News
Apple TV headed for major overhaul?
By Jesse Hollington
Applications Editor, iLounge (Google+)
Published: Friday, July 2, 2010
News Category: Apple TV
The New York Times reports that Apple is working on a “major overhaul” of its Apple TV product for accessing iTunes media in the living room. The report cites “several people familiar with Apple’s television-related efforts” indicating that the company is working on a significant software update for the Apple TV which will “offer a completely redesigned interface” for the device. The sources note that it is not clear right now whether Apple is planning to create an entirely new product, but also mentioned that the new software design may be based on Apple’s iOS operating system. There are additional reports that Apple has recently hired several user interface and graphic designers with a background in broadcast design for television and that some of the more advanced work on the next version of the device is not taking place within the Apple TV group but rather within an entirely different design group within the company. Those familiar with the company’s plans noted that Apple executives are aware of the challenges in “the battle for the living room” and that the company must “get it right the next time.” [via Mac Rumors]
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1
Now that the Mac Mini has an HDMI-out, it seems Apple should just offer a cheaper, slimmed-down, iTunes-centric version of that, instead of an all-new aTV.
Posted by Farnsworth on July 2, 2010 at 10:44 AM (PDT)
2
I am a VERY happy Apple TV owner! I am saddened that Apple thinks this is a hobby item, and that more people did not respond to this product. I think it is great and use it religiously! Should Apple turn iTunes and the Apple TV more into a “Netflix instant view” with some kind of subscription… GOODBYE CABLE, and Apple!
Posted by Eric Hofstetter on July 2, 2010 at 10:59 AM (PDT)
3
I would love it if the new Apple TV used the IOS, and thus had the App store as well as iTunes! how great would it be to down load games from the app store and play them on your HDTV! Just use your iPhone, iTouch, or iPad as a remote!
Posted by Brian Denmeade on July 2, 2010 at 12:05 PM (PDT)
4
I completely agree I think the Apple TV is one of the best least heralded products I have. I’m completely happy with it.
Posted by Time2Ride on July 2, 2010 at 12:31 PM (PDT)
5
TV should be SOFTWARE only. That way, you can load an TV software suite, not unlike iLife or iWork, on any Mac you have, or any unused mac you’ve got sitting around.
Oh, wait… there’s iTunes and FrontRow loaded on every current Mac.
Who actually NEEDS TV?
Posted by jeffharris on July 2, 2010 at 5:51 PM (PDT)
6
If Apple wants to win the living room battle, then it only makes sense for them to create a home gaming console. Apple announced the Game Center in June, and the new product in question is taking place with a completely different design team. Why not call it an iPlay?
Posted by Michael W on July 2, 2010 at 8:41 PM (PDT)
7
How many second chances does a “hobby” get? Two years ago, I first realized the Apple TV wasn’t doing well when I was shopping on a large military base exchange in my area. There was an Apple TV display along with some iPods. The shoppers I saw went towards the iPods and ignored the Apple TV. Go figure.
Posted by hoshieBIOTpod in Havelock, NC USA on July 5, 2010 at 3:13 PM (PDT)
8
I hope Apple has now recognized that more and more people cutting the Cable (TV) and turning to the Internet for their television needs. The Apple TV needs to be overhauled to meet this need (while continuing to provide typical “iPod” usage) by natively supporting Flash, Torrents, Boxee, etc. - and bringing enough computing and graphics horsepower to back it up.
Posted by Farnsworth on July 6, 2010 at 8:16 AM (PDT)
9
I’d have to disagree with hoshieBIOTpod regarding AppleTV usage in the military. I’ve been stationed in Japan for over three years now and the military exchanges can’t keep them in stock. For one, it’s a great and fast way to rent HD movies and it’s one of the only services that work here where Hulu and others don’t because of licensing issues. That’s not to say it can’t be drastically improved, but for Americans overseas, it’s incredibly useful as is.
Posted by Craig B on July 6, 2010 at 10:49 PM (PDT)