Another possibility: Over time, Apple simply builds an Apple TV set right in front of us, in bits and pieces — so slowly that we don’t really notice it.
Take the remote, for instance. PatentlyApple has its hands on an Apple application for an “advanced TV remote” that would offer some cool features. Like the ability to automatically scan your other devices and figure out the right code to control them, instead of requiring users to use a combination of manuals and trial and error.
At least as important is that, while Apple’s patent, filed back in 2010, could be a standalone device, the application makes it seem much more likely that users will use their iPhones, iPods or iPads to control their TVs.
Which makes sense, because Apple is already offering a “Remote” iOS app that handles some basic functions for its existing Apple TV. That is: There’s a good chance you’re just a download away from owning a bona-fide Apple TV remote already.
This kind of incremental building may be even more important on the content side, which is the real key to an Apple TV: If it’s simply a very nice screen that offers the same content choices that TV viewers already have, then it’s just a very nice screen. And for years, Apple has been making attempts to wrangle different TV choices, at different price points, without much success.
But instead of one grand, sweeping video package, Apple may end up just cobbling together an array of offerings, piece by piece.
To wit: The latest refresh of Apple TV didn’t offer any new content, but it did make it easier for Apple users to buy the content that’s already there. Anyone with an iTunes account can subscribe to Netflix, and soon, Major League Baseball’s MLB.TV service, directly from Apple, without having to pull out a credit card again.
Netflix + iTunes + baseball games won’t make up a full suite of programming choices for most people. But now that Reed Hastings and Bob Bowman have agreed to let Tim Cook handle their billing for them, more media moguls will likely follow in their footsteps. Get enough of them in there, and you could end up with something really compelling.
studuncan 1 comment collapsed Collapse Expand
2004 called. Even they said you're wrong. Everyone uses apps that do all kinds of things, in all kinds of lighting conditions.
KenEsq 1 comment collapsed Collapse Expand
Reality called...you can also use a long stick as a remote...that doesn't make it the best suited device for the job. Actually, I've had touch-screen remotes since about 1995 (Crestron)...(yep, I know hard to believe Apple didn't invent them). They work, they're just not as convenient as a hard-keyed remote for certain functions.
studuncan 1 comment collapsed
The difference is that Apple's remote can adapt to every device. Otherwise, most people have 3-5 separate 'hard-keyed' remotes. Most people would be just fine with one app on their phone. See dialing, music controls, game controls, video controls, keyboards, etc, etc, etc.
Reality is that most people are fine with the tradeoffs. So says 1+ billion touch devices sold.
KenEsq 1 comment collapsed
Wow, and you were joking about me being in 2004? Have you ever seen a Universal remote? Just about every major manufacturer provides them when you buy a TV, DVD, AV receiver. How about the remotes made by Logitech/Harmony where you don't have to know codes to program devices? You just plug it into a computer and pick and choose what devices you have and then easily setup sequences, macros, etc.
I have apps that allow me to control devices like the Roku, Denon receiver,etc...but they just don't cut it for regular everyday use. There are plenty of apps out there now that act as universal remotes.
Some will use them sure...most will opt for the universal remote that comes with their device or one that they can buy for a fraction of the cost of an iPod Touch.
Some will use them sure...most will opt for the universal remote that comes with their device or one that they can buy for a fraction of the cost of an iPod Touch.
studuncan 1 comment collapsed
Invariably, universal remotes ... aren't. Typically won't control the stereo, or the third party media box.
Also, Logitech/Harmony remotes are $100+
You have separate apps for each device, which goes back to having a separate physical remote. So why not have one that's integrated?
Again, most everyone seems fine with apps that don't have physical buttons, in spite of the fact that everyone complained about it when it happened.
You have separate apps for each device, which goes back to having a separate physical remote. So why not have one that's integrated?
Again, most everyone seems fine with apps that don't have physical buttons, in spite of the fact that everyone complained about it when it happened.
Kevinusa2012andforeveron 1 comment collapsed
The apple remote will only work with apple devices. and an apple tv set will only be controllable with another apple product. This just shows how apple tries to suck us americans in their ecosystem, which by the way isn't really good, because making apple stuff only work with other apple stuff isn't really a great accomplishment.
There are a bunch of other remote apps that work just fine, but when apple will launch theirs, they will say it's totally new, something that was never their before and all the apple fanboys will believe it and say it's better than everything else, than they go out by some more apple stuff to be able to actually use the remote and apple makes a ton of money.
There are a bunch of other remote apps that work just fine, but when apple will launch theirs, they will say it's totally new, something that was never their before and all the apple fanboys will believe it and say it's better than everything else, than they go out by some more apple stuff to be able to actually use the remote and apple makes a ton of money.
Apple is just like other companies, they just put enough upgrades in their stuff to make u buy the new products and lock u in their "ecosystem".
KenEsq 1 comment collapsed
studuncan, You're just making things up now. You can get Logitech Harmony removes for $50 and even less if you shop. You'd be hard pressed to find an IR device that can't be controlled by a Harmony remote.
I have separate apps for some devices, but I also stated there are universal remote apps as well.
Look do what you want and when your phone is stuck between the sofa cushions...or the apple battery is near dead (most remotes last for months on a set of apple laptop batteries) you can just get up and change the channel yourself.
BTW, when has Apple built anything that works well with devices other than their own?
I have separate apps for some devices, but I also stated there are universal remote apps as well.
Look do what you want and when your phone is stuck between the sofa cushions...or the apple battery is near dead (most remotes last for months on a set of apple laptop batteries) you can just get up and change the channel yourself.
BTW, when has Apple built anything that works well with devices other than their own?
JohnDoey 1 comment collapsed
If we studied you side-by-side with someone running an AppleTV with an iOS device, you would see the Apple user doing 1% of the work. It's not even close. Whether people can articulate that or not, once you reduce their workload by 100 times, they can't go back. They won't go back.
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