I hope you are right. Unfortunately this product release looks more like it was managed by three dudes in the basement rather than a large company with almost unlimited financial resources. There was more than enough time to make this a reasonably polished product.
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A thread for those who DON'T hate the new Apple TV
- Thread starter CaptTCS
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I think, with some of the people in this forum, this new box could scoop the poop out of their cat's litter box & fetch them a beer, all while giving them a handy and complementing their tv watching pajamas.. And they would still try to make themselves look special, by complaining that it "Just not nearly as cool as it should have been for THEM".
Well... I was complaining about things not being cool since WAY before it was cool.. And I think this new box is pretty damn cool!
Well... I was complaining about things not being cool since WAY before it was cool.. And I think this new box is pretty damn cool!
I asked for The Flash. Siri brought up the old and new (CW) versions. When I chose the version I wanted. It showed me which streaming service had it along with the seasons they had.
I guess some people missed that Apple said a Siri API will come later for Devs to use in their apps. And also that tvOS is brand new. This is version 1.0.
I for one love it. My 6 year old daughter found it easy to use and loves playing games on the tv instead of alone on an iPad.
The app switcher is cool.
I see some complaining about the look of Netflix. Uhhhh.... Go lambast Netflix for that since it's their app and not Apple's.
HBO go looks gorgeous.
I was actually surprised the tvOS AppStore had this many apps to begin with. As Devs gets better at utilizing tvOS this platform will just mature into a cable tv killer.
Also lets not forget: Apple TV streaming service is coming.
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I don't share your dim view of the release. If there had been a content distribution element I doubt anyone would have been carping about it. The hardware is solid and the launch of ATV as a platform is long over due. I'm hard pressed to see how this launch was botched in any way that Apple had control over. I mean, what do you propose they do differently? Buy out Comcast first? Because that's the only way they'd have been able to get all the content agreements they need without months/years of negotiation.
Then what IS the issue? I'm seeing a string of solid rebuttals to your pessimism but not much of a compelling argument supporting it from you.
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Your right. The "Issue" is that THIS thread is supposed to be for people who are NOT whining that it didn't live up to their expectations. There are plenty others for that.
How is it possible that simple things like updating the iOS Remote app where missed? Or a structure in the app store to make apps discoverable? Or the Podcast app? Or using Siri dictation for text input? Again, it's not like there wasn't enough time. They had years to prepare this.
Not sure what you are referring to. Are you talking about the rumored TV channel bundle from Apple? Honestly, I have zero interest in that. Scheduled TV is dead for me. I threw my cable box out years ago and am not missing it. Why would I want the same thing now delivered over IP via a streaming box? Regarding content deals, I don't expect Apple to cover everything. I'm fine with 3rd parties such as Netflix or even apps by the TV networks. What I want from Apple is easy access (which doesn't mean flicking my thumb dozens of times to scroll down a huge list) to my iTunes purchases and a wide range of 3rd party on-demand content. Ideally I want one box that has all the major vendors, including Amazon, Ultraviolet etc.
It's possible that they could be making a replacement for the Remote app with Siri integration and so on, or they could be updating the old one and unexpected development issues arose. Yes they've had a long time to do it, but development can be a bloody nightmare, even for Apple.
The AppStore, well I've mentioned my theory on that above.
As for the other two, I agree they should have pushed harder for these at launch. But again, we don't know what's going on behind closed doors that could have caused a delay.
I'd say that your limited imagination is problematic in this case. Apple isn't just going to offer a "channel bundle." They're going to do something much more like Hulu or Netflix.
As to the rest, you have a couple of valid criticisms (the Remote app and the lack of Podcasts,) but they're pretty minor. Same with the App Store. It's so small right now that the lack of "discoverability" isn't much of an issue.
This happens around EVERY Apple release. "It's just another MP3 player, and not a very good one at that!" and "it's just an iPod with a phone on it!" and "it's just a giant iPhone!" As if the first iteration of a thing is all it will or can ever be. As if we don't know exactly how Apple adds functionality and refinement to new software once it's released.
Besides, this thread is about positive impressions of the ATV4. If you're so down on it there are practically a dozen other threads you can choose from.
An insult is always a good start.
So if it's just Apple's version of Hulu or Netflix, why should I get excited about it? But anway, it seems you completely missed my point. You seem to think that I was criticizing Apple for a lack of content. I'm not, except perhaps for the fact that some major streaming apps are missing (yes, I realize that it takes two to tango). But by and large, it wouldn't be an issue for me even if they completely left the content to 3rd parties. What I primarily expect from them is to build polished and fun to use devices like they used to.
What a relief.
Actually no, it wasn't always like this, and it still isn't for some of their other product lines. I can only speculate what went wrong, but I suspect it's because they still see it as a "hobby" and simply didn't put enough resources behind the development.
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Well, on a positive note, and if we assume our friend Bezos will not ever make an Amazon app for the ATV, the iPhone version works so well with AirPlay, I can't tell I'm not 'on' the ATV4. Captions and Audio settings are there like a 'real' app, you can go 10 seconds back and forth, love it. The extra horsepower of the CPU is a great help in keeping things humming along.
I actually think this is the first step Apple is taking out of the "hobby" category. Just the fact that they have now made it a proper multi-purpose device, with a real AppStore shows that they are now looking at new revenue streams.
The introduction of the AppStore is going to be a major factor for Apple. With the potential to grow into yet another multi-billion dollar revenue stream.
Of course something like the Apple TV is never going to sell in anywhere remotely near the quantities of the iOS devices. However, it's not unrealistic to expect an eventual install base in the tens of millions.
That many people, even if only a percentage, using the AppStore to download apps. Either paying up front, or downloading for free with the inevitable (and hated, by me at least) in-app purchases is something Apple is very deliberately aiming for. That and even that alone, should show that Apple is now taking this "hobby" very seriously.
I'm skeptical. Roku, Google TV and Amazon have had app stores for a while, but the apps haven't exactly set the world on Fire (pun intended
). Interactive TV has been tried several times over the last decades and never took off. People mostly just want to consume when they sit down in front of the TV. And for anything requiring serious interaction the input devices on TVs are much too limited. Why should I go shopping using a clumsy remote when I can just grab my iPad and use its much more powerful touch UI? My guess is that the only thing that will gain some traction are casual and party games. But the app sales will be tiny compared to mobile devices.I'm skeptical. Roku, Google TV and Amazon have had app stores for a while, but the apps haven't exactly set the world on Fire (pun intended
This is Apple though, they revolutionised the selling of apps on mobile phones, then tablets, the watch isn't doing too shabby either. They have a knack for these things.... Usually
Some of the apps that may get traction are things like Zillow, already out. I've not looked at it extensively but I can see the appeal of using it on the big screen for a couple or family and not on a PC/iPad or even airplay'ed.
True true. I'd be glad to be positively surprised.This is Apple though, they revolutionised the selling of apps on mobile phones, then tablets, the watch isn't doing too shabby either. They have a knack for these things.... Usually
Have you changed region in Netflix using unblock-us or similar? If so Siri doesn't work. Your Netflix needs to be in the same region setting as your Apple ID.
It's a pain but I would rather have USA Netflix content than have Siri list the sparse UK Netflix content.
Well, if the search function for homes on the Apple TV is as "great" as the one for Homesharing movies, good luck.
True true. I'd be glad to be positively surprised.
Yeah, that's the attitude I have whenever I launch a new app. Here's hoping Apple has better success than me
Saying that, my upcoming game I'm really happy with. Not that me liking it will stop it disappearing into obscurity
I'm happy with it. One annoyance I have run into is a few older tv shows I have and no longer available in iTunes are showing up "not available" on the Atv4 to watch through the cloud and even have blank cover art. However, they are still show up normal on the Atv3 and other IOS devices so I am hopeful that it is just a glitch or oversight.
One annoyance I have run into is a few older tv shows I have and no longer available in iTunes are showing up "not available" on the Atv4 to watch through the cloud and even have blank cover art. However, they are still show up normal on the Atv3 and other IOS devices so I am hopeful that it is just a glitch or oversight.
Well let me help you with the answer to your question. Apple sets themselves up for criticism by their arrogant attitude. We know all, we deliver products that just work, we expect a premium price because you will have a great user experience, etc. Then they deliver beta products that take many updates to make work as originally advertised. I go way back with Apple, they have on more then one time period fallen into the bad delivery mode. Me I do not purchase new first on the block products from Apple. Not one has delivered as advertised until several updates. I will get an Apple TV sometime in 2016. So I understand the frustration some are experiencing and support their complaints. The solution is wait.
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It is an upgrade, but not revolutionary over the previous version if you don't care about games. I like the Siri search, but it does seem limited. I just hope that that there are apps developed that make me say wow, at some alter date. Setup was awful for those owning the previous version IMHO.