Is a new Apple TV refresh likely in the near future? And if so do you think the upgrade over current version will be drastic enough to be worth the wait? I'd like to see the ATV open to developers. I'd like to see a robust App Store for the ATV.
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Buy an Apple TV now or wait?
- Thread starter Barbs
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gmanist1000
macrumors 68030
I really need a new steaming box to replace my PS3, and I've contemplated the Fire TV, but I'm holding out for the updated Apple TV. I think it'll be worth it.
I don't think Apple is going to sit around and let Amazon take away their "hobby." Heck, after the release of the Fire TV, I would expect Roku to bring out a Roku 4 if for no other reason than to tighten the spec gap.
The Apple TV's CPU is already a couple of generations old. The software can't do audio better than AC3, which is 1990s tech. Apple keeps adding apps, but I think most people would agree with the notion that an actual App Store is at least one of the things the Apple TV needs to grow properly.
It's not going to take a company like Apple a whole lot of engineering time to slap together a new iteration of Apple TV hardware based upon the last-gen iPhone (or whatever), so "it's the software, stupid." That, and content licensing.
What I'm saying is that I expect a new Apple TV this fall at the latest, with radically improved software (perhaps an App Store, perhaps Siri, etc.) and possibly with something new or different on the services side (iTunes video subscriptions, etc.).
The Apple TV's CPU is already a couple of generations old. The software can't do audio better than AC3, which is 1990s tech. Apple keeps adding apps, but I think most people would agree with the notion that an actual App Store is at least one of the things the Apple TV needs to grow properly.
It's not going to take a company like Apple a whole lot of engineering time to slap together a new iteration of Apple TV hardware based upon the last-gen iPhone (or whatever), so "it's the software, stupid." That, and content licensing.
What I'm saying is that I expect a new Apple TV this fall at the latest, with radically improved software (perhaps an App Store, perhaps Siri, etc.) and possibly with something new or different on the services side (iTunes video subscriptions, etc.).
With the refurbs going for $75, you really don't stand to lose much by purchasing now. I got one about a month ago, but I have no interest in an app store, games, 4k support or the other things mentioned here. Definitely wouldn't like it if they included a bunch of stuff I don't need and then raised the price. 😉
crzdcolombian
macrumors 6502a
Apple TV 3 is fine just drop the price of the current model to $50 bucks to compete with chrome cast and Roku. It does less and cost double what its competitors do. For 100 bucks you can get a used xbox 360 or PS3 that does more then all the set boxes 🙂
boomhower
macrumors 68000
This. Buy one for $75 and when the new one comes out sell it for $50. $25 for a few months usage ins't much at all. A new one certainly is long overdue but no one has a clue when. No leaks or anything concrete at all so far. With every Apple product we have pretty solid rumors or mockups months before release, nothing in this area yet.
I'm looking at getting my first Apple TV and I'm not sure if I should save the $35 and just buy a refurbished 2nd Gen or get the newest one. What is the difference?
it'll not be the 2nd gen, the aTV2 - the 720 version, is the only one that can be jailbroken, they normally go for $250+ on ebay.
the aTV3 (the one in stores now) the 1080 version, has come in 2 versions, they are functionally identical, the retail packaging, and the actually device enclosure itself are identical, and there is no way to tell them apart except for the model number (or ripping the aTV open).
Apple redesigned the electronics to make their supply and manufacturing chains easier on them.
with the stock firmware the aTV2 and aTV3 operate and look the same. with the exception of the higher resolution on the aTV3
even the aTV2 and the aTV3 are identical on the outside, last time i moved, i put them both in the same box, i had to consult the internet and the model numbers to tell the apart before i plugged them in.
The Doctor11
macrumors 603
ActionableMango
macrumors G3
It's looking like the new one will indeed be drastically different. But nobody knows when it's coming out, and the price might be higher. If you don't care for the changes, you might actually prefer the ATV3.
In fact, there are people who prefer the ATV2 and used examples starting selling for more than MSRP.
So I agree with the others. Provided you can afford it, get an ATV3 now. If you like the ATV4, sell the 3 for hardly any loss. If you don't like the ATV4 features or price, be glad you got an ATV3.
In fact, there are people who prefer the ATV2 and used examples starting selling for more than MSRP.
So I agree with the others. Provided you can afford it, get an ATV3 now. If you like the ATV4, sell the 3 for hardly any loss. If you don't like the ATV4 features or price, be glad you got an ATV3.
Buy it. You can always move it to a secondary tv/kids room when the new one comes out. Its not likely for Apple to stop supporting the current one for a while.
def buy one; just get a remade one for $75 or whatever from apple's website
use it on another TV if a new one comes out
use it on another TV if a new one comes out