iPhone OS on Apple TV
Today TechCrunch posted an article speculating about an iPhone OS powered Apple TV, and said it could be a problem for developers because they would have to deal with another (even variable!) screen resolution.
I’m an iPhone/iPad developer, and I have to admit that before the iPad I would use hard-coded pixel values when building apps. I knew it was a bad idea, but there was only 320×480, and I was in a hurry to publish. With the iPad, I don’t think that way anymore.
The bigger challenge for an iPhone OS Apple TV, in my opinion, is that iPhone OS is designed for multitouch interfaces, and the current Apple TV is designed to be used with a (very) basic remote control.
If I were Apple, I would build a new Apple TV that has no remote control. Instead, it would be controlled by an iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad. Touch the screen on your mobile device and then show a pointer on the TV, sort of like a Wii. This could make for some amazing user interfaces and take Apple one step further to living room / home domination.
Anyway, that’s my $0.02. Back to coding (I released an RSS parser for Cocoa today).
Interesting thought but, although I can already do so, I don’t use my phone to control the Apple TV.
By the time I find my phone (which is normally charging during the evening), entered the PIN, started the app and then start navigating it, I have lost the will to live.
Same with the iPad. By the time I have entered the PIN, opened the app, etc it is too late.
However, I do use a universal remote so I have less items to reach for. The convenience concept is the same but I don’t have data to hide on the u-remote. No Pins. It’s the right size, I can do it without looking. I know where the buttons are.
I can’t do that on a touch screen. At least not yet - tactile feedback is zero right now. I suspect a generation of touch screens will soon emerge where feedback is available. Then we are really talking about a useful control device.
I recognise the cursor approach doesn’t need tactile feedback as it is visual, but I bet I can click a series of buttons quicker than you can move a cursor, double tap, move the cursor, double tap…
Until then, I have to say my iPad and iPhone, which I use every waking hour, remain as consumption and minor creation devices.
Have a great holiday weekend!
Cheers, Paul
And a kick as RSS Parser it is!
Also I agree about the Apple TV.