Tomorrow (September 9, 2009) is the big day… yet another Apple event.
You’ve read all the rumours, gossip and speculation:
- Oct. 2008. Apple declares the Apple TV “still a hobby in 2009″ during quarterly conference call.
- Feb. 2009. Bernstein Research analyst Toni Sacconaghi sparked rumours of Apple TV becoming the digital media hub for cable TV.
- Sept. 2009. Apple CFO says cable set-top box functionality doesn’t fit with Apple’s business model
- Piper Jaffray’s senior research analyst predicts Apple TV news on September 9.
- The Loop’s Jim Dalyrymple predicts no Apple TV news on September 9.
What’s an Apple TV Junkie to expect?
Yes, I believe it will be a music-centric event. It is called ”It’s only rock and roll, but we like it”, however, the Apple TV still falls within the iPod and iTunes product lines so an update should be expected. Good or bad.
Prediction (Good): Apple TV will get a price drop and larger capacities.
Prediction (Bad): Apple TV wont receive any CPU or BluRay updgrades.
I like the idea of a TV tuner and DVR functionality for the Apple TV, however, I can’t imagine Apple distracting users away from the iTunes Store for content. The iTunes store accounts for $1 billion in revenue each quarter!
Prediction (Good): More studios and networks signing deals to release content on iTunes. Introduction of a Rhapsody-like subscription model for unlimited music.
Prediction (Good): iTunes to support the ability to re-download previously purchased movies and TV shows.
Prediction (Good): For my “one-last thing” I’ll go out on a limb and suggest announcement of an App Store for Apple TV.
Prediction (Bad): Movies and TV shows from iTunes Store will still contain digital rights management (DRM).
Prediction (Bad): Still unable to import my DVD collection so I can watch on Apple TV (maybe they’ll try to compromise with a lame DVD sharing feature from PC/Mac).
Prediction (Bad): Still unable to stream content to Apple TV from my network attached storage (NAS) devices.
Prediction (Bad): Still unable to play non H.264 content (like DivX/Xvid) on Apple TV.
As much as I love the Apple TV, the last two predictions are why I will continue to use Boxee. I fear the Apple TV is reaching the end of it’s life. Another Apple event that comes and goes without acknowledging Apple TV Junkies. Considering the crumbling of brick and mortar video rental outlets, I hope Apple can find a way to keep the Apple TV relevant and worthwhile for future Apple TV Junkies.
