Apple Removes Apple TV HD From Sale on Online Store

[eveluvsrainbows]

Apple really needs something at the $99 price point. Apple TV will always remain a niche product otherwise.

What difference does $129 make vs $99? Also, I don't see Apple *ever* releasing that cheap of an Apple TV device.

 

[Michaeka]

Not really. Most smart TV’s come with the ability to run tv apps without using Roku or Apple. The only advantage I can see with an external device is that most smart TV’s also track everything you do using the tv’s internet and maybe by having an external device you can stop some or most of that. If so then the privacy would be worth the cost. I don’t know if that is true, however.

You don’t avoid tracking by using an external device. While those external devices also track you, your smart tv can track everything you do while watching it. Doesn’t matter if it’s a built in app or external device.

 

[james2538]

But unlike those things it's a way smoother ui and feels premium unlike the slow laggy dirty feeling Roku, it's more open than Roku but less than Google tv. I prefer it.

I agree, that’s why it’s worth a premium. Just not an $80 one.

 

[ultradk]

Audio output still 48khz?

 

[james2538]

What difference does $129 make vs $99? Also, I don't see Apple *ever* releasing that cheap of an Apple TV device.

The second and third generation Apple TVs were priced at $99

 

[EdT]

They would also be able to get a lot more people to join in the HomeKit ecosystem at $99

I initially tried to set up and use HomeKi when it was new. I couldn’t find a lot devices that worked with it without needing a bridge and at the time even asking for help at an Apple Store wasn’t very useful. This would have been in the first 2-3 years after it had been released.

Whatever “it” is. Which was one of the questions I had. What did HomeKit offer that other systems didn’t? There wasn’t a lot of information on Apple’s website, and I couldn’t find very many products that actually said they could work with HomeKit. If you look at the packaging today IF HomeKit is mentioned it’s usually not prominent. And besides being able to select which groups of many colored lights and how brightly I want them turned on and when and what color I still don’t see much use for HomeKit. Automating my house, with things like temperature and turning on some driveway lights I can see the advantage of, but my AV stuff doesn’t work with HomeKit (not without adding $$ equipment) and I don’t see an advantage in using something HomeKit compatible vs anyone else. Not with price, features or security.

 

[zap2]

Thing is the new ATV4k is $129. So taking it down to $99 would not be THAT much of a difference. If it is a niche product now (I disagree with that), it'd still be one then.

I disagree. While it’s only 30, even at $99, that still puts Apple’s TV streaming box at price point that’s hard to justify.

I can afford ($30 over the life time of a device is hardly anything) but from savings point of view, it don’t see how it’s worth the extra $.

We have two TVs in our house. I’m not going to have two different platform (My GF could figure it out, but she wouldn’t love it) I bought an entry level Roku for the bedroom that rarely is used for $20 on sale. I got the top of the line Roku for $50 or $60 on sale as well.

Even at $99, it would still be double the price to have AppleTVs, when for us, there is little to no difference. Airplay was the one feature I thought I’d miss. But even after it was added to Roku official, I’ve used it maybe two times.

I like Apple products, I’m fairly deep into the ecosystem, but having one or two player dominate ever aspect of the tech market isn’t something I’m eager to see.

 

[zap2]

With any non Apple streaming device part of how they sell it so cheap is because they can data mine your viewing and commercial watching habits.

I don’t believe (anymore) that Apple is not doing the same thing but they do still claim that they aren’t.

Your stream data was always going to be mind. It’s how companies make suggestions on what to watch.

For my computer or phone, it’s an issue. When I’m just launch a video app, it’s not nearly as invasive

 

[james2538]

I initially tried to set up and use HomeKi when it was new. I couldn’t find a lot devices that worked with it without needing a bridge and at the time even asking for help at an Apple Store wasn’t very useful. This would have been in the first 2-3 years after it had been released.

Whatever “it” is. Which was one of the questions I had. What did HomeKit offer that other systems didn’t? There wasn’t a lot of information on Apple’s website, and I couldn’t find very many products that actually said they could work with HomeKit. If you look at the packaging today IF HomeKit is mentioned it’s usually not prominent. And besides being able to select which groups of many colored lights and how brightly I want them turned on and when and what color I still don’t see much use for HomeKit. Automating my house, with things like temperature and turning on some driveway lights I can see the advantage of, but my AV stuff doesn’t work with HomeKit (not without adding $$ equipment) and I don’t see an advantage in using something HomeKit compatible vs anyone else. Not with price, features or security.

HomeKit compatibility has actually gotten a ton better in the past couple years since they stopped requiring devices to have hardware for encryption. It's pretty rock solid in terms of use compared to when I previously used Amazon Alexa.

 

[EdT]

Your stream data was always going to be mind. It’s how companies make suggestions on what to watch.

For my computer or phone, it’s an issue. When I’m just launch a video app, it’s not nearly as invasive

It’s how companies get information about you that they can sell to other companies. I worked for a direct marketing firm for 10 years. It was amazing what they could find out by merging and analyzing data back when I worked in that industry, and it was the Stone Age compared to today’s analytics.

 

[EdT]

HomeKit compatibility has actually gotten a ton better in the past couple years since they stopped requiring devices to have hardware for encryption. It's pretty rock solid in terms of use compared to when I previously used Amazon Alexa.

Maybe. I’m willing to take another look.

 

[PhillyGuy72]

Apple really needs something at the $99 price point. Apple TV will always remain a niche product otherwise.

The 2021 version is on sale for $99 at Amazon. (as of Oct. 21)

2021 Apple TV 4K with 32GB Storage (2nd Generation)

The new Apple TV 4K brings the best shows, movies, sports, and live TV—together with your favorite Apple devices and services. Now with 4K High Frame Rate HDR for fluid, crisp video. Watch Apple Originals with Apple TV+. Experience more ways to enjoy your TV with Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, and...

www.amazon.com

- link to compared 2021 vs. 2022 Apple TV

Apple TV 4K (2022) vs Apple TV 4K (2021): what's the difference?

Does the Apple TV 4K (2022) make a compelling case for upgraders from the Apple TV 4K (2021)?

www.tomsguide.com

 

[james2538]

The 2021 version is on sale for $99 at Amazon. (as of Oct. 21)

2021 Apple TV 4K with 32GB Storage (2nd Generation)

The new Apple TV 4K brings the best shows, movies, sports, and live TV—together with your favorite Apple devices and services. Now with 4K High Frame Rate HDR for fluid, crisp video. Watch Apple Originals with Apple TV+. Experience more ways to enjoy your TV with Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, and...

www.amazon.com

- link to compared 2021 vs. 2022 Apple TV

Apple TV 4K (2022) vs Apple TV 4K (2021): what's the difference?

Does the Apple TV 4K (2022) make a compelling case for upgraders from the Apple TV 4K (2021)?

www.tomsguide.com

Thanks for the heads up. Probably pick one up as a Christmas gift