Apple Inc. (AAPL: Quote) chief executive Tim Cook is extremely bullish about the company's growth prospects, saying it will roll out some "incredible" products.
He said that the TV business in an area of intense interest for the company, and sees unbelievable potential in the Siri voice recognition service. Cook also hinted at closer ties with social networking site Facebook Inc. (FB: Quote).
In his first appearance at the D: All Things Digital conference in California on Tuesday, Cook said it was an "absolute incredible time" to be at Apple.
"The juices are flowing. We have some incredible things coming out," Cook said.
Cook assumed the helm of the world's most valuable company in August last year, succeeding its iconic co-founder Steve Jobs. The charismatic Jobs died in October following a long battle with pancreatic cancer.
Cook said that Apple was "going to double-down on secrecy on products", but will be more transparent on other things. He did not say whether the company will make a $99 new iPhone or a new television set.
Media reports earlier on Tuesday had suggested that Apple may be in the process of launching its long-rumored Smart TV and that trial production of these TV sets had already begun.
But Cook was optimistic about the Apple TV business, saying this was an area of "intense interest" for the company. He noted that last year, the company sold 2.8 million Apple TV devices. In 2012, Apple has sold 2.7 million units in the first six months.
Cook also said Apple sees unbelievable potential in the Siri voice recognition service, noting that the feature has moved into the mainstream. He said that the company was "doubling-down" on it.
On being asked whether Apple would strike a deal with Facebook, Cook said, "I think we can do more with them. Just stay tuned on this one."
Regarding acquisitions, Cook said Apple did not consider buying Instagram, the photo-sharing app that Facebook has agreed to acquire for about $1 billion in cash and stock.
He said Apple is not in talks for any large acquisitions, but he would not rule out the possibility. He also said that the company often makes small acquisitions without announcing them.
Cook noted that the iPhone was doing great, with more than 70 million people owning the device. He also said that the iPad is a product that people of all ages love, noting that the product is in the "first inning".
Further, the 51-year old CEO said that the Macintosh computers has outgrown the market, every quarter for six years. However, Cook believes the tablet market will eventually surpass the PC market.
Cook said he hoped someday to see Apple products being made in the U.S. He noted that the iPhone glass is made in a plant in Kentucky, while the iPhone and iPad processor are also made in the U.S.
The CEO also said that Apple would be more transparent about issues related to social change including labor rights in China.
AAPL is currently trading at $569, down $3.27 or 0.57 percent on 406,181 shares.
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by RTT Staff Writer
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