Company to focus on set-top box

As expected, Boxee is set to cease offering desktop apps for Mac, Windows and Linux. The company late last year released its last update for the desktop software, bringing a revamped interface and search improvements, however the utilities will be removed from download servers by the end of the day.

The company is terminating development of the desktop software to focus solely on its Boxee Box hardware. A company executive recently suggested the number of users who connect their computers to a TV is declining as set-top boxes and connected TVs or disc players grow in popularity.

The desktop apps had provided a similar level of functionality to the Boxee Box interface, enabling users to access live TV, recorded content, or third-party services such as Netflix and Pandora. The company claims that it could not provide full functionality in the desktop software, however, due to licensing restrictions imposed by companies such as Netflix.

The desktop apps are expected to remain available on Boxee's website until later this evening. [via GigaOM]

By Electronista Staff