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Apple Introduces iPhone, Apple TV

Jan 9, 2007  •  Post A Comment

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Apple Computer Inc. CEO Steven Jobs unveiled his company’s latest forays into the world of television, introducing a mobile phone with video capability and a device to link computers and TV sets.

Mr. Jobs, whose video iPod led TV networks to embrace distribution of shows on the Web, rolled out the new products Tuesday at Macworld 2007 in San Francisco, according to press reports.

The iPhone features a touch-screen interface that doubles as the unit’s video display. The device will be sold with phone service from Cingular, Mr. Jobs said. The 3.5 inch screen is oriented as a wide-screen display and the iPhone syncs to Apple’s iTunes store, where consumers can purchase music and TV shows. Apple has sold more than 50 million television episodes so far, he said.

Mr. Jobs also officially introduced Apple TV, a system that wirelessly links the Internet and television sets. The product, previously known as iTV, was previewed in September. It lets viewers watch the shows they’ve purchased on iTunes on their home TVs.

The introduction of the iPhone marks the latest step in the migration of television to new, mobile formats. The device joins existing competitors on the market such as the Motorola V Cast RAZR. Mr. Jobs’ success in wooing consumers to his gadgets has potential to expand the market.

Apple TV similarly erodes divisions between old media and new, bringing more content found on computers onto traditional TVs.

(Editor: Grego)