The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)http://www.tuaw.comThe Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.tuaw.com/media/feedlogo.gifThe Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)http://www.tuaw.comen-usCopyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/iTunes LP now available for Apple TV customershttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/06/itunes-lp-now-available-for-apple-tv-customers/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/06/itunes-lp-now-available-for-apple-tv-customers/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/06/itunes-lp-now-available-for-apple-tv-customers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

A few of us here at TUAW received an email from Apple this morning stating that Apple TV-compatible versions of previous iTunes LP purchases are available for download. You'll remember that LP purchases made before the Apple TV 3.0 release would need a second download to work with the Apple TV. Apple is now offering those downloads.

The email from Apple is very straight-forward:

"With the latest versions of iTunes (9.0.2) and Apple TV software (3.0), you can now use iTunes LP on your Apple TV. We have updated the iTunes LP that was included with [your previous purchase here] so that it can now be viewed on Apple TV in addition to your Mac or PC...."

From there, the message provides a download link. Grab it, sync your Apple TV and you're off. My own is syncing as I type this, so we'll let you know how it looks and behaves later today. In the meantime, enjoy iTunes LP on your Apple TV!

iTunes LP now available for Apple TV customers originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)iTunes LP now available for Apple TV customers originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>apple tvAppleTvitunesitunes lpItunesLpDave CaoloFri, 06 Nov 2009 08:45:00 ESTI heart my Apple TV, but as for 3.0 ...http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/30/i-heart-my-apple-tv-but-as-for-3-0/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/30/i-heart-my-apple-tv-but-as-for-3-0/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/30/i-heart-my-apple-tv-but-as-for-3-0/#commentsFiled under: , ,

As we learned yesterday, not everyone loves the update to Apple TV.

For me, however, the upgrade was an improvement to an adequate piece of hardware -- when it chose to work. By mid-afternoon, I was listening to classical music being streamed over Internet radio, and I was very happy with the Apple TV for the most part. The flagship new features -- iTunes Extras and iTunes LPs -- were finicky and hard to work. Trying to navigate through iTunes Extras was akin to herding cats. When it works, it's fantastic. When it doesn't, you want to hurl something at the wall.

I'm quite the opposite of fellow blogger Steve Sande when it comes to the Apple TV. I chose the device over getting cable back in February. I promptly did the hacks to open up the USB port and utilize Boxee (with Hulu) and XBMC. Please note that these hacks will be wiped when you upgrade to 3.0.

I frequently use it because it became the perfect home for streaming content from first an external hard drive, then my new iMac. I'm an anime fan, and used the chance to rip my DVDs to my hard drive and have all the episodes in one place. It's very nice not to have to get up and change DVDs after every 3-4 episodes. I also stream YouTube content and play music over it.

Here's a look at some of the new features:

Continue reading I heart my Apple TV, but as for 3.0 ...

I heart my Apple TV, but as for 3.0 ... originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)I heart my Apple TV, but as for 3.0 ... originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Apple TVApple TV 3.0AppleTvAppleTv3.0iTunesopinionMegan LaveyFri, 30 Oct 2009 18:00:00 ESTHands-on with the underwhelming Apple TV 3.0 updatehttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/29/hands-on-with-the-underwhelming-apple-tv-3-0-update/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/29/hands-on-with-the-underwhelming-apple-tv-3-0-update/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/29/hands-on-with-the-underwhelming-apple-tv-3-0-update/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Regardless of some of the breathless comments coming out about the Apple TV 3.0 update, it appears that Apple TV is still a "hobby" to Apple. That is my impression after updating my Apple TV this afternoon and giving it a short run around the block.

To start with, I need to qualify this post with a quick reminder that I rarely use my Apple TV. But the gyrations I went through to get it updated are an indication that it still needs a real update, not just a facelift.

I began the update by turning on my Panasonic Viera Plasma TV and flipping the various switches to get the Apple TV on the display. Shortly after, the Apple TV woke up from a few months of sleep and I began flipping screens to find the Update button. I saw something that said "Downloads," and decided that was where I needed to go.

It asked for my Apple ID and password, and then told me I had the password wrong or it couldn't find the Apple ID. All of this was done not by typing on a keyboard, but by using the old white plastic Apple remote to pick one letter at a time off of a grid of letters and numbers. So much for Apple's vaunted skills in user interface design...

Continue reading Hands-on with the underwhelming Apple TV 3.0 update

Hands-on with the underwhelming Apple TV 3.0 update originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Hands-on with the underwhelming Apple TV 3.0 update originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>apple tvAppleTviTunes 9.0.2itunes extrasitunes lpItunes9.0.2ItunesExtrasItunesLpsoftware updateSoftwareUpdateSteven SandeThu, 29 Oct 2009 18:00:00 ESTiTunes 9.0.2 is out, Apple TV 3.0 as well, and they love each otherhttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/29/itunes-9-0-2-is-out-apple-tv-3-0-as-well-and-they-love-each-ot/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/29/itunes-9-0-2-is-out-apple-tv-3-0-as-well-and-they-love-each-ot/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/29/itunes-9-0-2-is-out-apple-tv-3-0-as-well-and-they-love-each-ot/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Engadget is reporting what everyone who has a twitchy refresh button already knows: iTunes 9.0.2 is out, bringing support to Apple TV 3.0. The iTunes update is available through Software Update, and the Apple TV update is right there in the box that says "Apple TV" on it.

The Apple TV update refreshes the look of the main menu, Genius Mixes and internet radio. It also adds iTunes Extras and LP support. Here's the official press release.

Notice any other new stuff? Tell us in the comments.

iTunes 9.0.2 is out, Apple TV 3.0 as well, and they love each other originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)iTunes 9.0.2 is out, Apple TV 3.0 as well, and they love each other originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>apple tvAppleTvitunessoftware updateSoftwareUpdateVictor Agreda, Jr.Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:40:00 ESTiTunes TOS update hints at Apple TV 3.0 softwarehttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/29/itunes-tos-update-hints-at-apple-tv-3-0-software/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/29/itunes-tos-update-hints-at-apple-tv-3-0-software/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/29/itunes-tos-update-hints-at-apple-tv-3-0-software/#commentsFiled under: ,


A new terms of service agreement has been posted up for iTunes users to approve when purchasing songs, movies or apps -- but a read of the summary reveals that Apple TV 3.0 software is on the way. Thus far, all we know is that the update will include support for iTunes LPs and iTunes Extras. A quick check of my Apple TV reveals no update has been pushed to the devices as of yet.

Many thanks to those who submitted the tip!

iTunes TOS update hints at Apple TV 3.0 software originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)iTunes TOS update hints at Apple TV 3.0 software originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Apple TVAppleTviTunes LPItunesLpMegan LaveyThu, 29 Oct 2009 10:00:00 ESTThe hits just keep coming: now there's a new Apple Remotehttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/20/the-hits-just-keep-coming-now-theres-a-new-apple-remote/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/20/the-hits-just-keep-coming-now-theres-a-new-apple-remote/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/20/the-hits-just-keep-coming-now-theres-a-new-apple-remote/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

In the universal scheme of things, it's not a big thing, but it's a welcome update. Apple has announced a new Apple Remote that has aluminum niceness and works with the iPhone, iPods with the Universal Dock, and iMacs introduced since 2005 that have a built-in infrared receiver.

According to Apple, the remote "gives you total command of your music, photos, videos, and DVDs from anywhere in the room. It works with Front Row to make accessing the digital content on your Mac as simple as navigating your iPod."

On an iPod or iPhone connected to a dock with IR you can "experience your songs, slideshows, and more from across the room. Plug your iPod into the Universal Dock and choose a playlist, slideshow, or video. Then sit back, relax, and enjoy. Ready to move on to the next song? No need to get up. Just press the Next button on the Apple Remote. Getting a call on your iPhone? Press Pause, then pick up where you left off."

It's a spiffy new design, with darker buttons instead of the all-white older model. Might make it easier to use when fumbling in the dark.

The remote will sell for U.S. $19.99 and is shipping in 2-4 weeks.

Thanks to everyone who sent this in.

The hits just keep coming: now there's a new Apple Remote originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)The hits just keep coming: now there's a new Apple Remote originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>aluminumAppleApple RemoteAppleRemoteMel MartinTue, 20 Oct 2009 13:00:00 ESTThe future of television is really the presenthttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/13/the-future-of-television-is-really-the-present/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/13/the-future-of-television-is-really-the-present/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/13/the-future-of-television-is-really-the-present/#commentsFiled under: ,

Editor's Note: There has been a lot of speculation around the future of Apple TV, even though Apple has called it a "hobby" for now. There has also been an extraordinary amount of speculation around an Apple-branded tablet device. Josh Doody has a background in technology, with undergraduate degrees in Computer and Electrical Engineering, experience in engineering, product management and development, and is currently an MBA candidate at the University of Florida. Here are his thoughts surrounding the Apple TV and a possible Apple tablet computer.

The future of television is really the present
 By Josh Doody

In David Foster Wallace's "Infinite Jest," he frequently refers to a device called a "Teleputer" (television-computer) or "TP" for short. The TP is high-def, fancy, online and pretty much ubiquitous. Wallace's vision of a TP was probably influenced by that wonky invention called "WebTV," which supremely sucked and mostly served to frustrate people and make them wonder what good the Internet was anyway.

Wallace was essentially spot-on regarding the Teleputer, and several signs point to Apple gearing up for another foray into mainstream must-have technology that will flip the script on television as we know it. Many publications, bloggers and users continue to speculate about Apple's plans for the future. But Apple's foray into two technologies that have been languishing in technological purgatory is more than just coincidence. Taken individually, these technologies will build on the Apple empire, but together they will change the way people consume TV shows, movies and video games.

The Teleputer's older sibling -- Apple TV -- is starting to disappear without much explanation from Apple. However, Steve Jobs and company might be reinventing a new Apple TV (NATV) that is awesome and game-changing, even though it appears to be recycling decade-old ideas and assimilating other ideas old and new. The iPod re-imagined how we consume music. The iPhone re-imagined how we communicate and what it means to be "Online." The New Apple TV will re-imagine how we consume all media.

Continue reading The future of television is really the present

The future of television is really the present originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)The future of television is really the present originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>apple tabletApple TVAppleTabletAppleTvguestitabletopiniontabletTUAW BloggerTue, 13 Oct 2009 15:00:00 ESTApple TV: What happens now?http://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/14/apple-tv-what-happens-now/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/14/apple-tv-what-happens-now/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/14/apple-tv-what-happens-now/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

As Steve Sande has reported, Apple has discontinued the 40 GB Apple TV unit, and dropped the 160 GB unit U.S. $100.00. The large capacity set top box now sells for $229.00, the price that the now-eliminated 40 GB unit used to sell for.

Apple has continuously referred to the Apple TV unit as a 'hobby', perhaps a way to explain less than stellar sales figures. It's way overdue for some kind of update and new features; perhaps an 'all you can eat' rental program similar to the Netflix model.

At the same time, the Apple TV service has had plenty of issues: everything from failures to authenticate users, to (for the last few days) an inability to browse the HD rentals beyond titles starting with the letter 'B.'

Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster had recently predicted that Apple would drop the 40 GB unit and lower the price of the remaining 160 GB unit, a prediction that turned out to be spot on. Munster has also predicted Apple would add DVR capabilities to the device.

Now, if only Apple would let that mysterious USB port on the back of the Apple TV allow more storage, and fix the service glitches, a lot of people would celebrate.

Some price adjustments for rentals would also be welcome. It is cheaper to rent Blu-ray titles at Blockbuster overnight then get the same title from Apple. Yes, you have to go get it, but the picture quality is better on the Blu-ray disk.

It's hard to figure out exactly where Apple should go with this device. I don't find the YouTube content compelling on a hi-def screen. Rentals are fine, but severely limited by the MPAA rules that only let me keep the rental for 24 hours. We're starting to see YouTube and Netflix being built into both TV sets and some new DVD/Blu-ray players, which will further diminish the Apple TV value. Hopefully Apple is up to something, or the 'hobby' will remain a half-baked idea that never took off.

Thanks to Jeremy for the the tip.

Apple TV: What happens now? originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Apple TV: What happens now? originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Apple TVAppleTvBlockbusterdiscontinueNetflixprice dropMel MartinMon, 14 Sep 2009 13:00:00 ESTApple TV gains hard disk capacity, loses weighty pricehttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/14/apple-tv-gains-hard-disk-capacity-loses-weighty-price/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/14/apple-tv-gains-hard-disk-capacity-loses-weighty-price/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/14/apple-tv-gains-hard-disk-capacity-loses-weighty-price/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Less than a week after the Apple TV was studiously ignored by Steve & Phil at the music event, a tipster has pointed us in the direction of the Apple online store where the device has suddenly gained some capacity and become less expensive.

The original 40GB model has been dropped altogether, and the 160GB model is now available for US$229, down from the previous price of US$329. Is Apple doing this to move inventory in anticipation of a new device, or to clear things out before dropping the Apple TV line?

Regardless of what direction Cupertino is taking, the existing Apple TV needs a software update stat! AppleInsider has speculated that the iTunes LP format and iTunes Extras released last Wednesday are specifically designed to deliver content to Apple TV. They've noted that the content is designed for 1280 x 720 resolution, fitting the native resolution of the Apple TV. There are even html meta tags in the new content -- "hdtv-fullscreen" and "hdtv-cursoroff" -- that seem to indicate that these new formats were designed for the Apple TV.

If Apple is planning on doing something with their "hobby" device, it would behoove them to announce it before the Christmas buying season. Does anyone want to take bets on whether or not there will be an Apple TV event before the beginning of November?

Thanks to twofedoras for the tip!

Apple TV gains hard disk capacity, loses weighty price originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Apple TV gains hard disk capacity, loses weighty price originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>apple tvAppleTvhdtvhobbyitunes extrasitunes lpItunesExtrasItunesLpSteven SandeMon, 14 Sep 2009 11:00:00 ESTRumor: Apple TV news on Sept. 9http://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/02/rumor-apple-tv-news-on-sept-9/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/02/rumor-apple-tv-news-on-sept-9/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/02/rumor-apple-tv-news-on-sept-9/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The rumors are flying around the upcoming Apple press event like bees in a clover field; bees goaded on by Piper Jaffray's Senior Research Analyst, Gene Munster.

On Monday, he suggested that the iPhone will be on multiple carriers in the US by next year. Yesterday, he predicted that Steve Jobs himself could make an appearance at next week's press event. Today, it's the Apple TV he's after. Citing short delivery times on the current 40GB model, he suspects that the 40GB model will be phased out and the 160GB model made less expensive.

Even if this does happen, we expect that Steve (or whomever) won't mention it. It wouldn't be the first time Apple made a change to the Apple TV immediately following a press event without having said a word.

For now, keep buzzing, little bees.

Update: Jim Dalrymple at The Loop has poured cold water on Munster's Apple TV prognostications. Dalrymple reports "very reliable sources" denying any introductions for non-music products at the 9/9 event.

Rumor: Apple TV news on Sept. 9 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Rumor: Apple TV news on Sept. 9 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>apple tvAppleTvpress eventPressEventseptember 9September9steve jobsSteveJobsDave CaoloWed, 02 Sep 2009 07:00:00 ESTHands on: Connecting my mini to a TVhttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/01/hands-on-connecting-my-mini-to-a-tv/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/01/hands-on-connecting-my-mini-to-a-tv/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/01/hands-on-connecting-my-mini-to-a-tv/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


We bought our Olevia 47" on Black Friday, 2007. It wasn't a particularly well rated TV. But it was a Black Friday deal that we could afford and it gave us far more screen space than we'd thought we'd be able to purchase. It has served us well through the years, hosting any number of gadgets with its generous ports. The thing supports HDMI, composite and component, with multiple attachments for each. The back of the TV looks like a sea of cables and connectors.

Its VGA connector has not seen much use over the years and I've been dying to give it a go. A lack of spare computers was our problem. When my Mac mini died this past winter, I replaced it with a fresh new current-generation mini, which we all love. The dead mini languished until I realized that I needed a Snow Leopard machine for testing during the SL beta. I ended up doing some home brew fix-it with an absolutely minimal 80GB disk bought from Newegg and a few tweaks. And for the last few months, Rome (as in the baking apple) has been my primary 10.6 beta desktop system.

That all changed on Friday. Snow Leopard debuted. And I was finally free to re-purpose this system. Read on to see how.

Continue reading Hands on: Connecting my mini to a TV

Hands on: Connecting my mini to a TV originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Hands on: Connecting my mini to a TV originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>eyetvhdtvmediaminirepurposingvgaErica SadunTue, 01 Sep 2009 17:00:00 ESTTUAW Guide: Setting up the Ultimate Mac mini Home Theaterhttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/08/21/tuaw-guide-setting-up-the-ultimate-mac-mini-home-theater/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/08/21/tuaw-guide-setting-up-the-ultimate-mac-mini-home-theater/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/08/21/tuaw-guide-setting-up-the-ultimate-mac-mini-home-theater/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Mac mini has always been the perfect form factor for a media center appliance (often called a Home Theater PC/HTPC). It's extremely small, almost completely silent and it can easily blend into an existing electronics shelf - or be hidden away completely.

The lack of a refresh (and rumors that the line was going to be discontinued), coupled with technical specs that didn't justify the price-point, have led many would-be HTPCers to write off the Mac mini as an option because they assume it is just too expensive.

However, as more and more content moves online and people become accustomed to getting their media from a computer, the idea of a HTPC is starting to make sense to more and more families. Taking off where netbooks left off, nettops are starting to enter the marketplace. These low-priced machines are diminutive, low-powered and connect easily to a television set. There's just one problem. Although nettops are pretty good at playing back regular video content, they absolutely choke when it comes to Flash, Silverlight or any other streaming content.

Still, when you look at the numbers, nettops aren't much more inexpensive than a Mac mini. You get what you pay for, too: the mini is much more powerful and can actually be used as a workhorse computer.

Thanks to updated hardware and a much-improved graphics chipset, the current revision really hits the sweet-spot for the ultimate HTPC.

Although many of us have longed for Apple to release an official media center product that brings the Mac mini and the Apple TV together, the current Mac mini is more than capable of serving as that product right now.

Now that Apple has allowed the purchase/rental of some high-definition films via iTunes, the media content options for the Mac mini match that of the Apple TV and then some.

Last month, Robert wrote about his experience transforming his "Switcher-Dad's" mini into a nice Mac media center.

In mid-June, my fiance and I bought a 2009 Mac mini (the 1GB 2.0GHz model). For the last few months, I've been testing hardware, accessories and lots and lots of software to make it into the best HTPC around. My goal was simple: my Mac mini needed to work with my existing surround sound setup and it needed to seamlessly connect to the FreeNAS media server where several terabytes of audio and video files reside. It needed to connect and work with our other Macs -- as well as our Windows 7 machines -- and it needed to be silent and simple, with an interface that a visitor or guest could easily suss out.

Read on for tips and tricks to get the most out of your machine's hardware and software, as we transform a 2009 Mac mini into the ultimate HTPC!

Part I: the hardware side

Part II: the software side

TUAW Guide: Setting up the Ultimate Mac mini Home Theater originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)TUAW Guide: Setting up the Ultimate Mac mini Home Theater originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>boxeeeyetvhtpcmac miniMacMinimedia centerMediaCenterplexxbmcChristina WarrenFri, 21 Aug 2009 16:30:00 ESTBoxee secures Series B round, plans for more features and more developershttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/08/12/boxee-secures-series-b-round-plans-for-more-features-and-more-d/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/08/12/boxee-secures-series-b-round-plans-for-more-features-and-more-d/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/08/12/boxee-secures-series-b-round-plans-for-more-features-and-more-d/#commentsFiled under: ,

Just eight-months after closing a Series A round of financing, media center startup Boxee has just closed another round of financing. The Boxee team has secured another $6 million in funding, led by Boston-based General Catalyst. Given the economic climate (especially for start-ups), two financing rounds in the span of a year is pretty impressive.

What's really exciting, for Mac and Apple TV users (assuming they haven't gone all Aron on us) is that this means that Boxee can now focus on bringing users more features. As a company, they can also hire more developers to continue to make the experience as good as it can be.

I talked to Andrew from Boxee last night and pointed out some of the plans that Boxee has in mind that are really exciting for fans of the home media center space.

  • Make the Product Better -- the Boxee beta is scheduled tentatively for later this fall. The goal is to bring the Boxee experience to the mainstream. I often forget that Boxee is still in alpha, but more improvements and refinements to the interface and the platform is just a good thing.
  • More Content -- The Hulu kerfuffle notwithstanding, more and more streaming media services are seeing the value in the 10-foot viewing experience. What will separate Boxee from the Vudu or Hulu Desktops of the world is what content it can deliver to users.
  • Attract Developers -- Despite launching a big API campaign, the Boxee App Store really hasn't taken off the way that some users (and developers) have hoped. I personally think that the variety of different platforms that are based on the same framework (XBMC) is part of the problem. Deciding to write your plugin for Plex or XBMC or Boxee can be difficult, especially since converting amongst the services is possible, but not easy. The team wants to make this easier.
  • Get Boxee on more devices -- The Apple TV and Boxee have been a great match (pure technical limitations for stuff like Netflix and full HD *.MKV files aside), but obviously getting onto more and more devices is the key to keeping development fresh and more content available.

I think Boxee has been a tremendous boon to the Mac and the Apple TV communities (we got it first, which I think was recognition that Mac owners are frequently the first to do lots of HTPC stuff) and in the last few months, Boxee as a platform has really improved.

My forthcoming (I swear!) Ultimate Mac mini HTPC series will dive into some more of my favorite Boxee Apps and features. What are some of your favorite Boxee apps and add-ons so I can make sure to try them out and add them to my list?

Boxee secures Series B round, plans for more features and more developers originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Boxee secures Series B round, plans for more features and more developers originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>apple tvAppleTvboxeehtpcmac miniMacMiniChristina WarrenWed, 12 Aug 2009 11:15:00 ESTConfession: I hate my Apple TVhttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/08/05/confession-i-hate-my-apple-tv/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/08/05/confession-i-hate-my-apple-tv/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/08/05/confession-i-hate-my-apple-tv/#commentsFiled under: , ,

I can be silent no longer. I have tried for nearly a year to love my Apple TV; yet every time I try to do anything beyond playing music with it, I begin to unconsciously claw my eyes out. I think that Apple TV is the worst product I have purchased that has come out of Cupertino -- and in many ways, one of the worst products I have purchased at all. Read on for the sordid details of my hate-hate relationship with my Apple TV.

Continue reading Confession: I hate my Apple TV

Confession: I hate my Apple TV originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Confession: I hate my Apple TV originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>apple tvAppleTvbittorrentboxeefeatureshuluAron TrimbleWed, 05 Aug 2009 22:00:00 ESTTUAW Fitness: An Apple a day makes the weight go awayhttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/08/01/an-apple-a-day-makes-the-weight-go-away/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/08/01/an-apple-a-day-makes-the-weight-go-away/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/08/01/an-apple-a-day-makes-the-weight-go-away/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

I've struggled with my weight for a long time. In my free-wheeling post-college days I lived with my two best friends, sitting around playing video games, drinking beer and eating Taco Bell. I put on a lot of weight in a short amount of time with that diet and exercise schedule, topping out at 260 pounds. I decided enough was enough, and I strapped on my running shoes, straightened up my eating habits, and lost almost 90 pounds.

In the years that have followed, my weight has gone up and down several times, and I'm at the point now that I need to get serious about losing weight again. According to my BMI, at 6'3" I should top out at 199 pounds, and right now I'm at 225.

This time my weight loss should be easier since I have 3 secret weapons: my iPhone 3GS, my Mac and my AppleTV. Read on for my weight loss plan and how these Apple products will help me achieve my goals.

Continue reading TUAW Fitness: An Apple a day makes the weight go away

TUAW Fitness: An Apple a day makes the weight go away originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 01 Aug 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)TUAW Fitness: An Apple a day makes the weight go away originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 01 Aug 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>biggest loserBiggestLoserdietexercisefatfitnesshealthnutritionweight lossWeightLossTim WassonSat, 01 Aug 2009 14:30:00 ESTHow Apple's Remote app ruined remote controls for mehttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/07/how-apples-remote-app-ruined-remote-controls-for-me/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/07/how-apples-remote-app-ruined-remote-controls-for-me/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/07/how-apples-remote-app-ruined-remote-controls-for-me/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Way back in what we called "the 80s," my father bought a VCR. Its magic let us record TV shows for later viewing, and we loved it. In fact, VCRs did 4 things:
  1. Record the show you were watching
  2. Record a show that was airing on a channel other than the one you were watching
  3. Watch videos previously recorded (your own or commercial movies)
  4. Record shows all on its own
Number 4 required a Tarot deck, eye of newt and a Harry Potter Time-Turner. The VCR had two "clocks" on its face. You set Clock A to your show's starting time, and Clock B to its end. Next, a series of switches that were developed by 14 or 15 blind and drunken NASA rejects required precise manipulation. At last you finished only to realize that your show had begun 11 minutes earlier.

Eventually we upgraded to a model with a wired remote control that was the size of a baby manatee and had more buttons than a scientific calculator. Twenty-eight years later, the DVR has made recording easier but remotes (or "clickers" as we call them) are still stuck in the 80s. To the max.

Continue reading How Apple's Remote app ruined remote controls for me

How Apple's Remote app ruined remote controls for me originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)How Apple's Remote app ruined remote controls for me originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>apple tvAppleTviphoneipodremoteDave CaoloTue, 07 Jul 2009 09:00:00 ESTApple TV software update adds gesture support via Remotehttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/06/24/apple-tv-software-update-adds-gesture-support-via-remote/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/06/24/apple-tv-software-update-adds-gesture-support-via-remote/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/06/24/apple-tv-software-update-adds-gesture-support-via-remote/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Apple has quietly pushed out software updates for both the Apple TV and the Remote application for the iPhone and iPod touch. The update, identified as version 2.4 for the Apple TV, and version 1.3 (24) for the Remote app, adds gesture support for controlling Apple TV from your iPhone or iPod.

Our in-house Apple TV geeks, Megan Lavey and Christina Warren, both installed the updates and gave them a try. Megan indicated the gestures were quick and responsive, and coupled with the ability to use the iPhone/iPod keyboard to search for shows, the new versions made it much less tedious to navigate through your shows.

Boxee users may wish to hold off on updating, however, as it seems that you may not be able to reinstall Boxee after completing the update. Also worth noting is that the new Remote app requires the 3.0 software update to be installed on your iPhone or iPod touch.

Thanks to everyone who sent this in!

Gallery: Apple TV Remote Gestures

Gesture WindowVideo PlaybackAudio Playback ControlsNavigation Window

Apple TV software update adds gesture support via Remote originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Apple TV software update adds gesture support via Remote originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Apple Remoteapple tvAppleRemoteAppleTvbreaking newsBreakingNewsiPhoneiPod TouchIpodTouchRemoteMichael JonesWed, 24 Jun 2009 17:30:00 ESTBlockbuster to bring content to Applehttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/03/25/blockbuster-to-bring-content-to-apple/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/03/25/blockbuster-to-bring-content-to-apple/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/03/25/blockbuster-to-bring-content-to-apple/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

On a January day in 1981, my sisters and I experienced unbridled glee when our father came home with a shiny new VCR. Imagine: Movies. In our own house. Whenever we wanted. What a world! It was an enormous, top-loading hunk of metal and plastic that I'm sure is currently at the bottom of a Pennsylvania landfill.

The VCR's arrival spawned the movie rental shop, the biggest of which (In Scranton, anyway) was Blockbuster. Today, services like On Demand, Netflix, Hulu and to a lesser extent Apple TV have forced them to re-think their business model, and they're getting into the video on demand business as well.

According to AppleInsider, Blockbuster's vice president of digital entertainment Kevin Lewis recently told Reuters that they're going to make downloadable content available to TiVo customers soon, and Apple after that.

That's all the detail we've got, but we'll assume he meant the Apple TV and iTunes. We'll keep an eye on this story and keep you updated.

Blockbuster to bring content to Apple originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Blockbuster to bring content to Apple originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>apple tvAppleTvblockbusteritunesitunes storeItunesStoreon demandOnDemandrentalsDave CaoloWed, 25 Mar 2009 11:00:00 ESTBoxee alpha boasts API, Hulu-stomping browser and Pandorahttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/03/24/boxee-alpha-boasts-api-hulu-stomping-browser-and-pandora/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/03/24/boxee-alpha-boasts-api-hulu-stomping-browser-and-pandora/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/03/24/boxee-alpha-boasts-api-hulu-stomping-browser-and-pandora/#commentsFiled under: ,



Boxee is having a massive meet-up in NYC tonight and is unveiling a new version of the alpha that brings more features, some Hulu manageability, and a new API. Fire up the update function in your Apple TV or OS X copies of boxee and get in on the fun!

Tonight's new release brings in some new features and workarounds to existing services:

  • The excellent music service, Pandora, is now built-into boxee, using the new boxee API
  • Speaking of the API, it should now be easier than ever for users to contribute add-ons to the project to integrate new service
  • BoxeeHQ has launched its PBS App Box app. It's pretty solid and provides access to many of public broadcasting's best content
  • A new XUL-based browser for Hulu and other content. This is big, because XUL is the framework that Mozilla uses for Firefox, meaning, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to restrict access to RSS streams accessed by boxee.
  • RadioTime support for over 100,000 terrestrial radio stations that can be streamed worldwide.
If you are on your Apple TV, just go to the Downloads section in Launcher and grab the latest version. Mac users can either download the latest version from boxee.tv or use the new auto-update feature to grab the latest release.

And of course, controlling boxee is now even easier using the free remote for the iPhone and iPod touch.

Boxee alpha boasts API, Hulu-stomping browser and Pandora originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Boxee alpha boasts API, Hulu-stomping browser and Pandora originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>apple tvAppleTvboxeeboxeehqhulupandoraChristina WarrenTue, 24 Mar 2009 19:45:00 ESTVuze allows remote playback support to Apple deviceshttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/03/24/vuze-allows-remote-playback-support-to-apple-devices/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/03/24/vuze-allows-remote-playback-support-to-apple-devices/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/03/24/vuze-allows-remote-playback-support-to-apple-devices/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Update: Original version of this post contained some accidental misinformation. Errors have been corrected.

Azureus was my Bittorrent client of choice back in the day -- it used to be open source and easy to use and install, and served up any torrents you'd like. Eventually, however, the app was turned into Vuze, got put under a much more restrictive license and added a bunch of extra content bloat, and I abandoned it in favor of the much simpler µTorrent (unfortunately, it's not open source either, but you can't win them all). Now, however, it sounds like Vuze is trying to make things a little easier on their customers -- the restrictions are still there, but you can now watch any or all of their content on any or all of your devices, including the iPhone and iPod touch, the Apple TV, and even consoles like the PS3 and the Xbox 360.

It's only slightly easier -- everything still has to be downloaded under the Vuze umbrella, but with just an option, you can drag and drop into iTunes or onto any of your other devices and then sync things out from there. If you do choose to access content through their application, at least you'll be able to bring what you download out onto the other devices you own.

You can download Vuze over on their site. Downloading content from their network can be done with just the app, though using their comments and Friends system will require a free onsite registration. The device integration currently only works in OS 10.5, though they're working hard to make it possible in 10.4 as well.

Vuze allows remote playback support to Apple devices originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Vuze allows remote playback support to Apple devices originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>apple-tvazureusbittorrentiphoneipod-touchremote-playbackvideovuzeMike SchrammTue, 24 Mar 2009 12:30:00 EST