The price point is right, the device is small and tight, its got the A4 processor and is most likely running iOS internally. Steve was still very clear that this remains a hobby for Apple... in my opinion that's because they haven't opened it up to 3rd party apps yet. That Netflix is there, however, leaves some hope for added content channels in the future (i.e. apps). The hardware is capable, its up to Apple to open it up. The AppleTV is a bit like the first iPhone was. Will they open it up with a full blown AppStore? I don't know, but they might keep it semi-closed and bring in 3rd party developers on a case-by-case basis, Netflix being the first example.
All the complaining in this thread (well, most of it anyhow) really just demonstrates how complex a market this device falls into. Everyone has their own idea of what they want in a device, and any company putting a product into the market has to choose what they are going to build, weigh the tradeoffs of each hardware/software feature, and figure out how to explain it to the consumer. Apple does a better job of these things that most, and they have a large installed base of potential users already living in their eco-system. I think this new device will do well... their hobby will step up to the next level, but remains a "hobby".
I have cable and pay through the nose for it. However I rarely watch it, but liked the ability to watch things when I wanted. With AppleTV I can bypass the cable subscription and rent just what I want to watch and save money in the process. Cool. The biggest question is "When are the other TV studios going to step up?"
See, that's what I don't get. All these people suggesting they'll be able to drop cable now? What about live TV (yes, I know about OTA), CNN, ESPN, sports channels, etc? You realize you'll be giving up all live TV that doesn't live OTA, right? And that some programming (from HBO, for example) is not made available immediately and sometimes not until the following season begins.
It is only a matter or time before this aTV is hacked so you can stream files from your Airport at home (like I do now), run Boxee faster (like I do now) and even connect a HD, Keyboard and mouse. I do not think he mentioned if it is running iOS or a modified version of OSX like the current aTV (which is my guess).
I'll get it because once hacked, it will be an upgrade to what I have now. I only get basic cable and Boxee, Netflix or rip the movies I want to see. I only need basic cable to see the news (and ESPN) anyway.
Rippey
AirPlay lets you stream music, video, and photos; no hacking involved.
Okay, great. That's awesome for you. But, this product was built for people who will find it "useful". Your Dish cost's are good. I get it. My cable bill is $77/month. Not good. I might watch 10-15 shows per month. That's $15 maximum. Less then half of what you're paying. Hence, this product is built for me. Why the selfish, narrow point of view hate?
If we do not express what we want in a product how will they ever know? If it had the features I wanted and would use I would buy it, but it doesn't.
Having only 2 channels on board means it still can't replace peoples cable/sat/fios bills. I'm sure more will get on board.
Saying it's built for you is no more or less narrow than saying it's useless for me. I didn't say for all it is useless. Just for me.
It's great that you get what you want but others have additional needs. Are you not being narrow minded as well?
If they expanded their codec support, increased to 1080p and supported HD audio and 7.1 i'd buy it. HDMI 1.3 which it has supports that audio, it supports 1080p, so it's just software for them to add it. Software to add codec support.
I'd like to see apple add those features. But i'm sure once the community gets a hold of it and starts hacking we may just see that.
The software should have been as simple as the hardware. You plug it in and it straight away shows a Coverflow of all the movies available for rent. And that's the whole interface.
First, have you ever used the crappy interface provided by the standard cable box? This is simpler than that.
And as to a Coverflow-only interface... get real.
There are tens of thousands of movies and TV show/episodes available on iTunes... and you want to browse all of them sequentially with Coverflow???
I, for one, am glad you're not in charge of UI design at Apple....
I am buying one as soon as it's out. Maybe two. One for home to stream stuff from my Mac to the 42" plasma in the living room. One for work to stream stuff for presentations. Might even carry the thing around for making presentations with my iPad.
The worst thing about the new Apple TV is that it offers absolutely nothing in terms of improvements for current Apple TV owners; Netflix streaming is the only real addition, and nearly everyone already has that capability thru either a game console, blu-ray player or their television itself. Apple's still asking people to pay for a box so they can buy content from Apple. And for anyone thinking this can somehow replace their cable package, have fun with those five shows from ABC and Fox.
There are so many TV shows on ITS it's ridiculous. Most you can't stream? OK, well the flipside the crux of my problem with the device in general. I guessing that in about 6 months or so we'll see a solid upgrade to the software for the "missing" app support.
1) this will allow networks to write apps for subscription plans
2) It will allow for gaming which it seems Apple is finally warming up to (silly it took them so long and continues to do so)
My biggest bitch is that without local storage I can't make purchases directly from the ATV which then synch to the server. That's one of the best features.
I suppose I would have to buy from my server now? I don't want to have to go to my laptop and screen share every time I want to purchase something. (I'm definitely keeping my old ATV's)
Also, not having local storage bites because I like to synch content and not rely on the server at all times. Especially for music which takes up hardly any space.
Waiting for an update even though the potential is there and the price is right.
BTW why does everyone think Netflix is going to be free? Correct me if I'm wrong, but you have to have a netflix account first guys.
Okay, great. That's awesome for you. But, this product was built for people who will find it "useful". Your Dish cost's are good. I get it. My cable bill is $77/month. Not good. I might watch 10-15 shows per month. That's $15 maximum. Less then half of what you're paying. Hence, this product is built for me. Why the selfish, narrow point of view hate?
The product is "built for you" and not so appealing to some others. Granted. But then calling others selfish (narrow view of hate, lol) for wanting something different or saying it wasn't "made for them" is, well, selfish.
It's always nice to see the morons who talked about the "iOS" coming to the Apple TV and "how great it would be" to have touch TVs or some kind of pointer device that worked with the TVs, now scrambling with disappointment that Apple didn't abide to their insane designs!.
You do know about the Apple TV "Remote" app, right?
Think about it! Why spend $99 for a Roku box when you can get this PLUS iTunes streaming plus rental movies. It makes absolute sense. They are going after the 1Mu+ Roku market.
Why pay $99 for this when you can get a blu-ray player this Christmas that also streams netflix and plays your DVDs?
First, have you ever used the crappy interface provided by the standard cable box? This is simpler than that.
And as to a Coverflow-only interface... get real.
There are tens of thousands of movies and TV show/episodes available on iTunes... and you want to browse all of them sequentially with Coverflow???
I, for one, am glad you're not in charge of UI design at Apple....
I agree, coverflow could be good for recent movies/ tv/ music, but anything else it's stupid. I've used netflix on the xbox and "coverflow-ing" through all of the movies is a horrible interface.
The price point is right, the device is small and tight, its got the A4 processor and is most likely running iOS internally. Steve was still very clear that this remains a hobby for Apple... in my opinion that's because they haven't opened it up to 3rd party apps yet. That Netflix is there, however, leaves some hope for added content channels in the future (i.e. apps). The hardware is capable, its up to Apple to open it up. The AppleTV is a bit like the first iPhone was. Will they open it up with a full blown AppStore? I don't know, but they might keep it semi-closed and bring in 3rd party developers on a case-by-case basis, Netflix being the first example.
All the complaining in this thread (well, most of it anyhow) really just demonstrates how complex a market this device falls into. Everyone has their own idea of what they want in a device, and any company putting a product into the market has to choose what they are going to build, weigh the tradeoffs of each hardware/software feature, and figure out how to explain it to the consumer. Apple does a better job of these things that most, and they have a large installed base of potential users already living in their eco-system. I think this new device will do well... their hobby will step up to the next level, but remains a "hobby".
Comments
I don't have a problem with that. My Apple TV is 3 years old - technology goes obsolete unfortunately.
No, what I mean is there's absolutely no reason to purchase a new Apple TV if you already own one. I'll update my post to be more clear.
From:
http://www.9to5mac.com/16669/steve-j...-and-your-govt
That person can't be that ignorant. They want $99 after tax. We don't even get $99 after tax. They can deal with it.
The price point is right, the device is small and tight, its got the A4 processor and is most likely running iOS internally. Steve was still very clear that this remains a hobby for Apple... in my opinion that's because they haven't opened it up to 3rd party apps yet. That Netflix is there, however, leaves some hope for added content channels in the future (i.e. apps). The hardware is capable, its up to Apple to open it up. The AppleTV is a bit like the first iPhone was. Will they open it up with a full blown AppStore? I don't know, but they might keep it semi-closed and bring in 3rd party developers on a case-by-case basis, Netflix being the first example.
All the complaining in this thread (well, most of it anyhow) really just demonstrates how complex a market this device falls into. Everyone has their own idea of what they want in a device, and any company putting a product into the market has to choose what they are going to build, weigh the tradeoffs of each hardware/software feature, and figure out how to explain it to the consumer. Apple does a better job of these things that most, and they have a large installed base of potential users already living in their eco-system. I think this new device will do well... their hobby will step up to the next level, but remains a "hobby".
Still it does look great and is priced very, very attractively.
The biggest keys for me are the following:
For TV:
I have cable and pay through the nose for it. However I rarely watch it, but liked the ability to watch things when I wanted. With AppleTV I can bypass the cable subscription and rent just what I want to watch and save money in the process. Cool. The biggest question is "When are the other TV studios going to step up?"
See, that's what I don't get. All these people suggesting they'll be able to drop cable now? What about live TV (yes, I know about OTA), CNN, ESPN, sports channels, etc? You realize you'll be giving up all live TV that doesn't live OTA, right? And that some programming (from HBO, for example) is not made available immediately and sometimes not until the following season begins.
It is only a matter or time before this aTV is hacked so you can stream files from your Airport at home (like I do now), run Boxee faster (like I do now) and even connect a HD, Keyboard and mouse. I do not think he mentioned if it is running iOS or a modified version of OSX like the current aTV (which is my guess).
I'll get it because once hacked, it will be an upgrade to what I have now. I only get basic cable and Boxee, Netflix or rip the movies I want to see. I only need basic cable to see the news (and ESPN) anyway.
Rippey
AirPlay lets you stream music, video, and photos; no hacking involved.
Okay, great. That's awesome for you. But, this product was built for people who will find it "useful". Your Dish cost's are good. I get it. My cable bill is $77/month. Not good. I might watch 10-15 shows per month. That's $15 maximum. Less then half of what you're paying. Hence, this product is built for me. Why the selfish, narrow point of view hate?
If we do not express what we want in a product how will they ever know? If it had the features I wanted and would use I would buy it, but it doesn't.
Having only 2 channels on board means it still can't replace peoples cable/sat/fios bills. I'm sure more will get on board.
Saying it's built for you is no more or less narrow than saying it's useless for me. I didn't say for all it is useless. Just for me.
It's great that you get what you want but others have additional needs. Are you not being narrow minded as well?
If they expanded their codec support, increased to 1080p and supported HD audio and 7.1 i'd buy it. HDMI 1.3 which it has supports that audio, it supports 1080p, so it's just software for them to add it. Software to add codec support.
I'd like to see apple add those features. But i'm sure once the community gets a hold of it and starts hacking we may just see that.
Maybe you need to patronize finer establishments? Stinky or deranged? Never seen it where I watch movies.
I just can't let this go by...
Maybe he was sitting next to....
.
The software should have been as simple as the hardware. You plug it in and it straight away shows a Coverflow of all the movies available for rent. And that's the whole interface.
First, have you ever used the crappy interface provided by the standard cable box? This is simpler than that.
And as to a Coverflow-only interface... get real.
There are tens of thousands of movies and TV show/episodes available on iTunes... and you want to browse all of them sequentially with Coverflow???
I, for one, am glad you're not in charge of UI design at Apple....
I am buying one as soon as it's out. Maybe two. One for home to stream stuff from my Mac to the 42" plasma in the living room. One for work to stream stuff for presentations. Might even carry the thing around for making presentations with my iPad.
Awesome.
This is exactly what I was thinking!
The worst thing about the new Apple TV is that it offers absolutely nothing in terms of improvements for current Apple TV owners; Netflix streaming is the only real addition, and nearly everyone already has that capability thru either a game console, blu-ray player or their television itself. Apple's still asking people to pay for a box so they can buy content from Apple. And for anyone thinking this can somehow replace their cable package, have fun with those five shows from ABC and Fox.
There are so many TV shows on ITS it's ridiculous. Most you can't stream? OK, well the flipside the crux of my problem with the device in general. I guessing that in about 6 months or so we'll see a solid upgrade to the software for the "missing" app support.
1) this will allow networks to write apps for subscription plans
2) It will allow for gaming which it seems Apple is finally warming up to (silly it took them so long and continues to do so)
My biggest bitch is that without local storage I can't make purchases directly from the ATV which then synch to the server. That's one of the best features.
I suppose I would have to buy from my server now? I don't want to have to go to my laptop and screen share every time I want to purchase something. (I'm definitely keeping my old ATV's)
Also, not having local storage bites because I like to synch content and not rely on the server at all times. Especially for music which takes up hardly any space.
Waiting for an update even though the potential is there and the price is right.
BTW why does everyone think Netflix is going to be free? Correct me if I'm wrong, but you have to have a netflix account first guys.
Okay, great. That's awesome for you. But, this product was built for people who will find it "useful". Your Dish cost's are good. I get it. My cable bill is $77/month. Not good. I might watch 10-15 shows per month. That's $15 maximum. Less then half of what you're paying. Hence, this product is built for me. Why the selfish, narrow point of view hate?
The product is "built for you" and not so appealing to some others. Granted. But then calling others selfish (narrow view of hate, lol) for wanting something different or saying it wasn't "made for them" is, well, selfish.
pre ordered mineD)
No, what I mean is there's absolutely no reason to purchase a new Apple TV if you already own one. I'll update my post to be more clear.
I see your point and completely agree - I won't be replacing my Apple TV until it dies.
It's always nice to see the morons who talked about the "iOS" coming to the Apple TV and "how great it would be" to have touch TVs or some kind of pointer device that worked with the TVs, now scrambling with disappointment that Apple didn't abide to their insane designs!.
You do know about the Apple TV "Remote" app, right?
Think about it! Why spend $99 for a Roku box when you can get this PLUS iTunes streaming plus rental movies. It makes absolute sense. They are going after the 1Mu+ Roku market.
Why pay $99 for this when you can get a blu-ray player this Christmas that also streams netflix and plays your DVDs?
First, have you ever used the crappy interface provided by the standard cable box? This is simpler than that.
And as to a Coverflow-only interface... get real.
There are tens of thousands of movies and TV show/episodes available on iTunes... and you want to browse all of them sequentially with Coverflow???
I, for one, am glad you're not in charge of UI design at Apple....
I agree, coverflow could be good for recent movies/ tv/ music, but anything else it's stupid. I've used netflix on the xbox and "coverflow-ing" through all of the movies is a horrible interface.
Wow it's National Troll Day and no one told me ?!?!?!?
Pre-order placed.
The price point is right, the device is small and tight, its got the A4 processor and is most likely running iOS internally. Steve was still very clear that this remains a hobby for Apple... in my opinion that's because they haven't opened it up to 3rd party apps yet. That Netflix is there, however, leaves some hope for added content channels in the future (i.e. apps). The hardware is capable, its up to Apple to open it up. The AppleTV is a bit like the first iPhone was. Will they open it up with a full blown AppStore? I don't know, but they might keep it semi-closed and bring in 3rd party developers on a case-by-case basis, Netflix being the first example.
All the complaining in this thread (well, most of it anyhow) really just demonstrates how complex a market this device falls into. Everyone has their own idea of what they want in a device, and any company putting a product into the market has to choose what they are going to build, weigh the tradeoffs of each hardware/software feature, and figure out how to explain it to the consumer. Apple does a better job of these things that most, and they have a large installed base of potential users already living in their eco-system. I think this new device will do well... their hobby will step up to the next level, but remains a "hobby".
Right on, bro'. My pre-order (for 2) placed too.