Being an owner of an AppleTV, I have a few points to make in response to Tim Cook’s comment about the Apple TV being a hobby for Apple.
Apple is pretty good at making good software. Apple is also pretty good at making deals with media companies. The only problem is that Apple is really good at making gobs of money. That’s where the catch 22 comes in. Just about every major improvement, and by major I mean functionality, not complexity..Apple stands to lose money by allowing you to watch content you didn’t pay Apple for.
Imagine for a second, turn on Netflix, add Hulu support. Bam, this device is an instant hit for it’s tiny form factor, no noise and sleek interface.
The only problem is that just like the Flash/iPad issue, Apple doesn’t want to give you options to watch free content unless it’s worthless content like YouTube. If it’s something they can charge for, they are going to make sure you have no other way to watch it.
Frankly it pissing me that I paid $300 for something a company now says is a hobby. Talk about screwing your customer..it’s basically saying
Thanks for your $300, enjoy this box as it stands now because we really don’t give a crap about it and don’t take it seriously enough to bring anything new to the table.
That’s followed by a few upturned fingers and an offer of lube I am sure. The unfortunate reality is that with the exception of Mac computers, Apple devices are simply vehicles for Apple to sell you content. You can guarantee that for as long as iTunes reigns supreme, you’ll be hacking them if you want to get anything on them without having to either steal it or pay for it.
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Should have gotten a mac mini instead
yes i agree with this.
…and the iPad is no different. As much as I love the devices, there’s no reason to limit the capabilities – no SD slot, no removable battery, no flash support, etc.