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ATV4 - a real disappointment.

urkel said:
How is this marketed towards casual users when there's no print ads, no tv commercials and product placement within Best Buy and even Apple Stores is in the same back corner of the store as the old model.

But still. Let's assume knowledge of the existence of this obscure products is widespread. Taking this definition of "casual" user you are using (clueless about Bluetooth or remote apps or 4K) then would a responsible advisor really recommend a $150-200 AppleTV4 over a $50 AppleTV3 which does the "casual basics" that a "casual" user needs?

App Store apps aren't great yet. Siri support is limited. And Apple hasn't finished their own feature set. Yet the price tag is premium. As much as you may try to claim this is a "casual" users product then I wouldn't recommend it to anyone but these "power users" you keep dismissing as an inconsequential and overly demanding audience.


That's a very odd conclusion. So then WHEN 4K is available in the next AppleTV then will you deem it "too early" because "The other half of the country doesn't have 4K yet". Because everything about the current AppleTV is capable of being 4K so why such strong deflection to an inevitable feature?
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I'd say it is marketed towards con
le.bouch said:
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...
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I can agree with your point there. Communication is great, that's what the community is there for. I would have also liked to know more about the Photos app. I do think that by Apple taking the time to develop and release a proper SDK and app store for the Apple TV, that they will be taking this seriously. I was also surprised to see a 9.1 beta so quickly, another reason for optimism. I read somewhere that they are trying to align iOS and tvOS. If that is true, and by the numbering scheme, I think it is, I am anticipating that tvOS will be developed and grown upon as actively as iOS (their biggest cash cow). The potential for tvOS is huge. I think they realize this, but yes, it all depends on Apple.
 
RhythmAndBlues said:
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.
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How ridiculous. Why would people 'moan' for the fun of it? I started this post, and I've been perfectly happy with Apple products for years. I want them to work decently, it's to my advantage. I don't expect perfection, just functionality. It's only this year, with the introduction of Apple Music and now the Apple TV 4 that I've been staggered by the lack of vision.

Are you honestly not in agreement that releasing a new TV product that doesn't work with an essential app, produced to work with previous Apple TV products is incredibly stupid? I don't think it's unreasonable to expect new hardware to work with a popular and universal application. Surely Apple knows that the Remote app makes ATV viable for the avid consumer, by cutting search times etc. considerably. To not even allow pairing with keyboards seems crazy too.

Surely there are reasons. Hopefully because they ran out of time and they will rectify shortly, rather than because they want to take the piss out of consumers. Either way, it's disappointing. I'll be keeping the TV because I'm invested in Apple products; my entire music collection is stored with them, and I tend to buy movies and TV with Apple. Therefore, I hope they develop and update swiftly. But for the first time in years and years, I am beginning to explore viable alternatives. Clearly, one customer matters not for Apple. But if I'm feeling that way, then surely lots of others are too.
 
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Okay, hold on a sec...

... I am not attacking you with what I've said. Let's get that straight right off the bat. I can see how it might have looked that way, but I'm not.

So far as I remember, I was answering a question about moaning on the MacRumors forums, of which there is plenty. Some of it is over-entitled, whingy crap. I do not consider your thread to fit that description. You will also note that I admit to some MacRumors moaning myself, from time to time. I'm not placing myself above anybody.

Some of the moaning on these forums is baseless, fruitless and pointless. Some of it. I wasn't talking about you.

Okay?
 
No, no. Bless you, you Gent. I didn't think it was personal at all. Just making my point on the topic in discussion.
 
Just got mine today and my time with it has been limited. I thought set up was interesting. Using the bluetooth of my iPhone to transfer some settings was nice. Still sucks having to key in things like passwords since the remote app doesnt work yet.

I think the most disappointing item for me has been Siri. She isnt very contextual at all. I cant get a break down of episodes by actor or anything like what was shown in the keynote.
 
DNichter said:
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.
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The value in a forum like this is that you get a view on issues that others have encountered. I agree that a general whinge is of no value to anyone (although perhaps it makes the whinger feel better), however in my case looking on this thread taught me that basic features I that were on ATV3 had not been implemented on ATV4. This was of huge value to me as I'd spent ages troubleshooting why the iPhone Remote app and Bluetooth keyboards would not work on ATV4; until I looked here it never even occurred to me Apple might disable these seemingly basic features.
 
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If Apple had made the aTV4 output 4K but then not had any immediate plans to release 4K material through iTunes the complaints would have been just as bad.

I've got a 4K TV and would have loved for the aTV4 to output in 4K, but given the current market it's really not the big issue some people want to make it. There just isn't enough 4K content available at the minute, and lets be honest, 1080p is hardly shabby even though a decent projector. On a typical home HDTV its more than acceptable.

Can't see how 4K would be a deal breaker for anyone, but if it is then don't buy. Other 4K solutions are available ;)
 
Just got mine yesterday and so far it's not what I expected. Selected the Set Up With Device function and used bluetooth. If we can do that then why aren't we able to use the phone as a remote for keyboard use? I'm not that technically astute but that doesn't seem like much of a stretch.

It is annoying having to sign into all those apps after I've signed into the main device. But at least once it's done that's it.

Guess I just need more time to play with it and learn more about the app store search functions.
 
I'm struggling to return mine. The store won't accept it back as it was ordered online and the store was a nightmare to contact for returns. Once id got there they send me an email and the link to print the return labels don't work.

Great experience apple. Nothing works anymore..
Im not supposed to say this but Apple store and retail will be merged as one unit at the end of Nov, so that will make the returns process much better.
 
I packaged up my apple tv last night and put it back in the box. I'm going to return it this weekend. For some people, it will fit their needs, but for me it doesn't. I prefer my Amazon fire.
 
AFEPPL said:
I'm struggling to return mine. The store won't accept it back as it was ordered online and the store was a nightmare to contact for returns. Once id got there they send me an email and the link to print the return labels don't work.

Great experience apple. Nothing works anymore..
Im not supposed to say this but Apple store and retail will be merged as one unit at the end of Nov, so that will make the returns process much better.
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That's interesting to know. I got mine online (from Apple) and just assumed I'd be able to return it to my local Apple Store? Mine's been boxed up for two days now - I've fallen back in love with my ATV3!
 
AFEPPL said:
I'm struggling to return mine. The store won't accept it back as it was ordered online and the store was a nightmare to contact for returns. Once id got there they send me an email and the link to print the return labels don't work.

Great experience apple. Nothing works anymore..
Im not supposed to say this but Apple store and retail will be merged as one unit at the end of Nov, so that will make the returns process much better.
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Really? I walked into the store with the Apple TV and the packing slip, the guy scanned it and that was that. Couldn't have been easier. Surprised you are having an issue.
 
le.bouch said:
That's interesting to know. I got mine online (from Apple) and just assumed I'd be able to return it to my local Apple Store? Mine's been boxed up for two days now - I've fallen back in love with my ATV3!
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You can, did it Tuesday without issue. Took maybe a minute once I got an employee.
 
I set mine up last night. Set up was super easy. Apps downloaded quickly. Entered in a few passwords, but decided not to do all of them in one sitting. Tried jetpack joy ride and while it looked nice I didn't find it very fun. Will try a few more games over the weekend.

Seems a solid if somewhat limited device. But the limitations right now are just due to lack of Apps. Just seeing SpeedTest was a good example of something I didn't think of but of course I want. Great to be able to check connection specifically on the device where I need connection.
 
MongoNZ said:
The value in a forum like this is that you get a view on issues that others have encountered. I agree that a general whinge is of no value to anyone (although perhaps it makes the whinger feel better), however in my case looking on this thread taught me that basic features I that were on ATV3 had not been implemented on ATV4. This was of huge value to me as I'd spent ages troubleshooting why the iPhone Remote app and Bluetooth keyboards would not work on ATV4; until I looked here it never even occurred to me Apple might disable these seemingly basic features.
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I have no problem with that, just the people constantly complaining. I can see why they wouldn't have the remote app, but not the keyboard.

TallManNY said:
I set mine up last night. Set up was super easy. Apps downloaded quickly. Entered in a few passwords, but decided not to do all of them in one sitting. Tried jetpack joy ride and while it looked nice I didn't find it very fun. Will try a few more games over the weekend.

Seems a solid if somewhat limited device. But the limitations right now are just due to lack of Apps. Just seeing SpeedTest was a good example of something I didn't think of but of course I want. Great to be able to check connection specifically on the device where I need connection.
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Entering Comcast or whoever's log in information for each app is disappointing although you only have to do it once for each app. Under settings and accounts, there should be a place to enter your cable companies info and have it applied to all of your apps. Unless this is a limitation imposed by the cable company (must be done for each app), seems like a logical fix.
 
Let's be honest, Apple could have delivered everyone a solid gold device that played videos, music and games, made the dinner, done the dishes and took the wife shopping. Some people would still find something to complain about :D
 
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TrueBlou said:
Let's be honest, Apple could have delivered everyone a solid gold device that played videos, music and games, made the dinner, done the dishes and took the wife shopping. Some people would still find something to complain about :D
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Who on earth would want a gold coloured Apple device ;)
 
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