Apple TV has been a key player in the streaming device industry since its inception in 2007. With the rise of other streaming platforms and Smart TVs, Apple has constantly innovated and made significant updates to stay competitive. In this article, we will highlight the latest additions to Apple TV as of June 2023.
Apple TV 4K 2nd Generation
The Apple TV 4K 2nd Generation, launched in 2023, offers noticeable improvements over its predecessor. The most significant is the inclusion of Apple’s A14 Bionic Chip, which provides enhanced processing power. This chip allows for better graphics, smoother gameplay for Apple Arcade, and faster overall performance.
In addition to performance enhancements, the new Apple TV 4K supports higher frame rates for HDR (High Dynamic Range) content, which translates to clearer, more immersive visuals. This makes the Apple TV 4K 2nd Generation a perfect companion for the latest 4K and HDR-compatible televisions.
Upgraded Siri Remote
One of the biggest gripes from Apple TV users has been addressed with the newly redesigned Siri Remote. The remote now has a sleek aluminum design, featuring a touch-enabled clickpad, providing precise control navigating the tvOS interface. This clickpad also supports circular gestures, mimicking the design of the iPod’s classic click wheel, which is useful for fast-forwarding or rewinding content.
Additionally, the Siri button has moved to the side of the remote, similar to the iPhone. For the first time, the Siri Remote now includes a power button that can control the power of the TV, marking a departure from needing a separate remote for TV power and input control.
Apple TV+: New Original Content
Apple TV+ continues to invest heavily in original content to stand out in the crowded streaming landscape. They’ve managed to attract big-name creators and stars to their platform, and 2023 has seen a number of high-profile releases:
- “Parallel”, a sci-fi series exploring multiverse theory and quantum physics with mind-bending plot twists.
- “Backstage”, a drama featuring the workings of a Broadway theater and the passionate people who bring productions to life.
- “Lost in the Wild”, an animated adventure series for kids, teaching environmental conservation in an engaging way.
Spatial Audio and Lossless Audio Support
In line with Apple’s push for higher-quality audio across its devices, the Apple TV now supports Spatial Audio with Dynamic Head Tracking on AirPods Pro and AirPods Max. This feature creates an immersive sound experience by adjusting the audio based on the movement of your head. Also, the Apple TV now supports lossless audio, which provides music in its highest quality, just as the artists intended.
tvOS 15
The release of tvOS 15 brings a host of new features. The new “Shared with You” feature integrates directly with the Apple TV app to show movies, shows, and music shared through messages by friends and family. For those who own HomePod mini speakers, the new “Home Theater” setup allows creating a stereo pair for an immersive sound experience. tvOS 15 also brings better HomeKit integration, enabling users to view multiple streams of their home security cameras or control smart home devices directly from their TVs.
In conclusion, Apple TV continues to push the envelope in both the hardware and software fronts. The improvements in the Apple TV 4K 2nd Generation and the new Siri Remote, combined with the original content in Apple TV+ and new features of tvOS 15, provide a compelling package for consumers seeking a premium streaming device. Apple remains committed to evolving the Apple TV ecosystem, so consumers can expect even more exciting features and content in the future.
