The Apple TV is still considered a “hobby” by Steve Jobs but that hobby is on track to sell more than a million units by this week, the company said.
The Apple TV was revamped in September to be a sleeker and, some would say, less advanced device. Gone is the ability to play local content off of things like a thumb drive or the ability to purchase and store content on the Apple TV. Instead, the company moved to a streaming model where customers can’t buy content but can rent it instead. Additionally, Netflix came preloaded on the iOS device.
The success of the Apple TV comes as a major competitor is stumbling out of the gates. Google TV was also recently introduced and it has been met with a chilly reception from the public and from the press.
Perhaps Google’s approach is too ambitious, as it is generally trying to take an over-the-top approach but content makers aren’t pleased with it. Things like Hulu and NBC.com have been blocked, which means it’s only suitable for users who love content produced on the web.
As for Apple TV, it received a big boost with the release of iOS 4.2. This software included AirPlay, which enabled this device to be a receiver of content from other iOS devices like the iPhone or iPad. For example, you could be watching a video on the iPad and then share it over to your Apple TV to play it on the big screen.
While we’re on the topic of TV streamers, I’d just like to say that I love my Roku box. Sure, I wish it could easily play local content but it’s quite a blast to have Netflix and Pandora on my big-screen TV.
What do you guys think of Google TV and Aple TV so far?
[Via Apple]