From being a hobby product, Apple's own modern version of the old TV set has continuously grown over the years and now integrates handy features to enhance viewing experience. Users can expect the new Apple TV to offer a web-based TV streaming service for easy searching, an updated design and user interface, and gaming support.
Business Insider states that the universal search feature in the new Apple TV will bring great improvements in the TV viewing experience. It will allow users to perform more targeted searches all at once across different channels or sources with just a single click. One may search for a movie by title, actor, or director and pick which service to watch the movie. A user may also perform searches by voice command through Siri support, one of the most anticipated features that will come with the new Apple TV. Supposedly, the upcoming Apple TV will have 25 channels ($30 to 40$ monthly subscription) which includes popular networks such as Netflix, ABS, Hulu, Disney, ESPN, and more.
Aside from the universal search feature, the new set-top box will come in an updated and slimmer design than its predecessor. Pocket-lint reports that instead of the third-generation's previous A5 chipset, the new Apple TV will utilize an A8 processor (64-bit system chipset) to improve performance.
According to TechCrunch, the new Apple TV remote control comes with a Siri microphone, a Touchpad at the top, and buttons at the bottom. Rumors say that the remote is equipped with motion sensors for gaming purposes. There will also be an App Store or Game Store according to rumors, making it possible for users and content providers to download and create their own apps and channels.
In 2010, Apple's CEO Tim Cook said that the company has "no interest being in the TV market". However, a Steve Jobs biography written by Walter Issacson says otherwise. He quotes Jobs' desire to create a simple and user-friendly TV interface: "I'd like to create an integrated television set that is completely easy to use," [Jobs] told me. "It would be seamlessly synced with all of your devices and with iCloud."..."It will have the simplest user interface you could imagine. I finally cracked it."
So what's next for the Apple TV? It is believed to be launched this fall on the September 9 iPhone-centric event in San Francisco. Apple maintains its hopes that the new Apple TV, along with its web-based TV service and other features, will revolutionize the future TV viewing experience.
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