Tag Archives: aapl

Apple building new set-top box for its Internet TV service

Apple (AAPL) reportedly will unveil a long-awaited revamp of its Apple TV set-top box this June, at the same event where it is likely to announce a subscription Internet TV service. Apple’s next-generation set-top box will include a faster processor, a big increase in onboard storage and an improved operating system that can support Siri voice controls as well as downloadable apps from a new App Store, BuzzFeed reported Friday. Apple will release a software development kit and finally allow developers to write apps for the device, BuzzFeed said. Apple hasn’t significantly updated the Apple TV box since

Here’s why Apple wants a new streaming music service

Streaming music services took market share from digital downloads last year, which helps explain why Apple (AAPL) is so interested in launching a new streaming service. Apple’s iTunes Store dominates in music downloads, but consumers have been rapidly shifting to subscription and ad-supported streaming music services. Apple trails in streaming music behind companies like Pandora Media (P), Spotify, Sirius XM (SIRI) and other Internet radio firms. In 2014, revenue from streaming music services in the U.S. rose 29% to $1.87 billion, the Recording Industry Association of America reported Wednesday. Streaming services accounted for 27% of overall U.S. recorded-music revenue last year, up from 21% in 2013. Music downloads remained the largest component of the industry last year, with 37% of revenue. But that’s down from 40% in 2013. Music on CDs and other physical media accounted for 32% of revenue in 2014, down from 35% in 2013, the RIAA said.

TAG Heuer winds up Google, Intel to take on Apple Watch

Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer isn’t about to cede the emerging smartwatch market to Apple (AAPL). TAG Heuer, a unit of French luxury goods conglomerate LVHM, announced Thursday that it has partnered with Google (GOOGL) and Intel INTC) to develop a smartwatch. TAG Heuer will handle the design and manufacture of the watch, while Intel will provide the system-on-a-chip platform and Google will supply its Android Wear operating system and software expertise. The watch will be launched by year’s end, with pricing and other details to be revealed later, the companies said at a press conference at the Baselworld watch and jewelry expo in Basel, Switzerland. TAG Heuer, Google and Intel aim to create a smartwatch “that is both luxurious and seamlessly connected to its wearer’s daily life,” they said in a joint press release. “The quality of Swiss watches is renowned worldwide,” TAG Heuer General Manager Guy Semon said…