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Apple TV graduates from hobby/accessory to product line ahead of major changes

Screen Shot 2014-01-28 at 12.34.00 PM

Apple appears to be putting its ducks in a row ahead of major Apple TV changes. Alongside last night’s changes to the Apple Online Store to promote Valentine’s Day specials, Apple added an entire Apple TV section.

The Apple TV is now promoted as a full product line alongside Macs, iPads, iPods, and iPhones. Previously, the Apple TV did not have its own section, and it was simply tucked away as an accessory in the dwindling iPod department.

Screen Shot 2014-01-28 at 12.40.44 PM

Not only does the Apple TV now have its own section, but it now has promoted and dedicated accessory, AppleCare, refurbished, and community question/answer sections.

Of course, the timing of the Apple TV’s “graduation” is interesting. Last week, we reported that Apple is working on a new version of the Apple TV set-top-box that will integrate new content (such as apps).

If Apple were to launch such a product in the near-future, it would make sense for it to have a dedicated, unhidden spot on Apple’s online store. And, based on what we’re hearing, the new Apple TV will certainly deserve to be called more than a “hobby.”

And we have some more information on why…

Since our previous report, we’ve learned a few additional details about new versions of the Apple TV in development. It is currently not clear or confirmed if the following specifications will be placed in the shipping product, but we understand from solid sources that they have been considered and/or tested in prototype versions of the device.

We’re told that Apple has considered combining the Apple TV and AirPort Express products. Versions of the new Apple TV in testing are said to include an integrated 802.11ac wireless router.

Although our sources were unspecific on the reasoning behind this, it’s likely that video quality and stability would be improved versus older versions of the device, which have needed to connect to a separate wireless router, often in another room.

Putting everything in one box could make the overall experience simpler, while allowing the router to deliver peak video performance for the Apple TV and de-prioritizing other wireless traffic as necessary.

Many people already get their internet connection and cable TV (And phone) from the same wire, so putting everything in one box could make the overall home peripheral experience easier and simpler – an Apple trademark.

We’re also told that the new Apple TV will likely feature a focus on gaming, and this lines up with a recent iLounge report. We’re led to believe that the game integration will utilize existing iPads, iPhones, and iPod touches as controllers. It’s likely that there, too, will be some integration with Apple’s physical controller MFi program.

Lastly, Apple has been testing versions of the Apple TV with a built-in TV tuner component so it has the ability to control your existing cable boxes/TV stations much like the since canceled Google TV. It’s likely that a user will be able to connect their existing set-up to this Apple TV and get an Apple-designed user-interface atop their content.

Tim Cook, last night, reiterated his promise for major new products this year, and it seems likely that a new Apple TV is a component of the 2014 product roadmap.

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Comments

  1. Benjamin (@NSbenjamins) - 10 years ago

    integrating a router into the Apple TV might be a bit overkill.
    But I am fine with it, as long as it doesn’t raise the cost too much,

    • Jon C (@JonCBK) - 10 years ago

      I’ve got multiple Apple TVs connected to different TVs. If they include a router, they will probably sell a version with a router and one without.

    • Charles John Thompson III - 10 years ago

      I imagine that the built-in radio will also be used to support iOS devices as controllers, that way they don’t have to go to the router then to the tv

  2. Jared Stutts - 10 years ago

    I hope it stays at the $99 price tag with all these new changes!

  3. Théo Hudry - 10 years ago

    Do you think this is possible that this new Apple Tv would feature a thunderbolt connection?

    • hmurchison - 10 years ago

      No. Thunderbolt utilizes PCI-Express and uses Intel chipsets only.

    • Tallest Skil - 10 years ago

      No. And why would it need one?

      • Théo Hudry - 10 years ago

        I’ve got a Thunderbolt Display that I can’t use due to my new PC, I’d love to use it with my apple TV ^^

      • Tallest Skil - 10 years ago

        Hmm… Mini DisplayPort female to HDMI male adapter, then?

  4. Wh23 (@iWh23) - 10 years ago

    what if the future apple tv will be a very big wireless monitor with sensors (motion or siri) and the hardware all contained in the small black box we are used to? for example I could have an apple tv box in the hall that serves many users/monitors in different rooms…
    so they could solve the slow upgrade rate of tvs focusing on the “router”

  5. Mike Knopp (@mknopp) - 10 years ago

    Keeping the price down is more important to the success of the AppleTV than integrating a router. If they can do both and keep the $99 price, great! If not, I hope that they don’t integrate the router.

    Now, a TV Tuner would be pretty interesting.

    Most importantly, they really, really need to do a UI overhaul.

  6. hmurchison - 10 years ago

    Not sure it really needs to integrate 11ac routing when it already has ethernet but if they can do it without a huge price increase it would make for a nice extended network.

    • Nigel Pearson - 10 years ago

      It should include WiFi because not every house or business has a WiFi network.

      AppleTV isn’t just a “connected home” appliance. It is used as an impromptu music and video streaming device. Lots of people drag one out to plug into a HiFI receiver or HDTV, and then need to use their smartphone as a basestation.

      If WiFi was builtin, it is one less hassle in this scenario

    • Joseph Pianta - 10 years ago

      no need for the built-in. I run cable or use a Ethernet-over-powerline set up. wifi is to slow.

  7. Man, would love an integrated router — as long as it doesn’t raise cost.

  8. Michael Perry - 10 years ago

    It’s still no deal for me until they fix the channel issue… stop piece meal approach to adding channels. 1 by 1 by 1 channel additions is more than a little annoying. Allow developers to do what they do best and that’s make your device shine… This is why the Roku is kiling ATV right now. You get all the channels that you want as long as people make the channels… There is no super secret let’s make a deal process to be a Roku channel like there is for Apple TV. This allows channels like the one I use most often which connects to my home theater server and allows me to play any move I want from my home theater server. So not only do I get cooking channels my wife likes but I can stream my own movies when I want… Just another example of how too much control actually hurts and even ruins the user experience and lowers your sale potential.

  9. TrueCopy (@TruthCopy) - 10 years ago

    I really hope they don’t go this way as the only option (perhaps it’ll be two versions, like the Airport Extreme vs. Time Capsule – but then would you need a version with the TC, too?). My internet wire doesn’t come into the house anywhere near my main TV. It seems like it defeats the purpose of this tech if I have to run a wire to use it. (Yes, I know wired is faster and more stable – but it’s not feasible for me right now.)

  10. ron837192 - 10 years ago

    I have a guess as to why they are including a dedicated router. When pairing an iPad or iPhone with the Apple TV, it would allow the TV to communicate directly with the i-Device.

    Currently, if you mirror your iPad to the Apple TV, the content from your iPad goes to the router and then back to the TV. This involves two hops, there is a good chance the hops would be to a different room, and the Apple TV and i-Device would be sending / receiving on the same channel and potentially interfering with each other.

    With a built-in router, the iDevice and Apple TV could directly connect to each other which should result in a much smoother link.

    • Chris Murphy - 10 years ago

      Bingo!

    • driverbenji - 10 years ago

      This makes sense, but I think it goes even further than this. I think they have a TV device in the works that will interact with multiple iOS devices directly, for interactive TV, social networking, multi-player gaming, etc. It’s possible this will also include a device that allows you to watch 3D TV without glasses. ..I get all this from reading apple patent rumors from the last few years or so, along with some comments made by Tim Cook & Steve J. Also, they acquired PrimeSense.

    • hmurchison - 10 years ago

      Absolutely makes sense. 802.11ac has beamforming which would excel at communicating efficiently with mobile devices and more. It’s making more and more sense why adding a router would be ideal. I’d even pay a slight premium.

      • mdelvecchio99 - 10 years ago

        of youd pay a premium — they arent going to include a .AC router for free…

    • iceberg (@aniceberg) - 10 years ago

      There is no reason why they couldn’t implement ad-hoc wifi infrastructure for that, much like AirDrop feature works right now on iOS using Bluetooth to setup the iDevice pairings and adhoc wifi to complete the transfer. Similarly, your ATV2/3 can find your iDevice via Bluetooth, and then use adhoc, ahem “AirDrop” technology to do mirroring or streaming.

      So no, there is no actual need to implement a full-blown router.

  11. driverbenji - 10 years ago

    It’s possible Apple is just putting it out there because of higher than expected sales over the holidays (I’m guessing, can’t find numbers, but, some major retailers were out of them toward end of holiday season, but, back in stock now). Maybe they will also have their own 4K monitor and put it here on the site? …However, yeah, new TV on the way, but, I think the current one will still remain, kind of like the iPod is still available.

    But, this is still just a bunch of rumors, nothing solid.

    Apple TV as it is now will not be software updated to include app store, there’s not enough hardware to support this idea. However, Apple is most certainly working on something new, perhaps we will see it sometime this year, but the current Apple TV set-top box will still be available as it is. I will be getting one soon, mostly for the Air-play and ability to access my iTunes, while being able to netflix and such too.

    Think of the current Apple TV as you would the iPod to an iPhone…the iPhone does so much more, but includes a fully functional iPod within it. Apple’s new TV will similarly be so much more than the current set-top box.

    Stop trying to think of Apple TV + gaming/app store ability…Apple has something in the works that will change the entire Cable TV/Set-top box/Smart TV/game console market. And it won’t cost $99. But, I’m guessing it won’t be available until later in the year…Q3 or 4.

    • driverbenji - 10 years ago

      FYI, Apple TV may have it’s own tab within the Apple Store tab, but still does not have it’s own tab like the other products.

  12. Timothy Williamson - 10 years ago

    HDMI/Cable Box passthrough: Yes, please!

    Would love to replace the laaaaggggyyy AT&T Uverse UI with a smooth scrolling guide and UI. Also, would make it even easier when AirPlaying audio/video (no extra step to switch TV input first).

    • danbridgland - 10 years ago

      It won’t necessarily be an Apple UI, more likely an AppleTV icon behind which your AT&T Uverse services remains chained to the wall. One AppleTV to rule them all.

  13. sonnymattera - 10 years ago

    I’m still waiting on a full fledged television with Apple hardware. If they’re integrating a wireless router, a tv tuner, and MFi connectivity, they might as well build it into a nice sleek television.

    • Tallest Skil - 10 years ago

      Why, when that makes zero business sense whatsoever?

      • Mr. Grey (@mister_grey) - 10 years ago

        Sez the forum bully.

        What makes you think you are right and sonnymattera is wrong? What makes you believe that you are so much better than he/she that you don’t even have to back up your statement with any facts or even an argument?

        Every forum on the Internet you are banned from is better for the banning. I hope it happens here soon as well.

      • Tallest Skil - 10 years ago

        Hey, gw. No argument, no rebuttal, just insults.

        How’s this for an insult? Get bent.

        But no, I’m sure it makes sense for Apple to spend tens of billions of dollars on R&D, manufacturing, and hardware to enter a market that has ZERO margins (Apple, which is known for making 25-40% on every unit they sell, definitely would do that), is the THIRD most saturated electronics market on the face of the planet, waste store shelf space on a giant product that, by definition, can only ever fit a niche because they can neither produce nor stock nor store all of the sizes that people would desire, and at a multi-thousand dollar price out of reach for most people, making even LESS MONEY ON THIS than anything else because the lifespan of a television has moved from five to nine years in just the last decade.

        OR, hey, OR, maybe they can make a nice little box that works with EVERY SINGLE TELEVISION MADE IN THE LAST DECADE, from EVERY manufacturer, and make 40% hardware margins with the best ecosystem on the planet by getting people hooked using a $100 device.

        But no, keep talking about how a television set is the right solution for Apple. Just SHUT UP, idiot.

      • sonnymattera - 10 years ago

        Oh, it makes absolute perfect sense. Just look at the Mac Mini and iMac. If you were wanting to get a barebones deal of a set top box, you could get the Apple TV. If you were wanting to get a full fledged TV, they could also offer that and it would be amazing. The Mac Mini is what? $599? The iMac starts at $1299. You could buy a monitor, keyboard, and mouse for a better bargain… So why aren’t people doing that??? They want a simple straight forward solution. A standalone TV that houses a wireless router, tv tuner, and MFi compatibility would absolutely decimate the smart TV market. I’m sure Google will follow suit once it launches.

      • Tallest Skil - 10 years ago

        There’s an inherent difference with the computers that you’re just not seeing.

        >>A standalone TV that houses a wireless router, tv tuner, and MFi compatibility would absolutely decimate the smart TV market.

        Apple won’t make a product with a TV tuner. Apple doesn’t want television to continue to exist as it does now. They want it destroyed and reinvented.

        They also won’t make a product they can’t get 25-40% profit on. Therefore they won’t make a TV. It’d have to be $4,000 for a 50”.

      • sonnymattera - 10 years ago

        I don’t know if they can make a tv without a tv tuner. They offer certain channels on Apple TV such as HBO Go that require a cable or satellite subscription. If they can offer these channels at a competitive rate, they could destroy cable and satellite. I honestly would consider a hypothetical 50″ if they could price it closer to $2500.

      • Tallest Skil - 10 years ago

        >>I don’t know if they can make a tv without a tv tuner.

        Of course they can. They have no reason to support existing channels.

      • sonnymattera - 10 years ago

        They support existing channels. Ever heard of HBO Go? It’s called HBO Go. :)

      • Tallest Skil - 10 years ago

        Which requires payment to a third party to use. That’s not a solution. Not by a long shot.

        Also, that’s not supporting an existing channel. You don’t need to have anything in your house except a hard line in for Internet access to view HBO Go on an Apple TV.

      • sonnymattera - 10 years ago

        It is supporting an existing channel if your money goes from you to Comcast to HBO (or what have you), rather than from you to Apple to HBO.

      • Tallest Skil - 10 years ago

        Right, and that’ll change on the non-hobby Apple TV.

      • sonnymattera - 10 years ago

        I’ll make my own HBO. With blackjack and hookers.

      • Tallest Skil - 10 years ago

        Well… it’ll be the same. Just with whatever content you want to see at any time you want to see it, and intelligent, interactive video iAds based on what you want to see and which will make you WANT to see advertisements.

    • Joseph Pianta - 10 years ago

      I want my choice in monitors and want to pay less for one. Not more. keep it an appliance add-on.

  14. danbridgland - 10 years ago

    A TV tuner is a non starter, tuners are old tech, much more likely that Apple will add pass through HDMI for over-the-top federation of existing services/Set top boxes. That way Apple own the living room and not simply rental of the occasional movie or iTunes Radio stream.

    As a regular AppleTV user I find it frustrating having to switch over my TV away from my Satellite service to the AppleTV simply to feed a two minute YouTube clip. In all honestly it doesn’t happen – the little AppleTV box goes hungry.

    • danbridgland - 10 years ago

      One more thing.

      What of the ubiquitously hated remote control? OK, so the Apple remote is a truly rare thing, a sleek, svelte and easy to use remote, but equally easy to loose.

      My guess, iOS 7 has a swipe left to right action for unlocking your device. But what happens when you slide right to left from the lock screen – Ample real estate for a remote app. No lIne of sight IR (the oldest of old tech), no need to flick between apps. It’s right there on the home screen.

      • I taped a thin piece of folded cardboard to the Apple TV remote, basically tripling the remote’s length. It hasn’t gotten lost since. PLUS it’s now sleek AND ugly.

      • Tallest Skil - 10 years ago

        >>What of the ubiquitously hated remote control?

        The Apple Remote is spectacular.

      • mdelvecchio99 - 10 years ago

        i likewise have not had much trouble w/ the apple remote — it has all the functionality needed, nothing more. great. tho i do feel it’s a little too flat/sleek — harder to operate than the previous version, which had a bigger ring.

        but i switched over the Harmony One due to too many remotes.

      • danbridgland - 10 years ago

        I was referring to remotes generally. Hence my comment “OK, so the Apple remote is a truly rare thing, a sleek, svelte and easy to use remote, but equally easy to loose.”

      • TommyRenob (@TommyRenob) - 10 years ago

        No one uses that stupid remote..or if you do you shouldn’t. The thing to do is use your phone or ipad w/the Apple Remote app as it turns it into the remote control.

  15. Sean O'Farrell - 10 years ago

    EXCELLENT!

  16. Slight problem with Apple TV being the router: a lot of people already get a stock router from their Internet Provider.

    Now, unless Apple sticks in a xDSL modem in there and goes to the providers and convinces them to go for the ATV instead of some 20USD box made in China, they’re gonna face the problem of convincing users to swap out their existing routers for that thingy, or chaining it in. Tough call, I’d say.

    I’m a computer person and I don’t feel exactly comfortable going through all the mess, configuring my provider settings, DMZs etc (especially swapping out my Cisco C887 for *that* thing).

    So, my feeling… unless they go the whole mile and release a fully-fledged modem-router-ATV thing, I don’t see them merging the two things.

    • danbridgland - 10 years ago

      Apple Airport devices are rock solid. You may well find it suits for all your domestic needs. Apple aren’t interested in getting into bed with providers. There’s nothing in it for them. Better for them to be the shoulder to cry on/but from when users complain of crappy patchy service from their providers 20USD POS.

    • TommyRenob (@TommyRenob) - 10 years ago

      I dunno…most of us are charged a fee for router rental. I see a merger of the two as very good…if the ISPs would support it.

      • danbridgland - 10 years ago

        It’s not in the interests of Apple. Therefore they won’t.

        Take a minute to consider how many ISP’s there are world wide, how complex would the management of all of those agreements become for Apple… Now you see why this would never happen. The ISP’s are of course freely open to supply the routers on their own steam, own costs, support. But I can’t see that happening – Can you?

  17. I would like to have access from the apple tv to itunes extras

  18. w1ngnut (@w1ngnutz) - 10 years ago

    Nice additions. AppleTV in the end would be a wireless, cable box, gaming machine, airport express and, TV! Very attractive… If they can kepp the price, I’m in!

  19. Michael Napier (@NapMan) - 10 years ago

    I wish they would finally add the ability to watch iTunes Extras on the Apple TV (without having to AirPlay from my Mac).

  20. Inaba-kun (@Inaba_kun) - 10 years ago

    For us in the UK the ATV has always been next to useless. I’d love to see one with a full App Store, as it would mean UK users would at last get UK streaming services.

    Gaming is a trickier one. Using a touch screen to control games while you’re looking at the touch screen is a mostly bad experience. If we were to use one while looking up at an HDTV, it would be truly horrible. Physical buttons are critically important for console gaming. As are great graphics, and no iOS device has anywhere near PS3 levels of power, let alone PS4.

    • rettun1 - 10 years ago

      Anki Drive uses the iPhone/iPad as a controller while the player watches cars race around a track. No real need to look down at the controller, especially once you use it for a while

  21. Colin Pritchard - 10 years ago

    A company has designed a tech for receiving HD channels without internet. In UK this will give full access to FREEVIEW with the EPG. It will allow live broadcast and recording of programs, it includes, video on demand, catch up tv virtual channels and more. In USA they are already with one Broadcaster and others seem keen to join in. This allows you to watch World Cup (for instance)anywhere even when not within internet connection. In addition no data charges. This will also work with a set top box so you can watch a film anywhere and on anything within your home. Described as multi screen multi channel technology that allows a viewer to watch live or recorded programs on any device including mobile phones, tablets, ipads, ipods etc. Many devices will connect using wifi, Its believed Apple will build it internally. A small company which has its broadcasting tech and expertise in use globally but not well known. The company rumoured to be involved is Motive TV but the secrecy behind all Apple products make it difficult to confirm. However this tech would take Apple into a new and exciting phase and could be a catalyst in turning more users to Apple. I would certainly change any products that are not Apple in my household to be part of this.

    • danbridgland - 10 years ago

      Nope! Can you see Apple putting their name to a device which has sketchy signal, breaking up or blanking out at random intervals all because the owner happens resides in a signal black spot and can do nothing about it. No, Tuners are old tech, even a reinvented tuner.

  22. ikir - 10 years ago

    Congratulations Apple TV :)

  23. Mr. Grey (@mister_grey) - 10 years ago

    Sounds like baby steps and dull ones at that. I’ve been saying for ages that Apple TV should be integrated into the router, but messing with cable TV in any way shape or form is a mistake IMO.

    It shows they are out of ideas if they are trying that as pretty much everyone has tried that already and there just isn’t a way to make the experience better.

  24. gymnastboatman - 10 years ago

    It would HIGHLY explain why Apple didn’t update the express router with an AC version last year. If they intended to replace it with an Apple TV version, there would be no need.

    But it gets better. If your iPhone is connected to the Apple TV via WiFi (and AC WiFi, if you get an iPhone 6), many things improve. First off, remote. There would be no lag whatsoever, an you could then take advantage of things like proximity. Say you walk away and your signal decreases: it pauses. But even more, it could take direct advantage of one thing we all want in our Apple TV, Siri. With a direct connection, if you said, “Siri, play Games of Thrones on Netflix” it sends the data to Apple, and then back to the Apple TV. The Apple TV then processes the request before it replies to the iPhone, with a command that opens the Remote app if it is installed. Then, games. If an iPhone (or a Mac, for that matter) mirrors to an Apple TV, it could do it via just the WiFi. It would never have to cross the internet, and run into lag, especially with beam forming AC. It would be, ALMOST, foolproof. Now combine that with the MFi game controllers and the current iPhone gaming app store, you just made yourself a full flagged gaming console. with no lag to the ATV, there would be no reason not to utilize the already humongous app store that already exists, but give users access to every game they already own right out of the box. Also, this would keep costs down. If you make the device doing all the work the iDevice, a device most users replace one of about once a year, then you make hardware upgrades near-yearly thing. If you put any new hardware into the Apple TV, developers have to optimize for it. So then when you make a device that gets updated yearly to be faster and faster, then your gaming console is brilliant. No more waiting six years for better graphics. Also, iBeacon. Apple would more than likely include an iBeacon. Why? To tell how many people are in the room, of course! If it sees John Appleseed’s iPhone, John Appleseed’s iPad, and Jill Appleseed’s iPhone, 2 people, so then it adjusts the volume to accommodate two people. With major game changers like this, a $200 price tag would be well more than worth it. But I think Apple could even do $150, considering the Airport Extreme is $200.

    • danbridgland - 10 years ago

      AC routers require much larger/multiple aerials. Tough to squeeze into a hockey puck sized device, Just look at all the AC devices on the market.

  25. shm1ck83 - 10 years ago

    I have also noticed that the Apple TV has been removed from the ‘Refurbished’ section of the store. Apple TV was under the iPods but has been removed.

  26. puggsly - 10 years ago

    I can see the AppleTV replacing the Airport Express as the Airport Express is already a great AirPlay device and adding Video makes sense. But the bigger issue is allowing it to act as it’s own router. This could help AppleTV get into every boardroom, Classroom, Training room, and showroom floor. Air play is a killer feature, and not having to allow someone onto your network to for them to access your AppleTV is a huge benefit.

  27. Thomas Emmerich - 10 years ago

    A built in router would make it easy to setup an AppleTV and projector or display almost anywhere without the need for an existing wireless infrastructure. To do it now you need to bring along an airport express. I’ve wanted to do this many times but unfortunately my Airport Express died awhile back so no way to stream from an iOS device to the AppleTV.

  28. danielbartley - 10 years ago

    By including a router your atv, it becomes more self-sufficient and Apple can combine the remote and airport settings ios apps in a new Apple TV app. You can take the atv on holiday and even if there is no wifi, easily create one on the fly and still airplay from your ios device. Pretty straightforward

    Wish the remote app’s approach to music was applied to tv shows, movies bad the other apps. I can browse thru artists on the iphone without looking at the tv and play the desired content. Why can’t i do that for other content types?

    I hope they incorporate a 3.5mm audio port (like on airport express) for direct connection to airplay speakers (if they have a built in amp).

    I still think the primesense tech will be incorporated into the new iphone for improved face detection and autofocus and 3d scanner apps. Incorporating it in a tv and to improve FaceTime would be a lower priority.

    • I often bring my Apple TV with me to be able to show pictures of videos to my friends/relatives via AirPlay and every time I need to create the personal hotspot with my iPhone and share the wi-fi connection with the Apple TV and the iPad. That’s inconvenient, I wish it had a built-in wi-fi hotspot just for this purpose, maybe something I can activate via the menu on the TV, so at home I can connect to my wi-fi and that’s the default, while outside I can create my wi-fi just when I need it with the remote and a few clicks

  29. maktechblog - 10 years ago

    Apple really need to upgrade its Apple TV hardware…current one looks so stale

  30. maktechblog - 10 years ago

    Apple really need to upgrade its Apple TV hardware…current one looks so stale

  31. zBrain (@joeregular) - 10 years ago

    i only want the apple tv to be stand alone again.

    add ssd chips or sd drive so i can store files on the apple tv without powering up my mac.

    apple talk about the environment and i need to keep running a mac on the background for media.

  32. Hausverwaltung Essen - 10 years ago

    Why not?
    Apple TV is more than a simple player for iPad and iPhone.
    I would like more apps and perhaps games on it!

  33. Elvis Impersonator - 10 years ago

    I don’t think the new ATV will be a full fledged TV or include a tuner. Too many different standards, regulatory approvals, and content providers to deal with across the globe. Just watch the SJ Q&A from 2010 D conference. There were reports that Logitech was considering working working with Apple, which likely means that Apple was looking to integrate their Harmony IR database into the ATV. I believe the new ATV will likely include an IR receiver for learning new codes, and IR blaster/jack. Then Apple does not need to include a tuner, or fight with content providers/owners. Apple then provides their own channel guide, interleaves it’s own on-demand content into the guide, and a single UI to control all your devices. Apple then allows you to snap a picture of your IR components, which is then gets matched to the Harmony IR database. I sent SJ an email after the introduction of the ATV2 to this effect, years before his passing.

    • danbridgland - 10 years ago

      Whilst IR is still present in a large number of AV kit. It’s use is not exactly forward looking. With growing availability of Bluetooth LE (Bluetooth 4) from iPhone 4 and on, and featured upon every iOS 7 device. I can see apple moving to a Bluetooth LE remote, with complementary app (see my above thoughts) if they were ever to supersede their little IR remote it would need to be for good reason. Perhaps, and just perhaps they may include IR for those lingering legacy devices. Your suggestion of a equivalent harmony database will flood Apple’s support forums and AppleCare, not something Apple would be too keen to introduce.

  34. travis b (@thrillcat) - 10 years ago

    If they really want to make a splash, they should just use some of their mountains of cash to buy NFL Sunday Ticket away from DirecTV so fans could subscribe to NFLST without having to subsidize 300 other crappy channels they’ll never watch.

  35. David Millican - 10 years ago

    I travel frequently, and many hotels have now upgraded to HDTVs. An AppleTv is a perfect way to expand your entertainment options in a hotel room, but there is one serious problem in the way. Most hotels require the user to “sign in” to their wifi systems. This can’t be done with the current AppleTv, as it requires a web browser to do it. Adding the ability to use a hotel’s wifi would be a welcome addition to the AppleTv’s functionality. Maybe the reported router addition would allow the AppleTv to ‘piggy back’ on the hotel’s router, and that’s how they could get around the need for a web browser.

    • danbridgland - 10 years ago

      Good point! Not only for hotels, but Serviced and Virtual office/business conference suits too!

    • Joseph Pianta - 10 years ago

      so what your going to ask the night desk clerk at your hotel/motel to log your AppleTV into their system?
      Most are lucky enough to remember to give you the copy of the log-in to their in-house WiFi system.

    • I’d like to find an Apple TV connected to the TV in the hotel room and login in to iTunes via bluetooth by an app on my iPhone.
      That would be a breakthrough!

  36. Wael Adi (@waeladi) - 10 years ago

    What Apple TV needs is a way to play content directly from a network source vs needing iTunes running on a separate Mac. Basically, it needs its own version of iTunes. This is more important than integrating the platform to the router.

  37. Les R Titze (@lrtitze) - 10 years ago

    Perhaps the Apple TV was moved to its own section simply because the iPod section is going away in the future?

  38. Ben Dean (@bendean) - 10 years ago

    I find it interesting people think staying at $99 is important, when every other Apple product has a premium price vs. what else is in the market. If Apple makes the truly revolutionary product they’ve hinted at, there’s no reason they need to – or we should expect them to – keep it at $99.

    Given the site changes maybe they’ll keep a refreshed version of the current product as AppleTV Mini, at $99, and the new AppleTV will be $199 and AppleTV Pro $299.

  39. Ben Dean (@bendean) - 10 years ago

    Doing some sort of HDMI-pass-through (like Xbox One, Google TV) would also solve one of the biggest problems with AirPlay today.

    The ideal AirPlay experience is being able to project anything to the TV, *instantly*. Video, photos, apps, games, anything. The problem is with the current ATV most of the time you don’t see it instantly – you still have to switch the input on your TV or AV Receiver.

    An AppleTV with HDMI pass through would solve this – and finally provide the ideal UX for AirPlay in the living room. And just in time for all of that gaming support appear to be building in.

  40. Thomas Durfee - 10 years ago

    I welcome “Game Store” integration. Give me the 16/32/64/128Gb options. Let the developers come up with cool games to take advantage of this technology. (App Store as well)

    The most we can hope for as far as actual television from the AppleTV is an “XBoxOne” type HDMI input with a channel guide. They will never put a TV tuner in there. That would mean they have to put a cable card slot, but what about people with a dish?

    We’re all hoping for Siri integration and possibly a FaceTime camera. These are both long over-due honestly. And yes, there are PLENTY of people that would LOVE to FaceTime on the big screen. Especially if you can split-screen with another app. (not that I’m expecting SPLIT-SCREEN from an iOS device!)

    Wouldn’t it be great if they finally built in split screen? You could watch a Live TV show and see a twitter feed of it on the side? (not that I participate in either!)

    If they can deliver XBox One level integration with TV without the $500 price tag, I’m sold. And so would many people who are not the “hard-core gamer” type.

    • Joseph Pianta - 10 years ago

      Just put more memory inside and open up the full iOS to the AppleTV. Aa market will blow up on game apps and third-party gaming accessories. just like for the iPhone/iPad/iTouch. I’m sure more needs done besides opening it up but that’s a big step just having the full iOS in that hockey puck. (base model with expansion via SD Cards or thumb drives like the back of my BR player.)

  41. Tobias Phillips - 10 years ago

    This cable pass-through capability is only relevant for the US. Here in the UK, and I believe in other parts of the world, we have decent free-to-air TV channels without the need for cable or satelitte. What we would need here in the UK is for this to have Freeview HD built in, or at least just a Freeview app..

  42. Heather James - 10 years ago

    In case you didn’t know, everything streamed to AppleTV is resampled to 48 KHz (assume it’s starting with lossless CD rips stored at the native 44.1KHz in your iTunes library). Airport express uses the native iTunes sample rate … which works great with a toslink cable and external DAC for high fidelity sound. Now, it they’d take the Apple TV to the 44.1 kHz rate, THAT would make it a killer deal!

  43. Larry Mossing - 10 years ago

    The big breakthrough will come with cutting the cable completely. Apple should concentrate on content. Give me surfable channels and access to movie channels and I would gladly pay 200 bucks a month to apple instead of comcast.

    To really cut the cable they should also buy out direct tv. That would be awesome. All in one shopping, tv, phone and internet. Imagine, the iphone ten could be a sat phone as well. Cut the legs out from both comcast and the phone companies as well.

    • Joseph Pianta - 10 years ago

      I cut the cable (DISH)because of a 120+ a month for a few premium ad driven channels the ‘lower’ tiers didn’t have. I want the individual ‘channels’ /content providers to stream more of their content via the web. this will put them on a better field to what their audience wants. and is willing to pay for. I want the access to advertiser driven web streams, like HULU basic does. You want to pay more then that… you’re lost. Plus you’ll still need a high speed connection from someone…Verizon Comcast what ever.

  44. It won’t be a ‘killer media box’ until it can play open media formats in an unrestricted way.

  45. sprout853 - 10 years ago

    Most people miss a few fundamental factors driving these rumours:

    1. I was disappointed to find the current AppleTV did NOT have a wireless access point (AP) in it. To me, it was illogical not to. The reason? Let’s say you have movies in Plex or iTunes on another computer somewhere. When played, the stream goes from the computer to the AP, from the AP to iPad or similar, then by AirPlay from the iPad to the AP and then from the AP to the Apple TV. That is potentially up to 4 high bandwidth streams running simultaneously. Many otherwise efficient WiFi networks will struggle with even two such streams, especially if Apple TV and iPad are in a room on the edge of the main AP’s range. Other than putting as much as possible on ethernet/homeplug, the next best thing is to turn the Apple TV into a WAP, so that these streams are all in the same room at short range on one channel/frequency, and the bridging stream from the main AP is on another channel/frequency

    2. This talk of integrated TV tuner surprises me, as I use EyeTV Netstream for this purpose already. See http://www.elgato.com/uk/eyetv. Live TV is streamed to the iPad or iPhone, where Airplay sends it to the AppleTV. The quality is excellent. And all I need now is an Apple TV app to play it directly instead of going via the iPad. The EyeTV iOS app is able to pause and record. And the desktop applications are able to do much more. I have both digital terrestrial and sat netstreams, so I can switch between the two on the same screen. This is the way forward. The Apple TV does not need to have a tuner built in. In fact, even if networked tuners didn’t exist, there are too many types of tuner for different markets for integrated tuners to be a good idea for Apple.

    3. Opening up the App store has been easily possible for a long time. I suspect that Apple has wanted to wait until it can pre-empt many of the most profitable TV Apps by taking charge of content. Be in no doubt. When the Apple TV app store is open, the thing will explode, as content providers race to sell their content there.

  46. Dessy Anaiwan - 10 years ago

    I have found smart refrigerator launched by LG which is connected with smartphones and do activities informed by the phone. It is amazing creativity of the technology. Smart home appliances sometimes make your tasks easy and effortless.

    http://appliancesconnection.com/

  47. Pierre Calixte - 10 years ago

    I can’t see them merging those two products. To what end?

    Merging apple tv with time capsule to create a htpc or “htmac” with dvr functionality and everything would be the way to go.

    Or just add flash storage and a tuner to the current apple tv and we would have a hit.