[Josh] Here's what you won't see at Macworld: A set-top TiVo killer. Think Secret was talking about it in November. But Apple isn't ready to unveil it yet.
Here's what they ought to do (call it Applevision):
- Start with a Mac Mini. This $495 chassis already delivers an Internet connected device with a DVD drive. All you need is software (and perhaps an HDMI output) to turn it into a killer video product.
- Give it a 10-foot user interface. Apple already pioneered its long-distance interface Front Row with the remote that comes with its latest line of wide-screen iMacs. A remote with an Apple-style scroll-wheel would turn this interface into a powerful video selection tool.
- Download some music and video. iTunes already has NBC and ABC shows and two million songs to boot. The next plausible step is to add lots more video content and higher resolution – 640 x 480 full-screen to start, instead of iPod sized. AppleVision would be a great viewer for the millions of streaming videos already online, too.
- Show personal photos and video. Apple’s iPhoto, iVideo, and photo display capabilities would make a heck of a nice app for your TV – putting your family vacation on the big screen.
- Connect to portables. The video-enabled iPod is the perfect companion to AppleVision, allowing you to take all your video content with you.
- And the pièce de résistance – digital video recording (DVR). Add a tuner and online program guide and Apple has a TiVo killer – without the monthly service fee.
They also need to add CableCARD compatibility, but that would require revealing their plans to the CableLabs and the whole cable industry -- so it won't be in version 1.0.
But admit it. If Apple built one of these, wouldn't you buy one and throw out your cable box? Thought so.
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