iPad Apps Now Running Full Screen at 720p on Apple TV

Tweet

TV is said to be the next frontier for Apple. But even as Apple’s plans for an integrated TV is yet to be confirmed, developers are tweaking Apple TV to run apps in various configurations.

iOS applications are now running full-screen on Apple TV, thanks to a developer hack. While iPhone apps were previously able to run inside small windows, the iOS new application port is being done with the intent of running iPad and iPhone apps on the Apple TV in a more or less native user-experience. For instance, the developers have previously achieved running multiple apps side-by-side on the display. Now, the developers have figured out how to run iPad applications in full 720p resolution.

These are not yet official, and the developers are doing the hacks to showcase the possibilities of running iPhone and iPad applications on the Apple TV. Running apps full-screen does have its advantages, particularly with bigger TV screens. But running apps side-by-side can also give benefits, such as with multi-tasking and comparing information from different apps.

Steven Troughton-Smith, one of the developers involved in the tweak, says they hope Apple will soon adopt the same technologies. “Remember how the unofficial iPhone applications back in ‘07 forced Apple’s hand in creating an App Store? I’d like Apple TV to get the same treatment.” With Apple reportedly having plans for an integrated Apple TV, it’s likely that the television will be the next great platform for running applications, after the smartphone and tablet computer.

The question here is what kind of technologies Apple has in mind for their rumored Apple TV, and whether user uptake will be as successful as with the iPhone and iPad. Curious? Check out the demo video below.