Apple has forged partnerships with content makers. Apple TV will aggregate content from iTunes, Netflix, Hulu, HBO and Showtime in the US. Local Australian partnerships have yet to be announced.
A tailored operating system based on iOS powers the Apple TV. It is called tvOS.
Inspiration for the remote control has been taken from Apple’s smartphone interface. The remote has a glass trackpad fluent in gestures and a microphone so that the interface can be browsed using Apple’s Siri.
Siri can be used to contextually qualify search selections. Here’s an example:
“Search for James Bond movies”
“Only the ones with Daniel Craig.”
The personal assistant can be used to perform split-screen searches or to streamline navigation. Asking Siri “What did he/she just say” will rewind a movie by fifteen seconds and temporarily switch on captions.
Support from developers, along with the versatile remote control, makes it possible to use the Apple TV for gaming, in a move that will put pressure on the dedicated consoles from Sony and Microsoft.
The Apple TV has grown 10mm in size, is powered by a 64-bit A8 chip and is versed in connectivity technologies. It supports dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11ac and works with the remote control over Bluetooth 4.0.
The remote benefits from motion sensors, such as an accelerometer and gyroscope, features a lightning port and will last for 3 months between charges, claims Apple.
Two models will be made available in addition to the current offering. The 32GB variant will retail for $US149 and a 64GB model will cost $US199. Local pricing and availability has yet to be revealed.
More to follow.
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