Either Cisco wants some of Apple's press mania or they have vowed to give the company some competition. Not only do both companies have products named "iPhone" but now Cisco is reportedly taking on the recently announced AppleTV. The device's name is unknown and although it was not displayed publically at CES 2007, it was supposedly demonstrated behind closed curtains at a suite in the Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas. Pictures, movies, music and other information can either be streamed or played off the device's hard drive, much like the AppleTV. Technical specifications are currently unknown, but it is expected that the product will be released under Linksys branding and as a part of Cisco's Connected Home initiative.
Karen Sohl, director of worldwide communications for Cisco's Linksys division, hinted that when the device ships in later 2007, it will be able to play more than just movies off a computer or a laptop wirelessly. Yep, you guessed it. Speculation around DVD, Blu-ray or HD-DVD playback is coming in strong. Not only that, but it seems Apple has left Cisco with a lot of room to play with. The AppleTV is limited to 720p - Cisco can, and should, release their product with 1080p resolution. Finally, the AppleTV seems to be currently (hackers always have their way) limited to purchased iTunes content. If Cisco allows any content to be transferred to the device, all the company will need is an Apple-matching marketing team.
News source: DailyTech
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