Apple, the tech giant known for its innovative products, has once again surprised us with its latest offering: the new Apple TV Box. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or simply someone who loves to stay updated with the latest gadgets, this article is for you. We’ll break down everything you need to know about the new Apple TV Box, from its pricing to its impressive features, all in a simple and engaging way.
Pricing: What’s It Going to Cost You?
Apple has released multiple versions of the Apple TV Box, catering to different user needs and budgets. The pricing varies depending on the storage capacity and the generation of the device.
For the second-generation Apple TV 4K, prices ranged from around 149forthe32GBversionto199 for the 64GB version when it was first released. However, with the introduction of the third-generation Apple TV 4K, Apple adjusted the starting capacity to 64GB, priced at 129(approximately858 when converted to some currencies). There’s also a 128GB option available, priced at $149.
These prices reflect Apple’s commitment to providing high-quality products with varying storage options to suit different consumer needs. Keep in mind that prices may vary slightly depending on region and time of purchase.
Design and Build: A Look Inside the Box
The new Apple TV Box retains a similar design to its predecessors, with a sleek and compact form factor. It’s a small, cube-shaped device with dimensions of approximately 10×10 centimeters and a height of 3.5 centimeters. The top features a matte black finish with the Apple TV logo etched on it.
Opening the box, you’ll find the Apple TV Box itself, along with essential accessories: a remote control, a power cord, a Lightning cable for charging the remote, and a user manual. The remote control has undergone some changes, making it thicker and more ergonomic than previous versions. It weighs 63 grams and has dimensions of 13.6 centimeters in length, 3.5 centimeters in width, and 0.9 centimeters in thickness.
Performance: Power Under the Hood
Under the hood, the new Apple TV Box packs a powerful punch. It’s powered by the A15 Bionic chip, a significant upgrade from the previous A12 Bionic chip. This powerful processor ensures smooth and seamless multitasking, app switching, and overall performance.
One of the most notable improvements is the support for 4K resolution at up to 60 frames per second (fps). This means you can enjoy high-definition content with incredible clarity and fluidity. Coupled with support for Dolby Vision, your viewing experience is elevated to a new level of realism and immersion.
In addition to its video capabilities, the new Apple TV Box also supports high-frame-rate AirPlay wireless streaming. This allows you to stream content from your iPhone 12 Pro series or other compatible devices directly to your TV in 4K 60fps. However, it’s worth noting that your TV must also support these specifications to fully enjoy this feature.
Connectivity: Keeping You Connected
Connectivity options on the new Apple TV Box are robust and versatile. It comes with HDMI and Gigabit Ethernet ports for wired connections, as well as support for Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless connectivity. It’s worth mentioning that the third-generation model introduces a USB-C port for charging the remote control, replacing the previous Lightning port.
However, it’s a bit disappointing to note that the 64GB version only supports Wi-Fi, while the 128GB version includes an Ethernet port and support for Thread, a low-power mesh networking technology for smart home devices.
The Remote: More Than Just a Controller
The new Siri remote control is a standout feature of the new Apple TV Box. It combines precision and ease of use in a single device. The remote features a circular touch pad that supports gesture control, making it easier to navigate through menus and content.
The remote also includes dedicated buttons for power, mute, and Siri, making it more intuitive and convenient to use. The Siri button allows you to quickly access Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, to search for content, control playback, and even get weather updates without needing to lift a finger.
The remote is powered by a rechargeable battery that can last for several months on a single charge. It connects to the Apple TV Box via Bluetooth, so you don’t need to point it directly at the device to use it.
Operating System: TVOS, Built for TV
The new Apple TV Box runs on TVOS, a dedicated operating system based on iOS. TVOS provides a user-friendly interface that’s been optimized for the TV screen. The interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy to find and access your favorite content.
TVOS also includes a range of features that enhance your viewing experience. It supports voice search and universal search across apps, making it easier to find content no matter where it’s stored. The App Store for TVOS offers a wide selection of apps and games, allowing you to customize your Apple TV Box to suit your interests.
Apple has also introduced new features like color balance adjustment, which uses the Face ID camera on iPhone X and later models to calibrate the color of your TV screen to match the color profile of your iPhone. This ensures a consistent and accurate color representation across all your devices.
Content and Services: Your Entertainment Hub
The new Apple TV Box is more than just a hardware upgrade; it’s also a hub for entertainment. With Apple TV+, Apple’s own streaming service, you can enjoy a wide range of exclusive original content, including TV shows, movies, and documentaries.
In addition to Apple TV+, the new Apple TV Box also supports a variety of other streaming services, such as Netflix, Hulu, and HBO. This means you can access a vast library of content from different providers all in one place.
The Apple TV Box also supports AirPlay 2, allowing you to wirelessly stream content from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to your TV. Whether you want to share photos, watch a movie, or listen to music, AirPlay 2 makes it easy to do so.
Gaming: A New Dimension of Entertainment
The new Apple TV Box is also a great gaming device. With support for games and game controllers, you can enjoy a console-like gaming experience right on your TV. The Siri remote control can even be used as a game controller, thanks to its built-in accelerometer and gyroscope sensors.
If you prefer using a dedicated game controller, the new Apple TV Box supports third-party game controllers, such as the SteelSeries Nimbus. This means you can enjoy a more traditional gaming experience with your favorite games and apps.
Siri: Your Personal Assistant on TV
Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, is integrated into the new Apple TV Box, making it easier to find and control content using just your voice. You can ask Siri to find movies, TV shows, or music, and it will search across different apps and services to find what you’re looking for.
Siri also supports conversational search, allowing you to refine your search results by providing additional context. For example, you can ask Siri to show you Bond movies or movies starring Sean Connery. This makes it easier to find the exact content you want without having to sift through endless search results.
Conclusion
The new Apple TV Box is a powerful and versatile device that offers a wide range of features and services. Whether you’re a movie buff, a gaming enthusiast, or someone who loves to stay connected with the latest content, the new Apple TV Box has something to offer.
With its sleek design, powerful hardware, intuitive software, and vast array of content and services, the new Apple TV Box is a must-have for anyone looking to upgrade their home entertainment experience. At a price that’s competitive with other high-end streaming devices, the new Apple TV Box is a great investment for anyone looking to get the most out of their TV.
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