I have been following Boxee for a while and, even though I am not a current user, I think they are about to change the game. I used to have a two monitor system in my home office. I would have Boxee on one monitor and work on  the other. I don’t have that setup anymore. If I watch a video while working I usually have it in a small window on my iMac’s only monitor. I have played around with the beta but it really belongs in the living room, plus I shouldn’t be watching movies when I should be working. As great as the software is, it’s the Boxee Box that’ll be the game changer.

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There are a few simple reasons for this. First off, I don’t know of any other media player box that I could buy for my parents, or my grandparents, and have them “get it”. To make it to work there is no flashing of the firmware or downloading of files etc. Just plug it in and it works. Also. the QWERTY keypad on the back of the remote was missing on the Apple remote that I used to use. This box puts internet TV, including podcasts, in the living room and more. It works with any file from any source.

Secondly, it works anywhere in the world. There are a few apps that are US specific but most of the apps will work right out of the box, no pun intended. Other set-top boxes rely on regional services and that puts us international users out of the picture.

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Most of all, it’s social. If I am watching something and I think one of my friends will like it, all I have to do is hit a button on the remote. I can have it setup to send what I am watching or recommending to Facebook and Twitter, including what I find on Flickr or YouTube.

One of the most common complaints that I heard about the alpha was its kludgey interface. The new beta interface is a huge improvement and the content is much easier to navigate.

To sum it all up, you can watch anything, anywhere, at anytime. I am really looking forward to the release of the Boxee Box later this year.

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About the author

Matt
I'm Matt and I share how to build an internet presence through internet business, social marketing, lifestyle design and productivity tools. While here, read about me to learn my story or find out how you can hire me.

3 Comments for Boxee Box Changes the Game!

Zenith

Hi!
Recently seconded to Taiwan (living in Taipei) – I would really like a Boxee Box. I tried really hard finding it here, but no luck so far. Do you have to order it abroad to get it? Please tell of any shops you know

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Zenith

Follow-up: Seems like they are not sold in Asia yet, but will be later. Can be ordered from Amazon for around US $260. S&H is about 50, and then 12 in taxes. A bit steep. Might just wait or get it imported in some other way.

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Matt Hooper

I think by the time you add in all the costs for shipping and taxes that you are better off just waiting until it is available. I’ve read it should be available around spring.

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