'Unknown' Apple product actually revised Apple TV
updated 03:35 pm EDT, Thu September 16, 2010
Set-top based on iOS?
Earlier references to an unknown product were actually pointing to the overhauled Apple TV, an iPhone developer notes. Examining the initial iOS 4.2 beta, the developer points out that code previously mentioning only an "iProd 2,1" now contains "AppleTV 2,1." It was previously assumed that the device would be a new iPad, owing to the first iPad being codenamed iPad 1,0 and then 1,1.
The information strongly suggests that the new AppleTV runs iOS, even though it is not touch-based, and uses an interface similar to that on earlier models. The set-top has an A4 processor, as in the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch; it can also stream videos from iOS devices by way of AirPlay. Switching firmware might offer several advantages to Apple, including expansion, interoperability and reducing the number of platforms the company has to support.
