Front Row on the new iMacs... is it simply software, or does it require new hardware?

[SteveC]

The new Front Row interface on the iMacs looks nice. I wouldn't buy a new iMac to get it, but as an added benefit it's a nice one.

I'm wondering: is it simply software? i.e. is FrontRow an application? If so, can owners of other Macs (such as PMs, eMacs, 1.8GHz and prior iMacs) use it? or does it require new iMac hardware?

Obviously you won't be able to use it with a remote unless you have the new iMac, but I wonder if you can use it with your keyboard or mouse on any Mac.

Anyone know?

 

[Le Big Mac]

The new Front Row interface on the iMacs looks nice. I wouldn't buy a new iMac to get it, but as an added benefit it's a nice one.

I'm wondering: is it simply software? i.e. is FrontRow an application? If so, can owners of other Macs (such as PMs, eMacs, 1.8GHz and prior iMacs) use it? or does it require new iMac hardware?

Obviously you won't be able to use it with a remote unless you have the new iMac, but I wonder if you can use it with your keyboard or mouse on any Mac.

Anyone know?

It looks right now like it's software that's available only for iMacs that have the remote.

But I have to believe that someone will hack it quickly. So that probably means that Apple will realize it can make money selling the software along with the remote and a USB or BT-based IR receiver, and will do so relatively soon.

 

[pdpfilms]

The new Front Row interface on the iMacs looks nice. I wouldn't buy a new iMac to get it, but as an added benefit it's a nice one.

I'm wondering: is it simply software? i.e. is FrontRow an application? If so, can owners of other Macs (such as PMs, eMacs, 1.8GHz and prior iMacs) use it? or does it require new iMac hardware?

Obviously you won't be able to use it with a remote unless you have the new iMac, but I wonder if you can use it with your keyboard or mouse on any Mac.

Anyone know?

I'm guessing there's nothing hardware based about it, except for the remote. My guess is that it will become available as an add-on software that sells with a remote and receiver.

 

[Mac_Freak]

It looks right now like it's software that's available only for iMacs that have the remote.

But I have to believe that someone will hack it quickly. So that probably means that Apple will realize it can make money selling the software along with the remote and a USB or BT-based IR receiver, and will do so relatively soon.

I would like to have that Front Row app, I listen and watch a lot of videos in my free time.
A BlueTooth remote is the only option for as I hate to add any USB or external receivers.

 

[SteveC]

I would like to have that Front Row app, I listen and watch a lot of videos in my free time.
A BlueTooth remote is the only option for as I hate to add any USB or external receivers.

If it's a BT remote and the application can be installed on any system, that would make for a nice little package to purchase. I can see it priced for $49.