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Apple TV
Apple TV: Welcome
The Apple TV is a set-top box that runs Apple's tvOS operating system. The company presently sells the upgraded Apple TV HD, which was first released in 2015, as well as the second-generation Apple 4K versions, which will be released in 2021. Apple also offers the Apple TV app, which is available for iOS and Android users as well as many smart TV owners, and Apple TV+, the company's video streaming service with exclusive original content, in addition to the two hardware.
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Apple TV: Text
History
In September 2006, Apple launched the first-generation Apple TV. The product, which would be called iTV, couldn't have that name since ITV, a British terrestrial broadcast network, already owned the rights to it in the UK and threatened to sue Apple.
The first Apple TV was released six months later with a 40GB hard drive, and a 160GB hard drive was eventually added.
In September of 2010, Apple launched the second-generation Apple TV, which was the first to run on a version of iOS. It was one-quarter the size of the original Apple TV in a smaller, all-black shell. The HDD was replaced with 8GB of internal flash storage, which was sufficient for buffering. This set-top box was also distinct from the first in that it was only utilized for streaming entertainment. It also enabled HDMI-only output up to 720p.
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In March 2012, Apple unveiled the third-generation Apple TV, almost two years later. The A5 chip was incorporated, as well as compatibility for 1080p output. Streaming services such as Apple TV+, Apple TV Channels, Amazon Prime Video, and Netflix are still supported by the third-generation set-top box as of 2021.
The fourth generation, also known as the Apple TV HD, was released in September 2015 and was the most significant update to the set-top box in years. It debuted the tvOS operating system, which includes an App Store for downloading third-party programs for video, audio, games, and other content, with a brand-new black remote charged via Lightning connection. The A8 processor is included, as well as Dolby Digital Plus support.
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Two years later, in September 2017, Apple released the fifth-generation Apple TV, also known as the Apple TV 4K, which has the A10X Fusion processor and supports 2160p output, HDR10, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos. The only difference between this model and the fourth-generation model is the inclusion of vents on the base and the removal of the USB-C port.
In April of 2021, Apple released the sixth-generation Apple TV, also known as the second-generation Apple TV 4K. The A12 chip and the second-generation Siri Remote are the key differences from its predecessor's design.
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Specs
Currently, Apple sells the fourth and sixth generation of its set-top box.
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Apple TV HD (fourth-generation)
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The Apple TV HD, which was released in 2015, is powered by the A8 chip, which has a 64-bit architecture. It can play videos up to 1080p at 60 frames per second. The set-top box, which is only available in 32GB of storage, employs the second-generation Siri Remote, which has Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology, an IR transmitter, and a Lightning port for charging.
HDMI 1.4, 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MIMO, 10/100BASE-T Ethernet, IR receiver, USB-C for service and support, and built-in power supply are its ports and interfaces.
The fourth-generation Apple TV runs the most recent version of the tvOS software, which is now iOS 15.
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Apple TV 4K (sixth-generation)
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The A12 Bionic chip with 64-bit architecture is used in the second-generation Apple TV 4K, which will be released in 2021. It supports video resolutions of up to 2160p at 60 frames per second, as well as HEVC Dolby Vision, HDR10, and Dolby Atmos technologies. The second-generation Siri Remote with Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology, an IR transmitter, and a Lightning connector for charging is available in 32GB and 64GB storage configurations.
HDMI 2.1ax, 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 with MIMO; simultaneous dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5GHz), Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology, IR receiver, and built-in power supply are its ports and interfaces.
The sixth-generation Apple TV runs the most recent version of the tvOS software, which is now iOS 15.
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Second-generation Siri Remote
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Apple also unveiled a revised Siri Remote alongside the new Apple TV 4K. It has rubber buttons and is built of metal. It has a Siri microphone, an IR transmitter, a Lightning charging connector, and Bluetooth 5.0 technology.
The second-generation Siri Remote does not feature an U1 chip to help users discover the item if it gets misplaced on the couch, despite rumors to the contrary. The bulkier shape of the remote chassis, according to Tim Twerdahl, ensures it won't get lost in couch cushions as easily as the previous model.
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Third-party certified Apple TV Remote
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Deutsche Telekom began supplying a third-party authorized Apple TV Remote in August 2021. Customers who purchase a new Apple TV 4K directly from the carrier with a Magenta TV subscription will be the first to receive Universal Electronics' remote control.
Because it lacks a trackpad and only has buttons for changing channels and accessing the TV guide, the alternative Siri Remote from Universal Electronics resembles a traditional TV remote control. It does, however, come with all of the controls necessary for navigating via tvOS, including the Siri button and a built-in microphone.
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tvOS 15: what’s new to the Apple TV
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Apple released on September 20 tvOS 15, the operating system to the Apple TV HD and 4K (1st and 2nd gen). Here’s everything new with it:
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For All of You: Browse a new row in the Apple TV app to find something that everyone in the house can’t wait to watch.
Shared with You: Movies and shows shared through Messages appear in a new row in the Apple TV app.
Spatial Audio: Listen with AirPods Pro or AirPods Max for a theater-like experience with sound that surrounds you.
Smart AirPods routing: Get an automatic onscreen notification to magically connect your AirPods.
HomeKit camera enhancements: View multiple cameras around the house at the same time on your Apple TV.
Room-filling stereo sound: Pair two HomePod mini speakers with Apple TV 4K and enjoy rich, balanced sound for everything you watch.
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You can learn more about tvOS 15 here.
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tvOS 15.1 features
tvOS 15.1 brings the long-awaited SharePlay feature. With it, you can watch movies, shows, or listen to songs while on a FaceTime call on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac with friends.
tvOS 15.1 also brings bug fixes.
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Currently, Apple is testing tvOS 15.2.
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Pricing
The Apple TV pricing starts at $149 on the HD model and goes up to $199 on the 4K model with 64GB of storage.
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32GB, HD model: $149
32GB, 4K model: $179
64GB, 4K model: $199
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Lower prices may be available from Apple’s official Amazon store.
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2021 Apple TV 4K release
The new set-top box launched on May 21. Pre-orders started on April 30.
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Apple TV app
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Apple TV+ episodes and movies are available through the Apple TV app. It also offers Apple TV Channels, which contain over 30 streaming services that can be subscribed to directly from the app.
It's easier to find new shows with tailored and curated material. You may also use the iTunes Store to buy or rent items while searching for it in your own collection.
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Apple TV+
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On November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became available. It includes Apple's own television series and films. Here's what you can watch on Apple TV+.
Apple officially disclosed the launch details for its premium TV service during its September 2019 iPhone event: $4.99 per month for a family membership. Customers who buy an iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, iPod touch, or Mac will receive a free year of service.
Apple has garnered 518 award nominations and 152 award wins from the Critics Choice Awards, Writers Guild Association, Critics Choice Documentary Awards, Daytime and Primetime Emmy Awards, NAACP Image Awards, Peabody Awards, and other organizations since the launch of Apple TV+.
Two of the most coveted shows in the collection are "Ted Lasso" and "Wolfwalkers."
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