The Next Apple TV May Cost $99 and Not Suck
Now this is interesting. Hey, remember Apple TV? No, I don’t blame you. Man, Apple TV sucked so hard. Apparently, though, that won’t be the case forever – sources of Engadget have whispered some sweet nothings about the next iteration of Apple’s crappiest product (presently), and it’s sounding pretty erotic from where I’m sitting. Like, I’m thinking of inviting this thing back to my place for some drinks. The main point is that for all intents and purposes, Apple TV II will be a screenless iPhone 4, with identical hardware, save for 1080p capability. It’ll even be running the iPhone OS. For a TV experience, that’s actually a pretty swell idea. Local storage will be all but done away with in favour of The Cloud. I always say that in my head in a really epic, commanding voice. The Clooouuud . Anyway, Time Capsule compatibility will be supported, but not the focus, which will be absolutely on streaming. This, then, brings up a good question: if I want the web on my TV, Apple, I definitely want YouTube. But you don’t support Flash. What else you got? A $99 dollar price tag, that’s what. With a price like that, and assuming App Store support, what with the iPhone platform, this may revolutionize not only television, but Apple may finally be able to become more than a joke in the gaming industry. Apple TV 2 may just be the best GoogleTV killer you’ve never officially heard about. [Via PCWorld, Engadget]
If you can install boxee on this device then that will save me 100 dollars on the 200 dollar boxee box.
As the previous commenter just mentioned, YouTube and Vimeo are both introducing support HTML5 and H.264. I fail to see how your only evident “good question” is actually a relevant question. Technically speaking, all of the criticisms levelled towards the iPhone and iPad are generally applicable to the Apple TV, assuming the information you’ve been given from your sources is correct.
The main question I have is this: How will the interface is going to be implemented without the use of a touchscreen?
Youtube provides HTML5 support for video playback. Doesn’t Safari support HTML5 too? So Youtube problem will eventually be solved… I believe Vimeo, Break.com, all have HTML5 versions available, albeit in beta mode. So, this won’t be a problem for long…