Apple to Debut New A8-Based Apple TV Box With App Store and Siri at WWDC

[elvislives]

Finally!

Great news if true!

So need an App store! Plex here we come!

Hope its has -

-4k
-good amount of RAM
-new interface

 

[nelmat]

The sad thing is - I don't see how this has been overlooked given that the UI already has a keyboard for entering iTunes username and password.

It hasn't been overlooked. Pair a Bluetooth keyboard or use the remote app.

 

[samcraig]

It hasn't been overlooked. Pair a Bluetooth keyboard or use the remote app.

It has been overlooked because I was speaking to the fact that you cannot do it without another device.

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You either don't have an Apple TV, or don't know how to use it.

Bizarrely, for a Bluetooth enabled device you could always pair a keyboard for tect entry, or use the keyboard on the remote app. People complaining about one of the few things that Apple has nailed with this device.

We have one in the bedroom, kitchen and living room - 90% of all our viewing is via the Apple TV.

You've missed the point. Congratulations.

 

[malexandria]

Apple TV UI - Don't understand the Complaints

I don't understand why people complain about the AppleTV UI. It's perfectly functional. Yeah it's plain, but I'd rather take plain and vanilla as long as it works over some slick "Web 3.0" UI that is completely nonfunctional.

Most of these big companies seem in capable of creating clean "modern" UIs. Xfinity changed their UI for X1 platform and it's fairly wretched and Apple has done nothing in the last several years that tells me any Apple TV UI changes would be for the BETTER. iTunes 12 anyone? Leave it alone. Just give me new hardware.

 

[samcraig]

I don't understand why people complain about the AppleTV UI. It's perfectly functional. Yeah it's plain, but I'd rather take plain and vanilla as long as it works over some slick "Web 3.0" UI that is completely nonfunctional.

Most of these big companies seem in capable of creating clean "modern" UIs. Xfinity changed their UI for X1 platform and it's fairly wretched and Apple has done nothing in the last several years that tells me any Apple TV UI changes would be for the BETTER. iTunes 12 anyone? Leave it alone. Just give me new hardware.

The UI has not improved upon itself (like you said). However, over the last several years, all that's come out of Apple is that TV is broken, stuck in the 70s. Yet they've done nothing to improve it. Not that it's their responsibility. Nor does it mean having to come out with a new product. But to not update the UI with some very noticeable short comings is just mind-boggling

 

[cmichaelb]

Airplay has been cracked for years. Your NAS can't stream via airplay?

I didn't think of that. It has an itunes server function but that only works if my mac is on and iTunes running.

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I am able to stream directly to the Apple TV from my NAS, no Mac needed.

I have a Synology NAS, and it allows me to select the Apple TV as my media player (the list has my other DLNA devices, and the Apple TV too) and it essentially Air Play's the file, without the need of a Mac.

An update of the NAS software added Apple TV playback as a feature, a couple (or more) years ago. Before it was just DLNA. So it may depend on what brand NAS you have and whether they've added support for it.

WD Mycloud Mirror. What Synology NAS are you using? Also, is it streaming to the Apple tv via wifi or hardwired. I have my house networked via cat6 for Gbit speed. Hmmm I'll have to check that out, thanks!

 

[SilentLoner]

Thank goodness. My black biscuit is long in the tooth.

still a great device though

 

[attila]

Grr. I want this now. My ATV2 is flaking out and I'm getting more used to the Kindle Fire Stick. However it doesn't have one app I really need MLS LIve.

Sigh.

B

At least you can jailbreak the ATV2 and install all kinds of apps including video game emulators! The ATV3 is locked down, and so will the latest (most likely)

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So my idea for how Apple will transform the TV viewing experience is by completely throwing away the concept of "channels." No longer do you go to HBO to tune into the latest ep of Game of Thrones. You don't have to remember to tune in to ABC to find Shark Tank. You just explore the Apple TV in a Netflix style interface. Looking for sci-fi? Drill down and see what's available. Looks interesting? Tune in and you start watching the SyFy channel. But it doesn't really matter to you what channel you're on, all you care about is the content. Nor does it matter if you're watching live TV or on demand. If it's available to stream, then it just works.

Comments, criticisms, thoughts? Any other ideas?

This is EXACTLY how it should be. Cable companies should be content providers, not services!

 

[RiddlaBronc]

Can someone tell me about the Apple Tv does? Would it benefit someone with a smart tv and a ps4?

 

[zhenya]

Can someone tell me about the Apple Tv does? Would it benefit someone with a smart tv and a ps4?

It depends on your needs. If you already have access to all of the services you want through your existing devices, it might not add much. We use it for Netflix/HBO/Youtube/movie rentals, etc. The other killer feature of the ATV is Airplay if you have an iPhone or iPad. You can use it to instantly display anything you are watching on those devices on your ATV. I use this feature in conjunction with Air Video HD instead of managing my local content through iTunes or other systems like Plex. All of the video content I download goes into a folder on my iMac that Air Video watches. It doesn't matter what format it's in, I can now watch it on my tv using Air Video as the remote control. Works flawlessly and is dead simple.

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The two biggest things that need fixing with the ATV are the ability to search content across all service providers - I can't tell you how much time I have spent going from one provider to another looking for a movie - and second and even more important, unify the login experience across all apps and even devices signed in with the same account. This is by far the biggest problem with the ATV as it stands today. We have a dozen different logins (at least) that must be individually managed across the 3 ATV's in the house. The ATV in the guest bedroom may not get used for a couple of months, and then a lot of those services get logged out, so when a guest goes to use it, they can't. Huge, huge issue for an app-based TV infrastructure.

 

[TMay]

The UI has not improved upon itself (like you said). However, over the last several years, all that's come out of Apple is that TV is broken, stuck in the 70s. Yet they've done nothing to improve it. Not that it's their responsibility. Nor does it mean having to come out with a new product. But to not update the UI with some very noticeable short comings is just mind-boggling

Apple has delivered little to improve TV. What they are working on behind the scenes is, as the norm, secret. Apple is very deliberate about updates, often times completely rewriting the application; see Final Cut.

Your displeasure with Apple is noted.

 

[samcraig]

Apple has delivered little to improve TV. What they are working on behind the scenes is, as the norm, secret. Apple is very deliberate about updates, often times completely rewriting the application; see Final Cut.

Your displeasure with Apple is noted.

Gee thanks

Actually - I have moved beyond any displeasure. I've simply chose to use my AppleTV solely for my iTunes video rentals. For everything else, I have other tech like a Roku 3.

Not sure I would revert back to an AppleTV for most of my other viewing.

 

[scapegoat81]

I'm interested to see how this new AppleTV works.

Like others have mentioned, AppleTV is currently extremely frustrating to use.

It's basically only useful on 2 occasions:
1) You know what you want to watch, and know it's available in the iTunes Store.
2) AirPlay

For anything else, it's a nightmare. If you want to Search or Browse, forget about it. Then there's the classic Season Pass issues which were frustrating. Oh, and the content is overpriced.

I gave up using it and went back to Cable TV.

I agree that browsing content is a bit frustrating, & for whatever reason not being able to buy Season Passes in SD on the ATV is even more frustrating. I purchase the SD versions b/c it's cheaper & I cannot tell a difference in quality. I have to purchase on my iPhone, then let the ATV sync w/ my account. Very unnecessary

 

[Jimmy James]

I suspected this is why they price dropped the current ATV. As appealing as the price is its not what I want. Holding off for something like this.

 

[iLLUMI]

Make it jailbreakable so I can install Plex and I'm buying two of them!!

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And the price will go right back to $99...

Or higher. Maybe?
USD $139 ?
AUD $400 ? LOL ... seriously though, AUD $179 ?

If it's jailbreakable and allows me to install PLEX then I would happily pay extra for it.
Guess we can only wait and see. Come on June!!!

 

[paulrustad101]

So, that $69

Deal might not be a deal after all. Sounds like they are dumping inventory to roll out the new box and OS which, if Apple is Apple, the older boxes will not support the 'new' features: siri, apps, etc.

How much will the new box be? $99? $129? $69?

I love Apple, but be a little more forthcoming if you have new hardware just around the corner.

 

[Dolorian]

I love Apple, but be a little more forthcoming if you have new hardware just around the corner.

I found it odd that they dropped the price without at the same time introducing the new model. But I think that this may be a way for them to try and boost the sales of the current model to increase TV's market share in order to have a larger user base for when the rumoured TV service launches in June. I think it would be smart of Apple to support the current model with it given it's installed user base even if some features like Siri integration and the App store are only available in the new one. It would really help get the service of the ground quickly without making everyone have to buy a new box.

But, then again...Apple is primarily a hardware company, so who knows...

 

[BigMacIain]

I want Siri for my MacBook Pro.

I just want Siri to understand my Scottish accent.

 

[jimbobb24]

If apps

If there are apps I will buy.

Don't care about Apple attempts at streaming but I am sure others will be excited.

 

[iMas70]

The two biggest things that need fixing with the ATV are the ability to search content across all service providers - I can't tell you how much time I have spent going from one provider to another looking for a movie - and second and even more important, unify the login experience across all apps and even devices signed in with the same account. This is by far the biggest problem with the ATV as it stands today. We have a dozen different logins (at least) that must be individually managed across the 3 ATV's in the house. The ATV in the guest bedroom may not get used for a couple of months, and then a lot of those services get logged out, so when a guest goes to use it, they can't. Huge, huge issue for an app-based TV infrastructure.

You should keep a password list in one of the guest room drawers to make it easier for guests to sign in when they are there.

 

[Max(IT)]

I just want Siri to understand my Scottish accent.

You should make the rest of the world understand your Scottish accent first

 

[carlos916]

if cable providers can make a stand alone app that gives you 25-30 live channels i dont get whats so hard to make that possible with apple tv?

 

[malexandria]

I agree that browsing content is a bit frustrating, & for whatever reason not being able to buy Season Passes in SD on the ATV is even more frustrating. I purchase the SD versions b/c it's cheaper & I cannot tell a difference in quality. I have to purchase on my iPhone, then let the ATV sync w/ my account. Very unnecessary

What's wrong with Search? I've never had an issue with searching.

 

[stickyd8]

Apple Controller PLEASE

Apple has got to release their own controller. The MIFI controller SDK and project has produced lack-luster controllers, fragmented games, and not enough controller-based games. A controller would be HUGE for gaming on the new AppleTV. They can still allow 3rd party controllers, but release your own, Apple!

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Apple plans to announce its next-generation Apple TV set-top box at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference in June, according to BuzzFeed News. The report, citing sources familiar with the plans, claims that the new Apple TV will be a "significant overhaul" of the streaming TV box, featuring both Siri and an App Store with an SDK available for developers to create apps.

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The new Apple TV will feature Apple's latest A8 system-on-a-chip and a "dramatic increase" in internal storage, well beyond the 8GB included in the current third-generation set-top box. The addition of Siri will enable Apple TV owners to control a wide selection of HomeKit-enabled home automation devices through the set-top box, according to the report.

The new Apple TV will be part of Apple's ambitious plans to improve the TV experience, an area that iTunes chief Eddy Cue thinks "sucks" currently and Apple chief executive Tim Cook referred to as "stuck back in the 70s" in an interview with Charlie Rose last year. The new device will be Apple's attempt at capturing the digital living room through TV, music, apps and home automation amid a sea of competitors including Amazon, Google and Roku.

A refreshed Apple TV would make sense given reports that Apple is also planning to announce its oft-rumored streaming TV service at WWDC, anchored by popular networks such as ABC, CBS, Fox, ESPN and FX. The web-based TV service for iPhone, iPad, Apple TV and other devices is expected to deliver a lightweight package of about 25 channels for between $30 to $40 per month. Apple TV is also long overdue for a hardware refresh, with the set-top box last updated in 2012.

Article Link: Apple to Debut New A8-Based Apple TV Box With App Store and Siri at WWDC

 

[malexandria]

if cable providers can make a stand alone app that gives you 25-30 live channels i dont get whats so hard to make that possible with apple tv?

Cable spends hundreds of millions of dollars on content licensing agreements with the networks and have a long history of cooperation. Apple has only been doing this a short time and doesn't want to play ball on Cable's terms. They think they can bully the networks like they did the music industry back in the day.