Apple's iTV Coming: Digg Founder

Digg founder Kevin Rose has dropped another rumor.  Kevin wrote on his blog, "Apple will be releasing a revamped/renamed version of their 'Apple TV' set-top box, called 'iTV'. The box will run the Apple iOS (same as the iPhone/iPad), and be priced around $99."
 
He further wrote: 

* iOS TV Applications: Expect to see an iPhone/Pad like marketplace for television applications. Video sharing/streaming/recording apps, interactive news apps, and of course games.
* a la carte (app) stations: With Apple's iAds, content producers (eg. ABC/NBC/etc.) can directly monetize and distribute their content. This will eventually destroy the television side of the cable and satellite industry, as your only requirement to access these on-demand stations will be an internet connection. Say goodbye to your monthly cable bill.
* MobileMe Picture/Video sharing: At $99 your parents, grandparents, and friends will have an iTV.  Sharing pictures/videos from your iPhone will happen with the push of a button.  Imagine getting a notification of new family videos the next time you turn on your TV. My mom will love this feature.
* The iPad will turn into one big badass remote control: The iPad will be the preferred input device for the iTV. You'll be able to editing videos, control games, and extend the interactive television experience. Imagine watching monday night football on the TV while viewing/exploring other camera angles on the iPad.
 
From what I hear we should expect to see the iTV launch in September.  Also, keep an eye on GoogleTV - this is going to be a hot space in 2011. 

Verizon has already demonstrated its capabilities of distributing on demand TV content on iPad like devices over the network. 
 
However, that doesn't meant 'goodbye' to your monthly bills. AT&T, Apple's exclusive partner for wireless connectivity, has already capped data on Apple's devices thus making content streaming expensive. The arrival of Apple TV would mean more data through these networks and additional charges.
 
What I can say is goodbye to 'free' (as in freedom) TV, welcome to Apple's restricted idiot box!