Apple TV to serve as casual games console?
Some interesting query strings were unearthed with the release of of iTunes 7.1 on Monday suggesting that casual iTune gamers will be able to replicate the experience onto shiny HD TVs via Apple's TV device. One string file hidden in the software reads, "Are you sure you want to sync games? All existing games on the Apple TV." Another states, "Some of the games in your iTunes library were not copied to the Apple TV [...] because they cannot be played on this Apple TV."
Apple Insider reports that a total of 12 game-related code strings were found deep within the bowels of iTunes. Obviously, this is far from an official confirmation, but the idea seems plausible especially in light of recent comments made by official iPod game maker PopCap. "[Casual games] are going to continue to grow into non-core demographics," said Greg Canessa in an interview with Wired last month. "This is relevant as it pertains to devices that are not currently earmarked as gaming devices: mobile, set-top boxes, Apple TV, MP3 players and other devices in the home that will reach the non-gamer."
Furthermore, email solicitations for summer interns were sent out recently by Apple seeking persons capable of creating "consistent, high quality 3D and 2D art for games." Repurposed iPod games merely steamed to TVs, original game content, or none of the above? It's looking like option A, B or both.
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