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Apple TV first impressions and questions.....

People have high expectations of the ATV 4 because:

(a) We've waited how long for it? Three years?
(b) Apple have massively hyped it. Did you see the keynote? People were fainting in the aisles as Tim Cook announced it cures cancer and will result in world peace.
(c) It's expensive. The Amazon Fire TV seems to do pretty much all the same things and it's about half the price.
(d) Why wouldn't they release something that was actually ready, rather than something which is sounding like a beta to me.
(e) If essential apps are missing (and they certainly are in the UK) then that's Apple's fault. It has infinite money: it should have approached key app developers and made sure they had apps ready to go from day one.

I'm as big an Apple Fanboy as anybody, but increasingly I'm disappointed with Apple not getting things right on Day One.
 
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So, loving the new Apple TV but I found something very interesting.

So, I asked Siri to find "Kate Beckinsale" films and she pulled up all of her films. I chose UNDERWORLD and it showed that I have the ability to play the film but it also shows that it's available on Netflix and iTunes.

What's interesting is that I bought this film off iTunes a long time ago but I have since deleted it, so it's not technically in my iTunes purchased section. It's in the hidden section. Even weirder, when I pushed play, it plays the theatrical cut of the film as it was released in 2003. iTunes doesn't carry that version of the film anymore. They have listed two versions of the film, theatrical and unrated but both films in iTunes have the exact running time of 2hrs and 13 minutes, which is the length of the underrated film.

Even more strange is the fact that if I go to iTunes instead of push the play button, it shows that I have to purchase it...which makes since if it's not in my purchased section.

The even stranger, more weird aspect of all of this is that I know it's not pulling it from Netflix because the theatrical cut that I'm playing now is different from the one on Netflix. The one of Netflix is slightly different in that the Sonya flashback sequences have been reedited to include the same sequence from UNDERWORLD RISE OF THE LYCANS, but it's been spliced into film as now the "new" flashback sequence that Michael experiences in the 3rd act.

So, I tried this again with a couple of different films that I had purchased at one time but have since deleted and sure enough, it shows that I could play the film but if I choose "Open In iTunes", it shows that I either have to rent said film or buy said film.

Is it possible that iTunes remembers pass purchases on this new Apple TV even if I don't have the film selected in my purchase section any longer?

Sorry for the long explanation but I know this isn't right.
 
Amazingly the Siri remote is turning my TV on and off and controlling the volume without me having to setup anything :)

I am looking forward to more UK content though, especially BBC iplayer (which is coming) and Sky Now (which should be here very soon apparently)

Overall the Apple TV is pretty great though, just being able to say "what did he say" and have SIRI rewind and turn on subtitles for 15 secs is a great example of Apple going one step further than anyone else.

I have enjoyed some games too (not normally much of a game player) : mr Crab, jet pack joyride, asphalt 8 and Crossy road.

And pleased to see a whole range of interesting exercise apps, some of which use the remote to count your reps (you just hold it): 7 minute workout, daily burn, trackmyfitness, zova.

AirPlay seems much faster than on previous versions. As does playing content via Home Sharing. By the way you can still say "what did he say" for content ripped from dvd's without subtitles via home sharing, it just rewinds and plays 15 seconds, without the subtitles.

Also great to have the full Music service available (I'm subscribed to Apple Music)

I really like the movie browser, reminds me of IMDb, with cast lists, related movies, reviews etc.

So very positive so far overall.

One thing I am stuck on though - how do you change the name of the device? It is in Settings > General > About but you can't edit it. Would like to be able to call this one Bedroom Apple TV and the next one Lounge Apple TV (which is what I did with previous gen)

Cheers

Ian
 
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ecschwarz said:
Has anyone tried multiple Siri Remotes for game control and such? I'm debating about picking up an extra for multiplayer games, but curious how it's handled.
Click to expand...
Sorry, you can't. Only one 'main' (Siri) remote at a time. Other ones need to be iOS/3rd party. Even says so on the Siri remote page at the Apple Store.
 
I'm surprised that sky are putting apps on ATC as would think this takes people away from their service. Having said that I'm really happy that they are and can't wait for the sky apps to start appearing :)
 
KettyKrueger said:
Hi, just to be clear, there is a fully functional TV Player app that doesn't require AirPlay?

This makes all the difference to me, I was on the fence but this would tip the scales!

Thanks
Click to expand...

I can confirm that. Easy for you to test, download it to your iPhone or iPad and try it out. It's free, (on iPad you have to watch an ad before Tv streams live, but ATV you don't) and you can even pay a monthly subscription for some kind of free view on demand service? Pretty cool.
 
I am pretty impressed for day one , very clever how apps are 200 my Mac and yet the quality of games are stunning , credit where credits due , so far there is only one media server app which works slight problem with format of file names but hey it's a start . Looking forward to to better apps vlc for one
 
JimmyHook said:
It JUST got launched. 500 titles in 24 hours is good... wow people amaze me with their crazy standards. Btw, Galaxy on Fire is a great game!
Click to expand...

It would be nice if I can easily browse the 500 titles of apps. If anyone can show me, please let me know.
 
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First impressions are I'm not sure why I need it! I still have an ATV3 that Home shares iTunes Library content and Netflix the same as this ATV4, all 1080p (I do think this ATV4 can do 4k though, spec wise it can). As for gaming PS4 and PS3 for the AAA titles on the big screen and my iPad and iPhone for the portable stuff, it is nice though that all/some(?) iOS purchases transfer across.

Mine will be getting returned and I'll jump back in when there is a substantial volume of solid apps, Apple software updates addressing concerns frequently mentioned by other posters and hopefully at some point local iTunes library Siri support. I must say it met my day one expectations and I didn't expect anything more from it.
 
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Played Bugdom2 in 3D last night. Have a sony 3D tv with active glasses.
It was certainly different but after about 30 minutes of play I had a distinct headache.
Reinforces the perception that 3D just isn't there yet.
btw it is only side by side 3D so far.
 
Grumpyman said:
Played Bugdom2 in 3D last night. Have a sony 3D tv with active glasses.
It was certainly different but after about 30 minutes of play I had a distinct headache.
Reinforces the perception that 3D just isn't there yet.
btw it is only side by side 3D so far.
Click to expand...
I didn't know this Apple TV did 3D. How did you enable it?
 
patseguin said:
I didn't know this Apple TV did 3D. How did you enable it?
Click to expand...
All of pangea games for the Apple TV 4 have a 3D mode. you just enable it in the game menu and then the screen goes side by side, then you enable 3D on your TV and put the specs on.
Wait about 30 minutes and reach for the medicine cabinet!
 
camarobh said:
Nice improvements overall, but very disappointed that the interface to local iTunes library is virtually the same as before, and Siri won't search it. At least group shows first by name, then season, then episode. The list of tv shows I have in my library is so long it takes forever to scroll by flicking the touch pad. At least before I could hold down the button.
Click to expand...
cendrizzi said:
This.

Looks like I will not be getting a new Apple TV. I like the other stuff but there local network stuff has languished for years. Very disappointed to hear this.
Click to expand...

Wait, seriously? They haven't done anything to search my local library? So, if I ask Siri to play one of my local files, she can't find it and will try to direct me to an online mechanism like Netflix or pay to watch iTunes?

My wife and I are getting one anyway because we needed another one for the bedroom, but this is very disappointing. Hopefully, it won't be a hard fix for Apple to implement in a future update?
 
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Smeaton1724 said:
Mine will be getting returned and I'll jump back in when there is a substantial volume of solid apps, Apple software updates addressing concerns frequently mentioned by other posters and hopefully at some point local iTunes library Siri support. I must say it met my day one expectations and I didn't expect anything more from it.
Click to expand...

Why return it only to buy it later on? Seems to me it peaked your interest and as time goes on the apps will be there.

I'm currently waiting for Plex app... That was my primary reason to buy it. Although I already have other avenues to use Plex for my TV. But, I like all the features it has.
 
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My Apple TV came in at about 6 pm yesterday. Just set it up, here are my first impressions (and it's not a very good first impression).

1) Setup wasn't as smooth as my ATV 3. Logging in to my Wifi network via my phone took a few tries (the first couple of times just kinda froze there with no result).

2) Couldn't get any of my bluetooth peripherals to pair. My MAD C.T.R.L controller couldn't connect, and my K480 bluetooth keyboard could not be detected. Don't know what the problem is.

3) The multitouch controller is definitely better than the old remote, but still a pain to navigate the interface. Making it faster to scroll to different letters and numbers doesn't change the fact that you still have to scroll individually to each letter and / or number.

4) Right now, very few good apps / games. Or if they are there, it's near impossible to be aware of them. I had to download youtube, and I had to search for it as it wasn't on the recommended list of apps, and login was troublesome (why do I have to authenticate from my phone?). Hopefully, this will improve soon.

5) Right now, the only draw is Apple Music, but feels more cumbersome than just airplaying or streaming from my phone (due to the clumsiness of search). Music is also very soft. Dunno why.

6) Hey, it comes with a bundled lightning cable. I can never have too many of these lying around. =

I hope I don't have to return it, and I am hoping the ecosystem will improve soon, but honestly, it currently doesn't feel like much of an upgrade from my existing Apple TV 3rd gen.

Update for Day 2:
1) Finally got my controller to pair, but it won't stay paired. Maybe it's my controller, but only succeed like 2 out of several attempts. Played a little Dungeon Quest and Crossy Road. Dungeon Quest's interface hung on me; that was when I discovered that double-clicking opens the multi-tasking tab where I can force-quit apps.

Didn't use it too much today as I was ill and spent most of the day sleeping it off.
 
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Air Video TV app is out so all is good. I'm not sure I care if this device gets anything else.

(Well, Time Warner TV app would be nice...)
 
So my review is - what the hell have Apple been doing for the last 3 years ? Just adding an App Store (something they could have done years ago) and changing the colour of everything white does not make for a good experience.

The App Store is very badly designed with no categories etc. I understand this may be coming but when !

In the UK where is NowTV, Amazon, BBC (I know it is coming), ITV, Channel 4/5 etc. channels

The Apple Website says 'The future of TV is here'. Maybe I need glasses as I don't see anything more than what FireTV, Roku or Xbox can offer..

Also, with Xbox early next year we shall have TV viewing and recording in addition to what we already get (Amazon Films, NowTV, Netflix, BBC, ITV, Channel4, Channel5, Blue Ray etc.)..

I have to say I'm starting to get very worried about Apple. As apart from the iPhone and Mac's what do they really have ? The Apple Watch is really not good and slow, Apple Music is really bad and now the AppleTV is just a new theme on a previous model. Where are the risk takers in Apple anymore ?

Can anyone look at the new Apple TV4 and really think 'The future of TV is here' ?

I'm an Apple Fan Boy through and through - and I guess it is because of this that I care so much !
 
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Shoot. I love this thing. It's in the early stages but I bought my new Apple TV yesterday at a local Apple Store because Best Buy didn't have none in stock around me. But today I checked and I see there is stock at my local Best Buy's. But I opened the one I have currently and used it. Can I return this one to the Apple Store even tho it's been opened and used for refund so I can buy at Best Buy?
 
xlost6 said:
Shoot. I love this thing. It's in the early stages but I bought my new Apple TV yesterday at a local Apple Store because Best Buy didn't have none in stock around me. But today I checked and I see there is stock at my local Best Buy's. But I opened the one I have currently and used it. Can I return this one to the Apple Store even tho it's been opened and used for refund so I can buy at Best Buy?
Click to expand...
You can. I'll bite, why?
 
leesweet said:
You can. I'll bite, why?
Click to expand...
I have a couple of Best Buy gift cards and a Reward Zone certificate I would like to use on this instead of paying full cash for it. Which I did yesterday ($212 to be exact). I bought the Siri Remote Loop with it. Now I just want to return and buy it at Best Buy.

So should I just reset ALL settings and then repackage everything to return? I'm heading to the Apple Store anyway.
 
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