Apple TV is one of the iPhone maker's unexpected hits. With a new version now available, will it become even bigger than before?
The Cupertino-based tech giant already sold over 25 million units of the set-top box. Competing products include the Roku 4, the Amazon Fire TV and the Google Chromecast.
Running the new tvOS software, the Apple TV also has a new remote controller that is integrated with Siri. With the power of Apple's digital assistant, changing movies and selecting TV shows would be a breeze.
The set-top box can be plugged into an HDMI television. Viewers will be able to choose different shows and apps that can also be downloaded through a fast connection. Streaming a high-resolution video also needs a stable Internet wire.
Unfortunately, the Apple TV does not support 4K UHD resolution, according to the Wall Street Journal. For some, it's a downside and a deal breaker. Even if 4K televisions are still expensive at this point, it would be nice to have a set-top box that supports it if the time comes.
One of its biggest highlights is the remote control. Instead of the button-infested remote controls out there, the Apple TV relies on the user's touch. It has a glass touchpad that can be swiped and tapped on to control the set-top box.
With apps as the biggest highlights from Apple, their product should receive plenty of available software from developers. One of the largest is the BBC iPlayer app, which is slated to come to the Apple TV in the following months, according to BBC.
BBC Director-Genera Tony Hall said: "Available on over 10,000 devices, BBC iPlayer is one of the biggest and best on-demand video services in the world, and has transformed how UK audiences watch programmes online."
The Apple TV 32GB model is available for $150, while the 64GB model will cost $200. Interested buyers can purchase it from Apple retail stores or at Best Buy, according to Gizmodo.
Will the new Apple TV be enough to come out on top among its competitors? It has a lot of new features, but the lack of 4K UHD support could be a deal breaker.
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