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Ubuntu TV: Coming Soon To a Living Room Near You (Video)
Apple TV is a little device you hook to your television. Ubuntu TV (motto: "TV for human beings") is going to be inside your TV, says Peter Goodall, Canonical's Product Manage for Ubuntu TV. At CES, he described Ubuntu TV to Timothy Lord in detail. Join them via Slashdot Video to see what's up with this Ubuntu venture, which has lots of competition; "Smart TV" was a major CES catchphrase this year.
Exactly. There is no money to be made on it after the sale of the TV for the manufacturer, and therefore no incentive to maintain / upgrade the service; or even fix it if it's broken. This is not a good business model for the consumer.
Rather like Android phones. That's why they don't get much in the way of updates from the manufacturer. And I suppose, also like Android phones, geeks will be able to get around that because it's Ubuntu underneath, and they can get community created builds.
Meanwhile, consumers that would prefer to get official software updates from the manufacturer will be better getting a "Smart TV" from Apple (once they release one). Just like they're better off with an iPhone. Apple does see the value in doing software updates for old models, for as long as the old model has the power to run the new software OK. Their incentive is maintaining the good will of their customers.