[umjames]

One thing that's being overlooked:

What kind of apps can Apple tout (and we write) when the remote is the only input device?

People said they didn't want another computer, so forget wireless keyboards and mice. Maybe a touch interface with the iPad mirroring the TV? You touch the iPad and the results display on both the iPad and the TV, but that would require you to own another device just to use it to its fullest potential.

When these problems can be reasonably solved, we'll probably have an app store for the TV.

[dagw]

I don't think we'll see the iPad or iPhone simply mirroring the TV, but being used as dedicated input devices in their own right. I imagine that most AppleTV apps will come with a matching iPhone or iPad app for input. For example the iPhone can display buttons and icons which you use to control the app on the TV or use the tilt sensor like some sort of Wii like motion control.

I don't think making AppleTV owners also own an iPhone or iPad to get the full potential from the device is anything Apple would consider a negative.

[Setsuna]

Maybe not the regular iPhone apps, but there are many opportunities for apps like alternate streaming services or games (apple can release a wii remote like device) or facetime enabled video conferencing etc.