by Jason Snell
TVKit dreams and realities
Joe Rosensteel has some thoughts about Apple TV rumors:
There are also rumors about “TVKit” which will allow third party developers to create their own apps for the Apple TV. Many people, including MacStories’ Federico Viticci are interpreting that as gaming on the box.
While that is possible, I would like to point out that it’s just as likely that this won’t have anything to do with gaming. It’ll allow for richer brand-engagement with custom menus and interfaces for apps that serve streaming content. Think about the networks that have apps on your phone. Now imagine those apps on your TV.
I dream of the Apple TV as a broad app platform, but I share Joe’s skepticism. It seems more likely to me that an Apple TV development platform would be focused on creating “rich media-delivery experiences.” Which is cool, but less exciting than making your Apple TV into a game console.