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Topic: Apple

Mac mini needs a Front Row

Summary: After watching Tuesday's festivities one of the coolest things I took away from the Steve's presentation was Apple's innovative Front Row remote control which turns any Mac into a media center—as long as it's a new iMac, that is.

Jason D. O'Grady

By for The Apple Core |

frontrowremote20051013.jpgAfter watching Tuesday's festivities one of the coolest things I took away from the Steve's presentation was Apple's innovative Front Row remote control which turns any Mac into a media center—as long as it's a new iMac, that is.

One of the first things I thought was how cool the Front Row hardware and software would be on the Mac mini. After all, the mini was designed to be headless and is perfect in a home theatre setup, right? To my surprise, Front Row will only work with the newly minted October 12th iMacs (confirmed by CNet and Macworld.)

It also appears that Apple's other new software announcement—Photo Booth—is exclusive to the new G5 iMac, too. Is this simply because both applications are only three days old? Let's hope that Apple comes to their senses and releases a Mac mini"media center edition" with an IR window and Front Row and that they make Photo Booth a free download to anyone with an iSight camera.

Topic: Apple

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7 comments
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  • I don't think so

    My guess is that the NEXT mac-mini, based on x86 tech. will inherit this software. I believe that the PPC mini is an evolutionary dead-end. BTW, this will be the FIRST announced x86 mac . . .
    Roger Ramjet
    Reply Vote

  • Why limit it to IR?

    I think a better strategy would be to start selling Bluetooth
    remotes. That way they could sell the remotes (and the Front Row
    software) to all Mac owners, rather than just the few who are
    purchasing new machines with an IR receiver on the front.
    tic swayback
    Reply Vote

    • I'll second that!

      Make it Bluetooth and I am sure there are many of us who would
      buy it. In addition, add a TV tuner and this becaomes what MS
      Media Center was meant to be!
      crash89
      Reply Vote

  • It will come

    As I recall the IR receiver on the new iMac is behind the Apple logo.
    Apple will need to deliver an IR receiver that isn't too chunky.
    When that happens Front Row will be ready for anyone on Tiger.
    Ken_z
    Reply Vote

    • It's in the iSight from what I've read

      From what I've read, the IR receiver is part of the built in iSight
      camera, not located by hind the logo.

      And bluetooth would relieve any issues with building in an IR
      receiver, as most, if not all Macs, come bluetooth ready.
      tic swayback
      Reply Vote

  • Give 'em a chance! Sheesh!

    They just announced this stuff! They want you to buy a new computer! If they don't make the hardware to work with the new software third party vendors will! They have probablly already started working on it.
    Sheesh! You zd guys will try to complain about anything!

    Buy a Mac and be done with it!
    Reverend MacFellow
    Reply Vote

  • pslyskh 09 gju

    jdtxrc,fxvhwgbb60, bgrar.
    cmakrekwe15-24379016187273110728454977554284
    Reply Vote
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