ATV4 - a real disappointment.

[Rogifan]

Those devices will probably sitting in apple's dispatch Centre is now called Apple TV 5 waiting for suckers like you and me to re-buy again!

You still haven't explained how touch ID would work in the Apple remote. You think Apple's going to put an A-series processor in the remote or engineer something completely new when most people have an iPhone or iPad and could easily use Touch ID there or type in passwords there?

It makes absolutely no sense to me that Apple would intentionally leave beneficial stuff out of a product in the hopes that a year or two from now they can stick it in and sell you a new version. If people have a negative experience with TV 4 I think they'll be much less likely to buy an TV 5.

 

[urkel]

It's unfortunate so many seem to dislike theirs. Mines out for delivery today, and I'm starting to have second thoughts. I'm still hoping it'll be a big enough jump over my atv2 to not regret spending the money.

Despite "Apple Fans" trying to silence complaints, breads like this actually benefit the late users experience because now that your expectations are properly lowered then there are no surprises.

- Apps are fairly weak
- Most games feel like demos
- Logins are tedious
- "Traditional" remotes still work fine
- Siri is limited to the demo commands
- Trackpads are finicky
- Several apps are still missing
- This isn't the "We've solved Television" product Jobs was talking about


You're essentially getting the same experience as the previous TV but kinda faster. And for many, that's all we've been waiting for.

 

[2010mini]

To be fair... casual users dont buy AppleTV's.

Regardless of the "simplicity" tags, AppleTV has always been consumed by the middle/advanced users. And even though the new ATV4 is trying to aim at casual users, it's still us who are buying them (again).



So the 4k that is available in numerous places Today is dismissed as "tomorrows tech"?

- iPhone 6S ("casual" users phone) was demoed to record 4k video
- iMovie ("casual" users movie maker) is updated for 4k output.
- Most TV's on the market support 4k
- Netflix 4k available

Look, I'm not disagreeing that 4k is currently "everywhere" because its not. But it would be impossible to claim that it is 10years away when its already here. So this constant shot at "casual users" being clueless dolts is a bit overboard. 4k exists. It just doesnt exist on the AppleTV.

4K is available today yes. But it is very, very sparse. When I said 10 years away that has to do with 4K TVs being in half of US homes. The only thing 4K on the Apple TV will do is appeal to those with tech lust.

The first 3 ATVs was never really marketed to casual consumers. They were buried in the iPod section for many years. There was no major advertising push from Apple. This Apple TV has been covered by all the major news outlets as well as tech news outlets. So comparing who will by this model is too soon to tell. But I will bet it will be a lot more casual users than power.

 

[nburwell]

It's unfortunate so many seem to dislike theirs. Mines out for delivery today, and I'm starting to have second thoughts. I'm still hoping it'll be a big enough jump over my atv2 to not regret spending the money.

That makes two of us. However, my order hasn't shipped out yet (ordered through a third party retailer), so I still have the option of canceling my order. I was planning to sell my ATV3 to make a little bit of the cash I spent on the ATV4 back, but now I'm thinking of just sticking it out a little longer with my current ATV.

 

[Rogifan]

Despite "Apple Fans" trying to silence complaints, breads like this actually benefit the late users experience because now that your expectations are properly lowered then there are no surprises.

- Apps are fairly weak
- Most games feel like demos
- Logins are tedious
- "Traditional" remotes still work fine
- Siri is limited to the demo commands
- Trackpads are finicky
- Several apps are still missing
- This isn't the "We've solved Television" product Jobs was talking about


You're essentially getting the same experience as the previous TV but kinda faster. And for many, that's all we've been waiting for.

Steve Jobs never publicly said that Apple solved television. Who knows what it was that he claimed he "cracked" or if we'd even agree with him if we saw it.

 

[scaramanger]

Got mine yesterday, like the new interface, like the speed, like how it controls my TV, remote is ok (better than previous gen but not quite as intuitive/accurate as i'd like) but being in the UK there is literally no streaming content bar Netflix. Even NowTV which Apple advertise as available on the product page isn't there.

I guess this may turn into something good but UK users i would steer clear unless you want it for games or iTunes content until some apps turn up.

 

[RhythmAndBlues]

Steve Jobs never publicly said that Apple solved television. Who knows what it was that he claimed he "cracked" or if we'd even agree with him if we saw it.

Yeah, it was an ambiguous phrase. For me, it meant that he'd seen the future, and knew how to go about getting there - rather than, "the next Apple TV will be The Balls", which is a rather thuggish, literalistic interpretation in my opinion.

Very Steve. For all his flaws, we miss him.

 

[FoxD]

Despite "Apple Fans" trying to silence complaints, breads like this actually benefit the late users experience because now that your expectations are properly lowered then there are no surprises.

- Apps are fairly weak
- Most games feel like demos
- Logins are tedious
- "Traditional" remotes still work fine
- Siri is limited to the demo commands
- Trackpads are finicky
- Several apps are still missing
- This isn't the "We've solved Television" product Jobs was talking about


You're essentially getting the same experience as the previous TV but kinda faster. And for many, that's all we've been waiting for.

Well said, all of your points are right on the money. A huge disappointment IMO.

 

[Scion142]

I could easily afford to replace my ATV 3 with the new box, but have expressed my disappointment on its lack of 4K support, especially since it would be connected to my Samsung 65-inch UHD set. But, what the heck, I can rely on the Samsung apps built into the TV to deliver the 4K content (as limited as it is) that I'm seeking. I already do this with the Netflix app in the Smart Hub. What I'm only finding interesting (as an upgrade) is the new ATV's ability to decode Dolby Digital 7.1 audio channels as this is what my home theatre has now. So, my question is, does anyone know how many iTunes movies will be available to stream with the new ATV in 7.1 DD surround? I would pick this thing up if iTunes makes movies encoded this way available for the new ATV.....

 

[RhythmAndBlues]

... my question is, does anyone know how many iTunes movies will be available to stream with the new ATV in 7.1 DD surround? I would pick this thing up if iTunes makes movies encoded this way available for the new ATV.....

Short answer - I don't know.

Longer answer - I wouldn't hold your breath for it. Given that Apple appear only to be interested in providing 'Average Joe' with a movie-watching experience, iTunes won't be 4K and/or 7.1 DD for about five years. In my opinion.

 

[Jaro65]

It's unfortunate so many seem to dislike theirs. Mines out for delivery today, and I'm starting to have second thoughts. I'm still hoping it'll be a big enough jump over my atv2 to not regret spending the money.

It's a huge jump over ATV 2. I replaced an ATV 3 in the family room and next day I went and replaced the ATV 2 in the bonus room.

 

[MongoNZ]

This. No excuse for this.

The way the remote app functions with the old AppleTV is very similar to how the new remote now works (touch, swipe, etc).

I could t agree more. ATV was touted as a home automation hub yet apples own remote app doesn't work, meaning other universal apps like Simple Control ( nee Roomie) can't control it.

Siri control? I hear it's a poor implementation, but what would I know, I'm not based in one of the 8 lucky countries for it to be available.

Bluetooth keyboards? Seriously WTF guys why would you disable them?

Hopefully this is a temporary thing, and to be honest I can wait. What pisses me off is that they don't mention any of this and we sit there for hours trying to figure out why basic features don't work on out "cool" new device.

 

[DNichter]

I'll get killed for this, but people complaining on this site is laughable (I know, I should be used to it by now). If you don't like it, don't buy it. Apple makes products for consumers. People who want to flip this thing on, watch some shows and movies, play some games, have everything it does work smoothly. Are there some initial bugs on a new platform? Sure. Will it get better? Absolutely. 9.1 beta is already out. Sounds like most people on here should just go build their own media player and stop complaining. Not everyone needs what you need. No use bashing an as is product. Don't like it? Don't buy it and move on. I come to this site for tips and insight how to improve the use of the products I buy. Tired of hearing everyone crying. That's it for my rant, continue as you were.

 

[RhythmAndBlues]

I'll get killed for this, but people complaining on this site is laughable (I know, I should be used to it by now). If you don't like it, don't buy it.

Nobody doubts the wisdom of this. Some folks just like to moan - I've had my moments, from time to time - but I think as a community we're mostly aware that Apple doesn't exist purely to serve "me".

I think there's also some belief on these forums that if enough people moan hard enough for long enough, the top bods over at Apple might pay attention and give us what we're asking for. I think that this belief is mistaken, but everyone's entitled to an opinion.

 

[DNichter]

Nobody doubts the wisdom of this. Some folks just like to moan - I've had my moments, from time to time - but I think as a community we're mostly aware that Apple doesn't exist purely to serve "me".

I think there's also some belief on these forums that if enough people moan hard enough for long enough, the top bods over at Apple might pay attention and give us what we're asking for. I think that this belief is mistaken, but everyone's entitled to an opinion.

I see your point. Just seems like the site is just for people to complain instead of talking about cool stuff that they can do with their device.

Nobody doubts the wisdom of this. Some folks just like to moan - I've had my moments, from time to time - but I think as a community we're mostly aware that Apple doesn't exist purely to serve "me".

I think there's also some belief on these forums that if enough people moan hard enough for long enough, the top bods over at Apple might pay attention and give us what we're asking for. I think that this belief is mistaken, but everyone's entitled to an opinion.

That's true, everyone is entitled to their opinion. Unfortunately, I think it just destroys the site. I started coming here to talk about new features or cool ideas to get more out of my device. Now it's just crying and complaining.

 

[seadragon]

I'll get killed for this, but people complaining on this site is laughable (I know, I should be used to it by now). If you don't like it, don't buy it. Apple makes products for consumers. People who want to flip this thing on, watch some shows and movies, play some games, have everything it does work smoothly. Are there some initial bugs on a new platform? Sure. Will it get better? Absolutely. 9.1 beta is already out. Sounds like most people on here should just go build their own media player and stop complaining. Not everyone needs what you need. No use bashing an as is product. Don't like it? Don't buy it and move on. I come to this site for tips and insight how to improve the use of the products I buy. Tired of hearing everyone crying. That's it for my rant, continue as you were.

I understand your point. Personally though, I don't view the Apple TV as just another media player. There is no other TV product that is so tightly integrated with the Apple ecosystem as the ATV. I'm sure many of us here have a house full of Apple equipment and I think for many of us, there are some blatantly missing functions that took us for surprise such as the lack of keyboard text entry etc. Plus, I would wager that many of us on these forums are not just typical consumers but more power users so we tend to question what is currently and what might be. I think that as Apple customers, we mostly hold them to a higher standard (fairly or unfairly). I cut my cable a couple of years ago and am always hoping that the ATV will be a one stop shop for my TV needs. Eventually, it very well could be.

I believe Apple with improve this device over time with updates. I'm keeping my ATV4 as, apart from the lack of keyboard entry function that I used quite heavily on my ATV3, I think it's a great device. I'm thrilled that I can now use a native Plex app right on the ATV now. I'm looking forward to the updates and ever expanding TVOS app store.

 

[RhythmAndBlues]

I think that as Apple customers, we mostly hold them to a higher standard (fairly or unfairly). I cut my cable a couple of years ago and am always hoping that the ATV will be a one stop shop for my TV needs. Eventually, it very well could be.

Yeah, I'm very much in agreement with this. The Apple TV was never going to 'nail it', right out of the box... still, having read this thread and others over the past week, I have to say that it's not likely to be the box for me. Which, given everything else Apple in my home that I love, I think is rather a shame.

 

[golfnut1982]

Just curious...Can 4K be "unlocked" with a future firmware upgrade on this hardware? Or would we need new hardware?

 

[le.bouch]

I'll get killed for this, but people complaining on this site is laughable (I know, I should be used to it by now). If you don't like it, don't buy it. Apple makes products for consumers. People who want to flip this thing on, watch some shows and movies, play some games, have everything it does work smoothly. Are there some initial bugs on a new platform? Sure. Will it get better? Absolutely. 9.1 beta is already out. Sounds like most people on here should just go build their own media player and stop complaining. Not everyone needs what you need. No use bashing an as is product. Don't like it? Don't buy it and move on. I come to this site for tips and insight how to improve the use of the products I buy. Tired of hearing everyone crying. That's it for my rant, continue as you were.

There is actually a thread for people "who don't hate the new Apple TV". This is a thread for people who think it's a disappointment. I don't see the problem.

And as for "don't like it, don't buy it" there are so many aspects of buying anything which often aren't truly understood until you get the thing home. Cars, TVs, you name it. You can give yourself better odds by researching first but that's all.

I'd rather read this forum than the ridiculously evangelical Apple forum where unless you just ask a straight tech question you get pounced on for even hinting at dissatisfaction with anything out of Cupertino. Shudder.

 

[DNichter]

There is actually a thread for people "who don't hate the new Apple TV". This is a thread for people who think it's a disappointment. I don't see the problem.

And as for "don't like it, don't buy it" there are so many aspects of buying anything which often aren't truly understood until you get the thing home. Cars, TVs, you name it. You can give yourself better odds by researching first but that's all.

I'd rather read this forum than the ridiculously evangelical Apple forum where unless you just ask a straight tech question you get pounced on for even hinting at dissatisfaction with anything out of Cupertino. Shudder.

I don't know, I guess it's okay to start a forum to complain. Just feels like a waste of time. Sometimes I do enjoy reading the comments though, so there's that. And believe me, I am not saying Apple is perfect. There is a ton that can be improved upon with the Apple TV. I do think they have put out a solid foundation though.

 

[urkel]

The first 3 ATVs was never really marketed to casual consumers. They were buried in the iPod section for many years. There was no major advertising push from Apple. This Apple TV has been covered by all the major news outlets as well as tech news outlets. So comparing who will by this model is too soon to tell. But I will bet it will be a lot more casual users than power.

Where do you see marketing of any kind for the new AppleTV? There's no print, billboards or commercials. And even in Best Buy or Apple stores they still keep them off to the side where it's always been.

You keep dismissing "power users" opinions as inconsequential and overly demanding but considering this product won't really be "complete" for probably another generation (with missing Apple features/services and a worthwhile app library) then it could be argued that this isn't actually ready for "casual users".

4K is available today yes. But it is very, very sparse. When I said 10 years away that has to do with 4K TVs being in half of US homes. The only thing 4K on the Apple TV will do is appeal to those with tech lust.

That's a very odd conclusion.

What happens next version WHEN a 4k model comes out? Are you going to deem it "too early" because "Apple should have waited for a specific adoption percentage" rather than simply adding features due to industry trends and product capability?

Apple has shown deep interest in 4K with other products, There is no AppleTV bottleneck that prevents 4k and the industry has already began movement to 4k. Yet because its supposedly 10 years away from "4K TVs being in half of US homes" then somehow this feature SHOULDN'T be expected?

 

[le.bouch]

I don't know, I guess it's okay to start a forum to complain. Just feels like a waste of time. Sometimes I do enjoy reading the comments though, so there's that. And believe me, I am not saying Apple is perfect. There is a ton that can be improved upon with the Apple TV. I do think they have put out a solid foundation though.

I think it's sound to point out issues that people might not know about. For example I wish I'd known how limited the Photos app was - I possibly wouldn't have bought the ATV4 if I'd known.
But I definitely agree - moaning for the sake of moaning is just depressing.
I also agree that the potential of the ATV4 is promising. But that's all it is - everyone keeps saying 'give it time' but how do we actually know that Apple will give this black box any more love than the previous ones? Devs might make great apps but what if Apple don't develop it themselves?
I love Apple products in general but feel the hype isn't justified in this case.
Other products have been released 'unfinished' (with the benefit of hindsight) but they all had USP's that distracted you from that. A fancy remote (it's only a remote..) is pretty much all this thing offers over other streamers so far. Maybe it will be marvellous in time. But maybe it won't...

 

[RhythmAndBlues]

I'd rather read this forum than the ridiculously evangelical Apple forum where unless you just ask a straight tech question you get pounced on for even hinting at dissatisfaction with anything out of Cupertino. Shudder.

Ugh, yeah... I remember asking how to set the output of the Apple TV 3 to 24p (hint: you can't) on the Apple forums, and the silence was deafening. I bumped it a couple of times, and then it was closed without a single response from anybody.

It's like it was against the law to admit that any Apple hardware had any limitations of any kind. Lame...

... everyone keeps saying 'give it time' but how do we actually know that Apple will give this black box any more love than the previous ones?

I take your point, but I'm confident that this generation of Apple TV will receive much more engineering resource than previous generations. They've really gone to town in public about how they've seen the future of TV, and they're going to revolutionise everything... there's no way they'd be talking in those terms if they were just going to let this wither on the vine.

 

[le.bouch]

Ugh, yeah... I remember asking how to set the output of the Apple TV 3 to 24p (hint: you can't) on the Apple forums, and the silence was deafening. I bumped it a couple of times, and then it was closed without a single response from anybody.

It's like it was against the law to admit that any Apple hardware had any limitations of any kind. Lame...

There are a handful of members on that forum with mega 'levels' and 'points' whose sole purpose in life seems to be screaming "if you don't like it, buy something else". God knows how they find the time - they must sit by their Mac Pros just waiting for an incoming critical post so they can defend Cupertino's great name. Really sad.

 

[RhythmAndBlues]

There are a handful of members on that forum with mega 'levels' and 'points' whose sole purpose in life seems to be screaming "if you don't like it, buy something else". God knows how they find the time - they must sit by their Mac Pros just waiting for an incoming critical post so they can defend Cupertino's great name. Really sad.

Either that or they're all 'round a ouija board, asking wistfully, "is there a Steve with us tonight...?".

There never is.