As to the comments about convergence of the OS’s, I don’t see that as a problem provided it keeps the AppleTV as a media centre rather than a games console. The major benefit compared to having used a Windows Media Centre in the past is its simplicity.

Indeed, that’s what i actually do. But the fact us that, as I tried to explain, there’s a lot of stuff that simply I don’t want to have on my computer that, in the other hand, makes perfect sense for it to be on the ATV.

I just think that the unit is underdeveloped. Don’t get me wrong, I’m quite a happy user, but wouldn’t call it ‘Best Of Apple’ by its current status.

The shame us that, even from a ‘user friendly’ perspective (not complicating it too much) it could do so much more with little effort…

@Jorge – It sounds like you would better off not using syncing. Rather stream the content to your ATV from both your Mac and your wifes. Once setup on each Mac it will show up under “Shared Movies”, “Shared Podcasts”, “Shared TV Shows”, etc. on the ATV

http://www.macrumors.com/2010/02/22/apple-job-posting-suggests-future-iphone-os-devices/

Also, I’d like to clarify that moving the AppleTV to iPad-based hardware/iPhone-based OS is more about streamlining the product line, and reducing costs. The user would never realize that the device was a touchscreen-less iPad, and the if apps were available they’d be AppleTV only apps. But I do think this move would allow lower prices, 1080p output AND fix the numerous performance issues we have with the current crop of devices.

And more screen resolutions for Apps? . . Nope, not going to happen.

Now, a AppleTV remote control touch app, that’s a possibility.

peace, klasseng

In the category of unification of the software, recall this new form of syncing supposedly coming to itunes. The obvious method is wifi, because you shouldn’t have to plug in your ipad to USB to get your movies, photos, books and calendars. Which, for the media, the AppleTV already has had for years.

I think the only reason it hasn’t been done is because the software overhaul isn’t justified since the current software works. Remember the AppleTV came out around the time of the original iPhone, which is before it was called “iPhone OS”. Apple has experimented with scaling for different hardware now, so maybe with the next software redesign, the AppleTV will see some of the benefits finally. Probably if/when 2.0 hardware arrives.

I just doubt games will be on it. Without multitouch or real controls, who’d want to think of the AppleTV as a multi-viewer version of the single-viewer iPad. Maybe as a server/hub to many iPads/iPods, but not a client itself. Using iPods as controllers would work… but are there any real purposes for that Apple considers worth pursuing?

Why buy a “restricted” piece of proprietary hardware without more upside?

I agree that they should go to 1080P.

In many respects, Apple seems to get quite myopic in these regards.

I guess Apple just isn’t very concerned with modern screen resolutions- albeit on my phone or on my HDTV, eh?

The only thing I really miss is the ability to sync from more than one source at the same time: i.e. my itunes library AND my wife’s one. That, and the ability to ‘just put stuff there’ which isn’t present in any itunes library. (i.e., renders from imovie or video slideshows from iphoto that are cool to be on the ATV but take innecessary space on my desktop.

Besides this, and I’m for upgrades and re-thinking things, I don’t see the iphone o/s necessity…

http://awmyhr.wordpress.com/2010/01/30/what-the-ipad-means-for-the-appletv/

However, I think it’d be a mistake to connect it to the iPhone/iPad App store, instead a new section of the App store should be opened for AppleTV apps/plugins*. Even if there were no app store component, adapting the hardware and underlying OS of the iPad would solve a lot of issues I have w/my AppleTV, and I’d instantly add it to my ‘must purchase’ list.

• for one I’d like to see AppleTV have a iTunes-like Visualizer, with ability for user to add plug-ins. great for parties

I suspect that MS will have to figure this issue out as well, with its new smartphone OS, Xbox, Live Marketplace, Zune, etc.

The functionality, in terms of getting content – TV shows, movies, photos – from my computer to my TV, is very simple and reliable. It must be as my wife can use it without complaining!

I don’t see Apps being useful or relevant to a “media centre”. Maybe games, but you then have the issue of interface. I guess you could use your iPhone as a controller. Personally, I much prefer AppleTV to the xbox interface.