Fast Company reports, “While not as big of a flop as some of the other dud devices of the decade, the Apple TV hasn’t been as wildly successful–neither financially nor in terms of mindshare–as Apple’s other iconic products of the decade (everything from the iPhone to the iMac and the Nano). The device lets you rent and buy TV shows and movies off of iTunes, as well as stream your PC’s photos, music, and other media on any TV in the house. But it’s sadly lacking in non-iTunes options other than YouTube, something that makes it a hampered choice when compared with broader offerings on Windows 7 PCs, Xbox 360, Tivo, Boxee, and even plain old Macs. But things may be looking up for the flat-little-media-extender-from-Cupertino (a dead ringer for the MacMini, looks-wise). Apple doesn’t give out sales figures for the Apple TV, but earlier this year it reported that sales had tripled over the previous year. And with a few tweaks to the product, Apple could easily resurrect this one for the 10s.”
Full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: While a silly, indefensible gaffe on Fast Company’s part, this should serve as a not-so-subtle hint to Apple’s marketing department. We love our Apple TVs (especially with our iPhones running Apple’s free Remote app), use them multiple times per week, and remain convinced that many others would too, if only they knew of Apple TV’s existence. People who own and use Apple TVs understand.
BTW, according to Piper Jaffray’s estimates, Apple has sold approximately 6.6 million Apple TVs to date, without a shred of marketing. For perspective: Apple TV sales are 3.3x the rosiest of predictions for Amazon’s total 2010 Kindle sales. Some flop.
To crown their idiocy, in the very same issue, Fast Company names Kindle among their “Gadgets of the Decade.”
Do you have a question or suggestion for Fast Company? Contact the publication via webform here.
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader "Jai G." for the heads up.]
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