Apple unveiled their new Apple TV set top box on Wednesday. The new streamer features an all new interface, an A8 processor, 32GB and 64GB storage options, Universal Search, a new Siri remote with touch features, a new tvOS operating system, and gaming capabilities.
“There has been so much innovation in entertainment and programming through iOS apps, we want to bring that same excitement to the television,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services. “Apps make the TV experience even more compelling for viewers and we think apps represent the future of TV.”
Perhaps the biggest feature of the new box is how the new Siri integration allows users to navigate and select content and apps. The new Siri Remote uses a glass touch surface that responds to small movements, as well as sweeping large ones. Developers can take advantage of the built-in accelerometer and gyroscope, along with the touch surface to create gaming and app experiences never before seen on the Apple TV.
Using Siri voice search, users can use spoken commands to search television shows and movies by title,genre, cast, crew, and more. The new Universal Search function will search iTunes, as well as Netflix, Hulu, HBO and Showtime, displaying all the ways the resulting TV shows and movies can be played. Siri also offers playback control and on-screen navigation, as well as quick access to sports, stock and weather information.
Apple debuted the new “tvOS” operating system for the new Apple TV, which will provide an SDK, tools, and an API for developers to create apps for the new box. The new box boasts an A8 processor, and it supports key iOS technologies, including Metal, for detailed graphics, complex visual effects and Game Center, to play and share games with friends.
The new Apple TV will be available at the end of October starting at $149 (US) for a 32GB model and $199 (US) for a 64GB model from Apple.com, Apple’s retail stores and select Apple Authorized Resellers. A new Xcode® beta is available for developers today that includes the tvOS SDK at developer.apple.com/xcode/downloads. Developers can request an Apple TV developer kit at developer.apple.com/tvos/.
