I'll give that a shot! I wasn't aware that the touchpad was designed in that fashion, so thanks very much for the tip
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I'll give that a shot! I wasn't aware that the touchpad was designed in that fashion, so thanks very much for the tip
Well at first I thought the keypad entry was a little funky because it was in a straight line, but now I have to say I actually like it better. You can just swipe quickly across the touchpad to get to where you want and it's a lot faster. (Although I do miss being able to use the remote app on my Apple watch.)
I also love my new Apple TV. IMO it's massively improved versus the prior generation.
That said, there are some lacking features that I fully understand will upset some people for whom those features were a big deal. In my case it's not a big deal, but I respect the opinions of those who are disappointed.
But then we also see the people who are predisposed to bash it excessively, often over something very minor that will be patched in short order. So in the end there is an overly negative tone going on in these threads about the ATV4. That results in people who would legitimately enjoy the box passing it over because of the impression they get here.
Pretty much the same situation as the Apple Watch. It's amazing how emphatically negative many folks got. I've been enjoying mine greatly since June.
That said, there are some lacking features that I fully understand will upset some people for whom those features were a big deal. In my case it's not a big deal, but I respect the opinions of those who are disappointed.
But then we also see the people who are predisposed to bash it excessively, often over something very minor that will be patched in short order. So in the end there is an overly negative tone going on in these threads about the ATV4. That results in people who would legitimately enjoy the box passing it over because of the impression they get here.
Pretty much the same situation as the Apple Watch. It's amazing how emphatically negative many folks got. I've been enjoying mine greatly since June.
I have to agree with this. The bashing over the on-screen text entry method is odd to me. A single line makes more sense given the way the remote works. Just have to get used to not over-shooting your target. I'm learning pretty quickly.
That said, we DO need a remote keyboard option. I figure it will come soon.
Why not just pull up Safari on your phone and AirPlay Mirror it to the ATV? I think it would be cumbersome to run a web browser directly on the ATV and try to mouse around with the remote anyway.
AirPlay performs very well on the ATV4, much much better than the prior gen.
There are other devices that you can connect to your TV that might work better for those people. Personlly, I like my Nexus Player a lot. I also really like my Apple TV.
Really like the ATV4 here, meets all of our needs. We have been without cable since the first AT2 came out way back when. We have two AT2's in the house and 1 Roku and the ATV4 blows them all away.
I'm glad this thread exists. The volume of complaint threads causes me to just avoid the aTV forum section entirely. I've had aTV's since 2nd gen, and I love my 4th gen.
Yes, the keyboard is a bit obnoxious. Yes, the fact the "remote" app doesn't work with it is frustrating. You know what? Those are all fixable issues. No product is perfect, nor will it appease everyone.
It's fine to say "I'd like to see this or that," but that's not what's happening. It's thread after thread of "TAKING IT BACK" "IS IT REALLY THAT BAD" "WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT" and whatnot. C'mon. All streaming boxes struggle with similar pain points and address them in different ways - some better than others, but let's be realistic. The differences between the previous generation and the current iteration are significant, and well worth the upgrade. If it didn't meet your lofty expectations, maybe those expectations should be checked.
If there's a device that is significantly superior in every experience to every user, what's holding it back from taking over the segment? What Apple has done is released a product that has great out-of-the-box functionality as well as a very high ceiling for improvement available with the advent of the app store.
Yes, the keyboard is a bit obnoxious. Yes, the fact the "remote" app doesn't work with it is frustrating. You know what? Those are all fixable issues. No product is perfect, nor will it appease everyone.
It's fine to say "I'd like to see this or that," but that's not what's happening. It's thread after thread of "TAKING IT BACK" "IS IT REALLY THAT BAD" "WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT" and whatnot. C'mon. All streaming boxes struggle with similar pain points and address them in different ways - some better than others, but let's be realistic. The differences between the previous generation and the current iteration are significant, and well worth the upgrade. If it didn't meet your lofty expectations, maybe those expectations should be checked.
If there's a device that is significantly superior in every experience to every user, what's holding it back from taking over the segment? What Apple has done is released a product that has great out-of-the-box functionality as well as a very high ceiling for improvement available with the advent of the app store.
I think a lot of the concern is that specs seem intentionally hampered to sell a revision next year. That's a tough pill to swallow.
I think this will become the preeminent box due to the App Store.
Now, if only it could serve up media from external drives as well as my supposedly terrible smart tv.
I think this will become the preeminent box due to the App Store.
Now, if only it could serve up media from external drives as well as my supposedly terrible smart tv.
That's what this forum is for - to try to find solutions to problems.
My problem was I couldn't even set it up for something that is suppose to "just work".
Having an older setup is not my problem since my Wii U, PS4, and Xbox One didn't have any setup problems at all...
My problem was I couldn't even set it up for something that is suppose to "just work".
Having an older setup is not my problem since my Wii U, PS4, and Xbox One didn't have any setup problems at all...
IMHO most of the complaints are from people who also complained about the previous generations. They forgot the reason for the remote app and Bluetooth keyboards was text input was horrible on those models.
This ATV was designed for you to use ONE remote. I find it so satisfying NOT to have to pick up my phone or a keyboard to navigate/enter text. I don't want them to take a step backwards with keyboards.... This is not a Mac.
What I am waiting for is Siri to be upgraded so it can handle things like searching for things on the App Store. And using voice recognition for security/parental control.
This ATV was designed for you to use ONE remote. I find it so satisfying NOT to have to pick up my phone or a keyboard to navigate/enter text. I don't want them to take a step backwards with keyboards.... This is not a Mac.
What I am waiting for is Siri to be upgraded so it can handle things like searching for things on the App Store. And using voice recognition for security/parental control.
A few perhaps. But really the ATV is most useful when you are already in the ecosystem. If you have an Android phone, seems to make sense to go with a Chromecast or a Fire TV or something.
How is it a step backwards if keyboard support is added, or more accurately, reinstated? Those that want to use a keyboard (me) can. Those that don't (you) don't have to. Everyone is happy.
Do you use an external keyboard with any cable box? Do you use a keyboard with any OTA antenna? Do you use an external keyboard with your smart tv?
No because the remote that comes with your tv is SUPPOSE to be all you need. Outside of games, there should not be a NEED to have an assistant input device. Any device for watching stuff on your tv, needing more than one, is poorly thought out.
What we all should be demanding of Apple is to update Siri to take the place of needing a keyboard.
One input device: the remote.
So you're complaining about the complainers?
And just exactly how do you think the "password thing", you seemingly acknowledge as a failing, will be fixed without anyone complaining about it?
I respectfully disagree about having just one input device. One input device - the remote as you state is only good for controlling one device usually. For a simple setup, that may be fine. But not for a full HT system.
The Siri remote is nowhere near being a one remote solution. For example, where is the volume mute button? Oh, for that I need to reach for my other remote.
Most of my remotes that came with my devices (TV, receiver etc.) are sitting in a drawer. I'm using the Harmony system which includes a home theatre keyboard with trackpad. A wireless keyboard in the home theatre setup is extremely handy and I used mine all the time with my ATV3. Again, if some like to use just the Siri remote, great, no problem. But there should be the OPTION to use a proper keyboard. This is just my humble opinion and I have submitted such to Apple via their feedback link.
I agree with you about improving Siri.
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While that's true for the day-to-day interface of the vast majority of apps, sometimes one-time configuration of things requires text entry - usernames and passwords are the biggest example people have run into so far. I'm working on an update to my tvOS app which needs data entry of stuff including web server URLs with lots of punctuation in some cases. Once it's set up, to use it it's just one click, but it does have to be set up. Try doing that with the Siri remote. While it is possible, it takes like 5 minutes to enter one URL. I'm a patient guy but even just to preserve my own sanity during testing, I had to implement a workflow that uses some other device with a keyboard interacting with a web site to do the data entry and then transmit it back to the app. All that extra work and more moving parts (== more potential failure points) could be avoided if they just allowed keyboards and/or the Remote app.
Anyway as with all the ATV threads we are getting way off topic. I agree with the OP that its limitations can mostly be worked around. For now, it's usable and pretty cool, and will no doubt improve greatly with future apps and software updates.
Are crappy cable boxes and TVs the standard Apple wants to be compared with?
Roku, Fire TV and Google TV, and of course ATV3 all have remote apps with keyboard entry for good reasons. Compared to them, the ATV4 has done nothing to alleviate the occasional need to input text. As long as Apple asks us to input passwords when buying apps, enabling homesharing, activating iTunes Match/Apple Music, setting parental controls etc. (while of course at the same time urging us to use long and complex iCloud passwords), they don't have a leg to stand on and should provide a convenient way to enter them. So I guess by your definition, the ATV is still "poorly thought out".
I believe the current iteration of the Apple TV is a Gen 1 product. I do love it way more than the ATV3 as it has loads of potential. Siri should be integrated way more for one.
As for the current annoyance of inputting passwords for apps like those from TV providers. the need to look at what Showtime Anytime does: they let you manage devices with the app on your mobile device. No need to open a web page... Choose your provider...then enter your credentials. Annoying!!!!
Some have asked Apple to have a single sign in for your provider. But with how many cable providers out there it will be daunting. And I doubt they are willing to play ball with Apple.
... believe that all you want. The ATV4 is a 4th Generation product; not Gen 1. It may be a massive structural upgrade from its predecessor but it is not in any way a completely new product launch. That's why you see so many complaints about things like Bluetooth Keyboards no longer being supported or other ATV3 features / functionality that is otherwise absent.
If this was truly a 1st Gen product I'd agree wholeheartedly. It would be something new that Apple hadn't actually done before so there would obviously be a learning curve as they adapt to user usage. But that's not the case. The Apple TV was first released in 2006. Apple has nearly a decade of feedback across the various models. They know how people are interacting with the device and they know with each version what people found lacking the most. For the 4th generation of this product to release with so many things misbehaving or just missing suggests (to me anyway) that Apple rushed the software to market.
If it was a 1st gen product, it would have a new name. Apple themselves refer to it as the Apple TV 4th generation.
Mostly I agree, but there are aspects that are first gen. The app store and the available apps are new. So are the developer guidelines and limitations, and the APIs that they can use. The remote is new, as is the method of navigation. And there are a few functions that existed in prior generations that they haven't yet replicated in the new OS.
I feel 90% of people coming from the ATV3 to the ATV4 will see it as a big upgrade. The remaining 10% are looking for specific functionality like bluetooth keyboards, the remote app, etc. that are currently missing. I think the ratio of unsatisfied people in these forums will be higher because we are made up of more advanced users. My percentages don't account for those who are buying an ATV for the first time for the gaming or apps. That will be more of a mixed bag because it's early days. Control schemes aren't consistent, we aren't used to swiping a touch remote to move around, and there aren't many great games yet. For me and many others, the games are just icing on the cake so they don't drive my opinion.
This I agree with wholeheartedly. I also think that many of the complaints may simply be discomfort during a transition. The Siri Remote, for example, operates very differently from the ATV3 remote. It's understandable that people might be discouraged or annoyed during that transition. For example; I was not aware the touch pad would accept tap feedback to function as a directional pad. Before someone on these forums educated me on that feature I was swiping for EVERYTHING and found it to be quite imprecise and frustrating.
I would assume with most complaints we're going to have to consider whether they are in reference to a legitimate shortcoming of the hardware or software; and whether they are just issues related to consumers not yet adjusting to the differences in how you interact with and control your ATV4.