News, info, and opinion by Mac users, for Mac users.

May 30, 2007

apple_tv

Apple TV and YouTube, together at last

Posted May. 30, ’07, 2:45 PM PT by Thomas Gagnon-van Leeuwen
Category | Apple TV

appletvyoutube.jpg

Another instance of Google-Apple collaboration was shown today: in his Q&A with Walt Mossberg, Steve Jobs demoed a future Apple TV feature: playing YouTube videos right from the device.

in a few weeks, Apple will roll out a free software update to all Apple TV users, which will place a “YouTube” entry right in the main menu. Judging by the interface demo on the Apple TV page, in addition to shortcuts to Featured, Top Rated, and the like, you’re also offered the option to search. It also appears you can log in to your YouTube account and view your viewing history. The whole thing is presented in the typical slick Apple TV look, complete with descriptions, YouTube ratings, running time, and all the good stuff.

However, not all videos will be available next month, because YouTube needs to convert them to H.264. Initially, you’ll only get the most recent and popular shorts, but the entire catalog is promised for “this fall”, with more content being added each week.

But the Internet portion of Apple TV was not the only one to get an update today; Apple will also add a 160GB model which will cost $399, $100 more than the current 40GB version. That will go on sale as soon as tomorrow. With these new features, Apple TV inches its way to a brighter future. Do 160GB hard drives and YouTube capabilities influence your purchase decision?


5 Comments

Exnihilo said:

No. I don't plan on purchasing movies in iTunes, and it isn't a DVR, so AppleTV is a hard sell for me.

May 30, 2007 4:58 PM
lipbalm said:

Do 160GB hard drives and YouTube capabilities influence your purchase decision?

Yes.

May 30, 2007 8:37 PM
George said:

Does YouTube video or a 160GB HD influence my decision to buy an AppleTV? No.

So if basically being stuck watching crappy 640x480 iTunes Store video wasn't enough, you'll soon be able to watch even crappier 320x240 YouTube video. At least the interface which runs at 720p will look nice in between the crap videos. Gee, this certain is "the DVD of the future." Who wants that silly 1080p video and discrete surround sound that both HD-DVD and Blu-Ray offer?

The 160GB AppleTV makes both the XBox 360 and the PS3 much more comparable. An XBox 360 with HD costs $399 or $479, and an additional (and optional) $200 will get you HD-DVD drive. For $599, you get a PS3 and Blu-Ray. Either option provides you with something Apple seems unwilling to offer: HD content. Sorry, I refuse to count 720p Podcasts. Even my Tivo can do pretty much everything available with the AppleTV (except HD which really the AppleTV is doing either).

The only thing that would be less compelling than YouTube is a way to browse MySpace pages. Maybe that will be available in July...

May 31, 2007 4:14 AM
Adam said:

I already have an apple TV. I'm happy to hear about youtube coming to it. I'm hoping for direct download from itunes next.

As for the 160gb model, in typical apple fashion I wish I had waited.

May 31, 2007 10:31 PM
Kelmon said:

MacWorld UK gave the Apple TV a score of 2-stars out of a possible 5 in the last issue. One of the biggest reasons for this is that, outside of the US, there is NO CONTENT available for the device which makes it practically useless unless you can be bothered to make your own. The YouTube announcement improves the situation but only slightly. Since the thing can't play a DVD or record live television there is presently no point to the device.

How can I put this - release content for the Apple TV or see this product DIE because no one in their right mind outside of the US will buy one right now.

May 31, 2007 11:30 PM

Leave a comment

 



Visit other IDG sites: