Microsoft Corporation (MSFT), Intel Corporation (INTC): Apple Inc. (AAPL)’s Big Announcement Could Come Next Month

Intel’s Internet-based cable service

But the Xbox One is merely an add-on: To get the full functionality, the owner must also have cable. That isn’t the case with Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC)‘s upcoming service, which is said to blend a high-tech interface with an Internet-based paid-TV service.

Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC)’s offering will reportedly be called OnCue, and could launch later this year. Initially, Intel was planning to include a camera that would allow for video calls and facial recognition, but the Wall Street Journal reported that it was scrapping the camera after noting that it didn’t perform as well as expected. Nevertheless, Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC)’s paid-TV service could be much more than a traditional cable package — in June, it said that it would invest $100 million into technologies like gesture controls and voice recognition.

The future of TV

Whether Apple decides to follow Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) (with an add-on device) or Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) (with a full service), remains to be seen, but investors should be eager to see what Apple has planned for the living room.

Analysts believe that a full-featured TV set could add much to Apple’s earnings: Last December, Morgan Stanley’s Katy Huberty estimated that Apple could sell 13 million TV sets in one year, adding $4.50 to the company’s earnings per share (a boost of about 10%).

Apple could have its hands full competing with other tech giants entering the space; regardless, a new product category is reason for investors to be excited.

The article Apple’s Big Announcement Could Come Next Month originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Sam Mattera.

Sam Mattera has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Apple and Intel. The Motley Fool owns shares of Apple, Intel, and Microsoft.

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