May
Add new features to your AppleTV via USB device
{Update 3: They’re back! Now you have the option to download the software and install on your own USB drive, giving you instant access to the software. Another complaint about additional documentation was also corrected. We’re still going to wait as we have read online that you can actually download all these components for free online.}
{Update 2: This product has been voluntarily pulled due to the inclusion of an open source program on the USB device. Based on Update 1 and this new information, we will definitely be passing on this device. Guess we’ll be purchasing a Mac Mini to place under our HDTV.}
{Update 1: a reader of the Cult of Mac blog posted some interesting comments about this device. A highly recommended read and just the information we were looking for. You can be we won’t be spending our hard-earned dollar on this one…and that’s a shame!}
We love our AppleTV, however, we wish we could watch video files formats, Joost and Hulu. So imagine how excited we were to run across this interesting USB device. Here’s the specs (From the Apple Core, LLC website):
aTV Flash is a USB flash drive that inserts into the AppleTV and will upgrade it to do all kinds of new things. The software installs automatically, and no modification or coding is required. Also, it will NOT void your warranty. Key Features:
Play most video formats (DivX, Xvid, AVI, WMV, RMVB + more)- Play DVD files WITHOUT converting them
- Sync, organize and watch non-iTunes video files
- Browse the web with a Safari based web browser
- Rent & watch Hi-Def movies from Jaman.com
- Stream media from UPnP(v1) media servers
- View local weather forecasts
- View RSS Feeds
- Enable SSH access
- All original Apple TV features remain intact
- And much, much more…(no mention on their site about these mysterious features)
No Joost support yet, but at $59.00 this could be a must have purchase for AppleTV power users. We’ll probably wait for the reviews before we take the plunge. If you’ve used this device share your experiences with us by posting a comment. Learn more at: aTV Flash - Ver. 2.2 - Apple Core, LLC site
