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Apple TV Beta Includes Redesigned Interface With iOS 7-Style Icons, Fonts

Maybe it's just the crappy preview shot but doesn't look or sound like much to get excited about right now though I am glad there is still conscious updates for Apple TV. Sometimes it feels like the side project that got left behind. I'm sure it'll be like ios7 wasn't thrilled with it at first glance but once I had it I couldn't imagine going back.
 
I'll take anything newer when I can get it. I've had AppleTV since the original and I welcome any little change.

It isn't a huge deal to me because I watch the shows more than the interface but hey it is something newer.
 
Love it!!

I really like Apples design philosophy. Refine refine refine. Less is more. While everyone else is designing crap for craps sake, Apples approach is thoughtful. Other companies need to take note.
 
TimUSCA said:
We need a new layout, not just new icons. The long grid of forever-growing icons is pretty crappy.
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Apple first came out with a grid of icons for the iPhone.

Then they used it for the much larger iPad.

Then they used it on OSX.

And it's also on Apple TV.

The same UI for screens ranging 3.5" to 60"... Sounds like Windows 8 to me. Or Apple is just getting really f'n lazy.

:apple:
 
2010mini said:
You guys all realize a totally new UI, App Store, gaming CANNOT happen in the current hardware, right?

Updated icons and new channels is all the current model is going to get. Save your complaints for if/when a new Apple TV is released.
Click to expand...

The original Apple TV received a UI overhaul when the OS went from Version 1 (Front Row) to the Take 2 UI. The current UI is the 3rd iteration, and it was launched on the 2nd generation device.

Considering how many apps are being added every few weeks, and the history of backwards compatable OS updates on AppleTV's, I'd say that a UI overhaul and an App Store are both very possible on this device.

Do I think we'll see it? No. But I think that's because of a marketing/rebranding play, not because it's not possible.

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PNutts said:
With that said, they may still change, but why not change them when they were completely redone for this beta?
Click to expand...

You don't develop software, do you? UI elements and icons generally go through several revisions before they are shipped. This software isn't shipping, it's in progress. Maybe the code that generates the reflections contains logic that they need to rewrite before they remove the effect.

I get that it's unlike apple to make significant UI changes during a beta, but stripping out some reflections, and even changing up a few icons, are both well within the realm of possibilities. I wouldn't be surprised if those reflections disappear in a later beta.
 
While I only bought my ATV last Christmas, the one feature I wish Apple would add is a web browser. That would just top it off for me.
 
jclardy said:
Nice that they didn't forget it...but it really just needs a complete UX overhaul. There are too many pre-installed apps and rearranging them is a chore. Maybe a row of favorites with categories below...or they could just add an actual app store to it.
Click to expand...


You know if there's too many you can remove them as well as rearrange them
 
I'm less interested in aesthetic upgrades than I am UI upgrades where the AppleTV is concerned at this point. Anyone with a massive library must feel the same, that the current long list, separating show by seasons, is in dire dire need of refinement?
 
Interface Help

Yeah, the interface for apple tv needs some series help. it is so dark and navigating movies and be a pane if you have more than 50
 
Jamie0003 said:
I didn't know that, and that's very cool. It would be awesome if they added dvr functionality that was stored in icloud in this way. I would like the next hardware revision to have 4K and 3D support; why have Apple seemingly ignored 3D? I get it's gimmicky and all but I think the A5 is more than capable of running it. I could be wrong though.
Click to expand...

I think the A5 might struggle with 4k, but for a streaming device I don't see it happening yet. If it did, it'd be so compressed.

The next update will have to be groundbreaking for me to upgrade from iOS4
 
Frankied22 said:
I just want a native Plex app.
Click to expand...
This please... Plex.

2010mini said:
You guys all realize a totally new UI, App Store, gaming CANNOT happen in the current hardware, right?

Updated icons and new channels is all the current model is going to get. Save your complaints for if/when a new Apple TV is released.
Click to expand...

Why Can't "it happen"? You do know that even Apple TV2 has jailbreaks to add apps like XBMC, Plex, web browsing, etc.... Right? And the AppleTV 1's could be jailbroken to add apps (silver model can have a whole different OS put on if you so please) So you can't tell me that the more powerful Apple TV3 is incapable of apps, it may not have the storage for very many apps but that certainly does not mean it is incapable. Heck if Apple wanted to they could even open up the USB port to allow external storage. There are lots of options, so don't tell us that it CANNOT happen, it may not happen because Apple chooses for it to not happen, but that is an artificial limitation, not a physical one, it CAN happen, it just might not be allowed to happen.
 
It has 8gb storage, plenty for an app store, even if you reserve a gigabyte or two for buffering video.
 
kukheart said:
Been waiting all year to buy a new Apple TV, I'm on 2nd Gen, I just know if I buy a 3rd Gen now they will come out with the new ones in October or something. I'm all for software updates though.
Click to expand...

I bought mine four years ago this month, it's sort of amazing that there is absolutely no incentive to upgrade.
 
Redesigned interface? More accurate would simply be "iOS/Yosemite-style icons". Which is fine. But what really needs work are the real INTERFACE issues. If we can have nested folders...TV show, Movies, Music, pictures, etc. then why can't TV shows with multiple seasons be grouped under 1 icon...then click on that to get to individual seasons?

It just seems to easy for them not to do it...weird...VERY "unApple-like"

My $0.02
 
They need to update the ATV to have voice search on the ATV Remote app using the iPhone or iPads microphone.
 
Great. Joni and his crack team of UI deficients couldn't help but toss their "magic" onto the ATV.
 
Anyone else having issues with the Apple TV not showing up on other devices for Airplay since putting this beta on? I've reset all the devices, I've turned airplay on and off on the Apple TV.
 
Four oF NINE said:
Why not simply mirror your Mac or iOS device?
Click to expand...

While I don't have a Mac (yet anyways), I do mirror my 5S but it is inconvenient at times and would be nice to have a native web browser. Its not like there would be any real problem with having one and with the Remote app, one wouldn't need a keyboard either ;)
 
the AppleTV needs Spotlight. I want to search for the show, see on which services I can watch it, and then press play. No more going in and out of apps to find a program.
 
bushido said:
they really given up on the apple tv havent they?

this damn grid view and its huge buttons, i never got it. its not like you can actually touch them like on an iPhone lol
Click to expand...

It's universally hated in my house. I also never saw the point of the large buttons.

Hopefully this update will at least address the issue of not knowing which button is selected, since at the moment the selection highlight blends too easily with the actual button (especially blue ones).
 
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