Android in a set top box: why not Maemo?
 

This article speculate about an android port on a wider range of peripherals:
http://www.informationweek.com/news/...on=All+Stories

I feel Maemo would fit the role much better and with lot more flexibility than android: It could easily blew up all the boxee features in a breeze

Re: Android in a set top box: why not Maemo?
 

I think both are equally unsuitable for set-top boxes. Unless you use Canola with a Wii controller. :D

Re: Android in a set top box: why not Maemo?
 

Or MediaBox with an AppleRemote as I use it on my Mac mini "settop box". :D

I don't like the idea of having to steer some sort of mouse pointer on my TV as touchscreen applications require you to do. Android and Maemo are both too touchscreen-oriented to be usable for a settop box. Everything you can't control with a simple IR remote is worthless for a settop box IMHO.

Re: Android in a set top box: why not Maemo?
 

It might be a licensing issue. One of the requirements of a set top box could be that it is non-hackable, so that DRM-poisoned content can safely be played back on it.

Android is only half-free. Its Apache license allows binary-only redistribution, so the vendor can make secret changes to the platform that are not re-destributed in source code. What you get is a closed system. The content industry loves that.

Maemo OTOH does contain proprietary bits and pieces, but a lot of it is LPGL/GPL. Using these underlying parts for a platform that needs the trust of the content industry might be more risky than simply using your own non-free version of Android. (I'm not saying it's impossible... Android could just be the easier way to go.)

Re: Android in a set top box: why not Maemo?
 

well, I wasnt thinking to use the actual Maemo interface or an actual model :) but to use the platform (hardware+os). It could be braindead simple to create a custom front end and make controllable with a bluetooth (already there and os supported) or IR remote (maemo is so flexible that could use existent remote controls instead of programming the remotes :) ). Just add a solid state hard drive and could be an ultra low power ultra slim module.
@benny1967: I understand your point, that's why I put that boxee link: they plane to land their XBMC based clone on a settopbox to access all the internet contents all around.
Nokia could make his own settopbox just to push their own contents and services to integrate with cellphones and future tablets just as Apple people do with all their devices.
Nokia already have an history of set top boxes and satellite receivers so to me seem really advantaged in the field (I think there was something in late 90's with a sort of Amiga software on...)
[EDIT]: I found the (amigapowered?) old nokia set top box :D
http://www.amigau.com/aig/nokia/mediaterminal.jpg

Re: Android in a set top box: why not Maemo?
 

I'm thinkin' that is the direction Nokia wants to go.

It could see its future growth in embedded devices. It has done pretty well embedding 1 OS in 1 device already (Symbian > Cell Phone). However that market (and OS IMHO) has reached maturity.

I have a feeling that in 5 years we will see the name "Nokia" on many items.