Apple releases Apple TV "Take 2" update
updated 02:05 pm EST, Tue February 12, 2008
Apple TV "Take 2" update
Apple today released its Apple TV "Take 2" software update, which was delayed roughly two weeks ago because it was "not quite finished." The update adds a new on-screen interface that allows users to rent high definition movies directly from a widescreen TV. The update is available for free via automatic update for all existing Apple TV owners, and will ship with all newly manufactured Apple TV devices.
Apple announced the addition of movie rentals to its iTunes Store on January 15th during the Macworld Expo in San Francisco alongside the new Apple TV "Take 2." Apple TV owners can purchase and download movies as well as music from the iTunes Store directly from the device, without the need for a computer, and can download podcasts or stream photos live from .Mac and Flickr.
Two Weeks?
02/12, 02:34pm reply
I heard mid February in the speech. I appears ahead of time for me.
It is great. Netflix and Blockbuster are gone. A two day play would fit into Friday night rental for weekend buying pattern better.
But that will come.
starwarrior
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Mar 2006
wanted: Netflix-like...
02/12, 04:13pm reply
...rental plan via iTunes/ATV, mainly for TV shows. I wouldn't complain if it applied to movies as well, but something like this would make me give up Netflix completely. In fairness though, an iTunes "season pass" would cost me roughly the same AND the content would be mine to keep.
IvoryTower
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Mar 2006
no computer ever?
02/12, 04:57pm reply
I haven't heard if you need a Mac or PC to sign up for iTunes purchases/rentals...
If not, then it's great that the AppleTV is completely PC-less and I hope it's a matter of time before they start selling these things widely.
Offer the ability to plug in an iPod for syncing and they'll really have something to sell people.
The most important thing for Apple is to keep AppleTV ahead of XBox Live, feature- and content-wise. If they can't ever give XBox owners reason to consider owning an AppleTV as well they might as well give up.
mblase
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2002
Yea!
02/12, 05:07pm reply
Man it's like CHRISTMAS today!!!
ccrider
Mac Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2001
I played around with it..
02/12, 05:16pm reply
today and overall seems pretty cool. However, I liked the old GUI WAY better and the selection is still pretty limited currently (for rentals).
mgpalma
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2000
why is it free?
02/13, 04:32pm reply
Apple has charged for some updates, like 802.11n and new proggies for iPod touch, claiming that any added software to already-existing products had to go through some technical cost to keep the bean counters from keeling over. In the words of the kid from Risky Business "That was just bull s***, Joel"
tindrum
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2004