The new Apple TV will launch next month, and last week we heard that developers had started to receive their Apple TV developer kits. This new iteration of Apple TV promises to bring a host of new features and improvements, including a revamped user interface, enhanced Siri integration, and support for a wider range of apps and games.
Developer Kits and Early Access
Developers had to pay Apple $1 for their new Apple TV developer kit, which is a nominal fee considering the potential revenue they could generate from developing apps for the platform. The developer kit includes the Apple TV unit itself, along with the new Siri Remote, which features a touchpad and voice control capabilities. This allows developers to create more interactive and engaging applications that take full advantage of the new hardware.
Interestingly, one developer has decided to put his device on eBay. This is normally against Apple’s policies, although according to the developer, because his device has no software on it, it is not against Apple’s policies.
It is against the policies of Apple to resell this unit “while it is running Apple pre-release software” according to the terms of service but good news! This unit ships without any OS installed on it. You can just download the firmware update from the developer portal and restore it with iTunes when you get it. If you don’t have access to the firmware update via an Apple Developer account, I can refer you to a place where you can download it after the auction.
The developer’s clever workaround raises questions about the enforcement of Apple’s policies and the lengths to which individuals will go to capitalize on early access to new technology. We wonder if the listing will be allowed to remain on eBay, as the device is currently listed for $595 with 20 bids. This is a significant markup considering the Apple TV will cost $149 when it launches.
Implications for the Apple TV Ecosystem
The early availability of developer kits is crucial for the success of the Apple TV ecosystem. By giving developers a head start, Apple ensures that a variety of apps and games will be available at launch, making the device more appealing to consumers. The new Apple TV is expected to support a wide range of applications, from streaming services like Netflix and Hulu to more interactive experiences like gaming and fitness apps.
Moreover, the inclusion of the Siri Remote opens up new possibilities for voice-controlled applications. Developers can create apps that allow users to search for content, control playback, and even interact with other smart home devices using voice commands. This could make the Apple TV a central hub in the smart home ecosystem, further increasing its value proposition.
The decision of one developer to sell his kit on eBay also highlights the demand for early access to new technology. While it may be against Apple’s policies, it shows that there is a market for these devices even before they officially launch. This could lead to more stringent enforcement of Apple’s terms of service in the future, as the company seeks to maintain control over its pre-release hardware.
The upcoming launch of the new Apple TV is generating significant buzz, both among developers and consumers. The early distribution of developer kits is a strategic move by Apple to ensure a robust app ecosystem at launch. However, the resale of these kits on platforms like eBay raises questions about policy enforcement and the lengths to which individuals will go to gain early access to new technology. As we await the official release, it will be interesting to see how these dynamics play out and what new innovations developers will bring to the Apple TV platform.
Source, 9 to 5 Mac
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