Is Apple Late to the Party with the Same Tech Everyone Else Has?
By Alexander Grundner |
September 12th, 2006
Comments (25)
I was just reviewing Engadget’s coverage of Apple’s “It’s Showtime” event, and I’ve got to say I’m not impressed by iTV or iTunes integration of downloadable movies. I think anyone who sat through the presentation must have been thinking: “Been there. Done that.”
In respect to iTV, Media Extenders for Windows Media Center and third party digital media adapters have been doing this duty for over two years now. What’s so revolutionary (at least these days) about a device that streams videos from your PC to your TV wirelessly? (Personally, I like the no PC required model by MediaMall.)
And what’s up with the 640×480 movie downloads? Like anyone believes that they’re really “near DVD” quality (true DVDs display 720×480 video at 4Mbps). I guess there’s a sucker born every minute. And the worst part is they want you to pay “near” retail price for a movie ($14.99 for new releases, $9.99 for catalog) that has no DVD extras and is encumbered by DRM. Oh, I’m sorry… movies that have the same “usage rights” as TV shows. NO THANK YOU!
If this were a rental service which had drastically reduced prices (see GUBA | Video Interview) or had subscriptions available for unlimited downloads (see VONGO), I’d be more open-minded. But at this point, downloading movies from any online service to keep is just an ugly proposition.
It’s Showtime:
September 12th, 2006 at 2:40 pm
I think, actually I know, Apple will sell a lot of these. I’ve been in and around the mac industry for many years and I’ve learnt that Apple rarely innovate but they do package technology very well.
Us gadget hounds will look at specs and wonder why they haven’t included bleeding edge and legacy compatible technologies, but we’re not the real audience. What they understand is that a successful product is not necessarily the best solution to a problem, but the best understood and accepted one. Technically I’m sure they could have launched a product like this sometime ago, but you rarely get a second chance at winning consumers over to ‘new’ technology . . ask Microsoft about their ROI on Media Center.
Apple came to the digital music market later than many but packaged the technology for the masses and we know how that went. Now they judge that same market is ready for video in a similarly pre-packaged, big brand way . . . and much as that rubs me the wrong way, I think they may be right.
September 12th, 2006 at 3:02 pm
I would have titled this post “Apple Must Innovate, Not Imitate”. This is what they do best but it’s clear that this whole iTunes 7 solution is a collection of compromises: hardware, software distributoin…. I still think there is time to correct everything before this hits mass adoption, but there is nothing here that makes you want to run out and buy any of these new products.
The UI on the new ipod looks a little quirky and I’m not sure they haven’t departed from the clean UI that they are typically known for. Games on the iPod? Is this for real? Is this a signal that Apple is going to get into the games business? Probably not, but its a sign that they are starting to cram too much into this device and its losing its appeal. What’s next? A phone, oh wait!!!! That’s 2q 2007. Great.
All this aside, where do I place my pre order for the iTV? This seems a pretty big risk. You better not throw an HDMI port on your box and claim that it will run wireless via 802.11 (notice the lack of appendage b,g,N) and have it not work, or only work on a wired connection. Why not just integrate this thing into OEM hardware. Cram that box into an HDTV display and get rid of all the wires. Now that would be innovative. That would change the game.
All Apple did today was start to look like a normal company where their “Showtime” events are slightly more interesting than the basic news release of Amazon UnBox that went off last week.
You know, Bill Gates said that the last format war would be Blu Ray and HD DVD, but the reality is that the next war is going to be DRM standards. Except worse, since everyone and anyone can come up with their own standard. Leaving consumers with content trapped on one device and tied to another.
About the only thing Apple DOES have going for them is that they have the one solution that basically encompases all devices (tv, ipod, pc) and things purchased via iTunes will work accross all devices. Sony and Microsoft now have an opportunity to not get left in the dust. But not for long. Steve is clearly hoping that others jump on this bandwagon and his solution is the one that takes off. Probably not a bad idea,:-)
September 13th, 2006 at 10:32 am
I have to say that I don’t really understand the point either as it doesn’t seem particularly radical but it also hasn’t been released yet. I wouldn’t count apple out yet until they actually release it. It seems to me that most of the time when they release a new product is has unique improvements that seem obvious but which no one has done yet. I’m still blown away by the magnetic power connector for a laptop.
Anyhow, this could be a wedge product. Sure 640 X 480 is lame but at least they actually included an HDMI connector which my XBOX 360 left out. Perhaps they can increase the resolution over time as the onboard electronics may support higher resolutions. I’m not sure how they will do that over wireless but 802 11N (not pre-N) coupled with H.264 might be enough, especially if it is adaptive video. If the streaming video accomodated available wireless bandwidth, that would be pretty slick.
In other words, why would they show us all the cards when it isn’t shipping. I’ll save my flames until they actually ship something
September 13th, 2006 at 11:08 am
Here’s what Michael Gartenberg wrote up on his blog about iTV and iTunes. No surprises because he’s such an Apple fanboy. I think it’s funny how he doesn’t look at any of Apple’s offerings with the same critical eye he gives Windows-based services (just look through his archives). Also, check out the languange he uses in the following blurb — it’s like he’s part of Apple Marketing.
Like everyone else here, I’m interested in seeing how Apple’s new offerings will all work out. But I don’t like getting preached to (or told to “understand”) by someone who is supposedly a “technology analyst” who doesn’t feel the need to compare these announcements with what’s currently available to all consumers. Enthusiasts aren’t as naive as you may think, Gartenberg.
September 13th, 2006 at 12:50 pm
Here’s another post against the iTV concept by O’Reilly Mac DevCenter blogger, Chuck Toporek. He brings up the point many of us have been discussing online and off about Apple’s strategy to be the only outlet of premium downloadable content. Hence, the reason Apple will most likely never realease a DVR device.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:08 pm
I’m not sure that I agree. I assume that the iTV is more of an extension of existing macs as a MCE type of thing. So the macs (or PCs) will be acting as the DVR. The idea being that you plug your computer into the cable box, etc and the iTVs will handle the multiple displays throughout the house. You’ll be able to schedule recording on the iTV via the UI but it’s the host computer that will be doing the actual work. What would be cool would be a USB driven DVD streamer to add to your computer but more likely would be DVD/DRM ripping to the host computer.
Basically, the iTV is the grown up form of the Airport Express.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:16 pm
How do you figure? Frontrow & iTV’s UI doesn’t allow users to record TV with an electronic programming guide from your cable service. The only way that your model would work is if Frontrow/iTV allowed plugins, say from elgato, to enable this functionality — of course, this requires seperate hardware from elgato. Until then, users will have to jump back and forth between two devices and two rooms if they want DVR capabilities (yuck).
September 13th, 2006 at 11:09 pm
There’s further discussion at CNET Alpha Blog about the iTV — see “Apple’s iTV: promise and peril“. John P. Falcone raises some interesting points, areas of concern, and speculation on what we might see in the future.
I also liked the following comment by AdamElteto on the post:
And this one by tommylaws1:
More questions:
September 13th, 2006 at 11:41 pm
Steve J is getting a lot of Internet flack for pre-announcing this iTV product. Everyone ‘knew’ Apple was working on this thing, just like we ‘know’ there is a widescreen iPod in the works. Now you know why Apple doesn’t release things in preview. Apple is getting some “great” feedback on the product development side for iTV. I just hope they don’t listen to any of it.
The fact is that HTPC’s are for geeks. Media Extenders make a lot more sense for the average consumer. This is Apple’s target market. I can buy one MacMini and 5 iTVs and stream this all over my house. I don’t want 5 MacMini’s. And I’m sure Apple will increase the resolution on the iTV when its released to widescreen HD (or upscaled 480i); just like they increased resolution for their DVD’s. It’s only natural.
Announcing this product let’s the studios know that Apple is serious about winning this medium. It should help the adoption rate of the studios signing up for the movie service.
Lastly, as for the “no DVR” therefore I wont buy it thought process……. I’m sick of hearing this story. I pay $130/month for what amounts to about 25 channels (local, basic and premium) and about 100 hours of programming per month; 90% of which is DVR’d; and 40% of that is ABC,NBC,CBS,Fox,WB and local OTA (all of which are FREE). So, if Apple can figure out a way to sell / stream me the 90% of the programming I watch DVR’d for less than $99/month, and figure out a solution to live programming, than I’d gladly give up my DVR and cable bill.
In order for the cable model to die, and better solution must rise. Linear programming is a dinosaur, and the only purpose of a DVR is to record stuff when you’re not actually there to watch it. So what does anyone care about a DVR if you can get the same content streamed to you on demand? This is the future.
Andrew
PS: Alex, nice observation about the lack of SD ports on the iTV. That just seems crazy and either there is a breakout cable in the works, or thisis really a prototype with many changes to be worked out.
September 13th, 2006 at 11:57 pm
Great line. I hope they take your advice and do it their way. Apple will have a 50/50 chance of being mildly successful or a big failure in this regard. I guess we’ll have to see in 5 years what the result was.
Can’t argue there. In this case, pre-announcing the product is a smart move if you want to bring other studios on board.
Dude, you’re paying way too much. Plus, anyone who spends $130 a month for a service he uses only 4 hours or less a day on is throwing his money away. No offense.
If you were being honest with your arguement, you would have jumped on the iTunes video download train a long time ago. You can do what you’re proposing TODAY with a basic cable account ($12.99 w/ Comcast) + iPod and A/V dock.
Personally, I’m leaning towards cable/satellite on-demand services filling most consumer entertainment needs (and, if they integrate MediaMall functionality on top of that, users will tap into the same content providers MCE’s Online Spotlight has access to, as well as, content stored on network devices). Again we’ll have to wait a few years to see the result.
The big thing to remember is that a major shift is taking place on how consumers consume media. We’re moving from a ownership model to a rental/subscription model in the digital age.
September 14th, 2006 at 9:33 am
No the product isn’t revolutionary, but what Apple does for it is it makes it simple and seemless. This product belive it or not isn’t all about the iTunes movies. This thing will play anything you can get into iTunes, including video podcasts. So whats that make this?
The “iTV” is the first affortable, consumer directed IPTV device. With a device like this, someone could concievable disconnect from regular programming (satalite, cable) and get all their tv programming over the net (paid or otherwise aquired).
There are quite a few video podcasts worth watching on the “big screen” that is your home theater system. Who needs “must see tv” when I can create my own programming lineup. A mix of amature and professional content, all downloadable to my pc, and simply accessed by my iTV.
September 14th, 2006 at 10:18 am
You Apple guys can do what you like. Like I’ve said before, it’s nothing that hasn’t been already accomplished on Windows through Media Extenders or third party digital media adpaters. Heck, any platform (Windows/Mac/Linux) at this point has software for downloading content from any audio/video blog and bitorrent site which can then be accesssed through a TV with any UPnP enabled media adapter — bonus: generic media adapters have better codec support than an iTV will ever have (and some have been offering HDMI & composite video out for quite a while).
Just ask yourself one question: Is it really in your benefit as a consumer to back a technology/service that only provides you with ONE option for obtaining premium content (i.e. studio created movies, music, and TV shows)? Where’s the choice? Where’s the competitive spirit of the marketplace that will bring consumers lower prices and better service? I already pointed out GUBA and VONGO, how long do you think it will take Apple to add similar services (if they ever decide it’s good idea for their bottomline)?
That’s not hard to do when consumers have limited choices and the company offering the service and the hardware is one in the same.
Different strokes for different folks. I personally like choice and lots of it.
September 14th, 2006 at 10:56 am
Apple doesn’t stop you from putting bit torrent content into itunes, tho I admit you are limited to mp4 and h.264 codecs. But as its a quicktime powered product I susupect it will be possable soon to support other codecs. But, I hear ya Alex. I like the choices as well, but we are the geeks.
Its the masses that are the targeted consumers. If there is one thing Apple does now how to do, its make quality hardware “that just works” and a simple gui that anyone can use. The masses need it simple and Apple knows how to give it to them.
September 14th, 2006 at 11:06 am
Looking for something simple, cool, powerful, and extensible? Have a look at the following Xbox 360 + Microsoft Vista demo. I just wished he showed off Online Spotlight as well.
What’s more, the Xbox 360 Core is selling for $299 (same price as Apple’s iTV) and the Premium version for $375.
September 14th, 2006 at 11:09 am
mmm I do love my 360.
September 14th, 2006 at 11:23 am
So do I. It’s got the elegance of design that Apple has in the iPod. I just have zero inclination to tie it to Windows Vista as Vista is not in my future. When I take the time to tie my 360 into my XP box, I’ll be a happy camper.
I wish all Microsoft products were as well designed. Though I am still upset they didn’t include HDMI on the first ones.
September 14th, 2006 at 4:09 pm
The market passed these features by years ago, this is a bad attempt to gain market share.
Of course, it is an apple “i” product so they will sell million to mindless apple followers.
The informed consumer will simply know better, and will streer clear of this garbage.
F.
September 15th, 2006 at 11:13 am
Not to beat a dead horse… I just found this post by Ed Bott at ZDNet (via Guardian Unlimited) that might strike a cord:
And Blake Krikorian, CEO of Sling Media, had this to say:
September 15th, 2006 at 11:21 am
heh.. I guess we’ll have to see how the public reacts to it, but I am still betting that the apple out sells all the existing media center extenders, because it will be a no brainer to install, and get running.
It will be fun to watch.
September 15th, 2006 at 11:27 am
I completely agree with the argument that the iTV seems ridiculous. But since it isn’t actually shipping, and since all we’ve seen is a cute little prototype, I think it’s a little early to be drawing conclusions (though it is entertaining to do so).
Using a Windows Vista Cable card equipped solution as the model of an open architecture seems like a real stretch to me. Why does my beautiful Xbox 360 not stream video from my XP box, could it be because Microsoft wishes to sell more copies of Media Center or the bloated Vista? If my Xbox was UP&P compatible for video, then I wouldn’t be so suspicious of Microsoft but I am.
Let’s be realistic, most of the solutions on the market suck for one reason or another. They are either inelegant, require a standard computer next to my stereo, can’t show decent video or cost a ton of dough.
It’s the Oppos and Helios of the world that have the potential to shake things up. They will probably remain niche like the Squeezebox but they will meet my objectives: Stereo-like components with computer-like connectivity and streaming and open standards.
September 15th, 2006 at 12:16 pm
I also don’t think its fair to compare the yet unreleased iTV to the long delayed, still unreleased and significantly untested Vista/ MCE / HD CableCard solution. Yes Apple is an also-ran in this category, but they will succeed in this venture and take over the competition; and they will likely corner the market in dumb devices for video streaming. Would Apple ever attempt to create something called UPnP and try to explain it to their customers. No. that’s what Airport, BonJour, Roundesvouz (sp?) and SuperDrive; are for and that’s what makes Apple closed market work for them. About the only self-titled technology / standard they use is Bluetooth.
Good discussion all around. Thanks.
September 16th, 2006 at 12:50 am
I couldn’t agree more. That’s why I bend over backwards looking for products and services that don’t tie me to a certain platform and give me lots of flexibility. I might be missing out on some cool bells and whistles, but in the long run I feel better about my purchase decisions. With that being said, there are certain instances like video on-demand and subscription services where you have to jump into one camp or another. But here again, I look for the camp that gives me the most choices with both hardware and service offerings.
September 21st, 2006 at 9:33 am
This post maybe of interest to all of you:
Macworld - iTV: What you need to know
It’s basically a recap of the what the iTV is and is not. The lucky folks at Macworld got a sneak preview of the device.
September 21st, 2006 at 10:15 am
Hey Apple send me one for testing!!!! I’d even give the review to you Alex for posting here.
Hahaha wishful thinking.
September 21st, 2006 at 11:20 am
Maybe I misread the article, but I don’t think they got any more of a sneak peak than anyone else. Nothing in the article is anything beyond what is obvious from the design. I find it hard to believe that the box will only work with TVs capable of taking a HD signal.
As much as I think Apple is on the right track here, I can see this move as a BIG risk. I can see the complaints already…. it doesn’t record, playback is choppy, why can’t i play by Dvix files, no chapter navigation on dvds?, it takes too long to cache the buffer, this thing sucks!, apple is going downhill….
This is a dangerous market for Apple. For their sake, this thing better be a “set it” and “forget it” type box. Even if they have to strip the functionality way down to make it stupid-proof. Which is what I suspect they will have to do to get this “right”
Andrew