There were a couple reports Thursday related to Apple TV, suggesting that we'll see an update or a new device—or both—in the coming months. A report on iLounge said Apple will be adding games to their Apple TV device by March or even earlier in a major update to the platform. The information is said to come from "reliable industry sources." The games would be downloaded directly to the device (rather than using an iPhone or iPad as an intermediary), and the controller would be a Bluetooth device that Apple is currently working on. In addition, a report on 9To5Mac said that a new Apple TV device will likely be coming the first half of this year, and will include a new operating system based on iOS. As I understand it, the operating system is already based on iOS, so maybe they mean that the interface will be more like iOS. They also say that along with the new hardware Apple will introduce an App Store for the Apple TV.
It's known that Apple has developed a software development kit (SDK) for the creation of apps for Apple TV, but so far the SDK has been focused on video-streaming apps.
TV-related rumors have been popping up for months, mostly related to Apple's attempts to forge deals with content providers such that it could provide TV programming via an a la carte subscription service. But the major content providers balked, unwilling to let Apple disrupt yet another industry. Then there were rumors that Apple was building a new box and interface for cable companies to use with their services.
So here's what I think. It seems a no-brainer that Apple will create an SDK for apps for Apple TV and will launch an App Store. These devices have been selling, and there doesn't seem to be any reason not to open it up to greater functionality. Microsoft's Xbox is way ahead in regard to devices for the living room, and Apple could make some real inroads simply by having a device that would let people run apps similar to those already available for iOS devices. People could use their Apple TV and HDTV for everything they can use their iPad for. Play games, watch movies, even do email. Why wouldn't Apple do this?
It would be a great intermediate step toward an eventual device or TV that will use the motion-sensing technology developed by a company they purchased last year and that will finally offer the opportunity to subscribe to content providers such as the major TV networks.
I really enjoy my Apple TV, and I look forward to what Apple has in store.