The fourth generation of the Apple TV has been unveiled at Apple’s Special Event, with the set-top box including a large number of updates compared to previous generations. The new Apple TV is the most powerful version of the device created by Apple, and includes not only more powerful hardware, but also massive upgrades to its software, including the ability to navigate using voice, and to load apps directly on the television screen.
The main appearance of the device has not changed much, having a similar appearance to earlier models, if slightly thicker. Running on a 64-bit A8 chip, it includes Bluetooth 4.0, 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MIMO, an IR receiver, and on the back, HDMI, power, and Ethernet.
The new Apple TV comes with a new remote control, which includes a glass touchpad near the top that allows users to swipe and navigate the new interface easier. The remote includes five buttons, including a menu, play and pause, display, and a volume rocker, along with a Siri button to trigger the virtual assistant for voice-based search. An accelerometer and gyroscope allows it to be used as a motion controller in games, and its battery can last for up to three months on a single charge.
Siri is capable of searching across multiple apps, allowing for users to watch a show wherever it is available in the apps that are installed. The touchpad can be used to scroll through the show, though Siri can also be triggered to skip forwards, rewind, and turn on captions while a program is being shown. Siri can also search based on specific items, such as the episode of Modern Family featuring Edward Norton. Requests for weather reports or sports results can show the results on the display, with users able to get more detail by swiping up. Apple Music can also be triggered from Siri.
The Apple TV is running on a custom operating system called tvOS, with developers gaining access to APIs and software development kit specifically for the device. While it is being used for video apps, it is also able to power games, including Disney Infinity and Guitar Hero, as well as other apps previously available on iOS. The tvOS developer beta will be available later today.
