“Now that Apple’s finally released the iPod Photo, speculation is mounting over what the company’s next foray into consumer electronics might be. Topping the list of possible devices is some sort of entertainment server. “A 200 (gigabyte) Apple server at a reasonable price and possibly with PVR technology could be Apple’s next category killer,” Merrill Lynch analyst Milunovich wrote in the same note cited above: “We believe Apple could combine its iTunes, iPhoto, iDVD and AirPort Express technology on top of an embedded Linux (operating system) (possibly a scaled down MacOS) to field an entertainment server. It might connect to the Internet, but would likely not be used for Web surfing. By not trying to replace the PC or pull PC functions into the family room, it has a chance to be stable enough for entertainment use,” John Paczkowski reports for Good Morning Silicon Valley.
Full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: Does anyone think Apple would use an embedded Linux over Mac OS X in such a device?
Exactly right:
this should NOT be a computer.. it doesn’t get email or web pages..
It ony serves content to your TV or Stereo.
Imagine a service where you could download “DVDs” to a large (very large) HD for a flat rate monthly fee and watch them as many times as you like at no extra charge. Control it all with a wireless remote. Classic television, concerts and movies available at the touch of a button.
what would be great is a scale-down version of the Xserve with file-storage, video and music capabilities for in-house use of TV, radios and PC/Mac.
knowing Apple they will turn off internet access to prevent “file sharing” functionalities. and someone will crack the code and open it up. and the Music and Holliwood and media will make a big deal out of it. and MDN will put it on the front page. and everyone will have an opinion. and the Microsoft crowd will say how much better XP is. and bla, blah blah…
COME ON COME ON COME ON APPLE! Release such a device and then I can ditch my Media Center!
iChat AV, iSight, and this “iHub”
Now that would be cool
What I want is an easy-to-use HD-based video recorder that doesn’t require a monthly fee. I don’t see why I should have to pay yet another monthly bill just so I can record TV. (I don’t need a guide service either…)
Does anyone think Apple would use an embedded Linux over Mac OS X in such a device?
HELL NO!
I don’t think we will see this for a while, if ever. Isn’t the Mac supposed to be the centre of the digital hub? I see Apple releasing an updated AirPort Express with A/V out and a remote control that allows you to display your photos on the TV much as the current AirPort Express plays music on your stereo. Video might come down the road, but until there is a fast, reliable and legal source for video content (iMovie Video Store� anyone?), then this product category is in the same boat as the iPod with respect to video. It ain’t gonna happen.
I don’t think Steve Jobs would go for that idea. There really isn’t much need of a media server with high speed ethernet and wireless technologies existing. Apple will continue to develop technology that allows you to access your media from anywhere in the house, rather than forcing you to keep your media in one particular spot. Remember: the trend is towards notebooks. I have a G4 tower at home and a PowerBook G4 12″. Even though my tower is more powerful, I keep all my music, photos and documents on my notebook so I have them with me wherever I go.
You read it hear first people.
Andy C.
no, i dont think you would want to be surfing the web or checking email from your tv… BUT, i would personally find it handy to be able to see if i have any new email (and maybe who it is from) from my tv.
when i am waiting for an important email.. i hate having to run from the loungeroom to my computer to check my email every few minutes. i know that is lazy.. but, so is most of society right??
Why would one give credance to an analyst speculating on an Apple Entertainment Server while mentioning Linux as an OS?…
Jeez bleez, do you really want email notifications popping up on your TV? To me, that would be VERY annoying – a bit like XP when it ‘reminds’ you to update your software (pops up from that ghastly system tray).
My adive would be to get an iBook with AirPort and have it next to you on the couch.
I think it’s more likely that they’ll offer a peripheral+software for the Mac that will do this. The peripheral need only be a Airport+MPEG card+infrared TV-controller, right? Commands are sent to the Mac and appropriate content is streamed back.
As for PVR service, Apple would have to team with Tivo or take on the huge task of getting program schedules from everybody for every market–not worth the time for such a (probably) small return.
No, this “media center” idea is too mundane. Apple creates things with real “wow” power. How about something called iHome — Airport modules will connect everything in the house. Run everything with “VoiceOver” commands. MS will follow a year or two later with a “me, too” product that refuses to open the garage door for you…
“Affirmative, Dave, I read you.”
I for one am waiting for Apple to come out with something like this, it’s takeing them for freakin ever
I can’t see Apple making a server type device for consumers…but I do see Apple making a specialized video server for production houses, etc. w/iChat capabilities.
smithy…
optionally, yes. well, maye not popup.. but put a watermark in the corner of the screen.
but, more ideally.. what i am getting at.. is the ability to display ‘system type’ type messages on the screen, if desired (by pushing a button on the remote – much like bringing up the current tv shows details).
if this entertainment system is going to be networkable to your mac machines (surely it will right??) then i think it would be handy to be able to view certain messages in regards to the computer from the tv. (such as, file finished downloading, new email, finished copying etc etc). Often if i am waiting for the computer to finish doing something, ill go watch a bit of tv whilst waiting.
Good idea, but need more space. Expandable space. Up to like a Terrabyte. And what about adding RAID to make it safe?
It would be just another reason not to buy a computer. Why have a computer if you can do it all via the TV media console – surf web, store contacts, music etc.
New:
http://www.alienware.com/intro_pages/dhs2.aspx
Another approach that Apple might consider would be a device that connects via cables to your A/V system and wirelessly to your Mac, in the same manner as an AirPort Extreme, but instead of a USB port for a printer, it could have a built-in large hard drive, a FireWire port for an external hard drive or both a drive and a FireWire port.
Then you would have networkable storage at a very attractive price and also get the means to easily stream stuff to your A/V system. It would alsobe able to keep much of the traffic off the AirPort network as it can send signals via the wires when possible.
It would be cheap, simple and reliable but would keep the Mac as the hub of your entertainment system.
Naturally it would need a fantastic remote control, which is where a tablet with a 7″ screen would come in so useful, connecting via AirPort so that you get whole-house coverage.
You know I read the headline and my first thought was a Digital Video recorder, with a built in 200gb Hard drive.
From MP3’s to taking video and Photos.
You are all wrong. TiVO and DirecTV cover pretty much what you people are describing. They even sell an HD version. I think a diversion into this field would be bad for the stock price. Whoever this silicon valley analyst is doesn’t have a clue?
Apple’s goal will be to serve another high-risk, high-payoff niche that consumers are demanding. You need to think, “what piece of hardware/software/electronics would make my life easier?” ANSWER: iWork! (an Office-like suite) With the emergence of Xserves and Macs on the desktop, it is time to start reaping in more switchers brought in from the iPod halo effect. iWork will be the straw that breaks the camel’s (Macroshaft) back.
How about replacing the TV with an iMac G5 and this new iPort streams the video signal wirelessly to the iMac?
But surely 200Gb is 200 billion bits, which is 25 billion bytes, or only 25GB. You couldn’t store much video on that.
I know what you’re thinking. SHUT UP! Right? Well okay then I will.
ahh, integrate it with iChat AV and have video conferences on your TV!!!!!
if they did that and showed just how easy iChat is to use, man they could really start something