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New Apple TV OS to debut at WWDC, report says

The updated Apple TV operating system is expected to offer more features, according to BGR.

Roger Cheng Former Executive Editor / Head of News
Roger Cheng (he/him/his) was the executive editor in charge of CNET News, managing everything from daily breaking news to in-depth investigative packages. Prior to this, he was on the telecommunications beat and wrote for Dow Jones Newswires and The Wall Street Journal for nearly a decade and got his start writing and laying out pages at a local paper in Southern California. He's a devoted Trojan alum and thinks sleep is the perfect -- if unattainable -- hobby for a parent.
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Roger Cheng
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Apple's current Apple TV interface, due for another overhaul very soon? Apple

Apple may show off yet another updated version of its Apple TV operating system at next week's World Wide Developer Conference, according to BGR.

The new version is expected to be packed with more features, and will use the same version of the OS on Apple's much-rumored, upcoming HDTV, the report says.

Apple is reportedly talking to manufacturers about using a new "control out" application programming interface that allows accessories to work with the new Apple TV operating system and television. The idea is to allow users to control any component with an Apple remote.

CNET contacted Apple for a comment. We'll update the story when we get a response.

Introducing a major new version of the Apple TV set top box OS would be unusual though. The company rolled outa visually overhauled version of the software alongside its third-generation Apple TV hardware, which debuted with the latest iPad.

Shortly after the new design was released, one former Apple engineer said late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs didn't like itwhen it was showcased internally five years ago, and that the designs were "tossed out." That said, Apple is expected to unveil the next major version of iOS at its annual developers confab next month, the OS that powers the Apple TV alongside Apple's iPod, iPhone and iPad. If there are major new features, and developer APIs, they could trickle down to the TV product too.

BGR said that Apple won't be showing the HDTV at WWDC. The show is expected to feature an updated version of its iOS mobile platform, full release details on OS X, and likely the debut of updated MacBooks.