On the new Apple TV


We use Apple TV quite a bit for HBO, Showtime, iTunes, ESPN, and Netflix, etc, so I've been anxious to see the next installment of the Apple TV. I wasn't really excited about rumors of Siri integration, but the demos looked pretty cool. One example of "what did they say" where Siri backs up playback 15 seconds to replay, plus it displays captions. You can also jump ahead, for example, when we binge watch we know where to fast-forward past the opening credits.

The new Siri Remote dramatically simplifies how you select, scroll and navigate through your favorite content while bringing unique interactivity to the new Apple TV by using a glass touch surface that handles both small, accurate movements as well as big, sweeping ones. Adding touch to Apple TV creates a natural, connected experience, even if the TV screen is on the other side of the room. Developers can take advantage of the built-in accelerometer and gyroscope, and the touch surface on the Siri Remote to create games and other app experiences that have never been seen on TV before.

What's even more interesting is the new Apple TV can work with third-party Bluetooth remotes, which could be interesting for gaming.

The app stores was a long time coming, but Apple has been building out a lot of apps from content providers, so it's not like nothing has been happening. But now the doors are open for not only games but all kinds of living room possibilities.

I think it's interesting that the Apple TV ships with the A8 CPU. This is the same as in the iPhone 6/6+, so it's hardly slow, but given the Apple TV's gaming possibilities, I'd guess something a little beefier would be in there. Maybe the A8X that added a third core for the iPad Air or even the new A9X in the iPad Pro. I'd guess the Apple TV wouldn't have the same power consumption concerns of mobile devices and it would give it extra horsepower to grow.