[CUBE] The Return of the CUBE???

[Todd Masco]

Benjamin wrote:
> If Jobs is looking to build on the iPod's success, he could build a
> media server that could hook up to a composite input on the TV and your
> stereo input. Imagine using a Keyspan remote to order iTunes music off
> your TV set to be played through your stereo.
>
> If that were the case, it would HAVE to be a commodity, just like the
> iPod.

There already is one, sort of  - it's called a TiVo. Series 2 and later 
TiVos have USB ports that take ethernet or 802.11b/g (airport) 
adaptors.

The one with the DVD burner can play mp3 CDs, or with the Home Media 
Option can pull your iTunes and iPhoto data over the network and play / 
display them.  True, it's more a client than a server (though my model 
also burns DVDs), but I think it's a lot better suited to the "media 
access" model that consumers can easily understand.

You install a TiVo preferences pane on your Mac and the TiVo finds it 
via Rendezvous.  It's very cool and is probably why Apple is selling 
TiVos in its stores.

The only downside is that they're still working on AAC support.  I 
can't wait...

Anyway, it seems like this is Apple's answer to the television - find a 
kick-ass consumer electronics unit and partner with them as a part of 
the digital hub.

	-- Todd