Apple TV Software Updated to 3.0 — Adds New UI, Breaks Boxee
3:40 pm, October 29th, 2009, Leander Kahney
As anticipated, Apple has updated the Apple TV software to 3.0, which brings a new interface and home screen with quick access to favorite content. Instead of drilling down to get to a recently-rented movie, it’s now accessible right off the home screen, as are favorite TV Shows, podcasts and YouTube movies.
The update also adds support for iTunes LPs and iTunes Extras, as well as Genius Mixes and internet radio.
The update likely breaks Boxee, the unsanctioned internet media player that actually makes the Apple TV useful, but internet radio is a welcome addition.
To support the new Apple TV software, Apple has also updated iTunes to 9.0.2. As well as being compatible with the Apple TV 3.0 software, the update adds a new “dark” viewing option in Grid View. The iTunes update also once again breaks Palm Pre syncing.
Posted by Leander Kahney in Apple, AppleTV, News | Comment on this article
“Not dead yet!”
This should put off rumours of Apple killing the Apple TV at least for a little while. I love my Apple TV and would be quite sad if Apple stopped supporting it.
Brian Egge, on October 29th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Apple TV is bizzare as it is incredibly ugly, from a company whose products are usually the best looking available.
Kev, on October 29th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
Quick question.
I havent bought the Apple TV thing yet, but i do intend to soon. If i were to download movie’s from the internet, e.g outside iTunes, are you able to import them into Apple TV so you can view them via your television?
Andrew Macdonald, on October 29th, 2009 at 7:24 pm
Andrew, yes you can put them on Apple Tv. If you import the video files into itunes, convert them if necessary (iTunes will do it), then set them to download to the Apple Tv in the movies section of the Apple Tv menu in iTunes.
Brendan, on October 29th, 2009 at 8:20 pm
While I prefer Apple’s recent moves to Helvetica over Lucida Grande, I wish they hadn’t reduced the type SIZE in the menus. Maybe I’m just an old man who can’t see now, but the old type was FAR easier to read at a distance…
Gene, on October 29th, 2009 at 10:39 pm
I mostly use Pandora, but there are times when I don’t have a data connection and listening to the small amount of synced music is convenient.
Cell phone reivew, on October 30th, 2009 at 4:23 am
Thanks a lot for the info Brendan. Very much appreciated
Andrew Macdonald, on October 30th, 2009 at 9:51 am
I love my Apple TV, but I absolutely hate the new interface. The graphic design work from Apple has been really going downhill recently. I mean… c’mon… iTunes 9 is horrible. I don’t understand how their industrial design is getting so much better but their graphic design is getting so much worse.
Jason, on October 30th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
Side note: look at how sexy the design is on Apple.com and compare that to Apple TV/iTunes 9.
Jason, on October 30th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
I wish people would stop crying about what this thing or that thing will and won’t do. If you don’t like it…don’t buy it!…it’s that simple! If you don’t think the ATV meets your expectations, then get off your couch, put your clothes back on, and go mow the yard.
Jeremy, on November 2nd, 2009 at 8:43 am
The Headline states it ‘Breaks Boxee’, but the best the article says is that it is ‘likely broken’. Irresponsible journalism. You couldn’t find one person to tell you whether or not this is true?
Lou, on November 6th, 2009 at 11:38 am