Television is a very difficult equation to solve. We want it to evolve, but the results of that evolution should not get in the way. It's the desire for a balance between the traditional experience and the flexibility associated with the Internet and current entertainment. For the apple, the Apple TV can achieve that balance. Its foundation lies in a new operating system based on iOS, an advanced remote control, enhanced Siri features, and exclusive content, including games.
Tim Cook said on stage that the future of television was apps. I admit I felt chills when I heard that, because it's a vision similar to what many Smart TV manufacturers tried to implement, with disappointing results. At the same time, the one who chose those words is the CEO of Apple, and no one can deny that in Cupertino they know a thing or two about apps. With that in mind, let's add the new Apple TV. The third generation of the Apple TV has been on the market for over three years, with a minor revision in January 2013. That may convey the idea that the Apple TV is not one of Cupertino's priority devices, but it has always carried great potential that must be unleashed at the right moment. With the announcement of the fourth generation of the Apple TV, that moment may have arrived.
The story begins with a new operating system, named tvOS. Interested developers will have the possibility to create "universal apps", so that the user buys them and is able to run them on iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV. This implies the existence of an "App Store" dedicated to the Apple TV, but we shouldn't expect only ports from other devices; there will also be exclusive content on the Apple TV, including games from the Rayman, Guitar Hero, and Galaxy on Fire franchises. However, what steals a good part of our attention is the new remote control. Calling it that is a bit unfair, since inside it we find a microphone that transmits our commands to Siri, and enough sensors to use it as a simple gamepad, Wii-style. Some games are expected to demand much more complex controls, and in those cases, the Apple TV will allow third-party controllers under the MFi standard.
To close, we must give special mention to Siri. The microphone integrated into the remote control is sensitive enough that you don't have to place it near your mouth, and its recognition capability has improved greatly. Searches through Siri work with iTunes, Netflix, Hulu, Showtime, and HBO, but support will expand once the Apple TV goes on sale. That will happen in October, with a price of $149.
