In case you missed it: blog.boxee.tv/2011/12/26/boxee-1-5-fall-software-u...
Boxee will be releasing a last version of it’s media application for PC (Linux/Mac/Windows) in January.
Do you agree with their statement than the HTPC is doomed?
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What do you think of boxee stopping the PC side of their software?
I've been chipping at the home theatre solution for about 8 years now and have never been truly satisfied with any of the solutions. I've used OS X, Linux, Windows, AppleTV, XBMC, Boxee, XBox 360, WD TV, and now I am trying to get Google TV going while trying to get an RMA for a faulty Logitech Revue. None of them meets all the needs I have. Google TV has come the closest, but I am having to run an Apple Cube connected to the stereo to get decent music playback with headless remote control from the kitchen (to avoid having to walk into the living room to change music).
Knowing that every solution requires one set of compromises or another, I think they are making a good decision, although maybe not the one fans want to hear. This will allow them to focus on the set of compromises they can best cover, and leave the other areas to other devices.
I think we are a long way off from having 1 single box that does everything we want. Accepting a multi-box solution is the nearest path to sanity for the foreseeable future. If Boxee accepts that reality and focuses now on what they do best, that is their last chance for relevance.
Knowing that every solution requires one set of compromises or another, I think they are making a good decision, although maybe not the one fans want to hear. This will allow them to focus on the set of compromises they can best cover, and leave the other areas to other devices.
I think we are a long way off from having 1 single box that does everything we want. Accepting a multi-box solution is the nearest path to sanity for the foreseeable future. If Boxee accepts that reality and focuses now on what they do best, that is their last chance for relevance.
Actually I'd say that the latest Apple TV units aren't as good at music and photos playback as the older ones, since at least the older ones could be synced... For me iTunes on Windows is a flaky piece of software, and can't be relied on to continue functioning for any significant length of time.
I don't blame them for doing it. Microsoft hasn't done any major revisions to their media center software in quite some time. Not to mention the Netflix app on WMC is still severely lacking in terms of features compared to other platforms. They flat out state handling DRM content is a pain so why bring something that is only going to be half of what you intend it to be. HTPC is just a very niche area and the demand around maintaining for that platform is not that much. Having built a HTPC and tried to make it the one stop shop solution is just not feasible.
I understand dropping the support for Windows... and also for Linux (unless more people use it than I think...) but the Mac Mini is a great HTPC.
I agree that people are getting connected TVs and Blu-Ray players but who knows how long a manufacture will support the built in software? I rather use an HTPC instead of having a gadget that won't connect because Netflix or Hulu wants to change their log-in protocol.
I learned this from my WebTV... RIP.
Boxee is a company and needs the revenue from the hardware they are making. I would like some type of modem / Mac Mini form-factor though.
I agree that people are getting connected TVs and Blu-Ray players but who knows how long a manufacture will support the built in software? I rather use an HTPC instead of having a gadget that won't connect because Netflix or Hulu wants to change their log-in protocol.
I learned this from my WebTV... RIP.
Boxee is a company and needs the revenue from the hardware they are making. I would like some type of modem / Mac Mini form-factor though.
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