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I have an Apple TV (dev kit, I wouldn't have paid for one, but it's pretty nice actually). I haven't used a single app besides Netflix and AirPlay (which isn't

I have an Apple TV (dev kit, I wouldn't have paid for one, but it's pretty nice actually). I haven't used a single app besides Netflix and AirPlay (which isn't really an app), and I'm not even sure why I'd want to use an app on my TV instead of just using my MacBook Pro. I feel like this will end up the same way as the Mac App Store: no one will make money, besides massive players. Most of the benefit is that I don't need to plug my laptop into the projector to watch shows now. Unless it's an Amazon show.

kennywinker 11y ago
My thinking, and both my apps reflect this, is that tvOS apps are for shared use. Family and friends, rather than personal use (for which your phone or your MacBook is better suited). Another example of an app class that makes more sense on tvOS than on the Mac is status boards, and a few apps that do that have been recently released. p.s. Amazon has said they have an app in the pipeline.
untog 11y ago
not even sure why I'd want to use an app on my TV instead of just using my MacBook Pro Do you ever decide what to watch with other people? That's the killer function for these TV apps for me (though I have a Roku, not Apple TV). I can sit on the sofa with my girlfriend and we can browse through the list of TV shows/movies together and choose one, rather than having to both crowd around a laptop, or worse, phone screen to decide.
- increment_i 11y ago
  Are you describing the Netflix app? Because that was actually the one thing the poster said he would use on a TV.
- abruzzi 11y ago
  I think to some extent it depends on what you see apps as on a device like the AppleTV. To me the big potential draw of app on a TV is access to other content streams that Apple hasn't negotiated contracts with. So while on my old AppleTV I can watch iTunes content, Netflix and HBO, a smaller content provider can build and submit an app. I can also get apps to stream local content. For this kind of use using a MacBook or iPad is not a very good substitute. On the other hand, if you are looking at filling the position of a Wii or XBox, and you game solo, than the laptop or iPad might have material advantages over a TV app, especially if you always play solo.
- cballard 11y ago
  Right, that's why I said the only thing I use is the Netflix app. Substitute with Hulu, iTunes, Amazon Prime (err, well, not that one), etc. for the service that you use.

kennywinker 11y ago

My thinking, and both my apps reflect this, is that tvOS apps are for shared use. Family and friends, rather than personal use (for which your phone or your MacBook is better suited). Another example of an app class that makes more sense on tvOS than on the Mac is status boards, and a few apps that do that have been recently released. p.s. Amazon has said they have an app in the pipeline.

untog 11y ago

not even sure why I'd want to use an app on my TV instead of just using my MacBook Pro Do you ever decide what to watch with other people? That's the killer function for these TV apps for me (though I have a Roku, not Apple TV). I can sit on the sofa with my girlfriend and we can browse through the list of TV shows/movies together and choose one, rather than having to both crowd around a laptop, or worse, phone screen to decide.

increment_i 11y ago
Are you describing the Netflix app? Because that was actually the one thing the poster said he would use on a TV.
abruzzi 11y ago
I think to some extent it depends on what you see apps as on a device like the AppleTV. To me the big potential draw of app on a TV is access to other content streams that Apple hasn't negotiated contracts with. So while on my old AppleTV I can watch iTunes content, Netflix and HBO, a smaller content provider can build and submit an app. I can also get apps to stream local content. For this kind of use using a MacBook or iPad is not a very good substitute. On the other hand, if you are looking at filling the position of a Wii or XBox, and you game solo, than the laptop or iPad might have material advantages over a TV app, especially if you always play solo.
cballard 11y ago
Right, that's why I said the only thing I use is the Netflix app. Substitute with Hulu, iTunes, Amazon Prime (err, well, not that one), etc. for the service that you use.