Remember that mysterious iProd2,1 device that appeared in the underlying codebase of iOS 4.1 ? The first iPad was labelled as ‘iProd” so everyone assumed this was a new reference for the rumored iPad 2G. Color us wrong as the recent iOS 4.2 beta 1 build reveals that this is the recently announced Apple TV.
Deep within the USB device configuration list for the latest iOS 4.2 beta 1 is an iProd 2,1 descriptor that links to an entry for the AppleTV2,1.The AppleTV2,1 key refers to the second hardware revision of the Apple’s digital media device which was announced at Apple’s Fall 2010 event. Not only does this identify the mystery device as the new Apple TV, it also confirms that the streaming device is powered by Apple’s mobile OS, not the propriety Mac OS X of the original Apple TV.
This is good news for Apple enthusiasts. It is possible that iOS for the Apple TV shares the same vulnerabilities as its iPhone and iPod touch counterparts. Assuming there is enough on-board storage available on the Apple TV, the Apple hacking community could jailbreak this device and enable support for applications. Anyone who was sour on the Apple TV now a bit more intrigued by the possibility of hacking it to support the vast catalog of applications available within Cydia and the official App store?
[Via TUAW]