This week's Apple event didn't have anything new for HD snobs, but there was something for movie lovers. We're always talking about the remaining barriers to digital distribution and one of those walls started to crumble yesterday -- well almost. Until this week, when you bought a movie from iTunes you didn't get any extra features like you do when you buy the Blu-ray version, but the new iTunes Extra feature addresses just this problem. The devil is of course in the details and this time the big rip is that these Extras are only available in iTunes and not on the Apple TV. So once again the Apple TV gets forgotten, it's bad enough that the hardware hasn't been revised in over two years, but it is just wrong when computer users get new movie centric features like extras and the Apple TV faithful get nada.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
daaper @ Sep 11th 2009 11:47AM
well that's because the Apple TV is primarily a gaming machine and doesn't need movie extras...
chris @ Sep 11th 2009 11:55AM
haha. i agree. you just don't need that kind of stuff on an apple tv. apple tv's are not made for that kind of stuff.
Fanfoot @ Sep 15th 2009 1:50AM
And of course it was more important to get to the new price point than to add features, as evidenced by the recent 160GB price drop.
RocketTech @ Sep 11th 2009 11:54AM
Don't forget Apple has their (middle) finger on the pulse of consumers- consumers just don't want extra features.
Galley @ Sep 11th 2009 11:59AM
There will undoubtedly be a firmware update within the next few weeks.
FNG @ Sep 11th 2009 12:01PM
There will undoubtedly be a hardware revision and an optional $19.99 firmware update within the next few weeks.
fixed it for you.
Squid7085 @ Sep 11th 2009 3:24PM
Not sure why everybody uses this as a Joke. Apple has been pretty generous to Apple TV adopters. If you bought an Apple TV on day one, it can still run the latest software, all of which has been free. Apple has stated that Apple TV was just a "Hobby" I would expect a free software update in the near future that enables the Apple TV to take advantage of these new iTunes features. A FREE update. I will admit, I am disappointed that Apple let this gap happen, if you can buy what is basically the DVD version with all the features, instantly, and watch it on your TV.. That seems pretty killer to me.
mitchelljd @ Sep 11th 2009 5:56PM
squid, you kidding me?? apple has been generous with apple tv? cmon dude, i love mine, but it is getting a bit long in the tooth. very few advancements to make it up to date.
Where are is the compatibility with:
1- Netflix on Demand
2- Amazon on demand
3- hulu
the apple tv could be an amazing device, if apple didn't cripple it into only working with itunes content.
also, the apple tv with its software updates is a bit less reliable and needs to be rebooted frequently.
EM1 @ Sep 11th 2009 7:31PM
It is a joke. Apple is completely ass backwards. And I say this while I watch stuff on my Mac Pro and type on my 3GS.
I am so tired of the games. I bet Apple will not update the firmware. The new version will be mostly be the same with a few 'innovating' features. It will support all the new iTunes features with ease. Because it is Apple, we are all willing to pay the $200 for a new. It's Apple, we can't help but love him.
David Hildreth @ Sep 11th 2009 12:48PM
I'm going to assume that since it directly involves giving money to the iTMS that there will be a firmware update.
IseWise @ Sep 11th 2009 6:19PM
Bag of hurt
PJ @ Sep 11th 2009 9:51PM
my guess is that they are still trying to work out some legal issues with the MPAA or whomever is the governing body. This is the same reason NBC/Universal will not let anyone put Hulu on a TV. They want the experience to be like watching a DVD, but not to replace the need for someone to buy it (to watch it on a TV set). And yes I know anyone that visits Engadget knows how to hook their computer up the their TV and watch Hulu, etc on it but that is not what the "public" considers an option.
digitalbt @ Sep 12th 2009 11:09PM
BIG bag of hurt.