Terry Gou, chairman of Foxconn, confirmed to the China Daily today that Apple’s long-rumored iTV is real and that his company will be involved in its manufacturing. According to the report, Apple’s television set will have an aluminum construction, Siri voice controls, and FaceTime video calling.
In the most solid report to date about Apple’s plan to enter the television market, the Foxconn chairman’s comments suggest manufacturing won’t begin before the end of the year. Most likely, the iTV would be available for customers in 2013 or 2014.
As we reported earlier this month, Apple is said to be waiting until it signs contracts with major Hollywood studios before unveiling the television. Plus, as J.P. Morgan analyst Mark Moskowitz said at the time, economic conditions do not indicate “any looming TV-related product launch.”
China Daily also stated that Sharp will be the company that produces the screen for the Apple television.