Apple Set Top Box?

CNet's Rumor Mill reports that Apple may have had some interest in purchasing Moxi Digital. Apple's been on a bit of a buying spree... with various purchases centered around their Pro Video market. Moxi Digital would have been an departure... and a bit of a curiousity... Moxi Digital has their own version of the digital hub:

The Moxi MC is a set-top box design using the company's middleware, which runs between a modified version of the Linux operating system and interactive services, such as a digital video recorder, digital music jukebox, enhanced DVD playback as well as online capabilities including instant messaging, e-mail, Web browsing and chat.

Not a clear fit for Apple's (public) plans...

When I was at the Apple Store in Columbus around december. I saw a manual that said "Apple Set Top Box" on it. It was at the Geneus bar. Well on the cabinets on the back. I am not sure if this was a manual for the old one or a new one. But I kinda doubt it is a new one. But ya never know.

Originally posted by RicFlair
When I was at the Apple Store in Columbus around december. I saw a manual that said "Apple Set Top Box" on it. It was at the Geneus bar. Well on the cabinets on the back. I am not sure if this was a manual for the old one or a new one. But I kinda doubt it is a new one. But ya never know.

prob for the old one...

arn

I've been following Moxi for a bit now and I can't wait 'till it's release. I think this a great concept and I would surly use it. I use Ultimate TV now(yeah, in know it MS) and it it awesome. I love the service. The PVR is great. I haven't used a VHS tape in a year. The added features of the Moxi would be awesome! And, if Apple got involved...that would truely be an ultimate TV! It would kick everyones butt.


'Beaver

This does seem a bit of a departure for Apple, but who knows, a settop box is another point that can be attached to the digital hub.

From the Moxi article,
Moxi debuts in what is shaping up to be the latest gold rush for technology companies. Microsoft, Intel, Apple Computer and the major PC companies, among others, are coming out with technology that will bridge the gap between the TV, a fixture in the home, and computer technologies.

Maybe Apples trying to prevent other companies from capitalizing on something they see being a big item, but maybe not for a couple of years. But Apple hasn't bought Moxie yet.

while we're all posting rehashes about the next g4 speed increase apple is looking sooo far into the future. lets face it, even increasing their 5% share of the computer market doesn't guarantee long-term survival. and the computer market is going to change in ways that no-one expects. so they're diversifying into software, periph companies, becoming pals with panasonic, and maybe thinking about moxie's set-top box thingee.....

so at some point you'll use your mac and their video software to make your dvd that'll go out their new firewire co's technology to the moxie box that will bluetooth the content to every monitor in your house-and your phone will be the remote control.

obviously, i'm not inventing any wheels here but my point is that it's all going to be integrated and apple is taking the steps to be competitive in the future. i really doubt they'll look at themselves as a computer company in the next 5 to 10 years.

having said that, where's my dual 1.4, ddr, rapid i/o dream box?

I just want standards for connecting and interfacing audio/video components.

We wouldn't stand for such hacks as the "universal remote" in Computer land.

This seems very interseting, I wonder what will come of it. Yes a good remote would be nice, it would be snow with silver buttons, and a chrome apple on the back.

I think it would be an area for Apple to research..... especially with the rise of Interactive TV......

I like what 3rdpath has to say, it seems quite grounded, and feasible and would definitly be cool!!!

I still see the TV as the main focal point of any living space, but I don't see why this can't all be linked to the Mac, and controlled directly from here??

Access any parts of your house from you mac for lifestyle, climate control, security etc, aswell as for entertainment puposes, such as audio in seperate rooms, itelligent video etc......

And links from the mac to kitchen appliances that are smart etc..... all this would really push the whole Digital Hub thing along...... it maybe a decade away, but I forsee something similar happenning in the not too distant future!!

Actually Bill Gates has such a system in his house running Windows 2000, thing is though, the system probably screws up and makes the house too hot in summer and freezes the place up in winter...... then crashes!!! so it'd need to be alittle better than that!!

http://www.usnews.com/usnews/nycu/tech/billgate/gatehigh.htm

Mayzin':p

I'm not sure if I believe it or not...

but at this point it wouldn't surprise me too much if Apple did get involved...

Apple is trying to fit into most categories where other computer companies have yet to scratch upon...and I think it's in doing so that Apple will gain more market share...

I predict an integrated system one day that all controls from a G4 (or G5)....tv...stereo...video....

it'll be a beautiful thing! :p