Apple TV Mini
Pastime...now pocketable
It would be amazing if Apple are already working on something like this. If not, it needs to get their attention!
Overview
This project follows some of the techniques within the Double-Diamond UX methodology.
Following a wedding celebration, I had a number of weeks in India where I had some 'boring' nights in. I wanted to work and play, i.e. use my Mac to be productive whilst streaming something on a second screen. Due to my efficient packing, the number of gadgets and cables I'd brought along with me were limited. Alas, that is when the pain point reared it's unattractive head...
The Pain Point
A pain point is a specific problem that prospective users of your product may be experiencing.
With the emergence of online streaming services such as Netflix, people are consuming content at a rate that almost surpasses regular television. There are numerous devices that allow the installation of these subscription services, for example, the Amazon Fire Stick or the NowTV (Roku) box.
Apple has a device called Apple TV. It’s one of the more sophisticated devices that has many other functions including AirPlay, which allows the mirroring of other devices onto the television/screen being used.
The problem is that it is a device that is to be kept at home in front of the main television - it is not portable like the ‘stick’ devices that competitors have released.
User Journey
Based on the pain point above, I translated the experience into a user journey that aligns with a scenario that I have and will likely to experience in the future.
As a user of Apple TV, a device that allows the installation of streaming apps and screen mirroring...
I want to be able to take the device on my travels...
So that I can watch my TV shows or mirror/extend my Mac screen...
In terms of the user experience of the actual device, it would not change from the existing Apple TV range - the Apple TV Mini would be exactly as the name says, a mini version of the Apple TV. It's built around the existing Apple ecosystem, including the App Store and some proprietary hardware and software, i.e. AirPlay, AirDrop etc. The specification of the Mini is outlined below:
Apple has recently started heavily investing in their TV business. They launched Apple TV+, their own streaming subscription service, showing their commitment to the entertainment industry.
With this in mind, it would be brilliant if they are thinking about their product portfolio to cater for a wider range of user needs, including mine!
I guess it will be case of watching Apple TV+ and this space...