PC magazine believes Apple will abandon the ATV

[dmm219]

1)

2) Apple is doing so well with Itunes, Music, Movies, Tv shows, applications, they cannot just give up in the living room, no way.

I don't think anyone is claiming Apple will give up on iTunes. But this doesn't mean they haven't given up on ATV. Its very possible that they have concluded the ATV to be fatally flawed (jobs himself has admitted the original strategy was flawed)...in which case, they may be developing something entirely new and different.

I'm betting on this one...they will use ATV as a bridge until they get whatever new idea they have up their sleeve out the door...

 

[cantthinkofone]

with ATV you can purchase movies (or TV shows) and rent, can you do that with PS3 and XBOX 360? I thought you couldn't....

You can buy and rent movies and tv shows from the xbox live marketplace. Only you use M$ points. Renting a movie coast 400 points i think. You can buy 1600 points for $20. So your looking at about $5 to rent a movie. I forget the exact points are to rent and buy but it's close to what the itunes store charges.

They have BBC, Discovery, MTV, Comedy Central and a few others and various shows from each channel.

But they don't have near the library to choose from that the itunes store does.

I think itunes should get a copy of Netflix's library...I would move to itunes then.

 

[kiranmk2]

They won't abandon the concept - lots of other firms are launching streaming boxes (in fact, in the UK, we're being bombarded with TV Adverts from a computer retailer trying to sell us streamers) so it's clearly a growth industry and net bandwidth has increased since the AppleTV was launched. I guess Apple is firming up a replacement but may be waiting for all the elements to be in place - it may be a home server is being planned, it may be waiting for Snow Leopard to be released or it may be working out whether the current generation of units will be soft-upgraded too. At some point Apple has to realise that people have amassed group collections of media and want a collective store rather than an individual store (and this applies to iphoto too). The thing with living room boxes is people are used to buying a player and keeping it for many years until the next standard arrives - buying a new one every 18-months-2 years as you do with iphones/computers won't stick so any new model will probably need a user replaceable hard drive (and the OS on a smal SSD).
We'll see something in September.

 

[neiltc13]

You can buy and rent movies and tv shows from the xbox live marketplace. Only you use M$ points. Renting a movie coast 400 points i think. You can buy 1600 points for $20. So your looking at about $5 to rent a movie. I forget the exact points are to rent and buy but it's close to what the itunes store charges.

They have BBC, Discovery, MTV, Comedy Central and a few others and various shows from each channel.

But they don't have near the library to choose from that the itunes store does.

I think itunes should get a copy of Netflix's library...I would move to itunes then.

In the USA there is a huge amount of content on the Xbox Live Marketplace.

TV Shows: http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/videos/catalog.aspx?d=2
Movies: http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/videos/catalog.aspx?d=1

I don't think Sony's library is as big, but Microsoft's is certainly not far off iTunes.

 

[dmm219]

In the USA there is a huge amount of content on the Xbox Live Marketplace.

TV Shows: http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/videos/catalog.aspx?d=2
Movies: http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/videos/catalog.aspx?d=1

I don't think Sony's library is as big, but Microsoft's is certainly not far off iTunes.

my 360 is coming in the mail soon. I'm looking forward to comparing and contrasting it with ATV. I'm a little miffed however, at 2 things: 1. the whole lack of wifi and forcing a $100 dongle to have wifi (thats almost a THIRD of the price of the whole freaking console!!!!). 2. The forcing of Gold membership for access to Netflix, software wise, there is NO reason for this, other than to rip people off for more money...

So figuring a $50 a year sub to xbox life, plus $10 a month cheapest netflix...having netflix ondemand will cost me $180 a year. That's getting a bit excessive. Roku would be cheaper...

...anyway...looking forward to seeing their library and downloading some Banjo Kazooie and Monkey Island!!!

 

[EmperorDarius]

PC Magazine is one of the most stupid Magazines out there - and no, it's not just because of this article, but because of its series of stupid articles and reviews.

 

[Revelation78]

I and many other folks were hoping for a mention of an ATV App Store at WWDC. This would have been the event to unveil it. With no mention, looks like it's not in the cards this round.

As far as the article goes, I think it was pretty much crap.

I disagree! I'm positive there will be an app store for the AppleTV; if they released info on an AppleTV app store at WWDC they would have had to release the new AppleTV. I think this time around Apple will announce the new AppleTV and the app store; at the 2010 WWDC the AppleTV app store will be integrated into the developers conference.

The other idea is release updated hardware this year and announce an app store for AppleTV at WWDC 10.

Also, who cares if you can use one of Apple's overpriced and underperforming routers to "wake" your computer to play the content? The fact that you need the computer on in the first place is a massive failing of the device.

On my PS3 I can connect any USB drive or insert a data DVD or CD and play (and copy) content from that. Why doesn't Apple TV do this?

You realize the AppleTV also has an internal hard drive so you don't have to stream content from a computer if you don't want to.

 

[neiltc13]

You realize the AppleTV also has an internal hard drive so you don't have to stream content from a computer if you don't want to.

Yep, but the problem is that you cannot control what is stored on your Apple TV without using a computer. If I want something copied from my computer to my PS3, I simply choose the "copy" function and it does it.

 

[dmm219]

Yep, but the problem is that you cannot control what is stored on your Apple TV without using a computer. If I want something copied from my computer to my PS3, I simply choose the "copy" function and it does it.

? this makes no sense. The ATV will easily copy files from your computer to your ATV with a sync (either manual or automatic).

Now, if what you are TRYING to say is that ATV won't play as many TYPES of files...you are absolutely correct. First you complain about using a computer with ATV, then defend your point by saying you can copy files over from a computer to your PS3.

Or...are you really trying to say that you can select and copy specific files, from your PC (if you PC is on a running and online), and copy them to your PS3 FROM the PS3? If that's the case, I really don't see why you think that would be super useful. Thats a feature I would surely never use if I had it...just stream everything, and have everything on tap on your ATV, or sync everything...

 

[macJC50640]

TV is a core product for Apple, as we move away from disks and physical hardware and to downloading movies and music off of iTunes and transfer them wherever we want. This, I believe, is why there is no BluRay on Macs -- Apple wants us to move forward instead of getting stuck in this little phase and of course they also want us to use their iTunes software. I think that within a time scale of 2-3 years, we will have moved over from physical disks to software downloads for all of our media interests.

 

[talkingfuture]

I'm surprised that now Apple sell more laptops than desktops they haven't promoted the idea of plugging you laptop into the TV and running front row. Not as good as TV but cheaper and easier for most people to leverage iTunes content. Maybe they could make a cable with mini display to HDMI conversion and a magsafe plug. Plug it into the mains, the TV and the laptop and boom.

 

[VirtualRain]

I'd be very surprised if a new TV appliance device is not in the works that would basically be a like an iPhone (not in form factor but in capability) that uses your TV for a screen, and bluetooth wireless controllers with touch pads for user interaction.

They must capitalize on the success of their music business and app store... bringing this to the living room for entertainment, gaming, and productivity.

 

[Vagrant Pistol]

? this makes no sense. The ATV will easily copy files from your computer to your ATV with a sync (either manual or automatic).

Now, if what you are TRYING to say is that ATV won't play as many TYPES of files...you are absolutely correct. First you complain about using a computer with ATV, then defend your point by saying you can copy files over from a computer to your PS3.

...just stream everything, and have everything on tap on your ATV, or sync everything...

..and if it can't play all types of files... Convert it! There's way too many types of software to use for this lazy fix. I understand the convenience of being able to play all types of files on the fly, but that's a petty excuse. I do love my ATV, But one thing for sure, they do need a new revised model. I've been waiting patiently for one. Interface could use a lift even though the update today is quite nice.

 

[arnette]

Apple TV won't go anywhere further until Apple has subscription-based TV show rentals.

I have a PS3 and use the movie rental function alot. It's pretty good but I don't think it has 802.11n - I'm running it on 'g' and I can't stream very well. I'm sure that's my setup though.

Anyway, I'd love to ditch DishTV and 'subscribe' to iTunes rentals one day.

 

[munkees]

.
3) Having my iphone and several appletvs throughout the house synced to one itunes library on my imac is amazing, and I hope that apple continues to update the Appletv, please Apple!

I just purchased another 2 Apple TVs, that now make 3, I got the 160GB for the kids TV. I really like the Apple TV, but I wish it could have apps like the iPhone, that would make it a great platform for games and other apps, very useful, I could see this happening in the future, along with 1080p, with iTunes selling/renting HD in 1080p.

I ditched my Cable, it cheaper to buy shows and 2 more apple TVs a year, I stop watch TV last year, now I can just buy the kids shows.

 

[Michael CM1]

Take a Mac Mini, strip down some of the internal components, throw in an Atom processor, drop in Blu-ray, use something closer to iTunes than Front Row, create a non-S*(@ty remote and you've got a winner. It would need the ability for expansion like a computer, especially if you can add a Netflix streaming and Hulu streaming app to it. Apple just has to realize that most people (and most of its customers) are NOT going to give up optical media. Samsung and LG have coddled a little bit with Netflix, whose streaming is a definite competitor, to combine the best of both worlds. Apple just needs to do that.

 

[gotzero]

It seems to me that the last year has resulted in many many more HDTVs ending up in the homes of non-AV-nuts, who are far more likely to buy something like the ATV.

I ended up getting one, and the first thing I did was hack it, but I do find it to be a useful and worthwhile device. I have most of my DVD's ripped/compressed on my home system, and I (and just as importantly the GF) can quickly and easily access them. I think it is a great device, just possibly a little ahead of the curve. I have a mini hooked up to the same panel, and I would not even think of getting rid of the ATV.

I only occasionally buy a movie on it, because the selection is sub-par, and I can get a Blu-Ray from Blockbuster for the same price. There are times where it is not convenient to leave the house, and those are most of the purchasing times. I ended up using it much less than I thought I would for streaming my music library, mostly because I have speakers directly connected to the computer that work just fine.

I bet that it is more likely to be updated than abandoned, but before Apple worries about 1080p, they need to worry about selection...

 

[Vanilla]

Does anyone really use their ATV simply for music? That comment seems bizarre.

In my household we have all our childrens dvd's and a growing selection of mine and my wifes own dvd collection converted so that we can watch them easily on our laptops, iPod touch, iPhones and ATV. We also love the TED podcast and often browse around various youtube videos with the kids. In addition, on occasion we have been known to purchase and also rent the odd film from iTunes. Finally we also use the ATV to browse through our photo collection.

It's seamless, it works well and its reliable. I honestly don't understand the negativity here, it's a great bit of kit.

Vanilla

 

[VirtualRain]

I don't see any reason why Apple can't own this space the same way they took over the portable music world.

The current HTPC experience is not unlike the early days of MP3's and Napster... downloading music via p2p and then shoe-horning it to playback they way you wanted (on a CD, portable, or PC)... the whole scene was a dog's breakfast... just like today's digital home theater. Sure, people have HDTV's, but there's literally a hundred different ways to acquire, format, playback, and catalog content that are all over the place.

Someone, needs to come in and clean this mess up and bring some order to the chaos. I hope Apple can do it.

 

[munkees]

I bet that it is more likely to be updated than abandoned, but before Apple worries about 1080p, they need to worry about selection...

They is still a lot of content on available, I hope apple can get some of these other studios onboard. as for 1080p it will come, I guessing a new Apple TV will be available soon seeing 1080P is much more common than when ATV first arrived. This would also include the need for the HD content from itunes store to be 1080p as well. it will happen, just a question of when.

The Apple TV has lots of potential.

 

[iVeBeenDrinkin']

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2348430,00.asp

Now, I don't agree at all with this guy when it comes to his analysis of the set top box industry, he obviously doesn't have his facts straight (ie, his 360 netflix comment is about a year late). AND its...PC mag.com...

However, I do agree, that if we don't here something about the ATV by september...it is pretty much history. That's not to say that they don't have some total new device that will leverage iTunes on the TV (like a new media center)...but the ATV, in its current incarnation, that we all own and use today, is about to die completely. If there is an update...it will require all new hardware we will all have to buy. I doubt there will be an ATV 3.0 that would be useful on current ATVs at this point.

That being said, I'm still totally happy with my ATV...The idea and execution were great, the advertising and price point were awful...that probably killed it.

There already is a better ATV, it's called the Mac mini

 

[dogtanian]

He's right - both PS3 (and to a lesser extent) Xbox 360 are miles ahead of Apple TV in getting content to you at a good price.

My PS3 is the main device I use to get my content to my TV. It plays back all of the formats that Apple TV does and also does DivX and it's a pretty good gaming system too. But more importantly to me, I bought the PlayTV add on for it and it is now basically what you Americans would call Tivo, except there are no monthly charges. I can watch, record, pause and rewind Live TV all from the same device I use to watch my downloaded videos and play my games. It plays Blu Ray discs and DVDs as well, so I don't need a separate player for those.

Sony also today just launched Vidzone, a free service which lets PS3 owners access a library of music videos in full. No fees to watch - just choose one and view it for free. It's £1.29 per video on Apple TV.

Xbox 360 is also looking very promising. Netflix seems to bet a great service for those who live in the right countries. They also recently did a deal with Sky (the UK satellite broadcaster owned by the same company as Fox and DirecTV) to have Live TV plus a library of on demand movies and TV shows right on the console.

Unless Apple is able to match these features I can't see them going anywhere with Apple TV.

I am an Apple TV user and think it functions well if not perfect for what I need... but unfortunately I agree with you and would say that for most, it fails on many fronts.

1) People can't be bothered to re-encode videos into whatever format is required. The layman (or woman!) just wants it to work which kind of goes against Apple's mantra somewhat

2) Price is too expensive for what you get lets be honest. I am only speaking for the UK but I would suggest a price drop is required to get this mainstream. If they make profit from subsidising the iPhone with O2, why not subsidise the Apple TV for use with the store?

3) BBC iPlayer? Sky TV? Apps? Channel 4 OD? Hulu? Netflix? LOVEfilm? any other possible software that would make the device a deal breaker is missing. Apple is either stubborn, just don't care or have their hands tied with the studio's.

Everyone goes on about 1080p but I think for the average Joe Bloggs it is not the most important point. I stongly belie my first three points would be the catalyst for a massive uptake in demand.

If anyones wondering I have a PS3 too and love it for viewing pictures using the memory card reader. I just wish the Apple TV would mimic some of the hardware so it would be a viable replacement.

Does anyone really use their ATV simply for music? That comment seems bizarre.

Not entirely, but primarily. I love using it for parties with people choosing their songs but Apple's idea of a visualiser is the art work spinning around... whoo... /Sarcasm

PS3 audio playback and the views of earth in HD is stunning and ten times better. Now everything is iTunes plus I can stick it on an SD card and use my PS3 instead.

 

[Shivetya]

3. Apple TV's sales were up 300 percent in Q1 '09 over Q1 '08 without a price drop or major software upgrade.

.

do they break out the sales of Apple TV now? If so then I am more willing to believe real numbers than those extracted from some nebulous grouping of products

 

[jaw04005]

do they break out the sales of Apple TV now? If so then I am more willing to believe real numbers than those extracted from some nebulous grouping of products

They do when they have something to brag about. Those are direct numbers from Tim Cook at their Q1 '09 earnings call.

http://www.appleinsider.com/article...s_rise_300_will_see_continued_investment.html