appletv
Latest
Cisco-esque AppleTV ships
No, it's not the real™ AppleTV, but we thought you might get a giggle out of this alterna-AppleTV found by loyal TUAW reader Opus Moreschi. It's an apple-shaped kids TV he found on Amazon. At about five hundred bucks for a teeny 10" LCD, it kind of makes the actual $299 AppleTV look practically like a bargain in comparison. Now, we're just holding our breath for the whole lawsuit thing that is sure to follow.
Switched On: Apple TV deletes DMA deficiencies
Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about technology, multimedia, and digital entertainment: When Apple first released details about what is now called Apple TV, I wrote that it would create a DVR dilemma for the Cupertino company, one that it decided by bypassing DVR functionality (at least for now). The result will be a product that avoids many setup foibles and complexities of digital video recorders while allowing use of the increasingly versatile streamlined Apple Remote. There are three main reasons why Apple's digital media adapter will trump its predecessors, but it may not yet be enough to catapult digital content into the living room the way the iPod did into our pockets. First from a technology perspective, Apple TV is one of the first digital media adapters to support the draft 802.11n standard. If the PCs from which it is obtaining media also have this fast a connection, Apple TV should be able to obtain digital content much faster than previous products. 802.11n should certainly be fast enough for standard-definition compressed video and reliable enough to carry movie trailers from Apple's Web site without stuttering.
Apple TV currently Apple Store Top Seller
Now, I'm not sure if the Apple Store Top Sellers list is like Amazon's. That is, I don't know if it actually reflects sales figures or if it is just a fancy advertisement. With that said, the Apple TV is at the top of the Apple Store Top Sellers list, which is in stark contrast to the rather muted response from the crowd at Macworld (though it was competing against the iPhone).Do you plan on picking up an Apple TV?
Apple TV: games or no games?
We're confused about Apple's plans for games on their new Apple TV device. Marketing copy running across the top of the official "Apple TV" website promises "If it's on iTunes, it's on TV," yet small, grey text at the bottom of the screen takes that promise back: "iPod games will not play on Apple TV." Further confusion results from the image at right, showing a screenshot of a Harris Poll administered back in October in which consumers were asked what sort of content they might like to purchase for an Apple TV device. Games are listed. Is the absence of gaming from Apple TV an indication that poll respondents showed little interest in games? Is the absence of gaming due to technical limitations that might be fixed in future versions of Apple TV hardware? Is the absence of gaming an indication that iPod gaming itself might not be faring so well in the iTunes marketplace? (EA's embrace of iTunes gaming indicates otherwise.) Whatever the case may be, it looks like consumers will have to stick to their latest-gen consoles if they want to play inexpensive, digitally downloaded games from the couch... for now.
Apple TV and iPhone forums open at Apple Discussions
Did your brand new iTV just go on the iFritz? Or possibly your iPhone took a cue from Mr. Jobs and prank called Japa- Wait, they aren't out yet?Well, maybe these two shiny new pre-release Apple Discussion forums, one for the Apple TV and another for the iPhone, will still come in handy for chatting about everything you need before you lay down your credit card(s). Topics are already flying in these forums, such as whether the iPhone's EDGE data speed is really all that bad, how much the data plan will cost in the first place and how to get your DVD movies into iTunes for transmission to the Apple TV. With all this chatter going on already, you should be well-prepared once these products actually land.
Apple TV gets a full blown specification list, sort of
Whether you've dropped your hard-earned $299 for Apple's forthcoming Apple TV, or you're just waiting to find out a bit more details on the thing before pulling the trigger, AppleInsider reportedly has the dirt we geeks adore. According to Apple's website, the device sports an elusive "Intel processor" and a 40GB hard drive, but we all know there's a lot more to this 7.7- x 7.7-inch box than what Steve is letting us know; thankfully, some folks in the know have supposedly dug up just what's under the silver lid, and it seems that you're paying three hundred bones for some rather antiquated components. Getting us started is a 1GHz Pentium-M-based chip, codenamed "Crofton," which has been underclocked to run on a 350MHz bus, and it's purportedly based on Intel's Dothan core, which includes 2MB of L2 cache. Additionally, an NVIDIA G72M with 64MB of DDR2 RAM is included for video purposes, and a quarter gigabyte of 400MHz DDR2 system RAM is soldered to the logic board. Also of note is its inability to function as its own wireless router / extender, despite the built-in 802.11n antenna, and while you'll find a USB port flanking the rear, it's presumably only there for "services and diagnostics purposes." So, in the end the Apple TV should still have plenty of horsepower to handle its well established duties, but it's certainly not packing a great lot of pizazz beneath the hood -- according to this report, anyway.
Xbox 360 IPTV outshines Apple TV?
While the Apple iPhone may have unexpectedly blown Microsoft's Zune out of the water at CES, the 360 looks as though it may have pulled an unexpected fast one of its own. What we're talking about here is Xbox 360 IPTV versus Apple TV. As noted by Beta News, it may have been the frothing Apple blogosphere itself that muted the announcement of Apple TV: "I got the feeling that as [Steve Jobs] was going through the iTV announcement, the blogger was going, okay, 720p ... yadda, yadda, yadda ... come on, let's get to the phone!" Meanwhile, Microsoft dropped something of a bomb by announcing that IPTV was coming to the Xbox 360. The reason that this is very different from Apple TV is that Microsoft has already established an Xbox ecosystem. They already have millions of customers with 360s in their homes. According to the article, Microsoft has a key advantage in the TV space because of its leverage with the gaming audience (you know, 18-30 year old guys who dig technology). We have to admit, had we known that our Xbox 360 was merely a sneaky way of Microsoft solidifying its dream of creating the mythical "set top box," we would have been skeptical to say the least. But now that it's here, now that downloading movies and TV is possible (and having great games to boot), we're enjoying every minute of it. Microsoft has succeeded in an arena completely separate from games, and is giving similar services a run for their money (we wouldn't be surprised if the Video Mareketplace moves from its number 2 position to claim 1st place either).So, maybe the iPhone did shoot the Zune in the face, but Microsoft seemingly struck a similar blow with the IPTV announcement. Then again, maybe the Apple TV and 360 IPTV shouldn't even be looked at as competitors, as Apple clearly isn't aiming for the HDMI loving, 1080p needing crowd. What do you think, will the 360 become the first mass market set top box that the tech industry has been dreaming of since the 90s? (Bonus question: has it already?)[Thanks, Jonah Falcon]
Engadget Podcast 098 - 01.10.07
CES may have been the big deal on the 8th, but as soon as Jobs took the stage at Macworld, any news coming out of CES suddenly didn't seem to matter a whole lot. We give the iPhone the attention it deserves, but it's not everything that happens while North America's biggest trade show is happening 550 miles away. Chris Grant, Ben Drawbaugh and Paul Miller join us to talk about the rest of the day's news. Get the podcast [iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (enhanced AAC). [RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically. [RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator. [RSS OGG] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in OGG) to your RSS aggregator. Hosts: Peter Rojas and Ryan Block Producer: Randall Bennett Music: Solvent - Instructograph (Ghostly International) Program: 00:30 - Apple's iPhone 20:00 - Sony SIXAXIS retracts Emmy 25:58 - AppleTV 32:03 - TotalHD disc fits Blu-Ray and HD-DVD on single disc 38:49 - Live at the Dell keynote LISTEN (MP3) LISTEN (AAC) LISTEN (OGG) Contact the podcast: 1-888-ENGADGET, Engadget (Gizmo Project) or podcast at engadget dawt com
XtremeMac announces Apple TV cables and switcher
XtremeMac has just announced a new product line developed especially for Apple TV. You might have noticed that cables are not included with the Apple TV, but XtremeMac has you covered. They the following cables for preorder: audio ($14.95, 2 meters) component ($19.95, 2 meters) HDMI>DVI ($19.95, 2 meters) HDMI>HDMI ($19.95, 2 meters) TOSLINK ($19.95, 2 meters) They also announced the XtremeHD 4-Port switcher, with remote. This switcher plugs into the one HDMI input on your HDTV and makes available 4 HDMI ports for your peripherals, including the Apple TV. You can switch from input to input via a button on the front or with the included remote. Best of all, it has the same dimensions as the Apple TV so you can stack 'em. The XtremeHD 4-Port switcher will be available in February. Pricing hasn't been announced.
TUAW video: Apple TV demo
Yesterday we got a little demo of the Apple TV. Take a look at the video, and hopefully it puts the product in a little perspective for you.Update: We're fixing an issue with the video, it should be back up shortly.Update II: All fixed.
AppleTV requires iTunes 7.1
We may be living in a 7.0.2 world, but AppleTV seems destined for an iTunes 7.1 one. Eagle eyed TUAW reader Chris Hileman points us to evidence of iTunes 7.1's imminent release. Pop over to the AppleTV specs page and check out the system requirements. Along with Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later and Win XP SP2, you'll find iTunes 7.1. Since AppleTV will be released sometime next month, maybe we can look forward to an iTunes upgrade as well.
How much have you spent today?
With Apple TV and the new AirportExtreme Base Station available today for pre-order from apple.com, I'm wondering how many of you have already whipped out your credit cards and bought one (or two, or three...)?If you placed your order(s), tell us what you bought in the comments.
Apple TV tidbits
Everyone is gah gah over the iPhone, and rightfully so, but I thought that Apple TV should get some love. Apple notes that you need to have a 'widescreen TV' in order to use Apple TV. Furthmore Apple says that Apple TV works with 'widescreen, enhanced-definition or high-definition TVs capable of 1080i, 720p, 576p, or 480p resolutions.' It looks like your standard run of the mill TV won't be up to the task of working with Apple TV (all the Apple TVs on the showfloor are hooked up to Sony Bravia TVs).Apple has also posted a tour of the Apple TV UI, so if you aren't at Macworld you can take an Apple TV for a spin.Update: John says if your TV works with a progressive scan DVD player you should be set. Standard TVs are welcome at the Apple TV party.
Today's Apple announcements at Macworld 2007
You want the goods? You got 'em. Check out all today's coverage of Apple's Macworld 2007 announcements:iPhoneThe Apple iPhone runs OS XFirst iPhone pics!Apple unveils Bluetooth headset, new headphones for iPhoneApple iPhone sized up and compared to Treo 750, Moto Q, and BB Pearl The game has changedThe genesis of the iPhoneThe iPhone is not a smartphoneNokia on iPhone: what, no 3G?Video: iPhone in person, behind glassiPhone vs. iPhone: Cisco and Apple play niceHow the iPhone avoided being leakedApple TViTV becomes Apple TVFirst Apple TV hands-on pics!Live coverageLive from Macworld 2007: Steve Jobs keynoteMacworld 2007 keynote photo galleryOther announcementsAirport Extreme launched: draft 802.11n and USB hosting now supportedApple drops "Computer" from nameApple confirms Paramount and iTunes dealApple confirms: Macs already shipping with 802.11n
Apple TV up close
The Apple TV isn't under lock and key, as the iPhone is. It's about half the height of a Mac mini, with the same footprint, and quite unassuming. It sports a remote we're already familiar with. Here are some of the first pics of the Apple TV, taken during and immediately after the Keynote.Update: For those that asked in the comments, those are Sony television sets, although I didn't note the exact model.
Apple TV; an HD perspective
Streaming video devices are without a doubt here to stay, but who will win on this new front still remains to be seen. At least in our hearts it's gotta be HD or we pass. The latest Apple announcements finally give us details about the HD capabilities of Apple TV. The good news is that it supports multiple resolutions via HDMI or Component including 1080i 60/50Hz, 720p 60/50Hz, 576p 50Hz (PAL format), or 480p 60Hz. The bad news is the supported video fomats are somewhat limited, while there is 720p HD support there are very few other variations. Supported CODECs include H.264 and protected H.264 (from iTunes Store): 640 by 480, 30 fps, 320 by 240, 30 fps, 1280 by 720, 24 fps and finally MPEG-4: 640 by 480, 30 fps. We can only assume that it converts all of these formats to what your TV can display. No word yet on DD5.1 support, but we have a man on the scene who's looking for answers to this as well as a few other questions.
First Apple TV hands-on pics!
Not a lot's changed here since we last saw the Apple TV in iTV form, but here it is, a gallery of hardware shots and menus. More information soon, but check out the gallery for now. (Please bear with us as this gallery continues to upload, pics will be done in just a sec.)
Apple announces Apple TV (formerly 'iTV')
Apple has just officially announced the Apple TV, formerly the iTV, for both Mac and PC. We knew it was coming, but now we have the details It is coming out next month and it can: wireless transfer to Apple TV HDMI output support for 720p includes 40gb drive includes 802.11 a/b/g/n (yes, n) stream from up to 5 machines can sync iTunes library AppleTV ships next month and goes for $299. That $299 includes the Apple TV, an Apple Remote, Power Cord, and a Quick Start Guide. The dimensions are 7.7 by 7.7 inches (Steve loves squares), height 1.1 inches, and weighs only 2.4 pounds.What formats does it support, straight from the specs: Video formats supported: H.264 and protected H.264 (from iTunes Store): 640 by 480, 30 fps, LC version of Baseline Profile 320 by 240, 30 fps, Baseline profile up to Level 1.3 1280 by 720, 24 fps, Progressive Main Profile. MPEG-4: 640 by 480, 30 fps, Simple Profile Audio AAC (16 to 320 Kbps) protected AAC (from iTunes Store) MP3 (16 to 320 Kbps) MP3 VBR Apple Lossless AIFF WAV
iTV becomes Apple TV
Well now we know that iTV has officially become Apple TV. It's real folks: we got 802.11 b/g AND 802.11n, USB 2.0, Ethernet, WiFi, HDMI, bunch of standard outs, plus a 40GB hard drive -- all powered by an Intel CPU. So resolution is only 720p -- looks like a few folks are gonna be out of luck, but TV manufacturers are sure gonna be happy to sell all those new sets. Not just one, two or three but five computers can connect to the Apple TV box, making a true hub for all your PCs. You can watch content stored on your rig -- movies, TV shows, photos, etc. -- and you can also pull streaming vid directly off sites like...Apple.com! Plus, the box will even grab content from PCs outside of your house -- finally, we can watch all the great swag that our rich can afford. Interested? You'll be able to grab one immediately for $299.
