Apple TV To Be Revamped

An anonymous reader writes: This Wednesday, Apple is hosting an event in San Francisco to announce updated versions of some of its products. One device getting a lot of the attention will be the Apple TV, which has languished for several years without significant changes. Apple is making a renewed push for the living room. The company has expanded its partnerships with TV studios over the past few years, launched its own streaming music service, and also made inroads on gaming. The new Apple TV will try to do all these things, including support for apps. It will also reportedly feature universal search: "Essentially, you'll be able to search for a show or movie once, and see results from all sorts of different sources." A side effect of this ambitious goal is that the device will more than double in cost, going from $70 to $150.

Comments

Unversal search

[whoever57]

The new Apple TV will try to do all these things, including support for apps ...."Essentially, you'll be able to search for a show or movie once, and see results from all sorts of different sources."

You mean like owners of Roku and Tivo boxes have been able to do months/years?

A side effect of this ambitious goal is that the device will more than double in cost, going from $70 to $150.

Apple is trying to reproduce its success from the cellphone market in the set top box. Bring out features that were already available on competing platforms and charge a premium for them. Obviously, the reason for Apple TV's lack of success is that its price was too low.
<Just waiting for the Apple fanboys to mod me down!>

Re:Unversal search

[MouseR]

Hum. Apple TV has existed for years. They just never marketed it.

This new one is just a a 3rd gen.

It's always been an internet device. And it can access content off your networked Macs. I use RipIt to rip my DVDs into iTunes for access off all my devices (iOS, Apple TV & other Macs).

The Apple TV is simply a purpose- specialized screen-less iPhone, essentially.

Re:Unversal search

[thechink]

Why? Because it's all about integration with the Apple eco-system. The current Apple TV is a useful companion device to the iPhone, iPad and Mac and the new one will add to that. If you're not invested in their eco-system then buying would not be useful to you.

app store

[Kohath]

The App Store on the Apple TV should be just as revolutionary as it was on the iPhone 3 when it came out. Instead of making a deal with Apple or Comcast or Roku to get your content on TV, you'll just write an app. This should open up TV to a whole new universe of niche providers and accelerate the trend of shrinking audiences for cable and broadcast shows.

I'm looking forward to all the new choices.

Re:app store

[SuperKendall]

People on Slashdot seem dismissive (as usual) but I also am pretty excited about what third party apps mean for the TV space. I think it could be really exciting, and it's pretty easy for anyone to have a go at it if they like.

First in line

[Anonymous Coward]

I'm first in line if they come out with some new version. I love my current one, but will buy the latest and greatest apple product anytime!

Re:Apple TV

[reboot246]

I have a laptop and a TV. I watch content on the TV because it's BIGGER and has better sound. I read slashdot on the laptop because the TV doesn't have a keyboard or browser. Sure, I could use the TV as a monitor, but then I wouldn't be able to watch TV!

Right now I'm watching a college football game. Who in their right mind would choose to watch something like that on a tiny laptop screen when there's a huge TV right here in the living room?

They are two separate tools. Each can do something the other one can't do.