The rumoured major 2014 Apple TV update could bring Siri’s dulcet tones to Apple’s set top TV box.
Some code discovered within the iOS 7.1 SDK suggests that Siri will be introduced to Apple TV with the next major update for the device.
As discovered by 9to5mac, the supporting property-list resource file for Siri lists Apple TV has a compatible device for Apple’s voice assistant.
The file itself isn’t evidence of a brand new hardware update, but the current Apple TV lacks any kind of microphone input, so wouldn’t work with Siri’s voice command functionality.
Earlier this year, a 2014 refresh for the Apple TV was tipped to arrive in the first half of 2014. It is expected to offer revamped operating system based on iOS that has a much stronger focus on apps and gaming, similar to the newly announced Amazon Fire TV.
Apparently a dedicated App Store is being considered for the device that will allow developers to create special apps or channels for the Apple TV.
Other Apple TV rumours include it packing its own TV tuner, which would enable you to run your existing set top box through the Apple TV.
Apple may also choose to combine the Apple TV with its AirPort Express router, meaning you’d get a set top box and 802.11ac wireless router in one compact box. This would improve video quality and stability when streaming.
We could see a revamped iOS-based Apple TV launch at WWDC in June, with some of the features made available on the current model.
Whatever Apple does with the Apple TV in the near future, it will have to compete with the recently launched Amazon Fire TV.
Amazon’s little set top box runs on a quad-core CPU with 2GB of RAM and uses a dedicated GPU to run Android games.
The Fire TV already supports voice commands and is compatible with various streaming services.
Read more: Amazon Fire TV vs Apple TV
