Apple Introduces Revamped $59 Siri Remote With More Prominent Menu Button [Updated]

greensalad said:
Looking at photos of the Siri Remote in the Apple Store app, it looks like the Menu button is sunken into the touchpad area and the Siri button is concave. Was it concave on the previous generation?
Click to expand...
Yes it was! But not really enough for it to be noticeable with your thumb when using it.
 
Look at the "magical" white circle! :rolleyes:

Seriously, Apple, I'm not illiterate. The problem is not that I couldn't read what the buttons say. The problem is that there is no tactile difference in the feel of the buttons. That's really what I need when the lights are very dim or completely out (as they're prone to be when I'm watching a movie). Now, if the white circle glows in the dark, I'm all for that and I will gladly retract my remarks.
 
Cougarcat said:
No it won't. The remote still has a symmetrical shape, and you aren't going to see the circle in the dark.

I hope this is a temporary "what we can do to make the current design a bit better without any effort" change and they're working on an actual revamped model. If this doesn't have the haptic functionality, maybe it'll be in that new design.
Click to expand...

I don’t have orientation issues. The current Siri button is concave. So I always know which way is up just by feel.
[doublepost=1505254759][/doublepost]
avanpelt said:
Look at the "magical" white circle! :rolleyes:

Seriously, Apple, I'm not illiterate. The problem is not that I couldn't read what the buttons say. The problem is that there is no tactile difference in the feel of the buttons. That's really what I need when the lights are very dim or completely out (as they're prone to be when I'm watching a movie). Now, if the white circle glows in the dark, I'm all for that and I will gladly retract my remarks.
Click to expand...

What do you mean there is no tactile difference in the buttons? The Siri button is concave. That alone tells me which way to orientate the remote.
 
2010mini said:
I don’t have orientation issues. The current Siri button is concave. So I always know which way is up just by feel.
[doublepost=1505254759][/doublepost]

What do you mean there is no tactile difference in the buttons? The Siri button is concave. That alone tells me which way to orientate the remote.
Click to expand...

Perhaps my fingers are simply not as sensitive as yours, but I can't perceive any difference in the feel of the buttons on the current ATV 4 remote.
 
As I am sure this will be pointed out hundreds of times, this does not solve the problems of the Siri remote. It does not work as a "no look" interactive device or in the dark, which is how we generally use remotes.

Feels like the MBA Suits are back in control after some pretty big embarrassments around the Mac line. Bummer.
 
I don’t think the orientation issue is that bad, the different ends have different textures and the volume button is double length, so while I do often pick it up the wrong way around it’s easy to know.

The problem I have with it that makes it far worse than the previous model is that moving side to side the right distance is a crap shoot. Physical buttons were better. The old remote was the best I’ve ever used.

I do like the volume buttons though, I usually use them instead of the main TV remote even when I’m on another source.
 
Do Apple know that humans use their hands to operate remote controls? And that like other activities, they do it in the dark?
 
Man I strongly dislike the Siri remote. It feels like a Sony product. I thought Steve had "finally cracked it" but apparently he wasn't referring to the remote, even though input devices were his obsession. As a work around, I put a sticker on the non-touch pad end for orientation. Still wish it wasn't so sensitive.
 
In the keynote, the Menu button looked like it was glowing and that it was flush with the touch surface. That would make its orientation easily recognizable and if the glow is prominent enough, easy to find in the dark. I’d say this solved its issues but those 2 factors aren’t yet known.

P.S. it’d be nice if they included a small speaker for a virtual click that could also be used to find a lost remote using an iPhone.
 
2010mini said:
Well this will at least quite some of the MR complainers about their massive orientation issue. They just couldn’t figure out which way was up lol.
Click to expand...
The key to those "issues" you refer to is doing so when not looking at it. A white outline doesn't fix that.

Edit: I just read about the physical changes that may help. I still find myself trying to "click' the wrong end because I can't remember which surface is the touchpad. It'd be nice if the touchpad felt more like glass than some hybrid material.
 
I use the heck out of my Apple TV 4th Gen for gaming, but I use my Steel Series Nimbus controller for most of them. While I admit that the Siri Remote is not at all perfect and needs some help, I think the remote is ok. I use a silicone cover and it makes the remote so much better in my opinion. Again, I don't think the design is for everyone and Apple might want to re-think the minimalistic design and add a bit more ergonomic function to that form. I personally think the Siri remote is quite stunning aesthetically, but functionally it's a bit less exciting. hey, at least the price dropped and for a remote that is primarily the same as the last gen, that's not such a bad thing.
 
Dang, that's it?

Even the ATV itself isn't getting many changes. And tvOS doesn't seem to be getting many either. Just goes to show how much of an afterthought the Apple TV is to them.
 
snebes said:
The key to those "issues" you refer to is doing so when not looking at it. A white outline doesn't fix that.

Edit: I just read about the physical changes that may help. I still find myself trying to "click' the wrong end because I can't remember which surface is the touchpad. It'd be nice if the touchpad felt more like glass than some hybrid material.
Click to expand...

The Siri button is concave. That will automatically tell you which side is up. Without looking, and resist the urge to immediately press buttons.... feel for the concave button. If you do and it’s on the right, you are holding it upside down.
 
The Siri Remote is just a terrible design. I use them everyday and hate using them everyday. Never something you can get used to. Everything about is terrible. It's uncomfortable to hold. The buttons are awkwardly placed. The trackpad is super, super gimmicky. If you accidentally touch it, it changes channels. The gestures are stupid and cumbersome. ...
 
Cougarcat said:
No it won't. The remote still has a symmetrical shape, and you aren't going to see the circle in the dark.

I hope this is a temporary "what we can do to make the current design a bit better without any effort" change and they're working on an actual revamped model. If this doesn't have the haptic functionality, maybe it'll be in that new design.
Click to expand...

Pretty sure he was joking...
 
FoxMcCloud said:
The AppleTV doesn’t have a USB-C port anymore either.

I wish the remote didn’t have a touch pad. Just the circle directional pad would suffice.
Click to expand...
says who? how will developers test their software on the Apple TV then? how will it be serviced. I don't think they will drop that. its pretty important


Just checked and looks correct. I bet they will use the HDMI 2.0a3 port for the same thing. just need an hdmi to usb cable I'm assuming
 
Last edited:
I do not like the remote very much. But I can slide my finger along the short edge and feel for the charge port. That takes care of the orientation in the dark.
 
lcseds said:
I do not like the remote very much. But I can slide my finger along the short edge and feel for the charge port. That takes care of the orientation in the dark.
Click to expand...
you know the buttons "feel different" right? no need to find the charge port. you should be able to tell the right orientation from just the menu button.
 
I “revamped” my first Siri Remote by putting lots of cracks in it.

does this make me courageous?
 
Price decrease is good. Shame they didn’t take more off because this remote is awful. Just awful.

The white circle will help - but not in the dark.

The remote isn’t heavy enough. Too short. Too sensitive.

I’m sick of losing it in the dark and picking it up the wrong way around and accidentally pressing the touch pad and stopping a programme.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Back
Top