Analysts at Topeka Capital Markets are boasting in a new research note that Apple’s Chinese suppliers have tipped them off regarding a new product that will “revolutionize the TV experience forever.” It’s called the iRing, and it’s said to be Apple’s new remote controller for the rumored iTV.
A meeting with suppliers on a tour of China and Taiwan has left analyst Brian White with the impression that Apple is not only releasing its much hyped smart television this year, but also an iRing remote control that “will allow a user to control the TV set by pointing their finger,” according to AppleInsider.
White says the new product will “revolutionize the TV experience forever,” and the ring will act as a “navigation pointer” which enhances existing motion detection concepts and replaces some of the functionality found in a traditional remote.
The iTV will come with a “mini iTV” screen that is essentially the same size as the iPad’s display, but it’s not an iPad. This add-on could also be used for “home security, phone calls, video conferencing and more,” says the report.
“Essentially, we believe the ‘mini iTV’ screens will be able to capture content from the 60-inch ‘iTV’ across a distance of up to 200 meters, allowing a user to view ‘iTV’ content in the kitchen, washroom, garage, bedroom, backyard, etc.,” White writes.
“We believe Apple will offer one ‘mini iTV’ per ‘iTV,’ but package options will include up to four screens (i.e., one screen is part of the standard package and pay extra for each additional,” he adds.
It remains to be seen whether the iRing is indeed Apple’s vision, or Brian White’s imagination.