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Applevision

    I just finished reading an article by Ray Aguilera in the January issue of Mac I Life magazine. The writer is talking about a new device which sounds quite interesting, the Applevision. This is an actual television, 65 inches, as opposed to the set-top box that is called Apple TV. The set-top box merely allows you to stream stuff from your I-Pad to your TV. I just ordered one of those for $99 and it should arrive today.
    As I said, the Applevision is an actual TV and has many new features. For instance, it has a camera and microphone. An infrared camera continuously sweeps your living room and responds to movements in a fashion similar to the new Kinect system for X-Box 360. The Applevision will recognize people when they enter the room, turning on the default home screen or programming for your kids or wife. Mr. Aguilera calls it a touchscreen in the air because you make gestures to play games etc. Of course you can stream movies, surf the web and it is, in general, pretty cool.
     My friend recently got the X-Box 360 Kinect system and it actually takes pictures of you as you play, then shows them back like instant replay when you finish the game. I suppose it would be a matter of opinion whether to call this technology innovative or invasive. I'll leave that to the reader.
    I will say, however, that not long ago one of the largest cable TV providers appeared in court over its plans for a new set-top box. The idea was similar to the technology mentioned above. The camera would recognize who came in and put their programming on. The FCC shot that idea down and no more has been said about it.
    Hey, when I've had a few days to try out the Apple TV, I'll give you guys a review.
    Someone called me an Apple Fan-Boy the other day. Is that like a Geisha, only you dance with an I-Pad in front of your face, rather than a fan?
    From the author's green retreat, I'm CE Wills.

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