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http://www.macnn.com/articles/10/09/02/first.non.ios.device.to.use.chipset/

Apple TV found using A4 processor [u]

updated 09:35 am EDT, Thu September 2, 2010

 

First non-iOS device to use chipset?


(Updated with official info on Nano and iOS) A brief check of the Apple TV's technical specifications reveals that it is actually based on an A4 processor, like the iPad, iPhone 4 and the new iPod touch. The architecture is an ARM design customized by Apple, nominally with mobile products in mind. In the Apple TV it replaces a relatively low-grade Intel chipset.

An open question so far is whether or not the Apple TV uses iOS firmware. Until now, any device with an A4 processor has also used iOS; other products based on the platform should in fact be able to push photos and video to an Apple TV using AirPlay. The only touch control for the set-top comes from the Remote app, however, and the TV menu interface resembles that of earlier hardware. Moreover, no access to the App Store is available, although the same is true of the new iOS-equipped iPod nano.

Update: An Apple spokesperson later revealed that the iPod nano does not use iOS, but rather an interface meant to mimic the operating system.




by MacNN Staff

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 peripherals, Apple TV, A4

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Comments

  1. TomSawyer

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Jan 2008

    +11
    09/02, 10:04am | report spam | (1 reply) Reply |

    No Kidding

    Mr. Jobs clearly announced that during the Music Event yesterday. Its not like this was some great secret or anything.

  1. eclux

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Jul 2008

    +2
    09/02, 11:03am | report spam | Reply |

    Yes Kidding

    I have to say I had the same thought about his announcement, but I rewatched the Apple TV section of the video and I can't find a mention of the A4. Maybe confusing it with the iPod touch update.

  1. Constable Odo

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Aug 2007

    0
    09/02, 11:27am | report spam | Reply |

    At least it helps by lowering the component

    cost of the A4 across the iOS line. This is how Apple is beating opponents. If you notice, Apple devices just keep getting slimmer and smaller which makes a big difference in cost of materials when building millions of devices. The Apple TV and remote use much less in the way of materials than the Roku box. A new iPod nano probably uses half the materials of, say, a Sandisk Sansa Fuse. I suppose that makes Apple products greener as far as using less resources. Apple's packaging materials are next-to-nothing in weight.

    Apple seems to be minimizing to the max and boosting profit margins. Apple could really leap ahead if it can properly utilize that LiquidMetal process for manufacturing smaller items.

  1. andrewbw

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Jan 2001

    +4
    09/02, 11:56am | report spam | Reply |

    Nano does not use iOS

    Other websites with better fact checking have all indicated, quoting directly from Apple representatives available during the hands-on demonstration following Jobs' speech, that the Nano does not run iOS -- the user interface mimics iOS, but that's not what it's running. It's probably still running some derivative of the Pixo OS used on all iPods (other than the iPod Touch) up to this point.

  1. gmsquires

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Jul 2009

    0
    09/02, 04:46pm | report spam | Reply |

    Small is good

    Flash! Steve Jobs announces today 9/2/2020, Apple will have a new total media player built using nano technology. The new technology will be based on nanites in a liquid suspension form which will be placed in the user's ears and eyes to hear and/or see the media as it is directly transmitted via the users nerves.

  1. testudo

    Forum Regular

    Joined: Aug 2001

    -1
    09/03, 01:36pm | report spam | Reply |

    Re; costs

    Apple devices just keep getting slimmer and smaller which makes a big difference in cost of materials when building millions of devices.

    Except usually smaller on the internals costs more. So it isn't total win-win.

    And, of course, it doesn't help the consumer as much, since they still pay the same prices no matter what it costs Apple. And they're the ones stuck actually trying to navigate the new small nano with it's tiny screen and stupid on-screen controls.


    A new iPod nano probably uses half the materials of, say, a Sandisk Sansa Fuse. I suppose that makes Apple products greener as far as using less resources. Apple's packaging materials are next-to-nothing in weight.

    No, it doesn't. It only makes it 'greener' if it uses less of the same resources. However, if the new Nano, in order to get smaller, uses DDT-infused mercury and emits CFLs, then it would be worse for the environment.

    And you can't just look at the final product. For example, what is the environmental impact of the manufacture of the LCDs on the iPhone/iPod touch compared to other types of screens?

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