Three years without an update has left many wondering if Apple TV hardware was being left to wither on the vine. Rumors have since surfaced this week claiming the company is preparing to launch a new video product that is essentially an Apple TV set top combined with a HomePod smart speaker – a move typical of Apple in recent years that smacks of panic. While Apple will host its Spring Loaded event next week, we understand this will come too soon to reveal Frankenstein’s answer to Apple’s smart home conundrum, although the industry is holding out for a surprise unveiling of something other than iPads and iMacs. What we do know is that the new Apple TV/HomePod device will…