Apple TV Gets New Channels Ahead Of Hardware Upgrade

is rumored to upgrade its growing set-top box with a

this fall, including video games. Until then, Apple seems to be intent on slowly populating the device with as many channels as possible. For its latest upgrade, the Mac maker has added content from

, VEVO, The Weather Channel and

Smithsonian Channel. Disney's content will come in two forms: Disney Channel and Disney XD. Both channels are based on pay-TV channels that are already available through

,

and other cable and satellite providers. On

, the company notes that users will need a pay-TV service in order to view Disney Channel content through Apple TV. The rest of the content lineup is pretty straightforward.

According to

, these additions are being made as Apple attempts to transform its set-top box into something more enticing than a

.

Apple CEO Tim Cook has been coy about the company's plans for the future, but several reports claim that the firm is serious about television. In addition to its ongoing discussions with pay-TV service providers, Apple is said to have

multiple content providers. This includes

and

HBO. Disney, one of the existing supporters of Apple TV, was also on the list of companies that Apple has been targeting. Long-term, Apple's goals stretch well beyond the confines of a square box that sits next to the television. Analysts believe that Apple's ultimate goal is to command the living room by developing its own TV set. Disclosure: