Interesting thought...À la carte features

[jeremy.king]

After reading all the "complaint" threads by the entitlement generation about how TV is missing this feature or that feature, I got to thinking....

What if these non-computer devices used a traditional computing model?

In other words, the device provides some core functionality and we add features through optional software add-ons for a fee. So those who want DivX or XVid could purchase an add-on for the device or those who want 5.1 can buy a 5.1 upgrade, etc... I know third parties are trying to do this, with limited success, but if Apple offered these features à la carte, then everyone could be happy. It would also be an additional revenue stream for Apple.

I doubt it could work, but at least it got me thinking...I mean its worked for computers for a long time, a majority of users buy a computer with some limited feature set, and expand its capabilities through software (paid, free, and pirated ). Why couldn't this work for these non-computing devices? I guess you could argue the closed platform doesn't work for third party development, but eventually it could open up. Initially these add-ons would have to be Apple developed.

In summary, instead of trying to please everyone by offering everything to everyone, have a core offering with software add-ons which in theory could satisfy everyone...

Thoughts?

 

[i.Feature]

In summary, instead of trying to please everyone by offering everything to everyone, have a core offering with software add-ons which in theory could satisfy everyone...Thoughts?

It's not a bad idea. Basically software you buy just like for your computer. But i think you'd have to limit this to things outside the scope of the original idea. Like web browsing or skype useage. Things like new codecs and upgrading resolution should be free in my opinion.

 

[neven]

I think Apple's "support" of DivX will only go as far as including a link to it on the QuickTime plugins page. In Steve's world, you don't need non-Apple-sanctioned "sub-technologies" like that. What's wrong with natively supported QuickTime formats, he'll ask?

 

[mustard]

After reading all the "complaint" threads by the entitlement generation about how TV is missing this feature or that feature, I got to thinking....

What if these non-computer devices used a traditional computing model?

In other words, the device provides some core functionality and we add features through optional software add-ons for a fee. So those who want DivX or XVid could purchase an add-on for the device or those who want 5.1 can buy a 5.1 upgrade, etc... I know third parties are trying to do this, with limited success, but if Apple offered these features à la carte, then everyone could be happy. It would also be an additional revenue stream for Apple.

I doubt it could work, but at least it got me thinking...I mean its worked for computers for a long time, a majority of users buy a computer with some limited feature set, and expand its capabilities through software (paid, free, and pirated ). Why couldn't this work for these non-computing devices? I guess you could argue the closed platform doesn't work for third party development, but eventually it could open up. Initially these add-ons would have to be Apple developed.

In summary, instead of trying to please everyone by offering everything to everyone, have a core offering with software add-ons which in theory could satisfy everyone...

Thoughts?

Not a bad idea - I would love to see it happen, but...

It's not a bad idea. Basically software you buy just like for your computer. But i think you'd have to limit this to things outside the scope of the original idea. Like web browsing or skype useage. Things like new codecs and upgrading resolution should be free in my opinion.

I agree with codecs being supplied for free with the exception of DIVX - due to its high piracy reputation I think Apple should be hands off with the offering in order to gain further trust with the Movie Industry and their DRM issues. That being said I don't think Apple should disallow others for making the DIVX codec available.

 

[pknz]

After reading all the "complaint" threads by the entitlement generation about how TV is missing this feature or that feature, I got to thinking....

What if these non-computer devices used a traditional computing model?

In other words, the device provides some core functionality and we add features through optional software add-ons for a fee. So those who want DivX or XVid could purchase an add-on for the device or those who want 5.1 can buy a 5.1 upgrade, etc... I know third parties are trying to do this, with limited success, but if Apple offered these features à la carte, then everyone could be happy. It would also be an additional revenue stream for Apple.

I doubt it could work, but at least it got me thinking...I mean its worked for computers for a long time, a majority of users buy a computer with some limited feature set, and expand its capabilities through software (paid, free, and pirated ). Why couldn't this work for these non-computing devices? I guess you could argue the closed platform doesn't work for third party development, but eventually it could open up. Initially these add-ons would have to be Apple developed.

In summary, instead of trying to please everyone by offering everything to everyone, have a core offering with software add-ons which in theory could satisfy everyone...

Thoughts?

I think this would detract from the very simpleness of the TV.

 

[jeremy.king]

I think this would detract from the very simpleness of the TV.

In what ways? I think it actually caters toward "advanced" users while keeping its simplicity.