Why Doesn't Apple Make an iOS-based Server to Hold All iTunes Media-

HobeSoundDarryl said:

You can already tell iTunes to store it's actual media anywhere (internally or externally). So you could have iTunes detect the presence of this concept as a new device in the home and offer to transfer the whole library to it. After that, it simply accesses media from it transparently.

We can do what the OP is asking for now for the most part. We can buy external or network storage and store our media on it. We can have iTunes look to that external storage for it's media.

What the OP is actually looking for though is- essentially- a "cut the cord" dependency on some computer running iTunes separately from this central store. Instead, this device would be the media hub (all computers could be turned off) and devices like TV could see it and access the media directly. There's many benefits to this idea and it's been dreamed about for a very long time. Why Apple won't develop it is a mystery. I agree in thinking it would sell well.

To get close to it now involves buying some big storage and a dedicated computer that can run iTunes. Store them wherever this dream device might be stored and let them be the central hub for all household media. TV's can connect to that. Computers and iDevices around the house can connect to that too. It's not as "pretty" as what an Apple device would likely be but it would cover most of this base.

Relative to just TV itself, the first generation had some local storage. With a hack, external storage up to at least 2TB could be attached so that large collections of media could be stored on board. For the TV experience (all computers off), this was close to the target desired here. Each TV since has included a USB port which could have at least offered the OPTION of individuals attaching local storage of whatever size they desire and storing on-demand media there for their TV but Apple doesn't seem to want to include that option. While not as good as what is being dreamed up in this (and many prior) threads, that 1st gen utility lost in subsequent generations was very nice for TV users.

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priitv8 said:

That should simply be a configurable feature of any TimeCapsule.

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boomhower said:

It's $600 and not designed for the purpose. This doesn't need a powerful CPU and graphics. While the mini is very power conservative it uses more than a NAS would.

What this needs is a NAS designed case that will accept ~4 HD's. A couple thunderbolt ports to add more. No monitor should be needed. All configuration is done via an app or via a browser on your network.

Essentially Windows Home Server done right by Apple. WHS actually did pretty darn well until Microsoft nerfed the best features of it with the rebuild.

I really believe there is a decent sized market for this. The key is making it at the right price and marketing well. One thing that Apple does better than anyone else is making the whole ecosystem work together.

Regardless I don't think it'll happen as Apple would rather you just buy eveything from iTunes.

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carr1on said:

I really think that IOS 7 is going to meet the requirements of a lot of people. Simply carry your MacBook Air into the room with an ATV-attached TV, and attach the TV as a second monitor. Once you've done that, you can use your favorite movie player to watch any movie you want.

I know that some players are AirPlay enabled today, which is cool. But once IOS 7 comes out, all apps will be able to be displayed on your TV.

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