Free entertainment hub Boxee keeps on getting better and better. A couple of hours ago, the venture-backed startup released a full API that allows developers to build applications for the open-source platform using a set of API calls in Python and writing the GUI using XML. At the same time, the company is laying the groundwork for a richer App Box, which it refers to as an open application store where they are not the gatekeeper (like Apple for its iPhone App Store) but rather a facilitator.
Heck, they’re even prepared to act as middleman for connecting freelance web developers with companies looking to leverage their API. Hard not to love that type of company.
Boxee is today also introducing a new test version of the Boxee alpha version for Mac and Apple TV (get it here for Intel Mac OS X 10.4+), adding two applications that were built using the brand new API. The new Boxee alpha comes with a lot of music goodness as it includes both Pandora, the popular music streaming service, and RadioTime, which enables their users to access over 100,000 traditional radio stations from across the globe.
This comes right off the heels of the introduction of a (basic) iPhone application.
The new version of the software for Mac and Apple TV features support for Hulu too, but in the work-around way, i.e. using a custom browser built on top of Mozilla technology (sort of like a stripped down Firefox). As you know, Hulu is doing everything it can to keep its content from being streamed on Boxee, while Boxee is doing much of the same to do the exact opposite.
Boxee says it’s now working on updated versions for Ubuntu and Windows.
As a PC user, I can hardly wait.
That’s right.
http://www.rich...ay_with_me.html
meh… porn spammer
If it wasn’t for third parties like boxee etc Apple TV would be screwed.
Incorrect… AppleTV works quite well as is… the interface and content quality are light years ahead of Boxee. The crux however is Boxee pulls in content from companies scared of giving too much control to Apple so we’ll probably always have this dichotomy because of licensing.
Boxee’s interface is clunky at best… mixed metaphors, broken links, low rez content mixed with average content… it reminds me of Linux
But the real deal is AppleTV… there needs to be a coherence mode that uses the AppleTV interface, but seamlessly pulls in Boxee content without having to deal with Boxee.
Just some food for thought…
I tried Boxee on my Apple TV awhile ago and even though it worked it felt clunky just as you described. I wipe my ATV cleaned using the restore feature. Recently I tried again but can’t get it to work. I’m able to install it but when I go into boxee I get a quick view of half and Apple logo and then a black screen. I’ve tried installing a few times and still no go. I have updated my ATV software since I installed it the first time. Has the new software broke Boxee?
i am using boxee for while and they have very good product !!!
Have you tried using English? It’s awesome, you’ve got to at least give it a try.
Don’t be shy mate, I bet all your friends are already using it.
Go away.
Just curious: How come you guys aren’t using Disqus for comments?
I have boxee for windows and it has been great so far. Hopefully this version for MAC and ATV will be good enough so they can start working on a new windows release with the same options.
Does Apple TV now have support the app store? I didn’t know that Apple TV was open to developers or is this a hack?
Boxee is an interesting product, but I don’t get why it gets so much press when more refined and mature solutions exist.
I’d recommend taking a look at Plex (Mac) or XBMC (all platforms) if you’re looking for free media centre software. Incidentally, XBMC is what Boxee is built on.
This should get your research started:
http://bravelit...com/tagged/xbmc
heh, I missed your comment…but, it was worth repeating.
If it’s an api, the language you use to call it doesn’t matter–python, java, lisp, whatever. Let’s just take the tech out of techcrunch since the writers obviously have no clue how anything works.
Boxee is certainly a promising app, but I find it odd that Boxee is in the news every day when Plex, a superior app in many ways, hardly even gets a mention.
I’ve been using Plex on my new iMac. I haven’t tried Boxee yet, but Plex rocks my world.
Much better UI than Understudy, and it has a great mix of content (my favorite Hulu shows, Pandora, TED talks, etc.).
Absolutely amazing application. I look forward to seeing the feature sets and content thats available scale. Hooking this up to a 52 inch tv today. Awesome !
How many folks actually have an Apple TV? It seems to me that Boxee should get the Windows version opened up.
PCTVCables.com
Windows really can’t handle TV very well, it’s just not geared to innovation like Macs are… I’m sure they’ll push a bastardized version out… but IP video belongs to Apple and companies that understand media in higher forms… the Windows audience is older and not in tune with where TV is headed… as this apple perception illustrates:
http://www.mark...umors/Intro.mp4
microsoft and windows aren’t even close to this level of thinking. so windows hardware and software will always be 3rd rate.
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Someone’s been drinking the Apple Kool Aid…
boxee rocks.