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Remote for Next-Generation Apple TV to Include 'Touch Pad' for Scrolling

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Apr 12, 2001
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appletvremote.jpg
Apple's next-generation Apple TV will include a new touch-based remote with a revamped design, reports The New York Times, citing sources with knowledge of Apple's plans. Described as being "slightly thicker" than the current version, the new Apple TV remote will gain a "touch pad" that will be used for scrolling, along with two physical buttons.

The touch pad will likely replace the circular click-wheel style control that's on the existing remote, giving users an easier way to scroll through content on the Apple TV. Currently, navigating through content on a channel like Netflix with the Apple TV remote requires users to click multiple times on the click wheel.

A touch-based control area on the remote would likely function similarly to the Apple Remote apps on the iPhone and the Apple Watch, allowing for swipe-based controls for scrolling through content available on the Apple TV. Using the Apple Watch or the iPhone to browse channels and make selections on the existing Apple TV is both quicker and easier than using the current physical remote.

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Apple's Remote app for the Apple Watch​
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Size wise, The New York Times' source says the new remote will be similar in design to the remote control for the Amazon Echo speaker system, which is approximately 0.6 inches thick. The current Apple TV remote is 0.2 inches thick and has not seen a redesign since the second-generation Apple TV initially debuted in 2010.

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Amazon Echo remote​
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Rumors have suggested that Apple's redesigned Apple TV could make an appearance in June, at the annual Worldwide Developers Conference. Along with today's rumor pointing towards a new design for the remote, previous rumors have indicated the device will include an A8 processor, Siri integration, a dedicated App Store, and expanded internal storage.

Apple is also rumored to be working on an accompanying Internet-based television service, which may see it providing between 20 and 30 channels at a price of $30 to $40 per month.

Article Link: Remote for Next-Generation Apple TV to Include 'Touch Pad' for Scrolling
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2015/05/04/next-apple-tv-remote-touch-pad/
I'm still using the little white remote control that came with my original (2006) MacBook. The remote is perfect for controlling my docked iPhone 4, which serves as a de facto Apple TV.
 
Why not just convert the circle to a click wheel? It'd be perfect.

I love the click wheel. You can scroll indefinitely, and as fast as you want; something you can't do on "touch pads."
 
I have enough devices to stream from, so hopefully the next Apple TV offers something compelling enough for me to get one.
 
AnsonX10 said:
Why not just convert the circle to a click wheel? It'd be perfect.

I love the click wheel. You can scroll indefinitely, and as fast as you want; something you can't do on "touch pads."
Click to expand...

Apple's the best when it comes to programming the right scroll feel. Expect scrolling to have iOS-style momentum, allowing long lists to be useful.

The wheel was nice, but it only had one gesture. A trackpad could have multiple directions/gestures. (Maybe even Force Touch haptics, though I doubt it: you don't want to have to think about batteries in your remote very often. I'm assuming it will have Bluetooth eating battery, and haptics might be an unnecessary additional drain.)
 
AnsonX10 said:
Why not just convert the circle to a click wheel? It'd be perfect.

I love the click wheel. You can scroll indefinitely, and as fast as you want; something you can't do on "touch pads."
Click to expand...

I think the problem you have with that is you can only have horizontal or vertical movement, not both.
 
I realize I am probably in the minority, but I would prefer a thicker remote...part of the reason why I have not really ever used the apple remote. There is something about the weight of the remote in your palm that makes it feel comfortable, I feel like I have to pinch the apple remote to hold it.
 
The current remote is horrible. Easy to lose, not enough functionality unless you figure out all the stupid shortcuts. Roku got this one right over Apple.
 
MacRumors said:
Size wise, The New York Times' source says the new remote will be similar in design to the remote control for the Amazon Echo speaker system, which is approximately 0.6 inches thick. The current Apple TV remote is 0.2 inches thick and has not seen a redesign since the Apple TV initially debuted in 2007.
Click to expand...

oh really now?
 

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Please, no touch on the remote. One of the great things about the current remote is how I don't have to look at it at all to use it. It is so intuitive by feel alone. Unlike the remote apps, which require constantly looking down at the app to ensure your finger is in the right place.

Not everything is better with touch. Some things are much worse with touch.
 
Maybe this time, I won't lose the remote. Every one I know always lost their remotes. It's so thin, it slips through every crack easily and you'll never find it again.

Thank god for the Remote app on the iOS devices.
 
gorkt said:
The current remote is horrible. Easy to lose, not enough functionality unless you figure out all the stupid shortcuts. Roku got this one right over Apple.
Click to expand...

Bleh. I hate the Roku remote. The buttons are so squishy, I'm never sure whether it actually pressed or not.
 
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