Last week, Foxconn president Terry Gou sparked a flurry of excitement when he announced that his company was preparing to build a new Apple TV. However, it soon became clear that the rumor was patently false. But just how false is the surprising part?

Welcome to the World of Apple Rumors

Before we dive into the details of the iTV story, take a look at this excellent article from Fortune, which provides a fascinating insight into the world of Apple rumors. The article highlights the ways in which journalists and bloggers often get caught up in the excitement of potentially breaking news stories, without taking the time to separate fact from fiction.

The iTV Story

At the end of last week, it was reported that Foxconn president Terry Gou had explicitly announced that his company was preparing to build a flat-panel TV for Apple. The statement appeared on ChinaDaily.com and read:

"Gou said Foxconn is making preparations for iTV, Apple Inc’s rumored upcoming high-definition television, although development or manufacturing has yet to begin."

However, as soon as the story broke, it became clear that this was not an official announcement from Apple or Foxconn. In fact, Foxconn later released a statement saying that Gou had been misunderstood and that there was no truth to the rumor.

Why Do We Fall for These Rumors?

So why do we fall for these rumors in the first place? I think it’s because of a combination of genuine interest and schadenfreude. For most journalists (and bloggers), Apple is a black box. They have no view inside, and they often get short shrift when it comes to actual launched hardware. As a result, they are eager to jump on any rumor or leak that comes their way.

The Role of Schadenfreude

But there’s also an element of schadenfreude at play here. Apple is notoriously secretive about its plans and products, which can make it seem like the company is playing click games with the news. When a rumor breaks, it can be tempting to jump on the story and try to be the first to break the news, without taking the time to verify its accuracy.

The Problem of Levelheadedness

While I agree that the concept of an iTV is cool at best and newsworthy at worst, it’s up to us to separate rumor from ridiculousness. We didn’t do a good job this time, and as a result, we fell into the trap of spreading false information.

The Ramifications of False Rumors

So what happens when we spread false rumors? In this case, the iTV story sparked a flurry of excitement and speculation about the potential features and release date of the non-existent product. It’s not just a matter of wasting people’s time; it can also have real-world consequences.

The Role of Apple in All This

So what role does Apple play in all this? Does the company deserve to be criticized for being secretive and stingy with its news? Or is it simply trying to protect itself from the chaos that can come with breaking news stories?

Separating Fact from Fiction

Ultimately, it’s up to us as journalists (and bloggers) to separate fact from fiction. We need to take the time to verify the accuracy of rumors and leaks before we share them with our readers. We also need to be transparent about what we know and don’t know, and avoid spreading false information.

Conclusion

The magical world of Apple rumors is a complex and fascinating place. But it’s up to us to navigate it responsibly, separating fact from fiction and avoiding the spread of false information. By doing so, we can provide our readers with accurate and reliable news, while also maintaining the trust that they have placed in us.

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