– Your pricing details are slightly incorrect: Rental of Library titles will be $2.99, and New titles will be $3.99 – but the HD versions of each will be “$1 more” (so $3.99 for older, $4.99 for newer)
– Hardware is the same. Apple has stated that “Take 2” is a software update only, and the hardware (both 40 GB and 160 GB versions) is the same as before. Nice price drop (which will hopefully reach all Geo’s soon)
– Probably no chance on the “Remote Disc” feature making it to the Apple TV: Again, they have stated that digital is the way to go; the direction is toward less focus on physical media at all.

Just thinking, with the announcement that the MacBook Air has the option of connecting wirelessly to another computer’s DVD drive, surely this is now going to be possible on the Apple TV? i.e. we should be able to play DVD’s on our Apple TV through the DVD drive on our PC/Mac using the same software?

What do you think?

Based on the current exchange rates I could buy a 160GB version in the States for $329, based on todays exchange rates that translates into S$470.47, add the 7% GST tax and that makes a total 0f S$503.40. The Singapore Apple shop is asking $660, I called them today and as advised that the difference is due to the exchange rates. Does that mean Singapore and likely other centers around the world are subsidizing the weak dollar. yesterday i was offered an ATV “bargain” at $640 net.. Wow this puts me off ATV totally.

I like my hacks and I won’t give ’em up.

Ditto on the lack of internet radio BTW. Apple is really dropping the ball there.

I agree. Even though I only fire up radio in iTunes every so often (because of lack of stereo system connected to my Mac), I think it would be a nice addition. And all it would take is a software update. Either that, or make it work like AirTunes. Even that would help for putting Internet radio into your stereo without having to also buy an Airport Express, which in most cases is unnecessary other than that.

But, I’m still looking to get my first Apple TV, however. Guess it’s time to go get one while I can with the older software on it so I can experiment with the current hacks. Sure wish all the W-2’s would get in so I could get the tax refund in time. 🙂

Yes the UK will get the update but it wont be a feature rich as the US one.

With the US model and update you will be able to:

* Movie rentals, both HD- and DVD-quality
* TV show, music, and music video purchases
* Photos from Flickr and .Mac web galleries
* Direct access to over 125,000 podcasts

With the UK model and update you will be able to:

* Purchase music and music videos direct from Apple TV
* View photos from Flickr and your .Mac Web Gallery
* Get direct access to over 125,000 podcasts

That is until Apple bring Video Rentals into Europe which they said will be later in the year. So i’d guess around Oct-Nov just in time for Xmas.

The device is anyway connected to home stereos and thus radio stream listening would extend its usage way beyond current active viewing and listening experience. iTunes has great radio features – it cannot be too difficult to port these to AppleTV, too.

Or what do you think?