I've been thinking about this for a while now, and I finally decided to write it down.
Windows RT, or if they do actually merge it with Windows Phone when WIndows 10 comes out, the Windows 10 ARM version, would be perfect for a Smart TV. Right now, every manufacturer uses their own interface and operating system (WebOS, Firefox OS, proprietary operating systems, etc), with their own apps. And the app selection is limited, along with their functionality. Also, people are already familiair with the Windows interface, so less technologically-inclined users won't have to learn how to operate it. The big tiles seem perfect for a 10 foot interface. Being able to only install Metro-style apps is not a problem on a TV.
The combined Windows RT/Phone store has a much larger selection than current Smart TV OS's, and much more potential. And the selection would only become better if the market was less fragmented. In contrast with other operating systems, RT/WP has a fully functional browser (IE). It already has good apps for Netflix, Hulu, etc. It would be easy to make a DVR app (if it doesn't exist already) that would let you record TV-shows to your NAS, eliminating the need for a seperate DVR. And if I really dream big, it might even be able to replace your cable box. Windows is already a lot more flexible when it comes to filesharing options. Just connect your TV to your NAS and you have an excellent mediaplayer/HTPC right there in your TV. And it comes with Office, with would be perfect for businesses. Many business have large TV's hooked up to computers for presentations in meeting rooms or information displays in lobbies. How convenient would it be to plug a TV into a power outlet and ethernet port and be all set up? Just plug in a USB-drive or grab a file from the company network to start your presentation. No more need for a seperate computer.
I do understand that while RT/WP is lighter than a full version of Windows, it might still require more resources than the operating systems currently used. But hardware still wouldn't be very expensive. How much does a current RT tablet or WP phone cost? Now take off the cost of a screen, case, speakers, battery, since those are already part of the TV, and add an ethernet port. It's probably less than $100 dollars to turn a regular TV into an feature-packed Smart TV. It sure is cheaper than buying a HTPC to hook up to your TV for the same functionality. And since it is integrated into the chassis of the tv, you don't have to worry about where to place it. This also ties back to meeting rooms and lobbies: no need to run wires from the TV to a secure location where the computer serving the display is located. It's all one unit that can be bolted to the wall. Just turn off the USB-ports for displays in public spaces, and you're set.
What do you guys think? Do you see more uses for this, that I haven't thought off? Or maybe you think there's no real use case? Or maybe you think RT will become obsolete in a few months. I am curious about your thoughts.
Windows RT, or if they do actually merge it with Windows Phone when WIndows 10 comes out, the Windows 10 ARM version, would be perfect for a Smart TV. Right now, every manufacturer uses their own interface and operating system (WebOS, Firefox OS, proprietary operating systems, etc), with their own apps. And the app selection is limited, along with their functionality. Also, people are already familiair with the Windows interface, so less technologically-inclined users won't have to learn how to operate it. The big tiles seem perfect for a 10 foot interface. Being able to only install Metro-style apps is not a problem on a TV.
The combined Windows RT/Phone store has a much larger selection than current Smart TV OS's, and much more potential. And the selection would only become better if the market was less fragmented. In contrast with other operating systems, RT/WP has a fully functional browser (IE). It already has good apps for Netflix, Hulu, etc. It would be easy to make a DVR app (if it doesn't exist already) that would let you record TV-shows to your NAS, eliminating the need for a seperate DVR. And if I really dream big, it might even be able to replace your cable box. Windows is already a lot more flexible when it comes to filesharing options. Just connect your TV to your NAS and you have an excellent mediaplayer/HTPC right there in your TV. And it comes with Office, with would be perfect for businesses. Many business have large TV's hooked up to computers for presentations in meeting rooms or information displays in lobbies. How convenient would it be to plug a TV into a power outlet and ethernet port and be all set up? Just plug in a USB-drive or grab a file from the company network to start your presentation. No more need for a seperate computer.
I do understand that while RT/WP is lighter than a full version of Windows, it might still require more resources than the operating systems currently used. But hardware still wouldn't be very expensive. How much does a current RT tablet or WP phone cost? Now take off the cost of a screen, case, speakers, battery, since those are already part of the TV, and add an ethernet port. It's probably less than $100 dollars to turn a regular TV into an feature-packed Smart TV. It sure is cheaper than buying a HTPC to hook up to your TV for the same functionality. And since it is integrated into the chassis of the tv, you don't have to worry about where to place it. This also ties back to meeting rooms and lobbies: no need to run wires from the TV to a secure location where the computer serving the display is located. It's all one unit that can be bolted to the wall. Just turn off the USB-ports for displays in public spaces, and you're set.
What do you guys think? Do you see more uses for this, that I haven't thought off? Or maybe you think there's no real use case? Or maybe you think RT will become obsolete in a few months. I am curious about your thoughts.
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