When the Mac Mini was launched back in January, Steve Jobs heralded it as the ideal jumping on point for PC users who were considering switching to Apple -- all you needed to do was add in a keyboard, mouse and monitor.A few reviewers spotted the potential for the budget-priced desktop as a media hub -- in particular, as a networked PVR -- but Think Secret reckon the new Mini is set for roll-out at Macworld Expo San Francisco and will sport a built-in iPod dock, an Intel processor and include both Front Row 2.0 and TiVo-like DVR functionality.
Details are sketchy on the DVR application, but Think Secret's sources claim it has been dubbed a "TiVo-killer."
1. Disclosure: I'm the project manager for Microsoft Media Center's PVR features...
Interesting how fast this rumor spread...
I always thought Apple avoided PVR consciously. There are too many parts of the experience that wouldn't be under their direct control.
I'd be thrilled to get a fun rivalry going with them in this space.
Media Center is the 3rd PVR product I've worked on (Dishplayer and Ultimate TV before this) and it's a pretty massive undertaking. I'd certainly expect the release to be more 'v1' feeling than most other Apple releases.
Posted at 10:29PM on Nov 29th 2005 by aarond