xlostpunkfoundx Posted
Having been w/ Apple products for years, I can say that this was a great upgrade over previous Apple TV's. PROS: -Picking and choosing your own apps is awesome...I was pleasantly surprised when I first booted it up and there were zero third-party apps pre-installed. -Apple Music through my home theater without having to AirPlay. (Although it would have been nice to have this on my older ATV, it is a benefit for upgrading.) -While it is no PC or console, it is kinda' fun to do some simple mobile gaming on my TV, and some games have multiplayer support. -New remote w/ touchpad is outstanding! -Siri commands are awesome for search functionality! CONS: -Most of the above features are available through other manufacturers devices for cheaper. -Siri is limited to Apple TV related commands and does not have the full functionality of the iPhone version. -...and finally, my biggest con, there is no 4K support baked into this version. Overall, a great upgrade for those committed (or stuck?) to the Apple ecosystem and I fully recommend for those still in the 1080p level who do not yet have an Apple TV. If you have already upgraded to 4K, it might be worth waiting unless you just want a really cool new Apple TV experience.
Panda Posted
If you have owned a Apple TV before it's pretty much the same. The only different would be the touch remote and the newly added app store use to download games or other misc. apps. I really didn't like how siri only looks for movies and not other items that belongs to you. I wish it was little more personalized like your siri on the iPhone. That's one of the major disappointment for me. Besides that, it's pretty cool how you can play games and across through your main page. I really like the new Apple TV. Pro: the touch remote. Apps. Games Easy to move around the screen. New formats for all the apps. You can pick and choose what apps you want unlike the older models where it's automatically added on and manually hide from the main screen. Con: Siri doesn't work like your iPhone. It's only used for Movie recommendation. The resolution is still at 1080P not 4K resolutions like the other streaming devices. Need more Apps!
Jaxbert Posted
I had the previous generation Apple TV but I rarely used it. I've been using this new one (4th gen) almost daily. It's fast, I love the app store (and it has some great apps), good picture quality, and nice remote. The only thing it doesn't do that I wish it would is allow you to download content to watch offline (such as if you want to take it with you on a trip). Maybe that will be a future update). Anyway, this was a good purchase. I like it!
JaWa Posted
I have owned an AppleTV since they've been a thing but Apple really go it right in the third generation. I have used that model (and still do) for most f my streaming, which is content I've purchased from iTunes. However, I've begun to dabble in the realm of streaming television. I'm a cord cutter at heart and not a heavy TV watcher but am excited to try out any alternative to cable and satellite, both that have gone unchallenged for too long. I took the plunge and tried a monthly plan with Playstation Vue. That plan gave me access to some channels lineup with the previous model of AppleTV, but this fourth generation opens it all up with its apps. Just like on a phone or tablet, these apps tie in to the content providers offer. Some content is free, but with a subscription to some service (from the despicable cable and satellite contractual services to a la carte services like Vue or Sling) one can log in and watch seasons worth of content and in many cases watch live television. The caveat of doing this with the AppleTV is that one has to log in to each individual app. This is the case with Playstation Vue and other fringe services. With certain providers it takes only one sign in on the device across multiple if not all apps. And as Tim Cook has said, the future of TV may actually be apps. Though clunky at times, apps give access to all this content usually in binge worthy portions. But it's not just TV. All the features I enjoyed with my 3rd gen AppleTV I still have. I still can stream my media from iTunes. I can now use this set top box as a hub for Apple's HomeKit automated smart house app. This feature was missing from previous versions. I had to use an iPad to automate the house which meant I couldn't take it away from home wifi. Anyone in the Apple ecosystem who has invested with Philips' bulbs and iHome (and others) switches now have a central hub to control it all with the mobile (Apple) devices. Then there are the apps. Yes, there's apps for different channels to stream content, but there are actual apps just like one would download to a phone or tablet. I had considered this was gimmicky and an add on but the idea seems fleshed out. There's no huge games one would get for Playstation or Xbox but there are time killer games that will be tied in to your other versions. With a GameCenter account, data will flow between devices. Unlock a new outfit on your iPhone in Minion Run, it'll be available-as well as your progress- on the AppleTV. I thought it'd be no fun on a large screen but it plays just as well taking into consideration the Siri Remote that comes with the AppleTV. The remote is responsive, touchpad nice and very simplistic, easy to use. Like on the iPhone, Siri takes some use to get used to. But once you understand how to use it (rather, how to say it) it works quite well. It being rechargeable by Lightning cable is nice, again, especially if you're in the Apple ecosystem. No doubt you have Lightning cables lying all about (one is included with this device). The caveats worth mentioning is the premium Apple price and the remote. Yes, it's expensive. But I don't regret upgrading to it. There's many more features this offers over the previous model. The remote, while nice as a remote and is quite useful for most time killer games, is not a controller for more in-depth games (nor is it ergonomic, I've got a hand cramp now typing about it). There is a controller on the market for it (heavily pushed in Apple Stores though Apple did not build it) but that's another cost if casual gaming is that important to you. This may still be a niche product but I believe it's a viable one for cord cutter Apple devotees. If you're not then other offerings out there may be better. Me, well, I use my Playstation Vue subscription more on my AppleTV than I do on the Playstation 4.
JRock Posted
Apple TV never intrigued me before, but the voice recognition features is what reeled me in. It's very good at recognizing what I tell it to do. The only downside is that it can't use the voice recognition to navigate through Apple music on Apple TV (hopefully this can be fixed with an update). The lack of Amazon Prime and Vudu are also downsides if you heavily rely on those apps. And I wish it had 4K capability for future proofing purposes. Nonetheless, it's a fast machine, and it's fun to play games on it. It has Hulu, Netflix, and it plays my music library and Apple radio stations, so it works for me.
jparve3283 Posted
Overall this is the best product on the market for wireless streaming devices. I've trialed most of them and apple TV has by far the most features and potential. The tvOs is beautiful and the device itself is relatively small. My only negative issues I'd report are: (1) apps sometime don't update to the latest shows unless you full close them; (2) no 4k support; (3) controller is too small and is lost easily and over sensitive; (4) it often fails to shut off the TV when it goes into sleep mode. I think as more updates come out it will become an even better product.
Brad Posted
We bought the Apple TV's to replace two older Rokus. Love the interface compared to the Rokus and the speed of the device. We also love he remotes with the touch pad and the mic for Siri. And last but not least we love that you can at least AirPlay Amazon video to the tv. The only thing that keeps me from giving it 4 stars is the lack of a native Amazon video app. I know this may have more to do with Amazon than Apple, but it still needs the app.
Macandco Posted
Loved the appl tv first gen, love this new one. Cleaner fresher look, same options however now you have Siri to hold your hand. She can do all sorts of selections on command. There's full access to the App Store for games, most cost but there are freebies also, and the cool thing is that the little remote acts like a game controller, you hold it flat and use it like a game controller. I got the 64 gb but you can also get it in 32 for $50 less.
Pronto Posted
After a long awaited, 3.5 year, arrival, Apple finally delivered its new device which comes in 2 flavors 32 ($149) and 64GB ($199). From a form factor perspective, it looks similar as the older model from the top, however, from the side, you'll find that it's nearly a half inch taller. While it it offers up more functionality than it's predecessor, other devices have caught up and are less costly. That's no surprise given the consumer's willingness to pay a premium for the Apple experience. That said, this model is zippy and allows the user to find content beyond Apple's walls. The interface remains relatively unchanged making navigation familiar with the new remote which integrates touchpad functionality. The voice search seems to work as well as the search feature on Amazon Fire TV. You'll see a microphone to activate the voice feature. What's absent is that the response to your queries aren't that of Siri but instead appear as text on the screen. A cool feature is that while watching a movie and if you've either not understood or missed some diaglog, you can ask what the actor said and Apple TV will rewind 15 seconds. The true value and experience will likely be be forthcoming as new apps come on line. The bad news is the price. At the 2 previously noted price points, its considerably more expensive than others in this space.
BrianB Posted
I'm happy with the new Apple TV, it's a definite improvement over the earlier model. Faster speed and the remote is a big upgrade. SIRI is a welcome addition and fun to use when searching for something to watch. My only con is in the settings. I would like to set another color for the background, the white is a little overpowering on a 4K big screen.
ADubYou Posted
I'm so invested in the Apple ecosystem (apps, movies, tv shows, etc) that I decided to stay with the new Apple TV instead of going with another streaming device. I notice minimal performance upgrades despite the new processor. The device shines in its ability to customize it with the specific apps that you may find most important. The onboard storage is great since many of the apps don't take much space, so either the 32 or 64 gig options will suffice. Siri is really great since you can skip, dictate, and search across multiple apps. I gave it a 4/5 for two reasons: 1. The touch pad is super sensitive and accidentally touching it can cause an inadvertent command. 2. The App Store is very limited since this is a new platform. I think in the future, it will be well worth 5 stars once more apps become available as they did for the iPhone and iPad.
Dlescal Posted
To sum it up, content is king. There is some content, but not nearly enough yet. Specifically, the apps. While Apple touts a high number of apps, most are garbage, similar to what you'd find free for your iPhone/iPad. The truth is, the selection is slim and many of the apps you'd expect to see aren't there....yet. I know that in time, this will change. The bigger issue for me is the lack of a web browser and no 4k support. I knew both of these things ahead of the purchase but for $200, I would still like to have those features (4k support found in Amazon Fire TV and Roku). I'm holding out hope for updates and better apps. Still, it's a solid product, airplay and mirroring works great....the remote is very nice and accurate as a game controller. Fingers crossed...
Stelsza Posted
I wasn't hesitant to upgrade, but one of my old Apple tvs was acting funny so I tried the new one out. Love the Siri feature and the new interface. Some of the games are fun too. The remote, while an improvement in functionally has two major flaw.s It can't be locked, and the touch pad will randomly start fast forwarding or rewinding if you bump it or pick it up. And if you pick it up and aren't looking at it there's no way to distinguish the direction you're holding it. You could have it in your hand upside down and be hitting the wrong buttons or trying to use the touch pad when you're not on it.
tony Posted
This is definitely a notch above the previous model. It's faster more featured and offers games now. Netflix is better than any other device I have used.
Bbodine35 Posted
A better interface than previous versions and the addition of games that you can play is good for the kids. The remote is a major improvement as well.
Bilbo69 Posted
I really like the new Apple TV. The picture quality is excellent. Having the app store and the ability to download apps makes this much better than previous versions. My only knocks against the product is Apple decided not to have Podcast on the new Apple TV (although you can play Podcast through your network to the Apple TV) and it doesn't display 4K video. These two reasons keep me from giving it 5 stars.
UnderscoreThis Posted
We loved our Apple TV. We had the version previous to this new Apple TV. I was very excited to get this new device that promised more features. The ability to add apps is great, but really there are not a ton of exciting apps yet. There were also some channels built in to the old device that are NOT available on the new one yet. This was disappointing. I liked some of the odd channels the old device had installed. We played a few games the first night we turned the new one on, but really... this is not a gaming device and I doubt it should be a feature you feel should be an influence on your decision. When it comes to Netflix, HBO, Showtime etc... you will notice NO difference between the last version and this. The new Apple TV does not have 4K as of yet but from what I am reading it is capable so could be added in a future firmware update. I like to connect the new device to my bluetooth headphones so I can watch movies or listen to music. I do not think the older versions could do that I will keep this new one and wait for more apps to come out, but if you just want to watch Netflix and be able to screen cast from your other apple products, then the last version is all you need. Yes I would recommend this to a friend, but would explain a few caveats. It is not a failure by any means, just not the super awesome upgrade it sounded like before using.
Johnny42 Posted
No 4K but everything else about this new apple TV is awesome. Great apps and great games. Recommended.
Jharvey505 Posted
What a magnificent picture, quick load times and ease of use. I have converted from PC to MAC and this product makes it complete. The reason that I gave it a 4 instead of a solid 5 was the Amazon app is not available. As far as I can find it. Now I am having to go back to the Smart TV in order to get to Amazon. This doesn't mean that it isn't available but I can't find it.
JahvaScript Posted
I like my new 4th gen Apple TV; it has a simple interface, it's easy to install and use, and it has most apps I wanted and some I didn't even know I wanted. It also allows me to create a Homekit Hub (*of sorts), which allows me to leverage Siri to control a few smart devices I own. The above withstanding, without an Amazon Prime Video app (*both Apple & Amazon's fault, contrary to popular internet opinion), I end up using my Smart TV's interface rather than switching back and forth since my Smart TV has apps for Netflix & Prime Video. This is my only gripe and the reason for 4-stars instead of 5 since otherwise the device meets my expectations.
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