Smart TVs are TVs that can receive content from the Internet and offer built-in applications for streaming music and movies, social networking applications, news, weather, sports, games, YouTube, and more. In addition to the use of applications, one of the most attractive factors for high-tech consumers is the voice activation technology for controlling televisions.
According to DisplaySearch, the leading provider of reliable information on display-related industries, connected televisions, is expected to grow to more than 123 million shipments in 2014 (at a 30% annual growth rate). The market is now developing outside of mature regions, such as Western Europe and Japan. Emerging markets play an important role in this growth. Thanks to improvements in broadband infrastructure, adopting connected televisions is a natural next step in TV innovation. Eastern Europe is expected to grow from 2.5 million connected televisions, delivered in 2010, to more than 10 million in 2014. In addition, 33% of flat-screen TVs sold in China in 2013 will have Internet capabilities.
DisplaySearch also predicts that the connected TV market will become fragmented and increase complexity. One group of televisions is provided to provide mainstream video on demand and to appeal to consumers who expect television to remain passive. Those who want something more fundamental will find interesting other TVs offering customizable applications, sophisticated search and navigation mechanisms, as well as advanced user interfaces.
The main modern connected television platforms include Samsung Smart TV, LG Smart TV, Mitsubishi Stream TV, Panasonic Viera Connect, Sony Bravia, Toshiba NetTV, Apple TV, Google TV, TiVo, Liberty Global & Horizon and Yahoo! TV connected. Samsung, about 20 million applications downloaded by the end of January 2012, is the leader of the segment, followed by Panasonic and LG.
However, the biggest shake-up in the television industry will make Apple talk a lot about TV. He promises to revolutionize television as soon as the iPad enters the market. Steve Jobs quoted in his official biography that he “finally hacked the case” of integrated television. It is expected that the new iTV (named) will be completely easy to use, easily synchronized with other Apple devices and with iCloud. At the moment, Apple with its $ 99 prefix, Apple TV looks very good: with 2.8 million units sold in 2011.
We constantly hear rumors related to the expected Apple product, its features, price and release date. The CLSA Group sees Apple TV equipment as a 2013 event. According to ITG Industry Investment Research estimates, the new set of iTVs could increase the company's market capitalization by 10%, or $ 60 billion. Apple, already the most valuable company in the world, has recently reached a level of 600 billion dollars.
Analyst Peter Misek of Jefferies, a global group of securities and investment banking services, does not expect the device to be called iTV. He proposes that the new television be called “iPanel,” which may reflect its potential as a hub for games, media and more. The iPanel name also follows the “iP” format of other Aplle products, such as the iPod, iPhone, and iPad. However, this is just an analyst assumption. Misek expects Apple TV to have an average selling price of $ 1,250.
The success of Apple products, such as the iPod, iPhone and iPad, is largely about design. ITV (let this name), presumably, has excellent quality and excellent design. The list of possible functions includes the following:
- Aluminum construction;
- FaceTime Video Call;
- Remote control of voting on Siri;
- 42-inch HD-screen;
- iOS operating system;
- iCloud support;
- Control with an iPhone or iPad;
- Access to Netflix, YouTube, Flickr, etc. (Same as existing Apple TV);
- Sharing content and streaming media from Apple devices.
Obviously, soon we will see the emergence of a new smartphone from Apple, which will bring new changes to the television market. And yes, Apple can win!
Industries and technology areas:
Industries: media, television
Technology areas: Smart TV, connected television, Smart TV applications, television application development, software development
