Apple TV = Meh.

By On September 3, 2010 · 6 Comments · In Apple, Technology

As soon as I heard that there was a forthcoming major revamp of the Apple TV, I had high hopes. I’ve long been frustrated with the lack of innovation and inflated prices over at Time Warner Cable, and the prospects of having an inexpensive box I can plug in to my TV that would allow me to cancel my cable is an alluring idea. This, however, is not what the latest revision of the Apple TV offers.

The rumors were swirling that Apple would be porting the iOS to the Apple TV. Although I suppose this is still something that could happen in the future, it did not manifest for this release. Instead, they chose to just update the software a little bit and write their own programs to support Netflix streaming, YouTube, and Flickr. The addition of Netflix and YouTube are fantastic additions, but what really would have sealed the deal, at least for me, is a third-party App Store. Hulu Plus in particular would elevate the Apple TV from a novelty rental box to a potential competitor to the cable and satellite oligopolies that currently dominate your television. The possibilities don’t stop there, though. Pay channels such as HBO and Showtime could easily release an App tied to a subscriptions service. Depending on the versatility of the included remote, it could even become a gaming system. As Apple has learned from its other iOS devices, the possibilities are quite literally endless when you open up development to third-party developers.

Instead, Apple released a smaller black box that basically does the same thing it did before, but now you rent instead of buy. Coming from a company that is known for innovation, the Apple TV is a pathetic shadow of its true potential.

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  • http://www.180mma.com/ MMA training

    I agree, I think Apple is just trying to cash in on the streaming video hardware market without offering a truly innovative product. The thing is they definitely will due to the strength, loyalty and presence of the Apple brand name.

  • http://www.primakow.net/ Evan

    Yeah, but I just wish they’d take it to the next level.

  • http://laptopshade.net/ Laptop Shade

    As usual, the users in Europe are waaay behind in their priority. I have an old AppleTV and it’s only useful when, well, hacked with custom software. I guess we’ll be forced to do the same with this.

  • http://www.primakow.net/ Evan

    Sadly, that appears to be the case. It seems like the best option for a media center is still to set up a Mac Mini.

  • http://ipadhelp.com Phil

    I’m a little disappointed that iOS is not included on the newApple TVbut I expect it will be added in the future. I have pre-order one but if I don’t like it, I might go with Mac Mini also.

  • http://reviewsbydon.com Consumers Review

    Wow! Apple TV? amazing and really great hope it will be launch as soon as possible. I can’t imagine and I think apple can has the capability to have this product. Thanks for this Consumers Review.