Very interesting article on Crave:
http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9790492-1.html

this is a good thought:

If we take an objective look at the Apple TV, I think it's safe to say the device is one of the most hackable and customizable devices Apple has ever released. In a matter of days after its release, the Apple TV was being modified into an entirely new product. Where was the Apple outcry then? Why didn't a software update destroy our ability to hack the Apple TV in any way we saw fit? Apple didn't bother with Apple TV hackers for one simple reason -- Apple doesn't care about hacking. But with the iPhone, it had a partner to consider and that partner who, in my opinion, doesn't have the slightest clue about what's good for the customer, was calling on Apple to do something. Unfortunately, Apple did.

Originally Posted by Philippebrenn

Very interesting article on Crave:
http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9790492-1.html

this is a good thought:

Re: Apple TV vs. the iPhone. I think that there's really a major difference. Just how many Apple TV's did Apple intend to sell? Perhaps 250k? 500K? How many iPhones did Apple intend to sell? According to Steve Jobs, Apple intends to sell 10m within the first year. In the EMEA and the PacRim, Apple TV doesn't make lots of sense, since most of us already have exactly the same functionality on our TVs/Cable boxes by default. The iPhone is really something very different and cannot be easily be found in other phones that are available in these regions.

What's more, the iPhone is a serious revenue generating instrument for Apple which not only results from the sale of their hardware, but also generates monthly revenue through precedes that they receive from hosting operators. Rumor has it that in the UK, o2 will pay 40% of each iPhone bill and in Germany, it's 30%. Imagine! The only way that Apple can continue to convince hosting operators to pay this kickback is if they can ensure a totally exclusive relationship. It's for this reason that they have a zero tolerance policy where public unlocks are concerned.

In résumé, what Apple accepts with Apple TV is very different indeed from what they're wiling to accept with the iPhone and there's a very good reason for it.