There seems to be a lot of confusion at the moment about when Apple will start shipping the new Apple TV. Earlier in the week, we reported that Apple had started taking payments from people’s credit cards, which led many to believe that the shipping process was imminent.
Then we heard that Apple had started refunding express shipping charges to customers. This development raised concerns that the Apple TV might be delayed. However, it seems it may still be on track for a September release.
iTunes 10.1 Release and Its Implications
Earlier today, Apple released iTunes 10.1, which now includes the ability to rent HD TV shows for the Apple TV, as well as for your Mac or PC. This feature was announced when Steve Jobs launched the Apple TV, so its addition to iTunes just a few days before the Apple TV is due to ship should give us a good indication that things are still on track. The timing of this release suggests that Apple is aligning its software capabilities with the hardware launch, ensuring a seamless user experience right from the start.
Confirmation from Steve Jobs
Additionally, Mac Rumors reported that one of their readers emailed Steve Jobs, asking if the Apple TV was still on track to ship in September. The reader received the typical short response from Jobs: ‘yep’. This brief but affirmative reply from the Apple CEO himself adds another layer of assurance that the product is on schedule.
We are hoping that both these developments give us a clue that things are still on track. The release of iTunes 10.1 with the new rental feature and the confirmation from Steve Jobs are strong indicators that Apple is preparing for the imminent launch of the Apple TV.
As we are getting closer to the end of the month, anticipation is building. Customers who have pre-ordered the Apple TV are eagerly awaiting any official communication from Apple regarding the exact shipping dates. The tech community is also buzzing with speculation and excitement, as the new Apple TV promises to bring a host of new features and improvements over its predecessor.
In conclusion, while there have been mixed signals regarding the shipping date of the new Apple TV, the recent developments suggest that Apple is on track for a September release. The addition of HD TV show rentals in iTunes 10.1 and the confirmation from Steve Jobs himself are promising signs. We hope to hear something more concrete early next week as the end of the month approaches. Stay tuned for further updates.
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