Don’t you dare call Apple TV a hobby anymore!
Apple today unveiled its refreshed set-top box — boasting a futuristic new remote control, Siri integration, App Store, and much, much more. Tim Cook called it the “future of television,” and having watched the demo, it’s tough to disagree with him.
Check below for everything you need to know about the newly-“must have” Apple TV.
The 2015 Apple TV represents the first update for the product line since January 2013, as well as the first major rethink since 2010’s model. The new device — which is slightly thicker and taller than its predecessor, but otherwise looks the same — will let Apple better compete with the likes of the Roku 3, Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, and other streaming set-top boxes.
Compete and then some.
Photo: Apple
The most striking feature of the new Apple TV is its smart remote. Featuring a variety of smart sensors (including an accelerometer and gyroscope) and Bluetooth 4.0 (meaning you don’t need to be pointing at the TV in order for it to work), the smart remote is totally unlike its predecessor.
In the top third of the remote is a clickable touch surface, which lets users easily scroll through options. There’s also a button to bring up Siri, a play/pause button and even a volume control, so that you no longer need to juggle multiple remotes in order to watch TV.
Siri looked particularly impressive during Apple’s demo. It’s basically your guide to content, which works particularly well thanks to Apple’s Universal Search feature which scans all available channels for content.
“Show me funny TV shows” will bring up comedies, sorted by popularity, but the Siri-aided search tool is way more granular than that. For example, “Show me the episode of Modern Family with Edward Norton” will instantly find the episode in question, while asking “What did [that character] say?” will rewind a movie or TV show 15 seconds and temporarily bring up subtitles.
It all appears very intuitive, and makes it straightforward to juggle between different apps while you are viewing content — for instance, checking the weather or cast list while watching a movie.
Photo: Apple
The much-anticipated gaming functionality of the Apple TV got a workout, too. As well as new versions of popular iOS titles such as Crossy Road, it was revealed that previously console-only titles will be making their Apple TV debut. In a gaming context, the remote appears reminiscent of the Nintendo Wii remote, which should make it great for casual gamers.
The focus on apps was additionally highlighted, with Tim Cook describing the new presence of an App Store as being central to the TV experience. Tools like the new MLB app were shown off, along with the ability to split-screen multiple sports games.
In terms of specs, the new Apple TV boasts a 64-bit A8 chip, 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MIMO, Bluetooth 4.0 and IR receiver.
The device will be available in 80 countries from October, with another 20 following by Christmas. A 32GB version will cost $149 and the 64GB is $199.
There was no mention of Apple’s Netflix-style original content, but there was so much on display here that this wasn’t missed.
Can’t October hurry up and come already?
Luke Dormehl is a U.K.-based journalist and author, with a background working in documentary film for Channel 4 and the BBC. He is the author of The Apple Revolution and The Formula: How Algorithms Solve All Our Problems … and Create More, both published by Penguin/Random House. His tech writing has also appeared in Wired, Fast Company, Techmeme and other publications.
18 responses to “Why the new Apple TV will make you want to turn on and tune in”
Did anyone see anything about “My Computer” and home sharing? I assume it is still available, but noticed it missing from the demo. Maybe I missed it.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Apple cuts that. They do not want you listening your own music but there cup they call Apple Music only. Seems like there is no AirPlay anymore, at list there is no streaming top-quality audio via optical
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I really wanted to be impressed with the new AppleTV but I didn’t see anything really new when compared to all the other devices out there.
You’re high or something. There is no device that has voice based search across apps. There is no device that offers not only video streaming but also music and games and whatever apps developers can come up with for this *platform”.
Except maybe… Android TV?
My bad – I didn’t know that Android TV was as extensive as it is. Sorry.
I think it is a big step for them. Now if MLB would rethink it’s (last century) blackout rules so I can watch my Nats in NC I would love that part of the app. What I’m waiting for is a cable cutting content provider service from Apple, but I knew that was not happening today.
I may consider one of these if they finally allow Plex to have an app on it.
Everyone +1 this!
i am missing uHD support…. hopefully there is coming next year another model with uHD support.
So there goes the future of tv
Now I have to update my receiver. I don’t have HDMI in for audio. Losing the optical audio sucks for me.
+1
How is there no audio out? That is a failure for it to be the music and media hub they envision it to be. I have a deep fear they will screw up home sharing too. Will Siri be able to search your own content, or just things you have to pay to watch?
Apple does not give a f*** about your (and mine) great audio collection, and how you’ll be listening that with there all-new cut-off – Apple is only interested in more money
I think in the demo the presenter called up her favorite band using Siri. In any event, in the iPhone I can ask Siri to play anything from my music library so it stands to reason Apple would do the same on Apple TV.
Reading the documentation it looks like it uses HDMI CEC to turn on and off your TV; but I.R to control the volume. I guess this is so the volume buttons can control amplifiers. I wish it had a learning buttons to switch, amplifier and tv on/off from the remote. Is that how others read it ?
WTF Apple cuts optical audio out?!!