Apple Plans Custom Chip For Apple Television, Say Reports

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The idea of an Apple-branded television is gaining steam, if the sheer number of reports we’re getting in about this little wonder are any indication. And now, not only do we have some idea of what will be under the hood when–and indeed, if–it finally breaks cover, but we also have some idea of who may well be building it.

The current word suggests that Apple is working on the television in question, and that they’re planning to power the device with a custom chip similar in nature to the A5, which is currently running both the iPad 2 and the iPhone 4S. And what’s more, further word says that three bidders right now are in the hunt to provide components for said television, making this look like more of a likely release with every passing bit of news that lands about it. And indeed, where yesterday, we were hearing about a third quarter 2012 release on the Apple television, the newest report to emerge is pegging “late 2012″ for a release date.

Saying “third quarter 2012″ and “late 2012″ actually meshes pretty nicely, at least by some figures, and as we mentioned yesterday it would be a good idea for Apple to have something ready to go into the dark space between releases, especially with an iPad likely to hit in the early days and an iPhone likely ready for the end of the year, there’s a nice big Apple-free expanse that could stand a little sprucing up.

Apple already has the makings of a terrific addition to most any home theater on its hands, with Siri providing all the makings of a fine engine of content discovery and the Retina Display making an excellent, well, display. So it’s really not out of line to think that Apple could conceivably offer up a great home theater experience for anyone who cared to try, as long as they could keep the costs in line with most everybody’s likely strained budgets.

But what do you guys think about this one? Think that Apple may have something on their hands here with an A5-analogue powering their television? Or do you think this will all end up as mere vaporware? No matter what you think, head on down to the comments section below and tell us what you think!