Rumours turn Mac mini into a media hub

Apple's keeps building its Mac mini vision

Apple is planning to introduce a media-centric version of its Mac mini computer this January at MacWorld in San Francisco, according to the Mac rumour website Think Secret.

The device is believed to be codenamed Kaleidoscope and will be the first Mac computer using an Intel processor.

The first Mac mini was unveiled last January at MacWorld. The low cost computer targets both Mac and Windows users looking for a second computer that could, for instance, be placed in the living room.

The second generation model will target the living room more strongly by offering new media-centric features. The device is believed to feature a digital video recorder that will use the hard drive to record and play back television shows.

The Think Secret website also predicted that the new mini will have a built-in iPod dock and ship with a new version of Apple's Front Row application that was introduced last October as part of the new iMacs. Together with a special remote control, Front Row offers users access to media including movies, music, photos and DVDs. The application is useful in a living room setting where a keyboard and mouse might not always be within reach.