Finally, The New Apple TV

Finally, The New Apple TV

Apple outdid themselves at them even on September 9^th in San Francisco, unveiling not only the expected iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus but they topped it off with the new iPad, Apple TV and new features to the Watch.  Apple has announced its latest version of Apple TV streaming video box.  They have created a completely new user experience with added features to the App Store, music, gaming, video streaming, and more.

“We believe the future of television is apps,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook. We can’t argue with that Tim, you have opened the gates to a whole new realm for us – challenge accepted. Apple has taken a huge leap forward, diving headfirst into the golden age of television. They have revamped the new version of Apple TV to add a full-blown App Store, integrated Apple’s Siri voice recognition system for search and device operation purposes, and not to mention the new remote control with a touchpad. All of this will be available in two separate versions in late October: $149.00 for the 32GB model, and $199.00 for the 64GB model. The only thing upsetting us is that we can’t go out and purchase one today!

Apple Store – tvOS

The much anticipated Apple TV App Store has arrived full throttle with a new operating system, tvOS, based on Apple’s iOS. A lot like the store on iOS, the App Store gives users access to top charts, categories, and more. Now, app developers will be able to make their apps a universal purchase that saves data across devices – something developers will love!

The TV has numerous apps to choose from, but Apple has taken the initiative to add them automatically making it easier for users to add or delete apps at will. Apple demoed a few revealing apps on stage, including Gilt, an online shopping site, and a redesigned MLB.com app. To add, Apple has made it clear they are ready to play with their numerous gaming demos, including Guitar Hero, Disney Infinity, Crossy Road, ShadowMatic and more. Apple means to attract gamers and gaming developers to its hardware shifting their attention away from other consoles, such as Xbox, PlayStation, and Wii. Cook states, “Over 60% of paid TV consuming is done through an Apple device. When you experience TV through an app, you realize how much better it can be.” Thus, the need for a more appealing Apple Store to meet the rising needs of consumers.

Siri

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “it’s what’s inside that matters” – well, in this case, the hardware isn’t what stole the show, but what it can do. Apple TV is now offering Siri support allowing users to take advantage of voice-based searches, including Apple’s “Proactive” search allowing the system-wide search. Meaning, users can now search on one platform integrating movies and shows from Netflix, Hulu, HBOGo, iTunes, and Showtime. During the demo, Apple showed a few examples of universal search in action, including suggestions like “Show me movies. Just the new ones.” Or, more specifically “Show me movies with Jason Bateman. No, Jason Bourne.” You get even more precise searching with Siri and quicker access to settings. Siri allows searching across multiple apps and can do more than just pull up apps and movies. You can go further and ask Siri to show you the weather or about a specific sport giving you access to so much more.

Remote

The completely innovative remote control includes both a touchpad and motion control. The remote communicates over Bluetooth 4.0 and can control a TV’s volume, has a built-in accelerometer and gyroscope, and lasts up to three months per charge. This minute device allows users to fast forward and rewind by pressing on the touch-sensitive track-pad and swiping. Users can also move it around when playing games due to the accelerometer and gyroscope features. The new remote is what’s making gaming so interesting – similar to Wii’s motion censored remote, the Apple TV remote allows gamers to perform things like swinging the remote in place of a golf club or baseball bat.

The new Apple TV also has a redesigned interface said to ease touch control. This advanced device is powered by Apple’s dual-core A8 chip, which first appeared in the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, and is far more powerful than the current box’s A5 processor. This has added the necessary horsepower to perform, in addition to its expanded storage that is needed to support Apple’s new focus toward apps.