Apple has focused a lot of its attention recently on cell phones, tablets and its ever-popular iPod line.  Somewhere along the way, its TV service - Apple TV - got lost in the shuffle.  Today, CEO Steve Jobs announced that the company is serious about bringing television watching into the digital internet age.  With companies like Hulu and Netflix allowing customers to stream movies and television shows to their television, it's no wonder Apple wants to get in on what could become the new way everyone eventually watches television.

Apple unveiled its new (and tiny) TV set-top box, which will be retailing at only $99 in the United States, goes on sale at the end of September.  It's equipped with an an HDMI port, optical audio port, Ethernet Jack, built-in power supply and built-in Wi-Fi. 

Customers can expect to pay $5 to rent HD movies from the Apple TV service.  These movies will be available on the same day they are released on DVD.  Customers can also rent television shows - with no commercial interruption - from Fox and ABC for $1 per episode (previously customers paid $3 per episode). 

Netflix customers will be able to use Apple TV to stream video directly from Netflix.  Users will also be able to use the service to browse and watch YouTube videos.  Finally, users can also stream content directly from their computers to Apple TV.  Those of you will iPads will be happy to note that Apple will be creating an app that turns your iPad into a remote control - allowing you to control what appears on the screen.

Overall, this is certainly a step in the right direction - the only question is how well customers will respond to Apple TV's place in the growing marketplace of internet television.

Source: Wired