Here's a post that adds to my first post regarding "Apple speculation.":http://alexpooley.com/articles/2006/01/05/apple-fever-part-1
h3. Mac Mini Home Entertainment System
The Mac Mini is an Apple desktop computer that does not come with keyboard, mouse, monitor, etc. It does however come with TV out, bluetooth connectivity, dvd drive, and much more. Rumour has it that Apple are going to try and put some kind of Mac Mini device in our entertainment areas. This will facilitate activities such as:
* Streaming feature length media to your TV and I guess music to your stereo
* In built iPod docking/synchronisation
* Slick interface access via FrontRow
In fact, "here's some one running Front Row on their Mac Mini already.":http://www.nechbi.com/archives/software/000978.html It just makes sense. He also claims his Sony Ericsson K750i can control the machine via bluetooth. Interoperability - the future is here!
Apple's current home entertainment system is the Mac G5. This is like a computer/TV hybrid. Most people already have TVs so I think the Mac Mini solution has more potential.
If this goes ahead I think the contest will be between Apple's slick integrated solution, versus Viiv (Intel/Google/Microsoft's) flexible but tacked togethor system. Actually, it may not be tacked.. I'm just going on previous experience with these companies. That said, a team of Intel, Google, and Microsoft is comparable to the USA basketball dream team that competed in the 1992 Barcelona Olypmics.
Whatever the case, we are facing very exciting and potentially turbulent times ahead!