distance capturing more view in landscape mode.
Gaming Channel
Similar to the Apple TV App. Along with all Apple Arcade content under one app, Supports 3rd party gaming services such as Microsoft GamePass and Amazon Luna etc. solves privacy concerns and allows more streaming services onto Apple TV. Apple could introduce a gaming controller with button input names that change according to the provider.
TVPlay
A whole new experience driven by the new camera array. Could be several apps or under one app.
AR Games. Games that track your movements along with controllers. Accurate dance games and exercise games that motivate you to get fit while you play. Multiplayer support across Apple TV gamers on one screen.*
AR shopping. Try different clothing, jewelry, sunglasses and even hair styles.
AR Apps. Apps we haven’t even dreamed of. Animoji Karaoke with online and sharing. Animoji conversations and stories.
Health. Exercise apps and games. Yoga instruction that detects if you’re possibly doing a pose wrong. Body and health tracking.
SharePlay. Compatible with FaceTime, Gaming Channel and other apps. Share live reactions with family or online streaming platforms. Show off your gaming sessions or give a quick webinar. Apple could launch a new live streaming service for Apple TV users.
*This can be very innovative. Imagine playing this game co-op online with grandma/grandkid in another town:
https://youtu.be/2E2cf675Ifk