The new device will be the first to move Apple TV beyond the “it’s just a hobby for us” category Cupertino has put it in since the set-box debuted in January 2007. The report confirms that the new Apple TV will boast a dual-core A8 processor maximized for performance. In correlation with a new TV App Store, this will allow the new Apple TV powerhouse to run apps graphically on par with last-gen consoles like the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

One thing that hasn’t been talked about yet is the fact that the new remote will be motion sensitive, likely including several axis’ worth of sensors that put its control on par with a Nintendo Wii remote. The possibilities, of course, are immediately evident.

A game controller with a microphone, physical buttons, a touchpad and motion sensitive controls would be extremely capable. While Apple is likely going to target the broad casual gaming market, I would not be shocked to see innovative gameplay blossom from that type of input possibility. Think, for instance, of multi-player gaming with several people using voice input, or many popular genres of party games that would do far better on the TV than on an iPad or iPhone.

Sounds like the new Apple TV is shaping up to be a killer gaming console. Can it take over console gaming the same way the iPhone and iPad dominated mobile gaming? Only time will tell.

Only 8 more days and we will see !