Apple TV reboot imminent as current models set to move
This week Apple has quietly announced an add-on to the Apple TV models out in stores right this minute. With the addition of a $25 iTunes card for the Apple TV, the company makes rumors of a reboot being imminent all the more likely. This update will likely bring the Apple TV game support as well as greater connectivity between the smartphone and the Apple TV for live streaming.
Apple suggests that the Apple TV purchased between the 28th of February (today) and the 5th of March "may" receive an iTunes Gift Card that will be able to used in the iTunes Store, Mac App Store, App Store, or the iBooks Store. This bit is good in the US Apple Online Store or from an Apple Retail Store in the USA – and not all locations qualify.
Oddly it would appear that users are able to purchase up to five Apple TVs with the promotion, receiving then five iTunes gift cards. Apple is also quite clear in their notes on how – if people return their Apple TV and attempt to keep the card – they'll be paying for it.
Meanwhile the next-generation Apple TV is more than likely nearly here. Rumors include Apple's inclusion of a built-in AirPort Express 802.11ac router into the Apple TV as well as built-in TV tuner abilities. A 9to5Mac notes, if a built-in TV tuner were included in the Apple TV, it could be able to control cable boxes for a wide variety of televisions on the market today – and over the past several years, at least.
As always, Apple is rumored to be speaking with content providers from all over the spectrum to continue adding content to their Apple TV device. At this moment, it does not appear that Apple will be delivering a full-sized television in the near future – they'll stick to boxes, thank you very much.