Not much has been done to the Apple TV since it’s inception, but the company finally announced an exciting update.
This is an ongoing post and will be updated as Apple reveals more details. Refresh for the latest news.
1. Apple TV: Price
The new Apple TV is $149 for 32 GB and $199 for 64 GB.
2. Apple TV: Key Specs
The Apple TV is faster with a 64 bit A8 chip and runs entirely on Bluetooth. It no longer uses the typical Apple remote with just a few buttons. Now the entire top part of the remote acts like a touch screen so instead of hitting arrows you can swipe up, down or side to side to find the options you want.
Instead going into a specific app to find the show or movie you want to watch, you can just search for that movie and the device will bring up everywhere you can watch it. See if it is offered by Netflix, or if you have to rent it from iTunes. Finding something specific is much easier than it was before.
3. Apple TV: Coolest Features
One of the coolest things about the new Apple TV is the help of Siri. With the new and improved remote, you can hit the Siri button and ask her to find you certain things. You can be as vague as “find me action movies” or as specific as “find me the episode where Matthew Broderick was on Modern Family.” She will bring you directly to the episode.
While you’re watching that show or movie Siri also comes in handy. If you miss a line you can say “What did she say?” and Siri will rewind 15 seconds and temporarily put on captions. You can also ask her to go backward or forward in the show so you don’t miss a thing. If you’re watching amovie but need to play tomorrow, ask her what the weather will be like tomorrow. A weather forecast will come up at the bottom of the screen and you can swipe up to read more. This also works for sports scores.
Now you can turn on Apple Music and open your entire music library from the Apple TV and play it over your nicer speakers. Ask Siri to skip to the next song or choose a new artist.
The most revolutionary thing is the ability to access the app store. Developers are hard at work to make cool and fun apps for the Apple TV. You can play games, shop or even plan a trip all from the TV.
4. Apple TV: Release Date
The Apple TV will be released in late October.