Any Apple TV update will be software related and any DVR capabilities will be an add on .i.e external drive.
TV is still the ultimate home hub and one Apple will definitely want to crack. In the same way the iPhone has done away with the need for me to carry a music player, phone, camera, Sat NAV, a PSP and DS, a TV from Apple could also do away with the need for a PS3, DVD Player, SKY Box etc...
Throw in a Web Browser, YouTube, Google Maps and other software partnerships/integration then they'll be onto a winner.
Naturally the difficult bit will be getting all parties to come to the table but if anybody can do it Apple can.
So it's going to be a one-fits all piece of technology where you can plonk your butt down after a hard day at the office, packet of crisps, cold beer and have all the access to all the content you'll ever need. Apple would chase that big time. If they don't believe they can achieve that then it'll never happen.
Apple have the momentum at the moment and they'll want to leverage that marketing power now while they can. Now which company wouldn't want to get their offerings onto a piece of kit like that and who in their right mind wouldn't want to own it.
I love mine. I'd love to have more power however so that HD content can be played back without needing to be converted to h.264 first. Then it'd be nearly perfect.
Yep! Having thought about it a little more, I would have to say, 'I love mine, too.' I like the integration of TV, music, photos and movies, (Rentals and owned).
Especially photos though. We look at our photos a lot more now with AppleTV than we ever did when they were just 'in the computer' or in photo albums (or more likely, in boxes!)
Having them on with a some good background songs playing while having friends over for drinks or dinner is wonderful. Our friends are always impressed the first time they see it and if I include photos of them they seem to like it even more, for some reason. \
You could make cheese melts on it- right? I wonder how much that one device negates all the other environmental points in everything else Apple produces?
Really! It does get awfully hot! I have even unplugged it on occasion because of the heat factor. It's already hot enough here in Arizona in the Summer!
Now which company wouldn't want to get their offerings onto a piece of kit like that and who in their right mind wouldn't want to own it.
Apple will have to go up against the powerful cable and TV companies to do this successfully. But, so far they have a pretty good track record with the iPod/iTunes and the iPhone, so, it could happen.
1. Apple could easily have gone the DVR route already -- by adding it to Apple TV or buying TIVO for very, very cheap -- and hasn't.
2. Adding DVR functionality to Apple TV would cannibalize iTunes Store without adding getting anything in return, which is the same reason the Apple TV does not have a DVD or Blu-ray player.
3. Adding DVR functionality to Apple TV would strengthen consumer commitment to cable/satellite, and Apple will not be able to get wide adoption of a subscription plan in the $50-$60/month range unless they turn Apple TV into a Comcast-killer, i.e., a direct competitor to cable and satellite.
4. Apple usually makes the thing -- not the thing that helps the thing. Adding DVR functionality to Apple TV would really be an enhancement to your cable -- another company's product -- and I can't come up with another example where Apple does that. Again, it strengthens the tie to the other product rather than to the one Apple makes.
Having them on with a some good background songs playing while having friends over for drinks or dinner is wonderful. Our friends are always impressed the first time they see it and if I include photos of them they seem to like it even more, for some reason. \
My friends like the way it keeps our chicken satay toasty too!
You could make cheese melts on it- right? I wonder how much that one device negates all the other environmental points in everything else Apple produces?
That sucker is thermal!
Almost nuclear! I wonder why it gets so hot? It uses flash memory, not a tiny disk drive, so, I don't understand where all the heat is coming from. I guess the processor chips?
Apple have the momentum at the moment and they'll want to leverage that marketing power now while they can. Now which company wouldn't want to get their offerings onto a piece of kit like that and who in their right mind wouldn't want to own it.
Good point, they do have the momentum and leverage! I can see most content providers and cable companies being wary of Apple. But I don't think any of them want to be the next Verizon that missed the iPhone/App store juggernaut! Or NBC that got shirty and then came back on their corporate hands and knees.
The last stats I read were 50,000 movies a day being rented from iTunes via AppleTV and that was a while back.
I still wish I could stream DVDs from my Macs to it since it doesn't have a disc drive itself.
Or even better, Apple could throw in a 1TB disc drive for DVR and a Blu-ray drive. That way you could replace two pieces of equipment (if it were cable card compatible). Frankly, this update, if it happens, is so long overdue, it damn well better be unbelievable in terms of features with an incredible price. Trying to sell a 40GB AppleTV in 2009 is just sad, the new Touches will probably be sporting more flash memory than that!
My friends like the way it keeps our chicken satay toasty too!
I'll try it next time!
PS. Teckstud I have to say, it's such a pleasant change when you use your sense of humor (quite funny at times) as opposed to when you, er.... 'vomit' on people! It makes AppleInsider a lot more enjoyable!
... turn Apple TV into a Comcast-killer, i.e., a direct competitor to cable and satellite.
I would love Apple to be a 'cox cable-killer.' I guess I wouldn't mind BR in there but I think Apple is getting away from physical media and would be surprised. Pleasantly surprised though as I plan to buy a BR to replace an aging DVD player.
PS. Teckstud I have to say, it such a pleasant change when you use your sense of humor (quite funny at times) as opposed to when you, er.... 'vomit' on people! It makes AppleInsider a lot more enjoyable!
Well thank you. Life is good- and the 3Gs iPhone has a lot to do with it.
I always enjoy discussing things with flexible folk like yourself with a sense of humor. I try to look at things from all angles and be unbiased and am especially appreciative when someone on here shows me something new or from a different perpective. Cheers!
Well thank you. Life is good- and the 3Gs iPhone has a lot to do with it.
I always enjoy discussing things with flexible folk like yourself with a sense of humor. I try to look at things from all angles and be unbiased and am especially appreciative when someone on here shows me something new or from a different perpective. Cheers!
Apple's margins on the current AppleTV are not very good. It's in their best interests to cut costs, possibly by migrating to new architecture. This would require an overhaul of the operating system, and I'm guessing that Apple might be working on a mid-tier OS that sits between the iPhone OS and Mac OS X, to be deployed on the phantom tablet and perhaps a reworked AppleTV.
Now that Snow Leopard has shipped, more engineering resources can be diverted to finish this mid-tier OS and the development environment that accompanies it.
More importantly, Apple uses the iTunes Store to drive sales of its hardware. Apple probably needs to rework contracts with video/movie content providers (e.g., they need to sign HBO) because the current offerings aren't driving sales of AppleTV.
The last stats I read were 50,000 movies a day being rented from iTunes via AppleTV and that was a while back.
With the selection that Apple has I find that amazing. Even my crappy corner store that doubled as a video rental store (pre DVD) had more films on offer.
To all you who collect(ed) DVD's out there - do you really repeat view? I mean, be honest. I have repeat viewed many movies but only while I was a film student. And those were inevitably the classics. Now, to even get around to watching half the movies I'd like to watch is like a crazy fantasy. To repeat view... you gotta be kidding. Which is to say, owning movies? What's the point? Which is to say - Apple - get with the program!
Apple's margins on the current AppleTV are not very good. It's in their best interests to cut costs, possibly by migrating to new architecture. This would require an overhaul of the operating system, and I'm guessing that Apple might be working on a mid-tier OS that sits between the iPhone OS and Mac OS X, to be deployed on the phantom tablet and perhaps a reworked AppleTV.
Now that Snow Leopard has shipped, more engineering resources can be diverted to finish this mid-tier OS and the development environment that accompanies it.
More importantly, Apple uses the iTunes Store to drive sales of its hardware. Apple probably needs to rework contracts with video/movie content providers (e.g., they need to sign HBO) because the current offerings aren't driving sales of AppleTV.
Good point(s). No doubt the biggest obstacle is the providers. Imagine your new architecture not only improving movies/TV and possibly internet access but games and apps like the iPhone's App store.
I know this would probably necessitate a keyboard/mouse/game controllers but is certainly doable.
In other words just like the iPhone has decreased the need to carry a separate iPod/camera/GPS/maps/laptop, etc., etc., AppleTV could provide games, apps, shopping, etc. Again, like the iPhone the possibilities are endless and to your point would make the hardware more desirable!
I was on Apple's Store site last Wednesday, checking out the Mac Mini options, when I noticed that the default RAM for the lower end model was 4GB and lesser amounts reduced the cost of the Mac Mini. Unfortunately I didn't buy right then, because the next day the default for the same Mini was back to 1GB.
For me it's the tuner itself, the DVR is less important. I hate the tuner in my TV, it takes a full second to switch channels, and you can't hold down the button and skip over them, it stops at every one. EyeTV, on the other hand, absolutely flies through the channels.
Technically it's already done, people have hacked EyeTV into the ATV over a year ago. And it even does DVR.
Comments
Could this be a hint that iTunes 9 may get DVD ripping? Now that would be awesome.
Now that would be awesome. I've been wanting to convert my DVD collection to digital files, but, it's too much of a pain to do it right now.
TV is still the ultimate home hub and one Apple will definitely want to crack. In the same way the iPhone has done away with the need for me to carry a music player, phone, camera, Sat NAV, a PSP and DS, a TV from Apple could also do away with the need for a PS3, DVD Player, SKY Box etc...
Throw in a Web Browser, YouTube, Google Maps and other software partnerships/integration then they'll be onto a winner.
Naturally the difficult bit will be getting all parties to come to the table but if anybody can do it Apple can.
So it's going to be a one-fits all piece of technology where you can plonk your butt down after a hard day at the office, packet of crisps, cold beer and have all the access to all the content you'll ever need. Apple would chase that big time. If they don't believe they can achieve that then it'll never happen.
Apple have the momentum at the moment and they'll want to leverage that marketing power now while they can. Now which company wouldn't want to get their offerings onto a piece of kit like that and who in their right mind wouldn't want to own it.
I love mine. I'd love to have more power however so that HD content can be played back without needing to be converted to h.264 first. Then it'd be nearly perfect.
Yep! Having thought about it a little more, I would have to say, 'I love mine, too.' I like the integration of TV, music, photos and movies, (Rentals and owned).
Especially photos though. We look at our photos a lot more now with AppleTV than we ever did when they were just 'in the computer' or in photo albums (or more likely, in boxes!)
Having them on with a some good background songs playing while having friends over for drinks or dinner is wonderful. Our friends are always impressed the first time they see it and if I include photos of them they seem to like it even more, for some reason.
Hand warmer?! Try block heater!!
You could make cheese melts on it- right? I wonder how much that one device negates all the other environmental points in everything else Apple produces?
That sucker is thermal!
Hand warmer?! Try block heater!!
Really! It does get awfully hot! I have even unplugged it on occasion because of the heat factor. It's already hot enough here in Arizona in the Summer!
Now which company wouldn't want to get their offerings onto a piece of kit like that and who in their right mind wouldn't want to own it.
Apple will have to go up against the powerful cable and TV companies to do this successfully. But, so far they have a pretty good track record with the iPod/iTunes and the iPhone, so, it could happen.
For the 100th time, add DVR and I'm sold....
I don't see it happening.
1. Apple could easily have gone the DVR route already -- by adding it to Apple TV or buying TIVO for very, very cheap -- and hasn't.
2. Adding DVR functionality to Apple TV would cannibalize iTunes Store without adding getting anything in return, which is the same reason the Apple TV does not have a DVD or Blu-ray player.
3. Adding DVR functionality to Apple TV would strengthen consumer commitment to cable/satellite, and Apple will not be able to get wide adoption of a subscription plan in the $50-$60/month range unless they turn Apple TV into a Comcast-killer, i.e., a direct competitor to cable and satellite.
4. Apple usually makes the thing -- not the thing that helps the thing. Adding DVR functionality to Apple TV would really be an enhancement to your cable -- another company's product -- and I can't come up with another example where Apple does that. Again, it strengthens the tie to the other product rather than to the one Apple makes.
Having them on with a some good background songs playing while having friends over for drinks or dinner is wonderful. Our friends are always impressed the first time they see it and if I include photos of them they seem to like it even more, for some reason.
My friends like the way it keeps our chicken satay toasty too!
You could make cheese melts on it- right? I wonder how much that one device negates all the other environmental points in everything else Apple produces?
That sucker is thermal!
Almost nuclear! I wonder why it gets so hot? It uses flash memory, not a tiny disk drive, so, I don't understand where all the heat is coming from. I guess the processor chips?
Apple have the momentum at the moment and they'll want to leverage that marketing power now while they can. Now which company wouldn't want to get their offerings onto a piece of kit like that and who in their right mind wouldn't want to own it.
Good point, they do have the momentum and leverage! I can see most content providers and cable companies being wary of Apple. But I don't think any of them want to be the next Verizon that missed the iPhone/App store juggernaut! Or NBC that got shirty and then came back on their corporate hands and knees.
The last stats I read were 50,000 movies a day being rented from iTunes via AppleTV and that was a while back.
I still wish I could stream DVDs from my Macs to it since it doesn't have a disc drive itself.
Or even better, Apple could throw in a 1TB disc drive for DVR and a Blu-ray drive. That way you could replace two pieces of equipment (if it were cable card compatible). Frankly, this update, if it happens, is so long overdue, it damn well better be unbelievable in terms of features with an incredible price. Trying to sell a 40GB AppleTV in 2009 is just sad, the new Touches will probably be sporting more flash memory than that!
My friends like the way it keeps our chicken satay toasty too!
I'll try it next time!
PS. Teckstud I have to say, it's such a pleasant change when you use your sense of humor (quite funny at times) as opposed to when you, er.... 'vomit' on people!
... turn Apple TV into a Comcast-killer, i.e., a direct competitor to cable and satellite.
I would love Apple to be a 'cox cable-killer.' I guess I wouldn't mind BR in there but I think Apple is getting away from physical media and would be surprised. Pleasantly surprised though as I plan to buy a BR to replace an aging DVD player.
I'll try it next time!
PS. Teckstud I have to say, it such a pleasant change when you use your sense of humor (quite funny at times) as opposed to when you, er.... 'vomit' on people!
Well thank you. Life is good- and the 3Gs iPhone has a lot to do with it.
I always enjoy discussing things with flexible folk like yourself with a sense of humor. I try to look at things from all angles and be unbiased and am especially appreciative when someone on here shows me something new or from a different perpective. Cheers!
Well thank you. Life is good- and the 3Gs iPhone has a lot to do with it.
I always enjoy discussing things with flexible folk like yourself with a sense of humor. I try to look at things from all angles and be unbiased and am especially appreciative when someone on here shows me something new or from a different perpective. Cheers!
Now that Snow Leopard has shipped, more engineering resources can be diverted to finish this mid-tier OS and the development environment that accompanies it.
More importantly, Apple uses the iTunes Store to drive sales of its hardware. Apple probably needs to rework contracts with video/movie content providers (e.g., they need to sign HBO) because the current offerings aren't driving sales of AppleTV.
The last stats I read were 50,000 movies a day being rented from iTunes via AppleTV and that was a while back.
With the selection that Apple has I find that amazing. Even my crappy corner store that doubled as a video rental store (pre DVD) had more films on offer.
To all you who collect(ed) DVD's out there - do you really repeat view? I mean, be honest. I have repeat viewed many movies but only while I was a film student. And those were inevitably the classics. Now, to even get around to watching half the movies I'd like to watch is like a crazy fantasy. To repeat view... you gotta be kidding. Which is to say, owning movies? What's the point? Which is to say - Apple - get with the program!
Apple's margins on the current AppleTV are not very good. It's in their best interests to cut costs, possibly by migrating to new architecture. This would require an overhaul of the operating system, and I'm guessing that Apple might be working on a mid-tier OS that sits between the iPhone OS and Mac OS X, to be deployed on the phantom tablet and perhaps a reworked AppleTV.
Now that Snow Leopard has shipped, more engineering resources can be diverted to finish this mid-tier OS and the development environment that accompanies it.
More importantly, Apple uses the iTunes Store to drive sales of its hardware. Apple probably needs to rework contracts with video/movie content providers (e.g., they need to sign HBO) because the current offerings aren't driving sales of AppleTV.
Good point(s). No doubt the biggest obstacle is the providers. Imagine your new architecture not only improving movies/TV and possibly internet access but games and apps like the iPhone's App store.
I know this would probably necessitate a keyboard/mouse/game controllers but is certainly doable.
In other words just like the iPhone has decreased the need to carry a separate iPod/camera/GPS/maps/laptop, etc., etc., AppleTV could provide games, apps, shopping, etc. Again, like the iPhone the possibilities are endless and to your point would make the hardware more desirable!
Hopefully the 4GB announcement will be made too!
For the 100th time, add DVR and I'm sold....
For me it's the tuner itself, the DVR is less important. I hate the tuner in my TV, it takes a full second to switch channels, and you can't hold down the button and skip over them, it stops at every one. EyeTV, on the other hand, absolutely flies through the channels.
Technically it's already done, people have hacked EyeTV into the ATV over a year ago. And it even does DVR.
Maury