The latest version of the Apple TV was unveiled together with the new iPad of Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) last March and it is expected to have the capability of playing 1080p videos. The upcoming device will feature a simplified user interface, Bluetooth 4.0, better processor and the option to access Netflix through iTunes. These are the main features that are highlighted on the upcoming version of the Apple TV.
However the better processor is one of the features that have attracted the attention of a number of industry watchers. Although the online store of Apple revealed that the Apple TV will feature the A5 processor, it will reportedly be the latest version of the Apple A5 processor.
According to reports the A5 processor of the Apple TV will be a dual-core chip although only one core will be used by the device.
Some industry watchers have indicated that Apple is using the dual-core A5 processor on the Apple TV despite using only one core in order to reduce wastage whenever the chip that was meant for another device will have one malfunctioning core. Once this happens, instead of discarding the A5 chip with one malfunctioning core, it can simply put it into the Apple TV. This will also increase the chip yields of the company and saving money in the process.
The A5 processor on the Apple TV is also manufactured using the 32nm process instead of the 45nm process which was used for earlier versions of the A5 processor. This will make the A5 chip on the Apple TV smaller by around forty percent. The chip will also reduce the cost in production and is more power efficient. With the use of the latest A5 processor on the device, consumers will not have to worry of using too much power.
The cheaper cost of production will also allow the latest version of the Apple TV to retain its $99 price tag.
