Nat Brown, one of the first engineers who worked on Microsoft's Xbox in 1999, notes in a post on his personal website that the company is missing a huge opportunity by keeping its platform closed to developers, something Apple could exploit to get years ahead of the competition.
«Why can't I write tomorrow a game for the xBox [sic] using tools worth $100 and my existing Windows laptop and test it on the xBox at my home or at friends' homes;», writes Brown. «Why can't I then distribute it digitally in a respectable store, give a 30 percent share and become rich if it's a good game, as I can on Android, on iPhone or iPad;»
Next, Brown focuses on user experience, indicating that the Xbox lags far behind iOS. «If Apple wants, it can simply kill PlayStation, Wii-U and xΒox by presenting an app ecosystem for Apple TV. I'm already making a lot of money on iOS – I will be the first to write apps for Apple TV when I can and I know I will make money», says Brown. «I would do it for xBox too if I knew I would make money».
He even notes that even though the Apple TV is not a gaming console, it sold 5.3 million units in 2012, a 90 percent year-over-year increase, compared to the Xbox 360, which sold 9 million units in 2012, a 60 percent year-over-year decrease. You can read his full article here.
A few days ago Gabe Newell of Valve, in his statements, expressed a similar concern that Apple TV could be the biggest threat to Steambox. Undoubtedly the future of Apple TV is the App Store and the apps. What remains to be seen is when the company will decide to do it and in what form
Dimitrios Georgoulas @ GreekAppleNews
