In the future, television sets will be even more impressive than the cutting-edge sets that have just reached the market. That is according to a panel of experts at the International Solid State Circuits Conference, who said that they expects television sets to become even smarter and more intuitive than those currently available to consumers.
One of the biggest advancements will be the popularisation of glasses-less 3D technology, which would revolutionise the experience of watching television programmes and cinema. Additionally, the experts suggested that free-viewpoint television, which allows users to view a 3D scene by freely changing the viewpoint will also become a popular feature.
"Over the last few years," explained David Min, vice-president of LG Electronics' software center, "there have been big changes in mobile phones and communication devices. I think similar changes will happen in television, as well."
"However," he added, "I think the changes that will happen in TV will be somewhat different from what has happened in mobile phones."
Furthermore, Mr Min said that he expects television sets to implement more smart functionality, meaning that they will become the center of entertainment in the home. "Being smart is about providing some connectivity," he observed. "In the old days, the TV was nothing but a medium. But with connectivity, the TV is getting more intelligent."
This comes shortly after Gene Munster, a Managing Director and Senior Research Analyst at Piper Jaffray, an international middle-market investment bank and institutional securities firm, claimed that Apple is to unveil a fully-fledged television set in time for Christmas 2012.
Interactive TV would available in time for "the holiday season" next year, according to Mr Munster, who argued that the product would be so impressive that people considering buying a new television set should hold off for the time being. Apple will, however, be selling the product at twice the price of an equivalent set, he confirmed.