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DirecTV Chairman Michael White: Apple TV "won't obsolete" our tech
We don't know if an updated Apple TV or the hypothetical Apple-branded HDTV will be announced at WWDC (or ever), but just the thought of such a possibility has the big names in the cable and satellite TV business pondering a future with Apple as a competitor. DirecTV Chairman Michael White doesn't think that traditional TV content delivery providers have much to worry about, per GigaOM. Speaking at an investor's conference in New York last week, White said that he doubts that a new Apple TV OS would drive current satellite and cable subscribers to purchase another set-top box from Apple. He thinks that most people would keep the box they already have. White is also doubtful that content providers are going to line up to provide movies and shows for an Apple device. At the Strategic Decisions conference, White said that "They are going to launch something, maybe in the next two weeks ... but I don't see media companies saying 'You can stream things in bundle over the Internet." Comcast's Chairman Brian Roberts allegedly almost welcomed Apple to the world of content providers, but realizes that regardless of the technology released by Apple, his company will still provide the Internet access the customers will need.
Has Building B created an internet video "God box"?
Without getting overly dramatic, word on the street is that Building B, a new-fangled startup based in Belmont, California, has developed an internet video "God box" which will allow OTA streams of traditional cable, internet video, and on-demand content without the need for a PC (i.e., directly to your 70-inch plasma television). Obviously, as the wave of internet TV steadily increases, dozens of companies are scrambling to unify the set-top, and streamline the end-user's ability to get all their content in one place -- not to mention suck up some totally righteous dough. Although Building B claims their technology will bring a heretofore unseen convergence to people's living rooms, the boys in charge have been rather tight-lipped in regards to the "forthcoming" magic unit, or services and fees that would be associated with said device. Hopefully we'll soon know what the "God box" can or can't do with your television, what kind of "plague" capabilities it will include, and if it will be compatible with Atheism.
