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Apple Discontinues Third-Generation Apple TV

I still think the remote was a really bad idea. I was trying to watch a movie stored on my media server last night, and kept having trouble getting to it. It was in the S listings, and I kept getting either thrown into the 'Unwatched' category, or bounced back to the top of the list. I even tried the Apple TV Remote app, and had issues.

Is there a setting somewhere I need to tweak? I'm much happier with the remote on the ATV3...
 
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DevNull0 said:
Oh, I don't know. Maybe one thing they can do with a media device is have it support a few of the common media formats so people can play their own media files. While they're at it, since it's a media "streaming" device allow people to stream those nice standard formats from their own media repository.
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Yeah, you know, I want an ATV that can run as a stand-alone iTunes [A/V] server (at the very least), and be able to attach storage directly (via USB), and/or access NAS.

I mean, that's really software, but even if Apple did a "these features only run on this 5th gen cube", I'd buy one for that support.
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Jasperjax said:
If anyone is interested, Staples sells the 3rd gen ATV for $25.50 on clearance.
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No ****? Assuming that's a walk-in only deal[?] (Not seeing that price online)
 
MacRumors said:



Apple has discontinued the third-generation Apple TV, removing it from its online store. Additionally, links to the Apple TV 3 now reroute to the fourth-generation Apple TV. Apple confirmed it was discontinuing the device in an email to employees and educators obtained by 9to5Mac.

appletv3-1.jpg

The Cupertino company will continue to fulfill backlog orders for the device, but is now putting its attention behind the newer fourth-generation device. In early September, it was reported that Apple had begun phasing out the Apple TV 3, pulling it from its brick-and-mortar stores

The Apple TV 3 was released in 2012 and given a spec bump the following year. In fall 2015, Apple announced the long-awaited fourth-generation Apple TV, including support for Siri, the brand-new tvOS, and the App Store.

Apple is still selling refurbished versions of the Apple TV 3 for $59. The fourth-generation Apple TV can be purchased from Apple's online and retail stores in two configurations: 32GB for $149 and 64GB for $199.

Article Link: Apple Discontinues Third-Generation Apple TV
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Interesting that Apple emailed employees and educators about the discontinuing Apple TV 3. I understand telling your own employees, but why educators as a group? hmmmm...
 
PBRsg said:
I disagree. They need a cheaper option for those that just want to use it for AirPlay, and now that option is no longer available.
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Mercifull said:
What Apple needs to do to stop the whole concept of AirPlay becoming obsolete...

1. Introduce an audio only AirPlay device that can plug into stereo systems by way of 3.5mm audio jack. This would compete directly against the Chromecast audio
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Assuming you just need audio AirPlay only, the AirPort Express makes a good substitute at $49, refurbished.
 
Our ATV3 continues to serve us well since it has been relegated to the bedroom once my fiancée bought me the ATV4 for Christmas last year. I have toyed around with the idea of buying a second ATV4 to put in the bedroom, but we primarily watch Netflix, Hulu or WatchESPN, all of which the ATV3 has. Eventually we'll upgrade, but for now we'll continue using the trusty ATV3.
 
2010mini said:
What content doesn't the Apple TV have?
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You do know the Apple TV 4 can access NAS drive right?
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For one Amazon, the reason, Apple's billing policies. Apple trying to reap large profits on a low profit device. Google apps another. I use Amazon more then Apple. To use Amazon I either AirPlay or buy another box. AirPlay is very marginal at best. Has a difficult time with music let alone HD videos. Apple needs to change their whole business model on the media side. If today I was forced to only have one streaming box, I would have to pick something other then Apple. I accept two boxes reluctantly.
 
npmacuser5 said:
For one Amazon, the reason, Apple's billing policies. Apple trying to reap large profits on a low profit device. Google apps another. I use Amazon more then Apple. To use Amazon I either AirPlay or buy another box. AirPlay is very marginal at best. Has a difficult time with music let alone HD videos. Apple needs to change their whole business model on the media side. If today I was forced to only have one streaming box, I would have to pick something other then Apple. I accept two boxes reluctantly.
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What are you taking about? You act as if Apple is only charging Amazon a huge amount for access to its customers. Roku and other set top boxes charge for in-app purchases too.

What exactly is stopping Amazon from releasing the same type of app that is available on iOS devices?!??

What business model does Apple need to change if their current one is very profitable? Please elaborate.
 
Aw man, that stinks. I have no interest in all the voice-enabled stuff and was going to eventually pick up an Apple TV as a method to get iTunes content from my computer to a television. Guess I'll be picking one up secondhand.
 
2010mini said:
What are you taking about? You act as if Apple is only charging Amazon a huge amount for access to its customers. Roku and other set top boxes charge for in-app purchases too.

Most other apps are not everyday in app purchases. Netflix, purchase onetime, play on Apple TV. Works OK for this type of app. Terrible for Amazon type of app.

What exactly is stopping Amazon from releasing the same type of app that is available on iOS devices?!??

Cannot purchase anything in the app. Not a good environment for Amazon. Apple says it is all about the experience of their environment, others feel the same way also.

What business model does Apple need to change if their current one is very profitable? Please
elaborate.
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Shot term thinking. Times are rapidly changing.

30%? Jeff Bezos said the terms are totally unacceptable. One the price and two No Apple apps on his devices. Note Amazon, and others selling content, on every device known to mankind other then Apple. How many devices Apple on? Apple is a closed one way business environment. The main reason Apple does not have a TV option on Apple TV, our way or the highway. I think you get the picture. They need to rethink their business strategy for media or someone will eat their lunch.
Apple did make a change to their billing this year, a move in the right direction but still over the top.
Note, I am a pro Apple consumer, have a good deal of Apple products, want them to continue their success. However, they need a reset on how they deal with media.
 
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albusseverus said:
Me, too. This is a disaster. I have no need for anything Gen4 does. I buy a Gen3 for every television I come in contact with. Bring on the Refurbs!!

iTunes gets more useless every year, doesn't even back up iPhone apps anymore (yes I know about app thinning, but if I have it set to download when I buy on any device, can iTunes please download the full app and restore apps to devices as required). Pretty soon it probably won't stream my library around the house.

This idea of streaming from Apple every time I sneeze must come from the same place that wants my Documents and Downloads on Apple's servers. Madness from people who have more internet connection than brains.
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Its's more money that brains here, at least that is what the saying used to be. o_O
o_Oo_Oo_O
 
i would want to upgrade. But I need optical audio for my home cinema setup. I wish apple would have streaming for movies similar to Netflix.
 
mistasopz said:
Apple missed the boat on TV because it failed to revolutionize the industry like they said they would. Why would I buy an Apple TV when I can get a small chromecast dongle at a fraction of the price that delivers the content I need? At least Google opens it up a bit so you can download third party applications to stream from sites like vodlocker and choose how you want to use it.

Sometimes I think Apple should just pack it in with this and other useless items (ie. iwatch) and refocus on the products that they do well. Having to wait this long for mac upgrades while they continue to charge the same prices is disgusting.
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The watch is now probably the best one out there, except for battery life.
 
satchmo said:
i think Apple should get a lot more aggressive with pricing.

The Chromecast Ultra just announced will have 4K for $69. No info on storage.
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It's very likely Google is making close to no money on the chromecast.

Google and Apple have very different business models.
This pricing is pretty on par with Roku which has to make profit on its hardware like Apple.
 
ntlman said:
I loved my A2, went out and bought an A3 when I read it looked like the end was nigh. ATV going forward is a no-go for audiophiles like me because of their odd decision to remove the optical audio output with the A4. It's not a serious audio solution without it.
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mikecorp said:
i would want to upgrade. But I need optical audio for my home cinema setup. I wish apple would have streaming for movies similar to Netflix.
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While I agree that optical audio out is important or even necessary for a lot of setups, and I wish they had kept it, that particular need is very easily addressed with any number of inexpensive adapters:

Split out optical:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/HDMI-ARC-Ad...al-/151625390726?_trksid=p2141725.m3641.l6368

Split out optical or 2ch analog:
https://www.amazon.com/ViewHD-Extractor-Optical-Converter-VHD-H2HSAs/dp/B00KBHX072

Here's one that not only does optical and 2ch stereo, but 7.1ch analog too, for those older multichannel receivers that only have analog inputs:
http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/33-11685
 
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The old 3rd gen Apple TV was great. Who cares about games. The video apps I cared about. Apps like Hulu, Netflix were so much better on the 3rd gen. Netflix did not shrink the credits at all. It was great. Now the new one is a disaster. The worst is using that touch remote. Had enough I disconnected it again for my Roku.
 
4th gen is useless for me. I control my current 3rd gen Apple TV through my Control 4 remote (Apple TV is in equipment rack in basement). No way to program a C4 remote to understand voice commands.
 
With luck the 5th generation would incorporate the best features of the 3rd (including remote), and improve upon them with such features as 4K.

Most aspects of the 4th could be dispensed with and serve as a learning lesson.
 
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