The Intel Integration continues

The new Mac mini project, code-named Kaleidoscope, will feature an Intel processor and include both Front Row 2.0 and TiVo-like DVR functionality.

If I went to sleep 3 years ago and woke up today I would probably be in shock (because of many things but let’s keep to technology, specifically Intel and Apple for this discussion). Dual core processors that are 64 bits? Intel chips in Apple products? No more Pentium brand for Intel? Video on an iPod? What’s next?
The Apple Media Center (although not officially named that I thought I’d give it another go. I’m 0 fer 1 on names) is set to debut sometime in February, or so I’m told. Although I haven’t seen the exact specs you can expect the tiny Apple Media Center to tie TV, music, games, internet surfing and video editing/music recording to your couch. If you work at home you’ll never have to leave your couch except to eat and visit the toilet (that inconvenience can be eliminated with a product I’ll be selling… the iCath and the iIV).
Sporting a tv tuner, wireless keyboard/mouse, TiVo-like DVR functionality, the Intel Duo Core chip and a Mac Mini shell, the Media Center should appeal to the masses. Apple has already found ways to put it’s name in the hands of millions and now it’s going for the living rooms of everyone. It’s the next logical step. Could it be that you can download that episode of Lost (if you didn’t TiVo it) you missed and watch it on your 61” plasma TV without having to move your bum or burn it to a DVD. Or if you did TiVo it, you can watch it or put it on your iPod and take it with you to watch in the bathroom (cause you don’t have the iCath).
Microsoft has been doing this for 2 years now but let’s be honest, this’ll be better and more expensive. I expect it’ll cost more than the Mac Mini because of the Intel Chip, much needed bigger hard drive and it’s wireless capabilities. I guess between 750 and 999 frosties ;0)

6 thoughts on “The Intel Integration continues”

  1. I’ve worked with the folks that build the MS version for a few years now. This is gonna be interesting out at the plant. In the interest of protecting my bread and butter I’m going to keep my commentary to a minimum. BUT…

    The MS Media Center taps in to a whole exisiting market of PC users…I wonder if a Mac version is going to create a whole new range of “switch” customers.

    Also, I wonder if this isn’t going to heat up the home networking market. Even those of us that have live in tech geeks get flustered from time to time by home networking issues. Everybody wants WiFi, but is it the best way to broadcast Lost to the john? Not to mention the copyright issues over what constitutes “broadcasting”…

    I gotta shut up already.

  2. I’m not knocking the MS product but I’m using years of history as my base for that claim. Let me explain.
    I love Windows. I’ve beta tested parts of Longhorn. I’m by no means a “Mac” person… and I haven’t had the opportunity to put the MS Media Center 2005 version through the ringer (but I’m working on that). But when it comes to the computer inerudite (aka THE MASSES), I believe
    Apple has always had an edge on MS. And when bringing this to “the masses” of people old enough to buy a Media Center for their living room, you definitely need your program to be ready for the least common denominator. Millions have learned TiVo because it’s pretty simple. I know the MS Media Center has tried to curb that traditional view of Windows with it’s interface but I don’t know if it’ll be enough. I haven’t seen the Apple Product so I can only speculate. I hope that it challenges MS to push forward faster and make MS Media Center better.
    Side note for Pam: since you are reading, pass this on to Bill for the next release; I’d like Blu-Ray and HD/DVD compatibility and burning, HD tuner built in, HD recording and the ability to stream all media from my Media Center PC… thanks.

  5. UPDATE: the new mac mini was release today.
    apple site and
    endgadget site

    i was wrong. they don’t have an offical “media center” software. they don’t even have a hdmi port or blu-ray/hd-dvd drive. i’m sorta disappointed.

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