Apple goes lightweight with LP and Extras code
Apple is using an innovative Javascript framework to deliver album LP and film Extras content within iTunes rather that requiring a heavy middleware layer like Flash or Silverlight.
The details of how the LP liner notes function would be realized within iTunes were not made clear when the announcement was made at last week’s media event. The trend lately for add-ons like these would usually involve robust and off-the-shelf third-party middleware, such as Adobe’s Flash or Microsoft’s Silverlight. Instead, Apple has gone with a combination of JavaScript, HTML, and CSS, which they refer to as TuneKit, according to an AppleInsider story. This is basically an open-source JavaScript framework that handles almost all of the heavy lifting for the LP and Extras content.
TuneKits is philosophically similar to SproutCore, used by Apple to develop MobileMe Web applications. SproutCore is an open-source JavaScript framework which allows developers to create Web applications with advanced capabilities and a user experience comparable to that of desktop applications. When developing a SproutCore application, all code is written in JavaScript. SproutCore, initially created in 2007 by Sproutit as the basis for their Mailroom application, is available under the MIT License.
It also seems clear that, as they are used by Apple, these JavaScript platforms are aimed specifically at the HDTV form factor, 1280 x 720. This means, in turn, that they are probably aimed squarely at the Apple TV product line. This is undoubtedly one of factual legs that underly the rumors about an Apple TV announcement at the recent music-based media event. There are a number of references in the new iTunes content files, such a the meta tags “hdtv-fullscreen” and “hdtv-cursor-off” which clearly indicate an Apple TV focus for the new JavaSript framework.
There is an increased focus on media at Apple, with many rumors about a graphics-oriented tablet computer and a much more functional Apple TV product line waiting in the wings. All of this seems to mark out a clear progression of easy-to-use, easy-to-share media functions across devices, from the iPhone to the iMac. At Apple, media does indeed appear to be the message.
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