Does Joost need a hardware platform to succeed

Joost has released an MS Windows client and an iMac client to allow it’s beta testers to try and debug the software. Many Linux users are still patiently waiting for a client that will run on their open source platform.

Could it be that Joost is preparing a secret weapon in the form of a Linux based hardware client? Would releasing the Linux client possibly leak some hidden text string of functionality related to a hardware platform? Possibly.

One thing for sure is that this will turn into a battle for the living room. Apple iTune along with it’s Apple TV extender is already openly targeting it. It will be imperative for the success of any player in this space to conquer the living room.

Microsoft already has a huge head start in that living room space with their Windows Media Player software and it’s Xbox 360 gaming console. But is it really just a gaming console? Bill Gates himself stated that the Xbox 360 was in fact a disguised way to conquer the Living Room.

The Xbox 360 can act as a media extender to MCE 2005 and to Windows Media Player. The xbox 360 can already be used to download advertisement free HD Movie and TV series for a lesser fee then what you would pay at your local Blockbuster. This is a winning offering and is already selling better than expected.

Joost better prepare for the battle and announce something quickly before the space get occupied by well established and funded competitors.

This HW client will also have to act as more than a simple Joost player. It better play also xvid/divx movies, h.264 movies, photo slide show, DVD backup, youtube, etc. Play local files and over the network/internet. People will expect it to replace their DVD player and offer all the rest and more.