Apple must wake up as its front room media solution-cum-hobby, Apple TV is under attack
Microsoft has announced a new deal with Netflix under which the latter service will offer Xbox LIVE users who are also members of Netflix Gold free access to over 10,000 films and a multitude of TV shows - all directly through the Xbox.
From the Netflix website, members simply add movies and TV episodes to their individual instant Queues. Those choices will be automatically displayed on the TV screen via Xbox 360 and available to watch instantly.
It's a significant move that underlines the additional value you get from using TV-connected console systems, rather than more limited streaming boxes (such as the Roku Netflix box that's now available).
The Xbox plays games, accesses the internet, plays DVDs and more, while Apple TV does not.
John Schappert, corporate vice president of Interactive Entertainment LIVE, Software and Services Business at Microsoft said: “We are creating a completely new social entertainment experience, and Xbox 360 will be the only video game system where you can access your library of instantly streamable movies from Netflix and turn any room into a virtual movie theater.”
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Comments
A good step for Microsoft. A
A good step for Microsoft. A challenge for Apple: Apple TV lacks gaming and websurfing at least.
what i don't get is how
what i don't get is how people can use the xbox360 in their living-rooms. i bought it 2 years ago, but had to return it because it was simply too loud. 65 db! how can you watch television when next to your screen a jet is taking off all the time?
what you need to get is how
what you need to get is how the Xbox 360 is gonna be available to play full games from the hard drive. All you need is the disc inside the console (to avoid piracy)...but it won't even spin. I'm an Apple fanboy and I don't even have an Apple product yet. STEP IT UP APPLE! Live TV streaming to the Apple TV with iphone compatibility!! I saw the patent...let's make it happen Captain!
And what you need to know, is
And what you need to know, is how to not pollute the thread with replies whose topics have nothing to do with the original post. That's a stupid way to get your stupid comment closer to the top of the page. On the top or not - your comment is still stupid.
Strategy for AppleTV
Allow more countries to purchase/rent movies. With the iPhone effect I bet they would get amazing results!!!
But then again... Maybe Hollywood is deaf....
ATV is a half hearted effort
I would like AppleTV to succeed as I like its form factor and the Apple interface, however I would not buy one as it stands now. It is simply too limited.
First of all it has no ability to play DVDs to Bluray disks. Its high definition output is limited to only 720p. Come on, I can 1080p capability! Can I store my own films on there without having to first rip, convert and load into iTunes to then stream to the box? It seems like too much effort.
Currently I have a PS3 for DVD/BRD playback. I can store movies directly on it (my children's favorite films) and I can watch other media content just as easily (just plug in a USB drive containing the content. The only thing missing is the ability to rent films directly on it. Now if Sony could team up with Netflix, then Apple would have some real competition!
But they make it up by selling more?
According to some sources, MS loses over $125 on every XBox they sell. Now they've lowered the price by $50, moving that loss up to over $175 per unit. At this rate, I hope they sell millions.
Wishing MS success?
Are you actually wishing Microsoft success - hoping that their "losses" (for each Xbox sold) will somehow drive them out of business? Let's not fool ourselves here - this is Microsoft we're talking about. Their deep pockets and tenaciousness practically guarantees their survival. And remember also that Xbox 360s are not their only product.
Not exactly
You're relying on old news. Xbox 360's (according to some reports) aren't exactly operating in the red anymore. Plus, according to the data, MS adds a new Xbox Live member an average of every 5 seconds! Even if they aren't subscribers, they are building a user base that's a force to be reckoned with.
Come on, just because you enjoy Apple products, it doesn't mean you need to bash every single thing from a competitor. Especially if the facts are in your favor. ;)
Apple TV doesn't need to play discs
Apple TV doesn't need to play discs - plastic media get corrupted, are hard to convert between devices and formats, and will eventually be replaced by a pure digital stream - and THAT is where the money and the technology needs to be.
Apple needs to ramp up from 720 resolution to a full 1080 and they need to include some REAL storage options on Apple TV for it to be taken seriously. Anything added beyond those two crucial points would be icing on the cake (like the ability to transfer ANY content to/from iPod, iPhone, iMac, iWhatever!).
Remote
At least you can get a great remoye for TV!