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New Apple TV Only Supports Two Bluetooth Controllers at Once

I find it a pity that I can connect my Apple BT keyboard to my TV but I can connect neither my mfi Bluetooth headset nor my mom's mfi BT hearing aid to the TV.

If Apple is serious about accessibility on this device, they need to support hearing impaired folks (or those that live in apartments or small homes) by enabling such functionality. (The hardware is already in place.)
 
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Well since Apple TV is aimed at casuals it doesn't make sense for them to add more controllers to it. Most people who want to play with their friend probably already own a console.
 
macduke said:
Apple doesn't understand gaming, and at this point I'm not sure if they ever will. It's really unfortunate because I feel like this is the closest they've ever gotten and they're still missing the mark in many key ways. The thing should come with one BT MFi controller designed by Apple. Then they should sell Apple designed controllers. The experience is too inconsistent right now. When someone buys this thing, they'll see that controller and understand if they want more controllers to play, they'll need to go buy one like that. That controller is even more limited than the Wii which, even though successful, was pretty much used to only play Wii Sports by the vast majority of owners. I don't think we'll see many companies making games for a platform that is effectively restricted from taking off. Either build in proper game support, or don't have it at all. If it takes more money, then charge what it takes. I still feel like this device is just testing the waters, but the waters will be cold since it's so limited. It's just frustrating because I feel like this platform could be so much more.
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I feel like Apple is looking at the Wii's huge success and following some of their moves. But they cannot really follow any of the game maker's moves because they are not making a gaming console. The new Apple TV is 75% films, TV and music and only 25% games and apps. If gaming becomes more than Apple expected (like what happened on iPhones and iPod Touch) then they will probably scale up and focus on gaming hardware, software and relationships with game developers. Even though this is essentially an extension of the existing app store in a device that is modified iOS, it's completely different from mobile device gaming that we have had for years now. Apple has never and will never care about gaming but that doesn't mean this won't be a huge success for casual gaming.
 
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Guys... this is not Xbox or a Playstation.... however... if Apple really wanted to shake things up... they would allow it to be a more competitive game system. Who knows... maybe they held back something for us later? Either way, I'll be in line for the new AppleTV.
 
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wigby said:
I feel like Apple is looking at the Wii's huge success and following some of their moves. But they cannot really follow any of the game maker's moves because they are not making a gaming console. The new Apple TV is 75% films, TV and music and only 25% games and apps. If gaming becomes more than Apple expected (like what happened on iPhones and iPod Touch) then they will probably scale up and focus on gaming hardware, software and relationships with game developers. Even though this is essentially an extension of the existing app store in a device that is modified iOS, it's completely different from mobile device gaming that we have had for years now. Apple has never and will never care about gaming but that doesn't mean this won't be a huge success for casual gaming.
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Tim said the future of TV was Apps... so I'm thinking there's more to come sooner than later.
 
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Mascots said:
Gradual improvement, Apple's speciality.
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If so, it's a very standard way of doing things for many companies. Why would you criticize apple without mentioning tv set manufacturers, etc and on and on? You guys here really love to crucify apple over every little thing that is common practice in the business and technical world!
 
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Well, expecting eight controllers to work is a bit extreme, but I would have thought that four would be possible.

Luckily, not critical for me - I will buy it anyway - but Apple is emphasizing the gaming aspect via the new app store, so I would have expected better support than a crippled Wiimote and two controllers (which become useless, as the game has to be playable with the crippled Wiimote).
 
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I get the distinct feeling that Apple doesn't WANT the Apple TV to be primarily a gaming platform. Why else would they be hobbling it this way ON PURPOSE?

I can't think of any reason they would want this; successful games are bound to make Apple money and spur more sales of the Apple TV. Maybe they are afraid this will be another Pippin? I don't know; that was many years ago. Perhaps they want to stay on the good sides of companies like Sony, Nintendo, etc. and not compete with them?

It boggles the mind a bit; the hardware is certainly capable and at a really good price point. You'd think they'd be pushing gaming full tilt and even sell controllers themselves.
 
zorinlynx said:
I get the distinct feeling that Apple doesn't WANT the Apple TV to be primarily a gaming platform. Why else would they be hobbling it this way ON PURPOSE?

I can't think of any reason they would want this; successful games are bound to make Apple money and spur more sales of the Apple TV. Maybe they are afraid this will be another Pippin? I don't know; that was many years ago. Perhaps they want to stay on the good sides of companies like Sony, Nintendo, etc. and not compete with them?

It boggles the mind a bit; the hardware is certainly capable and at a really good price point. You'd think they'd be pushing gaming full tilt and even sell controllers themselves.
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Nobody said Apple is limiting this on purpose, this could be just a software bug for all we know. Wait for the developers to file radars (I hope they've done it already).

Also, keep in mind the same limitation exists on all iOS devices, not just tvOS.
 
MikhailT said:
Nobody said Apple is limiting this on purpose, this could be just a software bug for all we know. Wait for the developers to file radars (I hope they've done it already).

Also, keep in mind the same limitation exists on all iOS devices, not just tvOS.
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It's not just that, though. REQUIRING that all games be playable with the (very hobbled) remote as a controller? Also, the tiny appbundle size limit, and the "non-permanent nature" of local storage.

All of these severely hobble the ATV as a serious gaming platform.
 
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Robert.Walter said:
I find it a pity that I can connect my Apple BT keyboard to my TV but I can connect neither my mfi Bluetooth headset nor my mom's mfi BT hearing aid to the TV.

If Apple is serious about accessibility on this device, they need to support hearing impaired folks (or those that live in apartments or small homes) by enabling such functionality. (The hardware is already in place.)
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This is exactly why I won't be buying one.

If DishTV was smart/cable enough to have put a BT transmitter in their two-year-old Hopper DVR, why the hell can't Apple put it their brand new ATV??
 
zorinlynx said:
Also, the tiny appbundle size limit, and the "non-permanent nature" of local storage.
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The appbundle size thing is/was a misunderstanding. They can be bigger than 200mb, but anything > 200mb must be downloaded. It's unlikely anyone has more than 200mb of code in their app. Image assets, though, are another story.
 
Ok I will say it...

What a bunch of crybabies!!

Sorry, couldn't take it any longer.

From someone who grew up with joysticks and trackballs, you all are making a big deal out of nothing.

Also keep in mind that most iOS games are played using a touch screen and built in gyroscope.

Again, sorry... I am looking forward to Apples 1st games offering on the new apple tv.
 
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The more I read about the lack of gaming potential for the new Apple TV, the more I can't help but wonder at who made the decisions not to implement it PROPERLY and why? So far I have not seen any positive comments about the gaming aspect of the TV.

Apple will have tested and tested and tested and tested so whats holding them back from going all out on this? It could have made billions in revenue. What is the problem? There must be something.
 
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I would believe Apple's priorities here are -

1. Movies/TVs shows/Streaming
2. Apps
3. iOS games (allowing a similar experience to what is found on iPhone)

This is not a Xbox One or a PS4.
 
I wish they'd have just made the bigger AppleTV be the gaming device and the small one the streaming box. I can't think of much you'd need to store locally now-a-days besides games. Raise the price a bit and include a real controller on the gaming model.

How much revenue did games bring to the app store? How many kids want and get an iPhone? They don't want it for productivity apps. How many Apple IIs sold because it had such great games? How many Macs didn't sell because gaming support hasn't come until 20 years after it's launch?

This stuff matters to the bottom line. They're leaving money on the table and, worse, opening the door for Nvidia, FireTV and others who will court "casual" gamers.
 
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