Apple Inc. (AAPL) and Microsoft Corporation (MSFT)’s Smart TVs: Too Little, Too Late?

Best of all, Comcast has stepped it up with the new remote. Although X2 lacks the full power of Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)’s Kinect, the new Comcast remote allows users to search for shows with their voice.

Finally, because X2 is all cloud-based, Comcast is free to update the platform on the fly over the Internet — no new hardware needed.

Don’t count on smart TV to be big sellers

While Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA) is just the first paid-TV provider to demonstrate something like X2, it probably won’t be the last. To compete, other content providers will likely come up with their own smart TV-like platforms.

The net effect may be to lessen the consumer appeal of these new devices. Although Comcast’s solution may never be as elegant as Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s, or as feature-rich as Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)’s, it could just be good enough for the average consumer.

If that’s the case, investors shouldn’t bank on smart TV setting any sales records.

Joe Kurtz has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Apple. The Motley Fool owns shares of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT). Salvatore “Sam” is a member of The Motley Fool Blog Network — entries represent the personal opinion of the blogger and are not formally edited.

The article Apple and Microsoft’s Smart TVs: Too Little, Too Late? originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Salvatore “Sam” Mattera.

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