Apple TV and HomePods are by far my most used devices in my home other than my iPhone and my iMac (which I use for work). I was really hoping to see an all in on games strategy this year, but alas.
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Apple Engineers Reportedly Pessimistic About Apple's Living Room Hardware Strategy
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Apple TV is kind of the middle way between a cheap stick and a console level device. However it lacks the cheapness of a stick and the power of a console. If Apple has no serious gaming plans it should consider a cheaper stick.
What I don't like about the Apple TV:
- Audio sync is off with separate speakers, a projector, and an audio splitter. The "calibration" thing doesn't get it right, even when calibrating with the projector's internal speakers. Audio sync is fine with a TV + HomePod. Just give me a manual audio sync setting so I can get it right. ARC doesn't work, either, because my projector only returns stereo and not 5.1.
- They removed S/PDIF audio output. Had to get new hardware to split audio from HDMI to my speaker system. OK, whatever, but it sucked because I did false start and wasted time with a splitter that didn't support 60fps 4k HDR.
- The color calibration only works with a TV, not a projected screen.
I like everything else! Especially:
- Great audio and image quality, especially with the Apple TV+ originals
- The new remote is slightly better (= bigger).
- The Apple TV Doubles as a Thread router and a HomeKit hub.
- Snappy, fast, and even has some games on it.
- Integration with Paramount and Disney (I hate dealing with multiple apps and subscriptions for shows and movies).
For an LG smart TV and a soundbar, I probably wouldn't bother with the Apple TV again (except perhaps privacy reasons, smart TVs are a nightmare in that regard). A projector, well, that needs something to drive it, and a smart TV or Chromecast ain't it.
- Audio sync is off with separate speakers, a projector, and an audio splitter. The "calibration" thing doesn't get it right, even when calibrating with the projector's internal speakers. Audio sync is fine with a TV + HomePod. Just give me a manual audio sync setting so I can get it right. ARC doesn't work, either, because my projector only returns stereo and not 5.1.
- They removed S/PDIF audio output. Had to get new hardware to split audio from HDMI to my speaker system. OK, whatever, but it sucked because I did false start and wasted time with a splitter that didn't support 60fps 4k HDR.
- The color calibration only works with a TV, not a projected screen.
I like everything else! Especially:
- Great audio and image quality, especially with the Apple TV+ originals
- The new remote is slightly better (= bigger).
- The Apple TV Doubles as a Thread router and a HomeKit hub.
- Snappy, fast, and even has some games on it.
- Integration with Paramount and Disney (I hate dealing with multiple apps and subscriptions for shows and movies).
For an LG smart TV and a soundbar, I probably wouldn't bother with the Apple TV again (except perhaps privacy reasons, smart TVs are a nightmare in that regard). A projector, well, that needs something to drive it, and a smart TV or Chromecast ain't it.
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I have an older Apple TV, which I would like to use occasionally for streaming content. Yet whenever I try to do so from Netflix or HBO with Safari (my main browser), the website displays an error message on copyrighted content. Works like charm with Firefox. This may be as much Netflix's/HBO's issue as Apple's, but its really annoying nevertheless. Given that Apple controls both the software and hardware, it should be able to design services that won't result in such error messages.
I know I should just switch to Brave/Edge or some other browser, but been too lazy so far to do that. Anyway, this adds up to Apple's long list of failures in anything related to handling or streaming media.
I know I should just switch to Brave/Edge or some other browser, but been too lazy so far to do that. Anyway, this adds up to Apple's long list of failures in anything related to handling or streaming media.
I use my AppleTV just for the screensaver. It’s pretty 🤗
I’ve no idea why Apple simply cannot get this right.
To joey consumer there’s just no value in the Apple TV next to the cheap Amazon firestick. To tech enthusiasts there is every value, because they appreciate its features and horsepower.
So all they need to do is this, release a cheap stick version side by side with the main box - make it £49, support airplay , streaming services and HomeKit and perhaps do not include Apple Arcade support due to the lower specs. Give it perhaps 32GB storage and have the main boxes begin at 64.
It needs to be priced like HomePod mini making it an ideal gift item.
One final thing, allow people to run a VPN on the damn devices. Watch sales fly after that.
To joey consumer there’s just no value in the Apple TV next to the cheap Amazon firestick. To tech enthusiasts there is every value, because they appreciate its features and horsepower.
So all they need to do is this, release a cheap stick version side by side with the main box - make it £49, support airplay , streaming services and HomeKit and perhaps do not include Apple Arcade support due to the lower specs. Give it perhaps 32GB storage and have the main boxes begin at 64.
It needs to be priced like HomePod mini making it an ideal gift item.
One final thing, allow people to run a VPN on the damn devices. Watch sales fly after that.
Speed, apps, games, integration.
They are right. AppleTV is a mini MacMini but isn't used as such. It could have replaced a router easily. It should have a facetime camera add-on. IT should be able to add a hard disk via USB to become a NAS etc. It could have become a better gaming console if sold with a controller and a better integrated graphics chip (e.g. A12X instead of A12 etc)
Instead it does the same a cheap Google TV or Roku puck does. Just for 3x the size and 3x the price. Erm yea...
Instead it does the same a cheap Google TV or Roku puck does. Just for 3x the size and 3x the price. Erm yea...
Well it can act as a homekit home hub and thats a thing currently.
With matter however that unique position could go away - as 3rd parties will be able to
provide a router as well.
Apples perfectionism and product minimalism is hurting its advancement in the home.
There is though. If you haven’t seen it yet then don’t worry about it.
I’d love apple to bring back the first gen appletv type box with the hard drive and usb’s. That might hurt their sales of the Mac mini though but they could do it in a way that’s more home theatre focused without a computer built into just appletv and a drive for its own plex server. Could be 300$ and I’d think it would sell well. Also needs full audio passthrough. At that point it will be much better option than an nvidia shield for 100$ more than the shield but much more capable.
I don’t think apple needs to compete in the 30-100$ range. I’ve used those devices are they are garbage. Have bad Integration with the controller apps for those devices, not enough features and bad layout and operation. Those devices are more for guest rooms or someone that doesn’t care much besides streaming.
I don’t think apple needs to compete in the 30-100$ range. I’ve used those devices are they are garbage. Have bad Integration with the controller apps for those devices, not enough features and bad layout and operation. Those devices are more for guest rooms or someone that doesn’t care much besides streaming.
It will, like many other things, damage the brand primarily with folks who really wouldn’t have bought it anyway.
The Steve Jobs puck mouse would like to have a word with you about the worst product ever made
Availability. AppleTV is available almost everywhere. Amazon Fire, Roku etc are not, or difficult/expensive to obtain, and with limited content in many markets outside US. While we can get the Fire stick Basic (only) in Scandinavia, their Prime content here is complete crap.
UIs on our Sony and Philips tvs are just painful compared to ATV.
We appreciate getting everything we want through one unit, and controlling TV/receiver/ATV with one remote or phone.
Indeed.
The question is *WHAT* Apple should actually do/create with their superior HW. Seems like even Apple doesn't know.
Apple TV is a great little box that will give you a peace of mind for years. Apple will support your tv box for at least 5 years! Compare that to the built-in software on smart TVs which is crap. Tasteless UI, terrible support and updates that's going to last you 2 years at best. There are also spyware and ads all over the place..
I wish smart TVs are still options so that consumers can choose between a cheaper, barebone TV with excellent PQ (i.e dumb OLED TV) or whatever smart, featured TVs for the average joes. I'd go with Apple TV box + barebone TVs anyday!
I wish smart TVs are still options so that consumers can choose between a cheaper, barebone TV with excellent PQ (i.e dumb OLED TV) or whatever smart, featured TVs for the average joes. I'd go with Apple TV box + barebone TVs anyday!
Well, I think it shows why Apply seems half-hearted on it. Probably because it's not giving Apple enough returns. Regardless of how many Apple TV you have, Apple only made one time revenue. In contrast, AppleTV+ subscriber will give Apple money every month. It's logical which one Apple would cater to.
Apple's core competitive advantage is their seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem.
But when it comes to the Apple TV, this integration seems sorely lacking:
- Notifications? Nope.
- Handover from music or videos I am watching on my iPhone/iPad/Mac? Nope.
- Even FaceTime could probably be done relatively easily by wirelessly utilizing the iPhone or iPad camera without having to change or upgrade the Apple TV HW.
There is so much Apple could easily do with the Apple TV to improve it's importance and standing in the household, but it seems like Apple isn't even trying.
All they seem to be doing is putting on more lipstick on the same old grid UI and adding services which all live as separate silos and offer virtually nothing better than their competitors' services.
If Apple are going to regard the Apple TV as nothing but a "dumb puck", it should be obvious to anyone that they can't charge a premium price for it and expect good sales.
But when it comes to the Apple TV, this integration seems sorely lacking:
- Notifications? Nope.
- Handover from music or videos I am watching on my iPhone/iPad/Mac? Nope.
- Even FaceTime could probably be done relatively easily by wirelessly utilizing the iPhone or iPad camera without having to change or upgrade the Apple TV HW.
There is so much Apple could easily do with the Apple TV to improve it's importance and standing in the household, but it seems like Apple isn't even trying.
All they seem to be doing is putting on more lipstick on the same old grid UI and adding services which all live as separate silos and offer virtually nothing better than their competitors' services.
If Apple are going to regard the Apple TV as nothing but a "dumb puck", it should be obvious to anyone that they can't charge a premium price for it and expect good sales.
I have a cheap Xiaomi Android TV Box that I bought like 3 years ago, and I don't have any ads on it. It is now on March 2021 security update, which is probably better than most Android phones out there. Now it even supports the AppleTV app. Doesn't seem that bad
Apple has put hardly any work into AppleTV since the releasing the AppleTV4 almost 6 years ago. The biggest change was the remote, and even this took 5 years. Intitailly I had hoped they would improve it but almost 6 years I'm done with AppleTV. If Apple doesn't care, I don't see why I should waste my time and money on this product. They are better alternatives out there.
You also have recurring costs.
FWIW, I'm pretty sure they earn money on AppleTV and lose money on AppleTV+.
Yep I must concur it isn't that bad for a fraction of the price of Xiaomi box. But I assume security update isn't a major OS update? ATV HD from 2015 still gets tvOS 14 in 2021 which should say something at least.I have a cheap Xiaomi Android TV Box that I bought like 3 years ago, and I don't have any ads on it. It is now on March 2021 security update, which is probably better than most Android phones out there. Now it even supports the AppleTV app. Doesn't seem that bad
I mean if you don't care about Apple ecosystem then I guess the Xiaomi box doing its job. But I use almost all Apple hardware and major services. Having a little integration in my living room justify the cost for me despite minor ATV drawbacks here and there.
The difference is that they only make money once on AppleTV, and the margin is not that big compared to, let's say, iPhones. Yet it still cost Apple to update the hardware every year. So it might even be a loss leader in the long term.
On AppleTV+, Apple get money every month, forever, or until the user unsubscribe. It's clear which one brings more money to Apple. There's a reason why everyone is switching to subscription model.
What features do you really expect from a set top box? To me, as long as it can play what I want to watch, it's fine. The fact that even a cheap Xiaomi box can support AppleTV app tells me something, that Apple is switching gears. Kinda like Netflix. Making sure you have your app available on as many hardware as possible. In the long term, the set-top box AppleTV might not be that important to Apple anymore.
This just goes to show that people's wishes are different. I don't miss a single one of those....
AppleTV is inherently a "shared" device rather than a more private one, so I wouldn't want notifications on there. Same with FaceTime - not that I use it a lot. I don't think I've ever missed handoff of content either.
So, what do I miss?
- It would be nice if AppleTV showed a login screen if multiple accounts are selected, so there's less chance of mixing up accounts with viewed status, recommendations etc.
- Better upscaling. Looking at some of the AI upscales of old tv series and movies etc on Youtube, wouldn't it be great if AppleTV could do that in realtime?
- Be less protective of revenue, so I can play e.g. Xbox streamed gaves on it. This App Store policy is not for security or privacy, it's purely to protect revenue.
One large feature I missed was surround sound in my AirPods Max, this is fixed in tvOS 15. Would be even better if I could turn off the feature that tries to detect if my head moves, though. That's a useless gimmick - impressive, but useless and unwanted. I just want surround, defaulting to a good position.