We have already seen the new Apple TV jailbroken, and even photos of one jailbroken application working on it, but now it seems that we could see some cool apps coming to the Apple TV in the near future.
Wired have been speaking to a number of developers who are working on apps for the jailbroken Apple TV, one of those is Scott Davilla, a programmer who is working on bringing the Boxee TV platform to the Apple TV.
“The Apple TV has been jailbroken for less than a month, and the amount of progress that’s been made on [hacking] it so far is absolutely phenomenal, said Scott.
The Growing Developer Community
There are also other developers and programmers working hard to bring a range of other apps to the jailbroken Apple TV. This burgeoning community is not just limited to a few enthusiasts; it includes seasoned developers who have previously worked on other platforms. For instance, some developers are exploring the possibility of bringing popular media center applications like Plex and Kodi to the Apple TV. These applications would significantly enhance the device’s capabilities, allowing users to stream a wider variety of content and customize their viewing experience.
The enthusiasm among developers is palpable. Forums and online communities are buzzing with discussions on how to optimize apps for the Apple TV’s hardware. Tutorials and guides are being shared to help newcomers get started with developing for the jailbroken device. This collaborative spirit is accelerating the pace of innovation and could lead to a robust ecosystem of apps for the Apple TV.
Potential Impact on Apple’s Strategy
With this much effort being put into bringing apps to a jailbroken Apple TV, it kind of makes me wonder how long it will take Apple to enable apps on the Apple TV officially. Historically, Apple has been cautious about opening up its platforms to third-party developers without stringent controls. However, the success of the App Store on iOS devices might encourage Apple to reconsider its strategy for the Apple TV.
If Apple were to officially support third-party apps on the Apple TV, it could transform the device from a simple streaming box into a versatile entertainment hub. Imagine having access to a wide range of apps, from games and educational tools to home automation controls, all on your Apple TV. This could make the device more appealing to a broader audience and increase its market share.
Moreover, enabling apps on the Apple TV could open up new revenue streams for Apple. Developers would likely be willing to pay for the opportunity to reach Apple TV users, and Apple could take a cut of the sales, just as it does with the App Store. This could be a win-win situation for both Apple and developers.
However, there are challenges to consider. Apple would need to ensure that any apps available on the Apple TV meet its high standards for quality and security. This could involve a rigorous review process, which might slow down the rate at which new apps become available. Additionally, Apple would need to provide developers with the tools and resources they need to create high-quality apps for the Apple TV.
The jailbreaking of the Apple TV has opened up exciting possibilities for developers and users alike. The rapid progress made by the developer community suggests that we could soon see a wide range of apps available for the device. Whether Apple decides to officially support third-party apps on the Apple TV remains to be seen, but the potential benefits are clear. As the landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Apple responds to this growing demand for more functionality on its streaming device.
Image Credit: Wired
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
