Apple Mac Mini As The Digital Hub

Think Secret speculates that Apple's Mac mini will be reborn as the digital hub centerpiece it was originally conceived to be. The new Mac mini project, code-named Kaleidoscope, will feature an Intel processor and include both Front Row 2.0 and TiVo-like DVR functionality.Following the expectation that apple iBook may host intel chips, comes the next one - The new Mac mini is also said to sport a built-in iPod dock, a feature that was scrapped from the Mac mini Apple first introduced one year ago. The Mac mini may be positioned as the living room command center. Apple’s Front Row 2.0 and Apple's DVR application are likely to be a "TiVo-killer." Apple's media center intentions have become startlingly clear in the past year since Apple first delivered the Mac mini and customers first started connecting the system to home theaters and installing it in automobiles. With the hardware, software, and iPod sales behind it, Apple now seems poised to firmly plant its footprint in living rooms.
The Digital Home and Digital convergence are hot topics – these are expected to change the lifestyle of people atleast in rich countries to start with and more importantly open up new opportunities for business in allied areas. Intel envisions that PCs will be “all-in-one hi-fi devices”, “entertainment PCs”, and “vaults” for digital content.Intel's vision is that consumers will start to use their PCs at home to download, store and manage films, songs and games, in order to transmit all this fun stuff wirelessly to TV screens and stereo speakers throughout the house. consumer take-up of digital technology in the home is at a 'tipping point' which could lead to a dramatic increase in sales for converged devices that integrate video, audio and computer technology. The industry has talked up the idea that computers will finally move from the home office to the living room for many years, but Ballmer said he thinks this theory may be about to become a market reality. After all the the critical mass has to come from the PC, or a next-generation video device. Positioned as the mac for the masses – clearly a major change in direction is bound to happen. The Mac Mini clearly has a glorious future.