well, i hope they think a little about their G4 cube or newton next time trying to expand their business.
why not think of the iPod instead?
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Patent: Apple Media Hub?
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why not think of the iPod instead?
Replace "Mac Mini" with "Xbox 360" and "OS X" with "Windows Vista" and you can see why Apple is trying to patent something like this. It's not that it is really innovative, but it adds to their side of the patent arms race between Apple and Microsoft.
Actually, "multimedia" is too limiting.
There is no limit now to operating and controlling digital devices from any number of "places" & "devices".
The name iPhone, in my lowly estimation, is a misnomer. Compared to every "phone" and "cell phone" I have owned in decades past, the "iPhone" is anything BUT a phone. The phone function is a trivial part of what the device can do.
I can see that Apple is merely putting "convergence" to work, and continually refining on the user interfaces so it is easily possible for an average person to access functions on a wide range of equipment without reading those danged 500+ page manuals that come to explain things like "Windows XP Unveiled".
Arstechnica explores a recent Apple patent entitled "Multi-media center for computing systems". In the patent, Apple describes a system involving a central multimedia hub which can use various external "modules". These modules would be controlled by a centralized user interface on the hub itself.
The modules could be any sort of media device - such as an iPod, DVD player, or HD DVD player. The central multimedia hub would coordinate and consolidate all the devices under one user interface.
Other reports on this same patent speculate that Apple may be thinking of using the iPhone as a remote control for this sort of media hub.
Just a minor comment, but I doubt Apple would help support an HD-DVD player when they have announced that they will embrace the Blue-Ray DVD format.
Think of it in the other direction. It won't be Apple supporting the HD-DVD player, but the HD-DVD player supporting the Front Row interface standard.
Look at the diagram again, specifically the box "User Interface Library". Apple will define those. 3rd party manufacturers will have to pull from that library and put it into their own devices.
I agree that this is some sort of "ultimate form" oftv. Face it,
You do know you can use your own files with the
TV? That's actually the only way (for people in countries other than the USA) we can use the TV for TV shows and movies. I sure didn't buy one to play music and watch photos and podcasts on my TV. Media distribution didn't move from optical to flash (that would be even worst as far as costs and environmental issues go), it moved from optical media to direct downloads. And Apple is already there with the iTunes Store.
As for the quality of what is offered on the iTunes Store, it's not really a problem. They can increase the quality if they want and even offer free upgrades to people who already bought something (just like they did before).
Where is the Toaster attachment?
I have a burning need to run OS X on my toaster, or at the least, have it properly run by OSX, with a suitable GUI interface and browning control.
It should fit in quite easily with the interfaces and attachments in this patent description.
I have a burning need to run OS X on my toaster, or at the least, have it properly run by OSX, with a suitable GUI interface and browning control.
It should fit in quite easily with the interfaces and attachments in this patent description.
Too speculative at this time. Can't vote eitherway yet.
The patent has potential but we need to see what it develops into. PVR capabilites would be a positive, however using the phone as a controller in a sea of controllers is not attractive to me. Apple already has a controller that works in the Apple TV and Front Row, so why do we need another?
The capability to join multiple inputs and outputs woud be important, specially if you can add the devices you already purchased like DVD player, Cable TV box tunner, or eye TV tunner.
Both interesting and a snoozer depending on how you look at it.
The patent has potential but we need to see what it develops into. PVR capabilites would be a positive, however using the phone as a controller in a sea of controllers is not attractive to me. Apple already has a controller that works in the Apple TV and Front Row, so why do we need another?
The capability to join multiple inputs and outputs woud be important, specially if you can add the devices you already purchased like DVD player, Cable TV box tunner, or eye TV tunner.
Both interesting and a snoozer depending on how you look at it.
Let me know when it has a brain tap like in the Matrix, the brain is the ultimate controller, the ultimate input device, the ultimate video and sound mixer, and the ultimate output device. See, smell, hear and feel your data (or anything else you prefer, LOL).
We're already seeing the very beginnings of this. Think of the stackable form factors of the Mac mini,
Remember that you can use the Apple TV as a frying Pan and that Apple prefers you put nothing on top as to prevent interference with the wireless. So you can stack it on top of other devices and maybe add something extra below to ensure good air circulation.
Like the idea
This seems to be the direction the AppleTV is going to take. The take away point is that no matter what way you want to consume media, AppleTV will be a part of your setup.
It also means that Apple could add to the AppleTV device a PVR or HD-DVD/Blu-Ray player. Just stack them up.
This seems to be the direction the AppleTV is going to take. The take away point is that no matter what way you want to consume media, AppleTV will be a part of your setup.
It also means that Apple could add to the AppleTV device a PVR or HD-DVD/Blu-Ray player. Just stack them up.
Sorry, this one runs NetBSD, but I'm sure the OS X version can't be too far behind.
Attachments
Macrumors;3553306 [url="http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/15/patent-app-hints-at-iphone-controlling-mac-itunes/" said:
I read the multi-touch capabilities, not necessarily buy an iPhone to be a remote.
I don't think this is so much a new product as it is patenting the evolution of the
What they are patenting is the entire system and how it is all going to integrate and be operable from a single interface. You're going to be able to operate anything through front row. The iPods and iPhones are your floating peripherals. Your
Now, here are some scenarios that I can think of off the top of my head. Whenever an iPod or iPhone is within range of something running front row, it will show up as a source. Pipe music to your home theatre setup or take a video call on your iPhone and have it show up on your big screen. Download music from itms on your wireless iPod on the bus/train, come home and sync it to your
But here's also what I think they will be doing based on this patent. They've already shown the ability to put pressure on other manufacturers to accept iPod integration. Now think of
They're not patenting a single new device, they're patenting the whole system. Peripherals to displays to storage to input devices. Apple is all about the end to end model.
Very well stated ironring.
It's about time somebody did this, and who better than Apple.
Anyone who's used a programmable universal remote, like the Harmony 880, knows that it's a nice way to integrate all of your components, but still leaves you feeling that you're wrestling a bunch of non-integrated, non-communicating pieces to work together. With HARDWARE and slick SOFTWARE sitting between all of your components, you can ensure that everything 'talks' together in just the right way and presents a common interface that anyone can use.
I seem to recall Apple patenting something about wireless communication between home theater equipment as well. Seems to me what Apple is targeting is for a new set of HD-DVD players, Blu-Ray players, Satellite/Cable boxes etc. to include a new 802.11n wireless standard for sending video/control/communications to one-another. Instead of the Microsoft approach (building a big PC with everything in it to sit next to your TV), Apple proposes a solution where you can still have a modular system, but everything communicates seamlessly through AppleTV.
Anyone who's used a programmable universal remote, like the Harmony 880, knows that it's a nice way to integrate all of your components, but still leaves you feeling that you're wrestling a bunch of non-integrated, non-communicating pieces to work together. With HARDWARE and slick SOFTWARE sitting between all of your components, you can ensure that everything 'talks' together in just the right way and presents a common interface that anyone can use.
I seem to recall Apple patenting something about wireless communication between home theater equipment as well. Seems to me what Apple is targeting is for a new set of HD-DVD players, Blu-Ray players, Satellite/Cable boxes etc. to include a new 802.11n wireless standard for sending video/control/communications to one-another. Instead of the Microsoft approach (building a big PC with everything in it to sit next to your TV), Apple proposes a solution where you can still have a modular system, but everything communicates seamlessly through AppleTV.
Also, one thing Apple does better than any of the other kids on the block is to make cool, intuitive products that work out of the box. Apple wants to develop a component-based living room strategy that does not require a degree in electrical engineering to set up, and this looks like a step in that direction.
There are applications for this sort of technology that go far beyond
tv:* buy a song/movie/etc. from your Apple phone, add it to a playlist, and it's there waiting for you when you get home.
* check the thermostat and adjust the lighting at home from your office computer.
* a front-door cam pops up on your TV when someone rings the doorbell.
Apple doesn't control each of these individual pieces but provides a platform to make it all work seamlessly.
I would love for this to happen. I have been wanting to get a phone that's compatible with Salling Clicker for a really long time so I could use my phone as a remote (unfortunately, barely any Sprint phones are compatible)... but I am switching to the iPhone in June, so this would be perfect!
I don't think apple will take it far enough.
What I would like to see is a spec which specifies how a device can present itself to a module network and provide to the controller of that module network an api definition so the module network controller can manage it and present it's options on it's gui.
Imagine you buy a brand A DVR, a brand B phone, and a brand C toaster which have implemented the spec.
You plug these devices into the module network controller (apple's hub in this case) and via the spec, OSX can recognize what that device is, and by reading it's api via the spec, could manage that device, and present it's interface on the gui. Want to record a show? open up the multimedia center, select your DVR, and set it. Want to make some toast? open up the multimedia center, select the toaster, and make your toast!
What I would like to see is a spec which specifies how a device can present itself to a module network and provide to the controller of that module network an api definition so the module network controller can manage it and present it's options on it's gui.
Imagine you buy a brand A DVR, a brand B phone, and a brand C toaster which have implemented the spec.
You plug these devices into the module network controller (apple's hub in this case) and via the spec, OSX can recognize what that device is, and by reading it's api via the spec, could manage that device, and present it's interface on the gui. Want to record a show? open up the multimedia center, select your DVR, and set it. Want to make some toast? open up the multimedia center, select the toaster, and make your toast!
I wouldn't mind using my iphone to say turn on my media enviroment before I walked in the door, so I didn't miss a minute of the baseball game or something. But I certainly don't want my $400 iphone to be my ONLY remote. Too much use and potential for damage/loss.
I don't see this as that mind blowing. I think this is the stage we're heading with our media. We want it centrally located and easy to access.
I don't see this as that mind blowing. I think this is the stage we're heading with our media. We want it centrally located and easy to access.
I dunno about the iphone. But the upcoming wifi/touchscreen ipods would be pretty awesome. ever since the apple tv/game console thread I've been so into the possibility of the multi-touch game controller/remote.
what did steve jobs say was the problem with all the media center remotes when apple released their front row? that they had all those buttons, that they were confusing.
what is the major advantage of the touch screen display? it only displays buttons you need.
what did steve jobs say was the problem with all the media center remotes when apple released their front row? that they had all those buttons, that they were confusing.
what is the major advantage of the touch screen display? it only displays buttons you need.
New TVs with tuners/dvr/dvd or super-multiblu drives, faster processor, more memory, runs all your Mac OS X games!
TVs with tuners/dvr/dvd or super-multiblu drives, faster processor, more memory, runs all your Mac OS X games!
Agreed, this would be the real Apple TV!! An actual TV, but not LCD, make it plasma, plamsa has waaaaaaaaaay better picture quality, viewing angle and deeper black levels. Or possible OLED, now that's dreaming.
An all-in-one TV that has wireless capabilities to connect to anything from a PC or Mac to a lappy, iPhone or 6G iPod. Put some huge storage inside, a slod load standard DVD player, make it slim and slick and I'll have my money waiting. I would want this product even more than an iPhone. Then Apple could add an iTunes iPTV subscirption service and finally I would have just one remote on my coffee table!!!
That diagram to me suggests that the modules are "software" modules - hence the link to the User Interface Library.
Basically this patent describes a minor superset of the Apple TV running BackRow as the interface with the BackRow plugins being the modules.
I'm sure it covers modules that are a combination of software and hardware though. Once the Apple TV has evolved to handle HD formats fully (i.e., BluRay 40mbps decoding, not 720p 5mbps decoding) then I can see the possibility of adding a BluRay drive in a similar style to the Apple TV 'stack', or a DTV box, or cablecard box. Like HiFi separates. Maybe someone will release an Apple TV styled surround amplifier/receiver...
Basically this patent describes a minor superset of the Apple TV running BackRow as the interface with the BackRow plugins being the modules.
I'm sure it covers modules that are a combination of software and hardware though. Once the Apple TV has evolved to handle HD formats fully (i.e., BluRay 40mbps decoding, not 720p 5mbps decoding) then I can see the possibility of adding a BluRay drive in a similar style to the Apple TV 'stack', or a DTV box, or cablecard box. Like HiFi separates. Maybe someone will release an Apple TV styled surround amplifier/receiver...