Intel expected to unveil cable service, set-top box at CES
Chipmaker Intel is reportedly planning to unveil a new set-top box and accompanying cable service at the Consumer Electronics Show in early January.
Citing sources familiar with Intel's plans, TechCrunch reported on Monday that Intel's "virtual cable TV service" and hardware are in the works, and that the company also has a plan to secure the necessary licensing agreements to release such a product. Apple, which has been long rumored to be interested in building either a television set or a set-top box, is said to have been held back at least in part by media companies who are reluctant to offer necessary agreements.
Citing one source, Monday's report claimed that Intel has become tired of "everyone doing a half-assed Google TV." That's prompted the company to step in and "do it right" by building their own service and hardware.
"The plan is to create a set-top box and subscription TV service that would appeal to people who want streaming TV access but don't want to entirely cut the cable cord and lose key content like sports," author Josh Constine wrote. "The service would pipe in both traditional channels and streaming content such as Redbox's streaming service."
Intel reportedly plans to unveil the "first version" of what's called an "evolving set-top box" at its CES event on Jan. 7.
Rumors of a full-fledged Apple television set have persisted for years, but the possibility of the company instead releasing a greatly enhanced Apple TV set-top box as an accessory for third-party televisions was raised this August. A report from The Wall Street Journal revealed that Apple was considering building its own cable box that would include an iOS-like user interface and advanced cloud-based DVR functionality that would blur the line between live and on-demand content.
With Apple allegedly interested in expanding its current Apple TV accessory, and Intel reportedly planning to unveil a new platform in the immediate future, Google has signaled that it wishes to get out of the set-top box business. Earlier this month, one report claimed that Google was working on a deal to sell its Motorola Home Business, responsible for building boxes for cable providers.
Google's shift would sell off a major portion of the $12.5 billion acquisition of Motorola Mobility it bought a year ago. Some industry watchers had initially speculated that Motorola's set-top box business might have been a key part of the acquisition for Google, as the company offers its own Android-based Google TV business.
Citing sources familiar with Intel's plans, TechCrunch reported on Monday that Intel's "virtual cable TV service" and hardware are in the works, and that the company also has a plan to secure the necessary licensing agreements to release such a product. Apple, which has been long rumored to be interested in building either a television set or a set-top box, is said to have been held back at least in part by media companies who are reluctant to offer necessary agreements.
Citing one source, Monday's report claimed that Intel has become tired of "everyone doing a half-assed Google TV." That's prompted the company to step in and "do it right" by building their own service and hardware.
"The plan is to create a set-top box and subscription TV service that would appeal to people who want streaming TV access but don't want to entirely cut the cable cord and lose key content like sports," author Josh Constine wrote. "The service would pipe in both traditional channels and streaming content such as Redbox's streaming service."
Intel reportedly plans to unveil the "first version" of what's called an "evolving set-top box" at its CES event on Jan. 7.
Rumors of a full-fledged Apple television set have persisted for years, but the possibility of the company instead releasing a greatly enhanced Apple TV set-top box as an accessory for third-party televisions was raised this August. A report from The Wall Street Journal revealed that Apple was considering building its own cable box that would include an iOS-like user interface and advanced cloud-based DVR functionality that would blur the line between live and on-demand content.
With Apple allegedly interested in expanding its current Apple TV accessory, and Intel reportedly planning to unveil a new platform in the immediate future, Google has signaled that it wishes to get out of the set-top box business. Earlier this month, one report claimed that Google was working on a deal to sell its Motorola Home Business, responsible for building boxes for cable providers.
Google's shift would sell off a major portion of the $12.5 billion acquisition of Motorola Mobility it bought a year ago. Some industry watchers had initially speculated that Motorola's set-top box business might have been a key part of the acquisition for Google, as the company offers its own Android-based Google TV business.
Comments
Every one knows Apple will be 1st to this....and then ripped off...I mean copied...flattery...Ah' you know what I'm sayn'.
Originally Posted by dasanman69
I'm surprised that Google sold off the STB business. How hard would've it been to put Google TV into every box?
That was their dream years back, wasn't it?
"Eventually you won't be able to buy a TV without our software" or something like that.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AppleInsider
With Apple allegedly interested in expanding its current Apple TV accessory, and Intel reportedly planning to unveil a new platform in the immediate future, Google has signaled that it wishes to get out of the set-top box business. Earlier this month, one report claimed that Google was working on a deal to sell its Motorola Home Business, responsible for building boxes for cable providers.
Google's not working on a deal to sell off the set-top business. They DID sell it off, getting roughly $2.5Billion in cash plus stock.
Agreed. Cable companies will eventually be reduced to just renting and servicing their "pipes!"
I use the Redbox vending machines. It is excellent value compared to the old Blockbuster days. I look fwd to when the roll out their streaming service.
Currently, I'm using Netflix. And it's OK. Movies are a bit old and on the whole are subpar. But I do enjoy watching the English TV shows, "The IT Crowd," etc.
But am really looking fwd to an Apple TV because I know Apple will do it right!
I don't recall Google wanting that, but it doesn't surprise me. I know Microsoft wanted to be in everyone's living room. Going to be interesting for the next few years. Whatever happens it'll be a win for us consumers.
If you're into Brit TV you gotta watch Misfits.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AppleInsider
"The plan is to create a set-top box and subscription TV service that would appeal to people who want streaming TV access but don't want to entirely cut the cable cord and lose key content like sports,"
Don't we have this today with the iPad and Apple TV?
I want to entirely cut the cable cord. Fast broadband is all that is needed.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dasanman69
If you're into Brit TV you gotta watch Misfits.
Sounds good. Thanks for the recommendation. I will!
I remember a long time ago, the Young Ones, Rise and Fall of Reginald Perin, and, of course, Black Adder! Just brilliant writing.
Too bad that your broadband comes through the cord you're looking to cut.
Originally Posted by dasanman69
Too bad that your broadband comes through the cord you're looking to cut.
I didn't know my DSL was carried over a coax cable. Wonder why I had to plug filters into my phone lines, then.
Quote:
Originally Posted by JBlongz
The day I can subscribe to all sports for $25/mo will be the end of current cable Giants and their lazy foot.
To each their own I suppose. For me, sports is the main reason I stopped watching cable TV.
There is more entertainment value in sticking your head out the window or going for a walk than there is following organised professional sports. You don't learn anything, you aren't actually being entertained most of the time, and all the events end the same way. The teams change rosters, the players start and retire over time, the teams change names, colours and cities, but other than these completely inconsequential details, every game is the same boring story over and over and over and over again.
Every minute you are sitting in front of a TV watching some silly sporting event, is a minute of your life that you are wasting IMO.
DSL is dying, and the speeds aren't that fast.
The writing on Misfits is more juvenile but nonetheless good. One of the craziest comedies I've ever seen. Here's a taste.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gazoobee
To each their own I suppose. For me, sports is the main reason I stopped watching cable TV.
There is more entertainment value in sticking your head out the window or going for a walk than there is following organised professional sports. You don't learn anything, you aren't actually being entertained most of the time, and all the events end the same way. The teams change rosters, the players start and retire over time, the teams change names, colours and cities, but other than these completely inconsequential details, every game is the same boring story over and over and over and over again.
Every minute you are sitting in front of a TV watching some silly sporting event, is a minute of your life that you are wasting IMO.
I hear you. I stopped watching the NFL because of the amount of commercials. They turn what should be a two hour game into 4.5 hours. Complete waste of time. But watching Senna race in F1, Agassi play tennis, Tiger play golf, Ali in the ring, Deion Sanders playing defense was magic. Just to name a few.
Originally Posted by dasanman69
DSL is dying, and the speeds aren't that fast.
No, and no, and that doesn't excuse how it's not at all the cable he's disconnecting.
I refuse to ever move to a cable or any other "shared" bandwidth system.
http://www.theverge.com/2011/12/7/2618225/eric-schmidt-le-web-paris-google-tv-majority-all-tvs