Apple CEO Tim Cook talked about the company’s TV plans tonight at the D10 conference. His comments were all pretty vague, but if nothing else, he hinted strongly that Apple does in fact have plans for future TV products.
When interviewers Walt Mossberg and Kara Swisher pressed Cook on whether he thinks the current Apple TV product is good enough, he said, “We’re going to keep pulling this string and see where it takes us.” Mossberg then suggested that the current version of Apple TV doesn’t solve all of the problems with TV watching, to which Cook replied, “I agree” — but he didn’t want to talk about it further. Of course, a full-fledged Apple TV (one that includes an actual TV) has been rumored for a long time now, and this isn’t the first time the company’s executives have suggested that big plans in this area — but if nothing else, Cook’s comments should chase any lingering doubts away.
So what might this future TV product look like? Not surprisingly, Cook had no details to offer on a product that he’s not quite ready to admit exists. He was willing to speak generally, saying that Apple is always looking for to control the “key technology” and “make a significant contribution beyond what others have done in this area.” He also said that Apple doesn’t have any plans to rethink its plans for acquiring content, because getting content hasn’t been an issue.
As for the current model of the Apple TV, Cook said sales are picking up — Apple sold 2.8 million last year, and has already sold 2.7 this year.
[I'm not the TechCrunch reporter at D this year, so thanks to AllThingsD, Engadget, and Twitter for keeping me up to speed.]
Timothy D. Cook is Apple’s CEO, who took over from Steve Jobs on 25 August 2011. In his previous position as COO, Cook was responsible for all of the company’s worldwide sales and operations, including end-to-end management of Apple’s supply chain, sales activities, and service and support in all markets and countries. He also headed Apple’s Macintosh division and played a key role in the continued development of strategic reseller and supplier relationships, ensuring flexibility in response to an...
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