Front Row

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Front Row
Basic data

developer Apple
Current  version 2.2.1
(November 9, 2009)
operating system Mac OS X 10.5-10.6
category Media player
License Proprietary
German speaking Yes
www.apple.com/macosx/features/300.html

Front Row is software from Apple that offers media center functionality under Mac OS X. The program was preinstalled on all Macs from 2005 to 2011. The first software version of Apple TV was also based on Front Row, but has since been replaced by an independent development.

The Front Row program can be controlled using the keyboard or the special Apple Remote control. The Apple remote will continue to be manufactured after Front Row has been discontinued and has now been renewed in a second generation.

history

On October 12, 2005, Apple CEO Steve Jobs presented the iMac G5 (with integrated iSight camera) together with the Front Row software, as well as some other innovations in Apple's entertainment area ( iPod with video capabilities, iTunes 6 and the Apple -Remote remote control). Since then, you can not only buy music in the iTunes Store , but also music videos and short films from Pixar (meanwhile also feature films, and also from other film companies).

On January 10, 2006, in addition to the new iMac (with Intel processor), the successor to the PowerBook , the MacBook Pro , which also supports Front Row, was presented.

On October 26, 2007, a new version of Front Row was introduced along with the Mac OS X Leopard 10.5 operating system. It can now be started as a program (/ Applications / Front Row.app) and stored in the dock. The design has also changed, it now largely corresponds to the Apple TV interface “Take 2”.

On July 20, 2011, Front Row was removed from the system without replacement with the release of the Mac OS X Lion 10.7 operating system. It is no longer part of the operating system and is also not available from the App Store . Front-Row continues to run on older operating systems (e.g. Snow Leopard ), but is no longer developed. By copying the program from older operating system versions, Front Row can also be installed under Mac OS X Lion.

Supported media

In Front Row, music, films, TV shows, podcasts , photos and, if the Mac is connected to the Internet, movie trailers can be viewed (also in high definition depending on the connection and availability ).

Functions

  • Music:
    • Playback of songs in iTunes library.
  • Films:
    • Play movies and TV shows from iTunes library.
    • Play movies on the hard drive. All formats that iTunes and QuickTime can process are supported (MP4, h.264).
  • Podcasts:
    • Play video and audio podcasts from iTunes library.
  • Photos:

service

Apple Remote

Apple Remote 1st generation (left) and 2nd generation (right).
Apple Remote 2nd generation with active infrared LED.
Apple iMac with invisible magnetic holder for Apple Remote 1st generation.

Apple also introduced the first generation of the Apple Remote on October 12, 2005, an infrared remote control with just six buttons (up, down, left, right, select and back (labeled as “MENU”)) with which you can front row can control.

Initially, the Apple Remote came as standard with all iMac and MacBook models. Since September 2008 this has only been the case with Apple TV and the Apple Universal Dock.

The first generation Apple Remote received the red Dot Design Award in 2006.

The second generation of Apple Remote, introduced on October 20, 2009, has an additional Play / Pause button, which Front Row recognizes as selecting. The housing is no longer made of plastic, but milled from an aluminum block according to the unibody design . A replaceable CR2032 button cell serves as the battery in both generations .

Front Row can be started with the MENU button.

keyboard

Front Row can also be controlled without the Apple Remote. It is then started with the key combination ⌘+ esc. Then Front Row can be controlled using the arrow keys, Return and Escape.

iPhone / iPod Touch

Front Row can also be controlled using various remote apps. To do this, the Apple iPhone or iPod touch must be in the same network as the Mac.

similar products

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Apple Introduces the New iMac G5
  2. ↑ Lion is no longer part of Mac OS X Lion ( Memento from July 18, 2011 in the Internet Archive )
  3. ↑ Apple.com: OS X Lion Specifications July 20, 2011, accessed August 7, 2011.
  4. ↑ 9to5mac.com: OS X Lion kills Front Row ... here's how to get it back July 19, 2011, accessed August 7, 2011.
  5. ↑ de.red-dot.org