Next-Generation Apple TV Said to Launch in October for $149 or $199

[johngordon]

How does cable work in the US? Do you literally just get your tv from the cable company, or is it like in the UK where you get tv, phone and broadband from the cable company?

Whilst the cable can be pretty expensive - we pay nearly £100 a month for:

- top tv package, excluding premium sport and movie channels
- top broadband speed - 152MB
- 2 landlines, with all landline calls included
- 1TB Tivo box

I guess the TV won't be available in the UK for ages, but if it was, say, £30 a month, I just can't see it being a viable option to cut the cord with the cable company. The way the prices work when you bundle the services together, if you just drop one, you don't really save that much. HBO would be nice to have, but in the UK, Sky have exclusive rights to HBO content until, I think, 2020.

Although I know different people will have different needs, e.g. no land line of the phone.

Might still be interested though - for casual gaming would be pretty good. Too old to ever justify a Playstation or Xbox past the other half, but something like this could probably sneak in the house!

I never had much luck streaming stuff from an iPad to the TV games wise, so being able to play stuff on the TV without streaming would be great. (Maybe its better now with 802.11ac)

 

[bushido]

all i need is a freaking SKYGo app on my apple tv

 

[ErikGrim]

Search for a HD (flac rip) on Youtube and compare that with the same song on Apple Music. You'll be shocked. One small detail: You need good speakers to hear the difference.

A "HD FLAC rip" on YouTube is streaming at 128Kbps MP3. Apple Music streams 256Kbps AAC. Your "good speakers" are no match for your own delusions.

 

[ErikGrim]

A native Plex client is the thing I'm most excited about. However, since the new ATV will be based on iOS I'm worried that it'll only support the limited set of file formats that iOS supports. This would render it kind of useless for me, since the Samsung Plex app direct plays all my files. Arghhh...

The Plex client will work with your existing Plex server exactly the same way the iOS app does today. Same with XMBC for whoever was hoping this will be "jailbroken" (no).

 

[vmistery]

How does cable work in the US? Do you literally just get your tv from the cable company, or is it like in the UK where you get tv, phone and broadband from the cable company?

Whilst the cable can be pretty expensive - we pay nearly £100 a month for:

- top tv package, excluding premium sport and movie channels
- top broadband speed - 152MB
- 2 landlines, with all landline calls included
- 1TB Tivo box

I guess the TV won't be available in the UK for ages, but if it was, say, £30 a month, I just can't see it being a viable option to cut the cord with the cable company. The way the prices work when you bundle the services together, if you just drop one, you don't really save that much. HBO would be nice to have, but in the UK, Sky have exclusive rights to HBO content until, I think, 2020.

Although I know different people will have different needs, e.g. no land line of the phone.

Might still be interested though - for casual gaming would be pretty good. Too old to ever justify a Playstation or Xbox past the other half, but something like this could probably sneak in the house!

I never had much luck streaming stuff from an iPad to the TV games wise, so being able to play stuff on the TV without streaming would be great. (Maybe its better now with 802.11ac)

Ouch £100/month? Plus TV license or including? Sounds like you should get on to Virgin and haggle.
I've gone from having the full sky package including sports and broadband for £80/month to just having Fibre with SSE for £24.50/ month and Netflix with free view and 99% of the time that is all I need. Just miss SyFy and Atlantic and the ocasional cricket match.

 

[mattopotamus]

Not true at all. The Chromecast pulls the content from the Internet. It isn't using anything from the device at all...unless you're casting a Chrome tab.

Ex. You fire up the Netflix app, find the movie you want to watch, hit the cast icon then the Chromecast grabs that content from the Internet. You can close the app on the device, turn it off even if you want, but the content still plays.

But you still need your phone to control it. From my experience if you close the app you are using it is a nightmare to pause, rewind, etc. it's very different from streaming boxes on the market and there is a reason it's so cheap.

 

[StoneJack]

LOL, you’re missing the point. The interface is just software, an extension of the current iTunes interface. It’s this version has been deliberately kept from the Mac for business reasons.

The interface is a key.
Touch interface=iOS
Mouse interface=OS X
AppleTV OS(?)=remote, Siri, gestures.

 

[BruiserBear]

This product is going nowhere at those high prices. I expected $100, and no more.

Also, a touch remote with motion controls? Did they get the memo that people stopped caring about the Wii years ago? If they want the gaming portion of this device to take off they have to ship it with a real controller, or at the very least sell one separately.

Oh, and that $40 TV package. I don't know a single cable cutter that's interested in a $40 TV package. $20-30 is the sweet spot.

 

[mattopotamus]

This product is going nowhere at those high prices. I expected $100, and no more.

Also, a touch remote with motion controls? Did they get the memo that people stopped caring about the Wii years ago? If they want the gaming portion of this device to take off they have to ship it with a real controller, or at the very least sell one separately.

Oh, and that $40 TV package. I don't know a single cable cutter that's interested in a $40 TV package. $20-30 is the sweet spot.

Simply not true. It is Apple after all. It will sell like hotcakes no matter the price. The cable service is another thing. Unless that $40 includes premium channels (HBO, Showtimes), it will have zero benefit over bundling with your cable company.

 

[Davidkoh]

Under $200 is cheap, I was preparing for 3-400. App Store changes how I can use my TV.

 

[ErikGrim]

Also, a touch remote with motion controls? Did they get the memo that people stopped caring about the Wii years ago? If they want the gaming portion of this device to take off they have to ship it with a real controller, or at the very least sell one separately.

People stopped caring about the Wii because it got stagnant without more first party games and very few third party ones. The concept of motion control gaming had little to do with it. You can put on a game of Wii Sports at a party today and people would still get into it. There is still a market for party games if the convenience is there (i.e. minimal fiddling with setting it up).

Apple already has the biggest gaming ecosystem in the history of time, with unparalleled developer support and an incredible database of existing customers and their credit cards that are one click away from purchasing a game. Sony, Nintendo, Sega or Microsoft can only dream of this situation. And that it has led to a glut in the market (more games than consumer mindshare) is a problem of luxury.

If there is indeed a console/TV gaming market beyond the increasingly niche hardcore market has yet to be proven. But if anyone could capture it, Apple is in the most prime position to do so.

 

[BMcCoy]

Apple TV.
Does the name need changing?
..If this product is going to move more in the direction of a home hub, integrating gaming, homekit, media streaming, an App Store, etc, as well as TV services, then is it wise to retain the "apple TV" name?

Okay, "Apple Home Hub" is hardly catchy... and "iTunes" has somehow retained its ancient name, despite being packed with much more than stuff related to 'Tunes'.. so perhaps they will be sticking with 'Apple TV' regardless.....

 

[Popeye206]

Under $200 is cheap, I was preparing for 3-400. App Store changes how I can use my TV.

For me $200 is not an issue. Above that, it will depend on what's in it. I'm very excited to see what the new AppleTV will really have in it.

 

[malexandria]

True, I have a super nintendo that some people love. I also have a rotary phone, vintage record player, and powerbook that some find super useful.

Personally, it's time for an update as many of us have started jumping to other devices due to lack of innovation. So while useless might not be the perfect term, in captures many people's sentiments that this hobby product is due for a refresh.

A refresh would be nice, but more importantly it needs a software refresh. But considering how crummy all of their software changes has been in the last 2 years, I'd rather they not do anything. I have over 300 movies through iTunes - which is the only reason I really use it and my 2,000 digital media library is streamed through it - I HATE Plex! I don't want them to do anything that's going to radically change or screw up my media library. It works "perfectly" fine the way it is and any change they make is just going to somehow gimp it - they most likely will do dumb things like remove the Ethernet port.

 

[Agent-J]

I think Apple is very good in releasing universal multifunction devices.
Think iPhones: browser, mail client, PDA and phone.
iPod: mp3 player, browser, mail client, PDA
iPad: everything as well.
AppleWatch: medical sensors, email client, watch.

AppleTV was a kind of unifunction device, mostly for streaming TV signals, not being very good at other things.

However, they finally cracked it:

A new AppleTV is:

A home game station ala PS3 (rumored to have similar abilities). With Metal API, it can exceed PS3 in visual graphics (new).
A home entertainment center with AppleMusic (new).
A home energy management center with HomeKit (new).
A home family activities management center (I am thinking of apps for home such as Family Notes, Family Scheduler, Family Calendar),
A TV streamer (as before).
operated through voice and gesture commands (new, Siri and sensor-equipped remote nunchaks).
A home health center (through synergies with Apple Watch) can present number of sports games, and measure physical activities for family members).
A home health information center: some remotes (not sure about new AppleTv remote) can sensor movement in rooms and keep doctors updated about patients movements; with applewatch, doctors through the AppleTV can also receive information package about main health parameters
A home security center: obviously connected with door smart lock, having a possible connection to remote surveillance cameras, sensors on doors and windows, rooms, can inform about possible intrusion and mail or call homeowner about the intercepted movements.
A home security center: with a possible storage backup think Apple Capsule, can record door and windows information and store for 72 hours.
Finally, a home fun place. With big screen, remotes and sensors, Apple developers can create all kinds of engaging and fun games.

If this all costs 149-199 dollars, you can forget about PS or Xbox. Every kid will want AppleTV for Christmas so they can have an online fight of Angry Birds 3 with remote movements! Or races. Or football game. Or fighting with swords online.
Possibilities are endless.

All possibly true. But if so, then the billion dollar question is, can they get it right, or will it be jack of all trades and master of none? Doing a lot of things semi-arsed isn't much good. My gut tells me this happened with the watch. I'm interested in seeing what Apple actually shows.

 

[Misaki]

How does cable work in the US? Do you literally just get your tv from the cable company, or is it like in the UK where you get tv, phone and broadband from the cable company?

Whilst the cable can be pretty expensive - we pay nearly £100 a month for:

- top tv package, excluding premium sport and movie channels
- top broadband speed - 152MB
- 2 landlines, with all landline calls included
- 1TB Tivo box

In the US and Canada, you can get your Telephone, TV, and "landline", sometimes even your mobile phone, all from the same company. However what you get for your money is pretty worthless:
- Wireless companies charge 80$/mo. Minimum. If you're paying less, you're getting like 90% less. For this reason people buy Prepaid devices if they don't actively use their phone and don't use data/text messaging. Everyone else gets stiffed with a 40-80$ plan that only differs by being able to call long distance or other people on the same phone carrier.
- Wireline companies charge a minimum of 100$/mo if you want Internet and TV. If you drop either of these, you save a whole 10$. If you add the landline they charge you an additional 40$
- Cable companies charge a minimum of... 100$/mo if you want Internet and TV, and again, if you drop either, you only save about 10$.

And because... Canada... Duopoly. The US is a bit more competitive provided there is more than one carrier, which there often isn't. Just ask Google Fiber. In postal codes where someone offers Fiber... magically the prices are about 1/4 the amount being charged normally.

So if you are a single person, you get screwed for all these services. If you're married or have roommates, you can often divide the cost between everyone and all the "add on" lines for the mobile phone, or cable jacks are an additional 5-10$.

Like if you want to make a killing in investing, invest in companies who have a monopoly on cable service in their markets, but down own any media, because the sky is the limit to what they can charge, and everyone who subscribes has to take the price increases regardless.

 

[Shearwater]

New Apple TV sounds a bit "so what"
I love Apple products but the UK Amazon Fire TV with Refector gives me everything I need...made my Apple TV 3 redundant a while back

 

[mattopotamus]

In the US and Canada, you can get your Telephone, TV, and "landline", sometimes even your mobile phone, all from the same company. However what you get for your money is pretty worthless:
- Wireless companies charge 80$/mo. Minimum. If you're paying less, you're getting like 90% less. For this reason people buy Prepaid devices if they don't actively use their phone and don't use data/text messaging. Everyone else gets stiffed with a 40-80$ plan that only differs by being able to call long distance or other people on the same phone carrier.
- Wireline companies charge a minimum of 100$/mo if you want Internet and TV. If you drop either of these, you save a whole 10$. If you add the landline they charge you an additional 40$
- Cable companies charge a minimum of... 100$/mo if you want Internet and TV, and again, if you drop either, you only save about 10$.

And because... Canada... Duopoly. The US is a bit more competitive provided there is more than one carrier, which there often isn't. Just ask Google Fiber. In postal codes where someone offers Fiber... magically the prices are about 1/4 the amount being charged normally.

So if you are a single person, you get screwed for all these services. If you're married or have roommates, you can often divide the cost between everyone and all the "add on" lines for the mobile phone, or cable jacks are an additional 5-10$.

Like if you want to make a killing in investing, invest in companies who have a monopoly on cable service in their markets, but down own any media, because the sky is the limit to what they can charge, and everyone who subscribes has to take the price increases regardless.

Well I think your pricing model is a little skewed. I pay $55 for my cell phone (4gb and rollover data) and $51 for internet only (24 mbps connect with verse). The internet is my out the door price (taxes, fees, and equipment). I think the phone charges me $1 in taxes.

 

[Keirasplace]

No you're wrong. I simply compare two streams on my stereo. It already shows on my €500,- Canton speakers. I don't care how music output is processed. I just judge on what I hear.

But hey, if you like to create your own reality about my situation to make your point, be my guest.

Wow, talking about delusion! OKay Dokay then... Science and engineering and everything about the aac standard is wrong and you're ears are right... Got that...

I don't need to create my own reality; my reality is the one we all live in, even you.
I'm pretty comfortable in that reality. You know, the one that's real!

 

[kentsydney]

I love my apple tv(s) have four of them
Now.. I use it all the time and looking forward to the update. If the steaming TV looks good well ditch foxtel. I admit , Haven't tried anything else as this works for me but by the sounds of it there's better products out there.

 

[Arcus]

The old Apple TV 3 should go for 20 dollars or less. It's pretty useless these days.

!

I use mine every day.

 

[AlphaTeam]

They are foolish if they think they can put the "mac tax" on this item and have it do well. Double the price of the highest end Roku. Sure the apple fanboys will get them, but what can it do that most every other set top box can do? Mirror my ipad....yippee.

 

[mattopotamus]

They are foolish if they think they can put the "mac tax" on this item and have it do well. Double the price of the highest end Roku. Sure the apple fanboys will get them, but what can it do that most every other set top box can do? Mirror my ipad....yippee.

Have you been reading the rumors? If it is a home hub that does way more than streaming boxes....

 

[doelcm82]

They are foolish if they think they can put the "mac tax" on this item and have it do well. Double the price of the highest end Roku. Sure the apple fanboys will get them, but what can it do that most every other set top box can do? Mirror my ipad....yippee.

At that price, they'll be lucky if they sell 3.5 million in the first quarter.

 

[Plutonius]

That price tho..

I agree. The price for the new one sounds very reasonable for what you get .