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Comment by dennykmiu | Hacker News Reader

One of the mysteries with today's Apple TV announcement is why they didn't incorporate Apps Store (which is very obvious given that ATV2 nows runs on the A4 processor and IOS4). My guess is that Apple is saving its dry powder (to compete with Google TV). I am convinced that when Apps Store become available, Boxee would be a fantastic app (and as such, would benefit from Apple as opposed to competing with Apple). On the other hand, Boxee Box is a piece of hardware and would be a direct competitor and a strategic mistake (which explains why D-Link is dragging its feet).

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One of the mysteries with today's Apple TV announcement is why they didn't incorporate Apps Store

There wouldn't be any apps.

When they do this, they will do it like they did with part of the iPad... secret seeding to top devs they want to have in the store at launch. Right now iOS devs are all still recovering from having to crank out their iPad apps in a short amount of time. Personally I am thankful they have given us a break!

I agree with your comment. But this is a matter of timing. I have to believe that within 12 months, they will incorporate apps in the new Apple TV. For a family of four, I spend close to $150 per month on cell phones. Apple is now getting a piece of that and I am happy they do because cell phones used to suck until they came along. I am also spending close to $100 per month on cable and I can't wait until Apple gets a piece of that as well. Nothing sucks more than Comcast Cable. That's a lot of money per month for apps. Go west, young man, go after the money.

Stupid cash cow

One thing that's being overlooked:

What kind of apps can Apple tout (and we write) when the remote is the only input device?

People said they didn't want another computer, so forget wireless keyboards and mice. Maybe a touch interface with the iPad mirroring the TV? You touch the iPad and the results display on both the iPad and the TV, but that would require you to own another device just to use it to its fullest potential.

When these problems can be reasonably solved, we'll probably have an app store for the TV.

Maybe not the regular iPhone apps, but there are many opportunities for apps like alternate streaming services or games (apple can release a wii remote like device) or facetime enabled video conferencing etc.

I don't think we'll see the iPad or iPhone simply mirroring the TV, but being used as dedicated input devices in their own right. I imagine that most AppleTV apps will come with a matching iPhone or iPad app for input. For example the iPhone can display buttons and icons which you use to control the app on the TV or use the tilt sensor like some sort of Wii like motion control.

I don't think making AppleTV owners also own an iPhone or iPad to get the full potential from the device is anything Apple would consider a negative.

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