While the first batch of 3rd-generation iPad reviews took the internet by storm last night, the new Apple TV was a bit neglected. While it wasn’t reviewed by as many publications as the new iPad, the Apple TV is still a very important part of Apple’s ecosystem.
Several journalists have already gotten their hands on the new Apple TV. Here’s what they had to say:
I love my Apple TV. I love my new Apple TV even more. […] At $99 the Apple TV is a no-brainer for any home entertainment system.
At $99, the third-generation Apple TV continues to be as excellent a value as the previous model—and now it supports higher-quality video too. That’s a good thing. For those with the previous generation, however, the decision to upgrade comes down to whether the difference in quality between two high-definition formats is important (and noticeable) enough to you.
The true key to the Apple TV is AirPlay. And the latest version supports 1080p streaming as well. And soon, with the release of OS X Mountain Lion, you’ll be able to AirPlay your entire desktop to your television. Meanwhile, the potential for gaming here is just starting to be tapped.
There’s no reason why every person with an iOS device (and soon a Mac) shouldn’t get an Apple TV. And that’s a problem for the makers of Blu-ray players. Again, just slightly better quality will no longer be enough. Apple’s latest Apple TV is going to continue the trend they began with the MacBook Air — the killing off of optical discs.
…Nearly everything it did before, it now does better — it streams 1080p content, is easier than ever to navigate, and remains one of the simplest devices to set up and use that we’ve seen.