How Steve Jobs trolled the TV industry
From the Steve Jobs Biography: ‘I’d like to create an integrated television set that is completely easy to use,’ [Steve Jobs] told me. ‘It would be seamlessly synced with all of your devices and with iCloud.’ No longer would users have to fiddle with complex remotes for DVD players and cable channels. ‘It will have the simplest user interface you could imagine. I finally cracked it.’
Out of all the products and passions of Apple, the 'hobby' that is the Apple TV has only seen moderate commercial success in its time. And Steve couldn't help but spin the rumour mill from beyond the grave. Rumours are now rife of a complete television set from Apple, partnerships with cable operating companies and various other dreams of an all-in-one solution that (let's be honest) no-one will actually buy because partnerships with cable operators are futile, and as Apple changed the phone industry, we can't see them doing the same to the TV industry.
Cupertino may have the weight behind it; but the idea of changing how the world thinks about their TV as a passive consumption device is going to be a tough nut to crack. The human habit is already to actively contribute and consume on the internet from laptops on the sofa, while watching TV (we all do it). Combining them both together into a TV is not going to be the "bells and whistles" formula we've all been looking for.
We love the guy; but congratulations Steve, you've trolled the TV industry, and Apple into making one (possibly).
