New Apple TV Coming March 16 with 1080p and iCloud

Apple

has announced that its set-top box is getting an upgrade after all.

Due for release on March 16, the new Apple TV will come equipped with 1080p video capability and iCloud support, allowing users to access their purchased movies from the cloud. The MSRP is set at $99. Is this a groundbreaking announcement? Hardly. Is it a surprising one? In many ways, yes. While the Apple TV upgrade was rumored for quite some time, especially after Best Buy

pulled the old model from its shelves. But if Apple is planning to release its own television set – a development that almost seems likely after today's press event – why would the company shoot itself in the foot by continuing to upgrade and promote a product by the name of “Apple TV”? Wouldn't it make more sense for Apple to use that name to promote its own television? With a snazzy iOS-style interface (and the aforementioned iCloud support), I may ultimately end up loving the new Apple TV. But from a marketing perspective, it's kind of ridiculous. Via: