During the September iPhone announcement, Apple also announced a new version of their content streaming device, Apple TV. Though it does not look much different than the older version, there are some big differences. Whether it is the new remote control, new interface, or the potential for future greatness, it seems that Apple TV has finally caught up with it’s competitors like Roku, Amazon, and others. Of course, with anything, there may be features that will take some getting used to.
In regards to the remote, one of the big features being touted is the integration of the popular iOS assistant, Siri. By using voice commands to search, Siri can assist you in finding things, just like it does on the iPhone. Another thing you will notice is the relative speed of the remote, the 5 buttons it has, the charging port at the bottom, and the motion sensing capabilities. Currently, Siri and the universal search work inside of iTunes, Netflix, Hulu, Showtime, and HBO Now, but there will be more later.
The interface has become more streamlined, as well as the way it operates. There is no pointer inside the interface, so you are swiping back and forth through apps. The background has also changed from black to white, and once you have picked an app, the interface represents this by twisting the image and creating a wobble effect.
For gamers, the controls are a bit wonky. Changing the orientation of the remote so you could use it as a controller means the buttons won’t line up correctly. Apple says any MFi game controller should work with the new Apple TV, and that might be a necessary purchase if you’re planning on doing any real gaming on the Apple TV. MFi is a specification meaning the controller is made for specifically for Apple devices. Keyboards will also be available
The operating system used by this device is referred to as tvOS. Users will quickly notice that it is designed very much like iOS. That can be a good thing, because users will not have to get used to an entirely new system. It also ensures it will be updated frequently, unlike some other competitors’ attempts. Soon, you will be able to do other things as well, once the App Store gets integrated.
With the addition of the store, you could do quite a few common things that you may normally do on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. You could shop online, game, or anything you would normally do. This new unveiling may pose an interesting question. The technology exists to have a stylus and or touchpad, just like current Apple computers use. Could this version of the Apple TV become a non portable version of the iPad with a bigger screen? Now that technology has caught up, does this have the potential to start the revolution that Web TV tried to start in the ’90s? Would it just feel like a natural extension of the technology now? We may soon find out.
Follow us @SmartDNSFan for the latest streaming news and updates. If you currently live or plan to travel outside of the United States you can enjoy channels like Netflix, Hulu, Apple Music, Spotify, and live sporting events from anywhere in the world by using a Smart DNS service.
