Apple TV - where's the update?

[slugg]

To the best of my knowledge, Apple's last update to the Apple TV was May of 2012. At least this is what the MacRumors buyers guide says. There were tons of rumors saying that the device would be refreshed today. We'll that fell through.

I'd really like to replace my Roku with an Apple TV, but I don't want to buy one right before it gets a refresh.

Anyone else in the same boat?

 

[boomhower]

First, just buy a refurb and enjoy it. If a new one comes out next week you could yours and be out $30 tops.

I've wondered why they have stuck with the current model myself. My first thought is there isn't a lot to add right now. It's mainly content they need and are adding. I think they are holding off one the app store until they decide how much of a gaming route they want to go down. Also 4K as well. I think it's more of business direction they are deciding on more than hardware. It's already got bluetooth so all they really need to do is add 4K support, A6/A7 and AC. Nothing that would be difficult at all.

 

[scannall]

First, just buy a refurb and enjoy it. If a new one comes out next week you could yours and be out $30 tops.

I've wondered why they have stuck with the current model myself. My first thought is there isn't a lot to add right now. It's mainly content they need and are adding. I think they are holding off one the app store until they decide how much of a gaming route they want to go down. Also 4K as well. I think it's more of business direction they are deciding on more than hardware. It's already got bluetooth so all they really need to do is add 4K support, A6/A7 and AC. Nothing that would be difficult at all.

As a complete guess, I'm thinking it may be a supply chain problem. With the A7 in almost everything now, there may not be enough capacity yet. Look for a semi-silent refresh after the holiday season.

 

[Doppel]

I am a stupid man, but what exactly can they add to it, within reason? 4k is a gimmick at the moment (yes it is, yes it is). Other things that could be added like a browser that works with a standalone keyboard would cut into other parts of their market. I use my appletv constantly fwiw.

 

[scannall]

I am a stupid man, but what exactly can they add to it, within reason? 4k is a gimmick at the moment (yes it is, yes it is). Other things that could be added like a browser that works with a standalone keyboard would cut into other parts of their market. I use my appletv constantly fwiw.

App store with games and TV versions of all the iPad apps for starters.

 

[TheStu]

App store with games and TV versions of all the iPad apps for starters.

TV versions of iPad apps? How does that work?

Multi-touch screens work because you can see and touch at the same time, it's a direct visual-tactile link. This would be broken if you were to then use your iPad as a giant touchpad for your TV. At that point, just use your iPad.

Using it as a game console makes some sense, but first they would need to put out a first party controller (maybe), add some storage to the aTV, add a beefier chip to it, and then get developers to make games for it (again, remember it's 16:9 and needs a controller).

I'm just as bullish about the idea of the aTV becoming a home console sort of thingy, but there's a lot to it that I have thought of, and probably at least that much that I haven't.[/QUOTE]

 

[scannall]

TV versions of iPad apps? How does that work?

Multi-touch screens work because you can see and touch at the same time, it's a direct visual-tactile link. This would be broken if you were to then use your iPad as a giant touchpad for your TV. At that point, just use your iPad.

Using it as a game console makes some sense, but first they would need to put out a first party controller (maybe), add some storage to the aTV, add a beefier chip to it, and then get developers to make games for it (again, remember it's 16:9 and needs a controller).

I'm just as bullish about the idea of the aTV becoming a home console sort of thingy, but there's a lot to it that I have thought of, and probably at least that much that I haven't.

[/QUOTE]


The A7 would be fine. It already has Bluetooth, so adding a controller would be easy enough, especially in light of recent patents. To keep the price point down, keep the current 8 gigs of storage. Use either the 'cloud' or your local network storage to keep your titles on.