Hidden TV out features discovered in iPhone 2.2 SDK
By Darren Murph 
posted Nov 27th 2008 11:03AM
posted Nov 27th 2008 11:03AM
So, get a load of this. While tinkering within the iPhone 2.2 SDK, ArsTechnica discovered a neat little tidbit that could lead to some pretty extensible applications. In essence, the MPTVOutWindow class enables your iPhone to beam out video to a connected TV rather than the built-in screen. Of course, dock-connecting iPods / iPhones have been sending out videos for ages now, but this could actually enable applications to be used on the big screen. Sadly, the current code won't allow screen interaction while the TV out function is active, but the accelerometer is still a go. Check out a short demonstration clip after the break, and feel free to let your imagination run wild after peeking the read link.[Via AppleInsider]
iPhone Video Out from Ars Technica on Vimeo.
Hmmm... interesting feature, but nevertheless, strange, seemingly unimportant and almost useless as much of apple's doings are these days
but kindof cool
It's probably because it doesn't work with screen interaction that it's hidden.
Wow, now it will be easier to connect an iPhone to a TV than a MacBook. Good thinking Apple.
Everytime I look up, I read something the iPhone can't do that many high end Nokia and other S60 devices do. I regularly connect my N95 8gb to the TV, and can still use my device via its screen and controls. It streams ALL screen activity, not just videos, and even the audio output. I love browsing the web using my phone's browser on TV-out while hearing a phone call aloud on my TV's speakers.
Now knowing all that, exactly why does everyone jock the iPhone?? Its easy, ok. Its easier to ride a bicycle than a Suzuki Hayabusa, but we know we want the better, more capable ride. I didn't hear any of the failure or epic fail comments had this been a Nokia, Blackberry, or WinMo device. Why not? When will we stop jocking this underperforming, overpriced wannabe??
Most $650+ smart devices do TV-out. Wake up.
Yes, but the iPhone is $200, not $650+
@qwerty613
Wrong. iPhone costs around 1500 over two years. Unlocked phones do not.
Yah...I hate Verzion too...ohhh. Wait. This is an iPod thread...I mean...I hate Apple! Right? Can someone tell me who I hate again and who is the most awsome-ist?
Wait, the iPhone can only play videos through the TV-out dock? That's lame.Can it still be called TV-out with such a limitation?
N95+TV-out+Mobipad+Wiimote+GPFCE=NES, for real.
Yeah - we get it. The iPhone isn't as sweet as your marvelous Nokia... Yet.
Dude - Nokia has been making phones for YEARS. They have come a long way.
The iPhone? It's a year and a half old. It's on it's second generation. It's already leaps and bounds ahead of many phones out there - including many smartphones.
I expect bigger and better things to come from the iPhone. It's obvious (and this find helps confirm it) that Apple is picturing much more for the iPhone than for it to be a nice smartphone.
Give it time. This great device - yes, I said great - will become even better.