New Apple TV to Start at $149, Feature Universal Search With Siri

[MacRumors]

Apple is set to introduce the next iteration of its Apple TV lineup at next week's September 9 media event, alongside the expected announcement of new iPhones, and a previously rumored feature is gaining additional traction today with a report from BuzzFeed claiming the new Apple TV will have universal search functionality, letting users search once and get hits from multiple sources, not just iTunes.

Universal search feature will reportedly be a "cornerstone" of the new Apple TV, allowing users to, for example, search for one movie across services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and iTunes, among others. The ability to search for actors and directors will also be included in the search options, and won't limit users to just movie or television show titles.

Sources familiar with Apple's plans say that a cornerstone of the the company's new set-top box is a universal search feature that will enable searches across multiple streaming video services as well as Apple's iTunes Store. Instead of searching the catalogs of multiple video services one-at-a-time for a particular movie, you'll now be able to search all -- or most of them -- at once and then choose the service on which you'd like to watch it. You'll also be able to search for actors and directors, and run other more targeted searches as well -- all with Siri.

The report also claims that the new Apple TV will "start" at a price point of $149, hinting that there could be more expensive models with perhaps the possibility of expanded storage capacities. The $149 retail price does line up with previous rumors that pegged the Apple TV of launching with either a $149 or $199 price tag. The company has been said to be keeping the third-generation Apple TV, currently priced at $69, as an entry-level option.

Along with Siri integration, the next-generation Apple TV is rumored to feature an A8 processor, a touch-pad remote, and an App Store with an SDK available for developers to create apps. The new box will be aimed at more than just video consumption, with recent rumors hinting that the newly designed remote control will include motion sensors to support "casual" gaming experiences.

Update 8:52 AM: According to a follow-up report by 9to5Mac, the new Apple TV's onboard storage will be in the 8-16 GB range, and the touchpad remote included with the box will be black rather than the silver seen on the current Apple TV remote.

Article Link: New Apple TV to Start at $149, Feature Universal Search With Siri

 

[GizmoDVD]

I'll be dumping my FireTV Pretty quick....

 

[markfc]

So we can stream Amazon on this?

 

[dumastudetto]

I'm in for three of them.

 

[nfl46]

In before the "OMG, $149 is too much! The competitors are much cheaper."

 

[Andres Cantu]

Time to regain that borrowed market share

 

[acctman]

i can see a $199 version with more space, faster, extra ports and motion sensor remote included

 

[ckelley]

Amazon Prime Video

So, is Prime video coming to the Apple TV? Because that would be awesome.

 

[justperry]

More content/Apps for Europe please.

 

[Blujelly]

So, is Prime video coming to the Apple TV? Because that would be awesome.

I'd be surprised I mean if Apple want to move on and do there own version of Prime/Netflix it seems a bit odd for them to advertise another company on there own device would it not?

 

[mKizzo]

In before the "OMG, $149 is too much! The competitors are much cheaper."

Well it would be too much if its simply an ATV3 with siri and a fancy remote...

 

[BJMRamage]

the search isn't something i am SUPER EXCITED about...this is something that could have been done with typing years ago.

I hope this isn't a KEY FEATURE

 

[Mac21ND]

All I want is a new iMac.

 

[ckelley]

I'd be surprised I mean if Apple want to move on and do there own version of Prime/Netflix it seems a bit odd for them to advertise another company on there own device would it not?

If they open the Apple TV up to app developers, I don't know what would be stopping Amazon from making a Prime Video app for the platform. Well, besides Apple's App Review team.

 

[arggg14]

Wish universal search could work across our DLNA devices....

 

[KdParker]

Would need to see this in action. But I am still not seeing anything that would suggest this could replace cable.

 

[Dustman]

I can't wait!! My ATV2 is really getting on in age, although has been great. Hopefully with it running a more complex version of iOS there will be a jailbreak team on this to allow for more openness.

 

[cariacou]

i hope they do the same for music

 

[Karma*Police]

Sounds genuinely useful. Really looking forward to the announcement and seeing it in action.

 

[hemanwomanhater]

Universal search

Finally!

 

[Blujelly]

If they open the Apple TV up to app developers, I don't know what would be stopping Amazon from making a Prime Video app for the platform. Well, besides Apple's App Review team.

True I mean they could add it on there for how ever long it takes them to develop there own streaming platform then give them the boot after.

 

[Rogifan]

If they open the Apple TV up to app developers, I don't know what would be stopping Amazon from making a Prime Video app for the platform. Well, besides Apple's App Review team.

So is Prime not available on the current TV because of Apple or Amazon?

 

[doelcm82]

Apple needs to support 4K on this.

Also Apple needs to solve world hunger, and build an underground hyperloop tunnel between Fort Myers and Orlando.

 

[Blujelly]

I can't wait!! My ATV2 is really getting on in age, although has been great. Hopefully with it running a more complex version of iOS there will be a jailbreak team on this to allow for more openness.

Miss using mine ATV3 hopefully if the new one is a good spec, ill get and will be in time for he house move

 

[Tech198]

..... And lets also expect universal search on Apple TV 3 as well.

Look its time coming, but if its on the Mac and iPhone/iPad already, then Apple TV is late to the game...

Lets keep the ball rolling here...

 

[AppleWarMachine]

So we can stream Amazon on this?

I sure hope so