APPLE TELEVISION??

Apple has plans to release 32- and 37-inch “smart” television models in 2012 to launch the Apple TV era, tech-savvy analysts and TV insiders continue to speculate on how Apple will change TV forever. There’s no doubt that the future of TV is connected to the web (and likely connected to Apple). And that future, what was once only a thought of “wouldn’t that be cool,” is almost now. But within that “now”, we still have cable television and such issues as content, licensing, and more. One of the many million dollar questions surrounding Apple TV sets is how the status quo will interact with Apple TV and vice versa.

Although the thought of Apple TV sets is exciting in terms of possibilities, as all new technology is, business models don’t change overnight. There are many, MANY huge companies within the business of television. From satellite to set to streaming to smart-phone to subscription (and more), some of the biggest companies in the world aren’t about to go belly-up simply because Apple is in the TV game with their own models. With Apple rumored to take TV to the next level, everyone involved will need to work together. Apparently, if it’s indeed true, that very professional togetherness is already taking place after recent reports indicated Samsung is making the connectivity chips for the Apple TV.

Controlling Apple TV

Back in the day, it was a huge deal when the remote control went mainstream. Ask your grandfather and he’ll tell you what it was like to get up and change channels. But that was golden stone age of television as compared to where TV is headed. Thanks to various product experiments over the years with voice recognition (Siri), gesture technology (Wii and Kinnect), and apps for the iPhone and iPad, users will likely have many options at their disposal to control Apple TV. Control of television will be from anywhere, anytime, and constantly evolving.

TV Apps

Since the iPhone and iPad continue to normalize apps as necessary mainstream products, TV is the next logical and organic step. But in revolutionizing the medium, TV apps could have a profound impact on the industry and experience in terms of interactivity. Not only could you be able to bring current apps, games, music, films from iCloud, and other Apple devices over to Apple sets, but networks could then offer a new level of interactivity to fans through apps. If you can use an iPod Touchto serve as an Apple TV on older television sets, imagine what you’ll be able to do with apps on a real Apple TV set.

Take the V-Room on the popular NBC singing competition The Voice, which gave viewers a live, hosted update on The Voice within the social media landscape. Forget the days of seeing people on TV tweeting away on laptops, a TV app will connect you directly behind-the-scenes to the activity on the show. Not directly as we think of it now – at arm’s length – but DIRECTLY backstage. At the same time, the very apps you use could sync with the TV show and change as the episode progresses to explore other aspects of the program exclusively through Apple TV. The possibilities with apps are endless.

Channels and Cable

Although the cable stranglehold on television won’t be over in the short term, we’ve already seen a glimpse of how things may evolve thanks to current cable subscription options. With Apple TV, user-viewers may have built-in subscription options that allow for customization over several internet channels. Not only will Apple TV intelligently mix up programs from variety of channels, user-viewers could eventually have the ultimate DVR from iCloud that pushes out your favorite TV programming to all of your devices, including your car, where Siri can make sure you don’t miss the big game. Although we don’t know exactly how Apple TV will play out, cable giants may need to follow the Apple model just like how the iPhone took the cell-phone industry to new heights.

Social Component

Given the explosion of all things social in recent years, Apple TV could connect you to what your friends are watching and take the experience to a whole new level. Given the popularity of video within networks like Twitter and Facebook, television is the perfect medium to combine social media with the television experience. Imagine being able to interact with your friends in real time while watching your favorite TV show, or see comments by friends at key points in recorded TV. Apple TV could allow you to have your own exclusive social network within your TV filled with friends who have the same TV tastes as you. Imagine not having to feel dirty that you’re watching Jersey Shore or Toddlers & Tiaras when you’re among Apple TV friends.

Webcam, Live Participation, Video Conferencing

With potential webcam technology already built into your TV, Apple could revolutionize what it means to be part of a live studio audience. Imagine if you could participate with your favorite talk show while it airs. Imagine being able to interact with other members of the audience as the show airs.

As well, the potential for Apple TV to take video conferencing to a new level is not only exciting but practical for end users. Given the many new small business owners, video conferencing through TV will eventually become the standard. Your living room will also be your own boardroom. Expect your home office to eventually be fully equipped with the proper all-in-one technology.

BATMAN "DARK NIGHT RISES"

The new trailer for "The Dark Knight Rises" is out and moviebuffs are all over the clip. We think even the most jaded fanboy or fangirl would agree that, all in all, the trailer is stunning. More importantly, it offers up new looks at key characters, amazing effects (watch a football field disappear!), and some timely character motivation.

Perhaps most telling is what Anne Hathaway as Selina Kyle (aka Catwoman) whispers to Bruce Wayne while dancing.

"You think this can last," Kyle says, an apparent reference to Wayne's extreme wealth, and a nod to a much darker version of the real life 99% Occupy Movement. "There's a storm coming, Mr. Wayne. You and your friends better batten down the hatches. Because when it hits you're all going to wonder how you ever thought you could live so large and leave so little for the rest of us."

The screen then fills with images of mansions being ransacked, the wealthy cowering under antique tables, and prisons exploding with newly freed convicts carrying automatic weapons (natch).

That chilling bit of dialogue is just one of many bits worth noting in a trailer that is chock full of 'em. Alfred, played by Michael Caine, appears to be at a crossroads. The political machine may be turning against the newly-crowned Commissioner Gordon (Gary Oldman). And Bane (played by Tom Hardy) looks like scariest dude this side of the Joker. "When Gotham is in ashes," he tells a seemingly defeated Bruce Wayne, "you have my permission to die."

Other A-list actors make appearances in the trailer, but they're there and gone so quickly you may not notice. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is in there for about half a second, as is Oscar-winner Marion Cotillard. Fans of "Full Metal Jacket" may notice Mathew Modine. And, of course, the Batmobile (which isn't technically an actor, but still) makes an impressive appearance.