James Delahunty
11 May 2012 14:38
Foxconn chairman reportedly confirms Apple "iTV".
Chairman Terry Gou revealed in a speech that the company was making preparations to start manufacturing a television from Apple, according to China Daily. Development or manufacturing of the device has not stared just yet, according to the report.
The China Daily report, which dubbed the device "iTV", also repeated rumors that it would feature Siri and FaceTime video calling.
Gou also confirmed that the recent $808 million deal with Sharp - which saw Foxconn buy a 10 percent share in the consumer electronics firm - was made in preparation for the Apple television. Reports had suggested that Apple was considering buying a stake in Sharp for panel production, but Foxconn tied up a deal instead.
Apple was reportedly interesting in using Sharp's technology to produce Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide (IGZO) panels for its television. IGZO panel production was started in March by Sharp, and it allows the company to produce thinner and more powerful LCD panels.