I agree that apps on the Apple TV are a good thing. That said, and perhaps it's simply my lack of imagination, but what kind of apps do you see developers creating that people will want to use on the TV? Games are obvious, but the new Apple TV is a pretty weak console, so I don't think we'll see anything particularly compelling or "must have" in the game arena. Media players are obvious too. Plex, VLC, etc. But beyond that? What do you want do on your TV via apps? I'm curious.
Great question. Obviously, games is a big one and I do think the box is strong enough to serve up some good games. I do believe it's more powerful than many of the game systems from 5-7 years ago and they could do a lot. Obviously that won't appease the hardcore gamer, but plenty of power for games like Mario Party (as an example).
Anyway, in my head, the key will be Continuity. Making so the AppleTV can be my hub for everything electronic... music, video, games, phone calling, video calls, Web surfing, email, chatting, home kit, etc... Expand the box with accessories and functions that all me to seamlessly and instantly use the AppleTV for all of these things.
Obviously, many of these things are not possible with this version, but in my mind, this is where it needs to go. The devil is in the details too. It has to be easy and customers need to be able to customize the experience to streamline their interface to meet their needs... this is one area Apple needs to improve on IMHO. Take the current AppleTV interface, I would love to remove about 90% of the channel apps on the screen. Define what's on my own home screen etc... Obviously, something that's been weak with iOS... probably the weakest point in iOS.
So... there's my thoughts... obviously, if I could come up with a killer idea, I'd be making it. I do think in the long run, integration of entertainment and communications into the TV is the next area of advancement with consumers.
