Apple seems to be pushing its hobby slowly, but steadily. The just updated iPhone Remote app to version 1.3, which now includes a brand new gesture based control, exclusively for AppleTV users.
The app puts a new button in your Remote toolbar (only when an AppleTV is added to its list of sources). When selected, the ‘Control’ tab brings up a large trackpad like area, where you can control the entire AppleTV interface. The controls are extremely intuitive, as you swipe to move through lists, tap to select, flick to the sides to change tracks. And if you forget how to do so you can bring up the help menu which puts it all clear and concise instructions. I didn’t get to test this out for real, but I assume it comes with the ‘it just works’ virtual sticker we’ve seen on all Apple products.
Screenshots from AppleInsider
While Apple is certainly adding value to the AppleTV, this move is more to make the iPhone or iPod Touch a ubiquitous device to have in the household. It can check your email, surf the web, play games, control your television, and at the end of the day, even make some calls. You can’t afford not to have one.
The AppleTV on the other hand is still something that leaves much to be desired. Even Apple still regards it as a ‘hobby’. I’ve slowly stopped using mine over time (it’s now lying at my parents house), as I got tired of moving media around, and having to work around the device rather than have it work for me. Until Apple realises that they need to open it up as a platform, allow internet based solutions like Boxee, Hulu, and Netflix to hook into the system, it’s not going to work out. Basically they need to get it into their heads that not all media needs to come from the iTunes store. As it currently goes, it’s much better to get a Mac mini, and set up a media center around that.
