Soon it will be possible to run iOS apps on Apple TV. Initially a port was demoed in which it was established that iOS apps can be ported to an Apple TV. The latest update from the developers of this port reveals that iOS apps on Apple TV can actually be run in fullscreen 720p.
The Apple TV project started out as a hobby of now deceased co-founder Steve Jobs. While the first generation Apple TV didn't prove to be a hit, Apple covered the gap with Apple TV 2G. It's smaller, lighter and much more useful than any other set-top box in the market. Given the fact that Apple TV 2G is powered by the same A4 processor found in iPhone 4 and runs on the iOS mobile platform, it is now possible to run iOS apps on Apple TV.
Popular iOS developer Steven Troughton-Smith is working on this port along with TheMudKip. This port is currently in the works though they've have shown through a number of videos posted online that it is indeed possible to run iOS apps on Apple TV. Initially the developers were able to run multipe apps side by side and were trying to figure out a way to run them in fullscren 720p. In today's update the developers show that they have achieved what they wanted. iPad apps can be run on Apple TV in fullscreen 720p.
By default the Apple TV does not have support for apps. There is no App Store for the Apple TV. In order to run iOS apps on Apple TV, the developers had to practically write the whole SpringBoard from scratch. At this point in time, this port is under testing and no definite release date has been give. One thing is for sure, whenever this port releases, it will be absolutely free.
There's a very good chance that this port can be the start of something new. Back in 2007 when the original iPhone was released, there was no App Store but the steadily growing number of unofficial apps at that time pushed Apple in to developing the App Store sooner. If this port, through which its possible to run iOS apps on Apple, does spark some serious innovation then there's a high possibility that Apple might consider bringing apps to the Apple TV 2G.
That said, one can only image the possibilities when we're able to run iOS apps on Apple TV. The ability to run fullscreen and multiple apps side by side is certainly going to change our perception about the Apple TV as just another set-top box. Be advised though, in order to run iOS apps on Apple TV, you will need to jailbreak your Apple TV untethered on 4.4.4 firmware.
(via 9to5mac)