A recent series of checks by Prudential analyst Jesse Tortora indicate that Apple Computer has hired video game designers [at both the software and hardware levels] and may have aspirations of entering the video game market in long-term.
“We think the video game market represents a distinct possibility for Apple, especially considering that it recently announced the availability of video games for its iPod through its iTunes store,” the analyst told clients in a research note on Monday.
Tortora said Apple’s design superiority, along with its well-recognized brand name, is sure to provide the company an advantage should it decide to enter the market. He said the company could approach the video game sector in one of two ways — via a home game console or a handheld device.
The rumor story at Appleinsider continues talking about how it could be a combination of the MacMini and iTV. What’s probably going on is that much like the games on iPod via iTunes, the iTV (coming Q1 2007) will also have the ability to play simple downloadable games.
With MacWorld a month away, many rumors always pop up beforehand. Aside from this “Apple games console” the talk around the watercooler is: iPhones featuring WiFi, Keyboard, Videocamera, as well as widescreen iPods, 100GB iPods, and Ultra Thin MacBooks.