Boxee Launches New API

A recent post on the boxee blog announces the release of a new, fully documented API that will allow developers to create and share new apps and plugins. "The new boxee API enables developers to build sophisticated applications (such as the Pandora and RadioTime apps) using a set of API calls in Python and writing the GUI using XML. ... Users can install new applications via the boxee App Box, the beginnings of our app store. Unlike other app stores, boxee does not want to be a gate keeper (or bottleneck) in deciding which applications are published so anyone can become a publisher." A complete description is available at their developers page. I'm sure this will help in their ongoing battle with Hulu.

Say what?

[qoncept]

A boxee app store? I understand that they are working on getting hardware created, but they are expecting people to pay for little applets that will run under boxee on hardware that you either had to build yourself or hack to even run it in the first place? And even after their own device is out, how many people are going to buy it [b]and[/b] buy plugins for it?

I also understand that if they aren't thinking big, they might as well not even try (think you can or think you can't..) but I just don't see this being even remotely successful. People use their iPhone because its "cool" and want it to do everything their computer does while they're on the road. If you want the functionality of a computer while you're in your living room, get up and walk to your office.

Re:Sure they only care about us...

[musicalwoods]

What BS. They only do this to make money. ... I hope it works, but don't try to scam me into thinking it's for the good of the community.

Why are people so enraged over this? To me it sounds like they built a repository system where other repositories can be added, which is, in my opinion, essential for a remote-driven system. Why would you want to get up, go over to a keyboard, find the plugin from the site you want, download, and then install it when you can just click over to the 'app store' and push one button to download and install.

Also, if other people want to put a lot of time and effort into their plugins and then charge for them, why not? I wouldn't buy them anyway. If I was that upset that someone is charging for something that should be offered for free, I'd make my own damn plugin and release it.